help with road trip from new orleans to washington, dc
 

Ok, I've been doing some research, but would like some advice. In October my husband and I plan on taking our 3 yo to DC to see her Nana. Our plan is to take several days driving up through the Smokies, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, through Shenandoah, and on to DC. I realize this is a very busy time but we would leave on Sunday, so this would be on weekdays. We want to be able to enjoy nature, and still make it fun for a 3 yo. Will probably stay in small hotels, or may camp some depending on the weather. Will it be difficult to find lodging without reservations? Plan on leaving first night and driving to Chatanooga and doing lookout mountain. Anything else recommended? Then driving to Gatlinburg area, spend the next day in the GSMNP, working back down towards Cherokee area, then next day towards Asheville, blue ridge parkway to Charlottesville, and Skyline Drive through Shenandoah to DC. I thought about Luray caverns also.

While the touristy Gatlinburg/Cherokee is not my thing, I realize there may be things there my daughter would enjoy. So.. Any suggestions for things along this trip for her? Can you recommend any places to eat? Does anyone know of any trails that she would be able to do? Does 4-5 days sound right? Anything I'm forgeting?

While in the Smokies, be sure to drive the Cades Cove loop. Although it will be crowded that time of year, I think it will be worth your time and will be an activity that all of you can enjoy. It is probably my favorite spot in the GSMNP. Your daughter will love getting to see the deer and maybe even bears, if you're lucky. You can get out and picnic and there are many old buildings original to the Cove to prowl through, not to mention the beautiful scenery. As far as lodging goes, if you are fairly certain of the dates you will be in the Smokies, I would try to book in advance, as October is prime leaf viewing time. If you want to avoid much of the kitchy tourism that is Gatlinburg, you might consider staying in Townsend, TN, which is a very short drive from the Cades Cove entrance to the park. Have a great trip!