Hi all,

we will be visiting the Smokies for approx five days in early towards mid-November. Our intention is to hike as much as possible and hopefully experience awesome foliage a few places.
Would you recommend us to stay at the Tennessee or North Carolina side of the park? We are interested in as great nature experiences as possible, easy access to hikes and not too many people (though that is probably somewhat naive!). We prefer serenity to touristy chaos 😊

great tips for the best opportunities to watch foliage and where to stay would be highly appreciated...

Thanks,

Bridget

Well if you're not into "touristy chaos" that pretty much eliminates Gatlinburg, and even if you stay outside Gatlinburg you'd have to do a lot of sitting in traffic getting into the park since it's truly the only way into the park from the north.

I really don't know enough about places at the NC (southern side), but having driven through and out that way recently, I'd say if you seek a nice quiet place without a lot of restaurant options, it would be a nice gateway for your trips into the park. Also it is very convenient to the beautiful "waterfall" drives and hikes on the North Carolina side but out of the park.

Thanks a lot! It seems like Bryson City may be a good starting point for me. Do you have insight into where I can catch the best foliage when I visit in the end of November?

No advice on where to go, but do some reading and research because I would think the time for glorious color is well over by end of November. It depends on elevation and weather, but peaks by mid-October, I think.

Late or even mid-November is going to get you past peak.

https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/

I am not sure of all your plans but Brevard, NC is the neatest little town with "lots" of waterfalls and beautiful mountains around. I would definitely stay AWAY from Gatlinburg. Anywhere in western NC will be beautiful and lots of pretty towns. End of November is a little worrisome to me - still keeping an eye on things but not sure it will all be going by then. I would look at towns and activites - beautiful mountains everywhere!

I meant that it will not all still look pretty by then. That is wrong though - it is always beautiful and especially the waterfalls!

Thanks a lot! We will arrive November 7th and stay for a few days. We are looking at Bryson City - definately preferring staying at the NC side. We will look into Brevard as well then before making up our mind entirely would we need a SUV for getting around? We’ll prefer to stay in a cabin somewhat remotely.
I am certain that it will still be gorgeous - I am so looking forward to go! According to some sites we might still be able to catch the final foilage on the NC side on the lower levels.
Thansk again!