Best Hiking Trail in the Smokeys?
May 27th, 2002, 09:13 AM
#22
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Re the Abrams Falls hike
Have you considered going to Cades Cove on a Wednesday (or Saturday) morning early? The road is closed to vehicles until 10:00 a.m. Take bikes - park at the trail head, and hike to the Falls. Get back out before most of the traffic. You should see plenty of deer, turkeys, etc. at sun-up just like sundown without the traffic woes.
Hope you have a great trip.
Re the Chimneys:
I took my fiancee there 25 years ago. It just about caused her to call off the wedding because of "abuse"! It is steep.
Have you considered going to Cades Cove on a Wednesday (or Saturday) morning early? The road is closed to vehicles until 10:00 a.m. Take bikes - park at the trail head, and hike to the Falls. Get back out before most of the traffic. You should see plenty of deer, turkeys, etc. at sun-up just like sundown without the traffic woes.
Hope you have a great trip.
Re the Chimneys:
I took my fiancee there 25 years ago. It just about caused her to call off the wedding because of "abuse"! It is steep.
May 28th, 2002, 06:01 AM
#23
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Well...it was a very good trip.
Arrived in G-burg Thursday afternoon and did the typical 1st day walk around. Had dinner at the Brass Lantern...good but not exceptional.
We had noticed that the town was almost barren Thursday night so we decided to go to Cades Cove Friday since most people would be arriving Friday and not touring. After eating breakfast at the Pancake Pantry we headed to Cades Cove. In Cades Cove, we hiked the Abrams Falls Trail, not too bad of a hike easy but still interesting. The falls were beautiful, there was a crowd when we got there, but they kept heading back and there was about 15-30 minutes when we were the only ones there. This would be a very good hike for beginners. Friday evening we ate at the Best Italian Restaurant in Elks Plaza (and it is the best Italian) We ordered a medium deluxe pizza and some of their famous Garlic rolls and had to take 3/4 of the pizza back to the room.
Saturday morning, it was Chimney Tops. We got started a little late because our wake-up call did not come at the hotel (that's a story within itself)
Beautiful trail until you hit "the hill" Like walking up steps at about 1.2 miles. Almost killed us. Made it to the top and went around to the right of the tops and found an easier way to climb to the tops than the straight on.
As with Abrams Falls, there were people when when we got there, but they faded off and we spent some time with another couple at the top.
That evening it was Calhouns for dinner with some of the worst service I've ever recieved at a Calhouns.
Up early the next morning for a great breakfast at the Burning Bush and a visit to "The Happy Hiker" for our trail tags of Chimney Tops and Abrams Falls. We then did some "scenic driving" before heading home.
Arrived in G-burg Thursday afternoon and did the typical 1st day walk around. Had dinner at the Brass Lantern...good but not exceptional.
We had noticed that the town was almost barren Thursday night so we decided to go to Cades Cove Friday since most people would be arriving Friday and not touring. After eating breakfast at the Pancake Pantry we headed to Cades Cove. In Cades Cove, we hiked the Abrams Falls Trail, not too bad of a hike easy but still interesting. The falls were beautiful, there was a crowd when we got there, but they kept heading back and there was about 15-30 minutes when we were the only ones there. This would be a very good hike for beginners. Friday evening we ate at the Best Italian Restaurant in Elks Plaza (and it is the best Italian) We ordered a medium deluxe pizza and some of their famous Garlic rolls and had to take 3/4 of the pizza back to the room.
Saturday morning, it was Chimney Tops. We got started a little late because our wake-up call did not come at the hotel (that's a story within itself)
Beautiful trail until you hit "the hill" Like walking up steps at about 1.2 miles. Almost killed us. Made it to the top and went around to the right of the tops and found an easier way to climb to the tops than the straight on.
As with Abrams Falls, there were people when when we got there, but they faded off and we spent some time with another couple at the top.
That evening it was Calhouns for dinner with some of the worst service I've ever recieved at a Calhouns.
Up early the next morning for a great breakfast at the Burning Bush and a visit to "The Happy Hiker" for our trail tags of Chimney Tops and Abrams Falls. We then did some "scenic driving" before heading home.
May 29th, 2002, 05:28 AM
#27
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I wouldn't call them "Girl Scout" badges exactly. That kind of deflates me a bit although I'm sure my wife wouldn't mind.
But yes, they are patches like that. And there are patches for almost every trail in the country if you look hard enough. We also sew them onto the backpack
But yes, they are patches like that. And there are patches for almost every trail in the country if you look hard enough. We also sew them onto the backpack
Jun 1st, 2002, 03:16 AM
#28
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Well….. Two weeks from today, I wonder where in the woods I will be? hehehehe
Joanne, it is a VERY small world. If you were to go through Redford heading north down Beach Rd. to 9-Mile, turn left, I would be the second street on the right - a dead-end small gravel road called Outwood Drive where the houses are right on the Rouge River. I'm sure you know the area. You and I live so close to each other. I have not tried Anthony's Café. Where is this place? I will have to check it out.
Alan - I would love to go to Cades Cove on one of their designated 'bike mornings' but we will not be taking our bikes with us. I can't see us using them at any other time than the morning you described, so I think that the extra hassle of taking them might not be worth it. But thanks so much for the suggestion!
Big Red - Thanks for the great trip report. I know of all of the restaurants you have mentioned. They are all popular places in Gatlinburg. Best Italian is just what you said, it is the best! My folk's favorite restaurant is Calhoun's - sorry to hear of it's lacking service. I think the Brass Lantern and the Pancake Pantry have been there forever, and the Brass Lantern has always had mediocre food at best. Burning Bush has been there for quite awhile too. You never did mention where you stayed other than the wake-up call didn't work for you. Now you know, the front desk people where probably just takin' a small nap. Things can be so slow there. {Can't Wait!}
Happy Trails,
Paul
Joanne, it is a VERY small world. If you were to go through Redford heading north down Beach Rd. to 9-Mile, turn left, I would be the second street on the right - a dead-end small gravel road called Outwood Drive where the houses are right on the Rouge River. I'm sure you know the area. You and I live so close to each other. I have not tried Anthony's Café. Where is this place? I will have to check it out.
Alan - I would love to go to Cades Cove on one of their designated 'bike mornings' but we will not be taking our bikes with us. I can't see us using them at any other time than the morning you described, so I think that the extra hassle of taking them might not be worth it. But thanks so much for the suggestion!
Big Red - Thanks for the great trip report. I know of all of the restaurants you have mentioned. They are all popular places in Gatlinburg. Best Italian is just what you said, it is the best! My folk's favorite restaurant is Calhoun's - sorry to hear of it's lacking service. I think the Brass Lantern and the Pancake Pantry have been there forever, and the Brass Lantern has always had mediocre food at best. Burning Bush has been there for quite awhile too. You never did mention where you stayed other than the wake-up call didn't work for you. Now you know, the front desk people where probably just takin' a small nap. Things can be so slow there. {Can't Wait!}
Happy Trails,
Paul
Jun 2nd, 2002, 05:15 AM
#29
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Hi Paul, Yes I do know the area of Redford you described. I haven't lived there for 35 years. I lived near Six Mile and Beech on Norborne. Went to Our Lady of Loretto school and Church. I now live in Canton. Funny...my childhood sweetheart, almost husband's name is Paul. He lived across the street from me in Redford.
If you would like to try the bike ride in Cades Cove, they rent bikes. Have never done it, but sounds like fun. Have a wonderful time and a safe trip. Want a full report when you get back.
Big Red, Sorry about comparing the Trail Tags to Girl Scout badges, that's what they remind me of. When did they add trails other than the Smokies? I thought they were just trails in the Smokies. It's been a while since I looked.
Pancake Pantry is my husbands favorite for breakfast. Have to admit, I like it too. Calhouns is one of our favorites for dinner and the Brewery up the hill has great pizza.
Again, have a great time Paul. Wish I was going again.
Joanne
If you would like to try the bike ride in Cades Cove, they rent bikes. Have never done it, but sounds like fun. Have a wonderful time and a safe trip. Want a full report when you get back.
Big Red, Sorry about comparing the Trail Tags to Girl Scout badges, that's what they remind me of. When did they add trails other than the Smokies? I thought they were just trails in the Smokies. It's been a while since I looked.
Pancake Pantry is my husbands favorite for breakfast. Have to admit, I like it too. Calhouns is one of our favorites for dinner and the Brewery up the hill has great pizza.
Again, have a great time Paul. Wish I was going again.
Joanne
Jun 4th, 2002, 03:38 PM
#32
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Hi Joanne,
I know right where Anthony's on 321 is. I have driven by that place for a few years now and had always wondered about it. I never seem to hear much about it. You have my curiosity up and I will have to check it out. Just ten more days!
Happy Trails,
Paul
Aug 12th, 2003, 09:56 AM
#35
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Thank you! I was looking for it then saw this at the top and was wondering if you might have helped me out - I appreciate it.
My husband & I love BBQ and it seems there are quite a few spots to choose from (Calhouns, Corky's, Proffitts). Any thoughts on which is best?
My husband & I love BBQ and it seems there are quite a few spots to choose from (Calhouns, Corky's, Proffitts). Any thoughts on which is best?
Aug 12th, 2003, 11:43 AM
#36
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I didn't realize there was a Corky's in the Smokey Mtn area.
I personally really like Calhouns. My BBQ tastes are for those "screen door-styrofoam plate-old man cooked it for 50 years-BBQ shack type places. I find that they have the best tasting BBQ.
Calhouns is good b/c they also have great BBQ, but they are a very nice casual dining restaurant with lots of other options if someone in your party is not hungry for BBQ (I can't imagine why)
I live in KY and I am glad that if Calhouns is based in one state that it's adjoining TN. We eat at the ones in Nashville since they;re only about an hour away and sometimes eat at the ones in the Smokies and Knoxville.
They have a website www.calhouns.com
I personally really like Calhouns. My BBQ tastes are for those "screen door-styrofoam plate-old man cooked it for 50 years-BBQ shack type places. I find that they have the best tasting BBQ.
Calhouns is good b/c they also have great BBQ, but they are a very nice casual dining restaurant with lots of other options if someone in your party is not hungry for BBQ (I can't imagine why)
I live in KY and I am glad that if Calhouns is based in one state that it's adjoining TN. We eat at the ones in Nashville since they;re only about an hour away and sometimes eat at the ones in the Smokies and Knoxville.
They have a website www.calhouns.com
