Rachel

We will be travelling from Australia to America next year. If we are coming from D.C. to North Carolina by Greyhound, do we need to go to the closest town in order to get to the Great Smokies? I have noticed that its not one of Greyhound's destinations. If so, which is the closest town?

Don

Hi Rachel,

I live in East Tennessee and you can either go to Asheville, NC or Knoxville, TN by Greyhound. Rent a car for a few days and see it that way. You will have plenty of choices from either town to see the Smokies. Stay the night/s in Gatlinburg, TN or Cherokee, NC to be in the heart of the Smokies. Email me direct at [email protected] for any other info. I would be glad to help you.

Don

Gretchen

Are you sure it might not be cheaper for you to rent a car for this trip--depending on how many are making the trip? Going to Knoxville by bus would take you past the Smokies thereby making it more expensive.
You could go to Asheville, rent a car and drive to Cherokee, a gateway to the park.
Staying in Cherokee or Gatlinburg could be more expensive (in my opinion) than other places such as Bryson City. The first two places are very touristy and while I know that you are a "tourist" they are congested.
Please be careful in bus stations--they are not the most savory parts of travel in America.

Bea

If you are anywhere near the Smokey Mountains, you may want to at least check out Gaitlanburg, and or the Dolly Parton theme park. They are the main draw of many to that area. The Smokey Mountains are very pretty in the fall when leaves are turning, and bears actually come down to roads, so slow down when you drive over that mountain and bring lots of film.

Rachel

I had thought about renting a car, however, my boyfriend and I are both 21 and it works out very expensive for people under 25 to do this. What does Asheville and Knoxville have to offer if I had to choose? Where is the Dolly Parton Theme Park located? Also, which would be better to stay in, Gaitlinburg or Cherokee. We preferably want to stay in camping grounds (or alike) rather than a hotel.
Sorry to flood you with questions, thanx for the advice!

Gretchen

there are campgrounds in the Smokey Mtn. Park. Depending on the time of year you are coming they may have availability or not. There are also campgrounds in Cherokee which is an Indian town. Dollywood is pretty near Cherokee. I honestly think Gatlinburg will be expensive for you and it is really tacky now. Sorry folks, I remember when the Inn was the ONLY place in town.
The Smokies are beautiful--stay with the Park and not the tourist traps.

Gretchen

Should have added this. Between Asheville and Knoxville I would choose Asheville--small. Biltmore House is there--a castle if you will. It costs about $32 to see and will take a day. Knoxville is just a big city. I think Asheville offers you some things to see easily.

Austin

What Asheville has to offer is that basically it's one of the most beautiful cities in America, full to bursting with unusual astounding architecture, with art everywhere. There's also natural scenery, with three mountain ranges and two rivers converging at the city. Plus, Asheville has the best nightlife in North Carolina -- you'll have no trouble finding performing arts, live music, drag shows, dance clubs, and what have you. There's something for everyone. And a word about those performing arts: no other city of similar size in the South (or the rest of the US for that matter) can match the quality and quantity of our arts, performing or otherwise.