I was wondering why there seems to be so much hotel availiblity next week, in Gatlinburg. Is that a good or bad time to go see the Smoky National Park?

I briefly considered using FF miles and going to West Yellowstone, MT , but that place is booked solid for the Labor Day week.

In case I do go to Gatlinburg, can anyone recommend a nice place to stay for under $75/Nt. Hotel or Cabin. Is Gatlinburg the best town from which to see the park?
Any interesting places to stop over on the way down from NYC?

Thanks.

We stayed at the Sidney James mountain lodge.the town is a bit kitchy but you're close to the park.paul

Gatlinburg is just one huge tourist trap. Go to Bryson City on the other side of the Park and enjoy a pleasant mountain trip. Or go to Asheville and maybe just tour through the Park for a day, and enjoy Asheville. It's about 50 miles through the Cherokee entrance to the Park, I think.

If your main goal is to see the park, Gatlinburg probably isn't the best place to stay. You'll be fighting traffic to get to and from your hotel for your entire stay, and if you're not interested in the restaurants/attractions/shops in Gatlinburg, it's not worth it. Gretchen's suggestion of Bryson City gets recommended a lot (I haven't stayed there myself). Townsend, TN is another option, but has more cabins than hotels.

I agree with others regarding the traffic - it is just terrible. And Gatlinburg is a tourist trap.

I agree with not staying in Gatlinburg. At least go to Cherokee, NC where it's not so crazy and congested with traffic. Better yet, Townsend or Asheville or Waynesville or Bryson City. Enjoy the mountains - rather than touristy stores and traffic.

http://www.thewaynesvilleinn.com/

http://www.fryemontinn.com/

Is this a good time of year to visit the park?

I was wondering why there seems to be a lot of hotel vacancies next week and if I should read anything into that.



Thanks.

It is a FABULOUS time to be in the park - and anywhere in surrounding areas. The mountains will be gorgeous, the weather should be gorgeous. There's already a touch of fall in the air, but the temps will be warm. I'll be up there. Well, not in Gatlinburg but in the glorious mountains.

Gatlinburg has lots of hotel rooms. They'll be full again during October for the leaf-peepers and around Christmas time. During the rest of the year there's a lot of availability.

I agree - I grew up in East Tennessee and can't think of any reason this weekend wouldn't be a great time to go, other than traffic. But you hit that almost any time from late spring to fall.

It's actually a little surprising to me that the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area isn't packed. Usually there are a zillion people just at the outlet malls this time of year. Quite a puzzle.

The reason for abundNt availability is the kids are back in school, and it is too early for the leaf peepers. Fabulous time to be in the park. Have fun!

I would stay up off Ski Mountain Rd or close to light #10 in Gatlinburg then you will not have to go down the strip to fight traffic and you will be right there at it.Most of the schools are now in session and Labor Day is more like a short weekend trip. It will be busy Sat.Sun and Monday but most will head back home Sunday night. You can always look into cabin in the Wears Valley,Townsend areas. North Carolina is nice but Bryson City will be a bit of a drive and if you want to do things in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge then you would have to travel 441 over the mountains coming and going. Sept. is normaly a slower month due to the schools. The city will be crowded for the weekenders coming but I dont think you will have a problem finding a place to stay at.There are a ton of nice hotels in and around the area. Here's some good links to look at.I kinda get tired of people calling Gatlinburg a tourist trap. Of course it is and it is right by the national park which is free so that will pull people in.Most all vacation places are tourist traps and if they didnt have things to do and see then no one would have a reason to visit the area. Gatlinburg does have alot of t shirt shops etc. but I think they are alot of fun.It least it gives people a choice where to shop at. Have fun and be safe and enjoy your trip

http://www.gatlinburg.com/hotels/
http://www.discoverthesmokies.com/
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm