Hello,
We are considering taking a vacation this year to the Great Smoky Mountains. It would be my husband, myself and our two children, ages 15 and 20. What part of the mountains do you feel is best,North Carolina or Tennessee? We arent really interested in the commercial aspect of it. We want to enjoy the mountains and things of that nature. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to stay? We just want affordable accomodations nothing upscale.Thank You.

Check out this cabins and you'll have easy access to activities in both states. http://www.oakhavenresort.com/

Hi Summervacation:

We like the North Carolina side near Asheville. Great scenic drives, waterfalls, Biltmore House (beautiful gardens in the Spring), nice art/craft shops and dining.

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are more younger kid geared and commercial.

Love the book "Hidden Carolina" It has a great waterfall section. Especially loved Pearsons Falls. We visited in the spring when the waterfalls running fast, not sure if they dry up as the summer passes.

Our family of 4 ( 14 & 12yr sons) stay at the Talley-Ho hotel in Townsend Tn. You are away from the tourism of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. From Townsend you are a short drive to several good hiking trails in the Smokey Mtns including Cades Cove. Also, there is river tubing across the street from the hotel or white water rafting 1 hr away on the Pigeon River. You are close to Hwy 441 that takes you into N.C. IMHO The Talley - Ho is a great place to stay.

***We arent really interested in the commercial aspect of it.***

The towns on both sides of the Park are all tacky tourist towns.

Have you considered a few day camping inside the park for your visit.