maj

A friend just came back from Gatlinburg and said that there are quite a few stores, etc. closed there. Also not very crowded. They were there over last weekend 8/13 and although it probably isn't the busiest vacation time, it still sounded odd. We usually avoid going there in the fall because of the crowds, but this year may be a good time to visit.

starrs

Down in GSMNP?
I don't think so. I think with the recession more people may be doing closer-to-home vacations and the park is within a day's drive of a large part of the US.

Down in Gatlinburg?
Very likely. The recession is hurting businesses everywhere the the large majority of people I know who go to GSMNP avoid Gatlinburg like the plague. For many, it is the equivalent of Panama City Beach or Myrtle Beach - just in the mountains. I try to avoid it as much as possible and have only been there about once a decade - and never by choice.

gatlinburglover

We visit the area several times a year and it is always very busy. Alot of schools started back last week so that may be why it was less crowed. I look at the many webcams every single day and it looks just like it always has. I dont think its down and if anything its up right now. The Great Smoky Mountains Park is the only free park in the US so that in itself draws the crowds.Heres some webcams you might look at sometimes and see that it is very busy.

http://www.mountainchalets.com/Gatlinburg/Webcam.aspx
http://www.cabinfevervacations.com/g...g-web-cam.html
http://www.gatlinburgtnlive.com/
cabinfevervacations.com/gatlinburg-web-cam.h…
mountainchalets.com/gatlinburg/webcam.aspx
www.gatlinburg-getaway.com/livewebcam.html
elkspringsresort.com/gatlinburg/webcam.htm
www.highcountrywebcams.com/ober/liveview.html
http://www.cedarlodgecondos.com/webcam.htm
http://www.wonderworkstn.com/web_cam.html
http://view.gatlinburg-getaway.com/
oxblue.com/win/…
webcam1.cabinsusa.com:8003/viewer/…live.html
volunteercabinrentals.com/smoky-mountain-vie…
cabinfevervacations.com/pigeonforgesmokymoun…
…nps.gov/air/…grsmpkcam.cfm
…nps.gov/air/…grsmcam.cfm
gatlinburgtnlive.com/gatlinburg/gatlinburg-d…
wbir.com/weather/…smokyMountain.aspx
http://www.theswag.com/pop_webcam.htm
visitseviercounty.com/smoky-mountain-webcams…
www.downtownwaynesville.com/webcam.html
cam.thesylvaherald.com/view/index.shtml
cataloochee.com/cataloochee_info/webcam.php
http://www.highcountrywebcams.com/

maj

Thanks. They are more "stay in Gatlinburg than go into the mountains" type people (unlike us) so that may explain it. I thought it didn't sound right. Love webcams.

Gretchen

Agree with Starrs all the way. But school is starting up also.

gatlinburglover

Last night I jumped on a few webcams and it was 10:40 pm in Gatlinburg and the streets had alot of traffic and alot of people walking up and down the strip.I think every year the area breaks it last vistor record. Seemed pretty busy to me. With alot of the school starting back up I think it will be kinda slow untill Oct. then all the leafers will be in town. We will be back in October and I hope and pray the colors will be in full bloom.Cant wait to visit Cades Cove and hang out in the Park most of the time.