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smokies
hi, we are planning a trip to the smokies in july for about a week. 3 adults and 3 teenagers. first time visiting and are looking for recommendations. what area to stay and where to hike for great views. we would like to rent an airbnb as it will be cheaper than hotel for the 6 of us. the boys would enjoy water rafting and seeing waterfalls. we will be driving from Md and i think i’d prefer to say on the north carolina side but willing to change depending on recommendations. thanks in advance. |
We were hiking in Great Smokey Mountain NP today! We drove from Asheville to the Clingmans Dome Visitor Center (about 1-1/2 hour drive) and hiked from there - first up to the heavily touristed viewpoint, but then along Forney Ridge Trail to Andrews Bald. Beautiful hike, about 5 miles all in. Moderate, I’d say, mainly because it is rocky on the trail and the last mile is slightly upslope all the way. The views are gorgeous (on the hike and on the whole drive up). Let me add add that we [unfortunately] decided to exit the park via Gatlinburg. Ugh. We could not get out of there fast enough. |
Originally Posted by sf7307
(Post 16929658)
Let me add add that we [unfortunately] decided to exit the park via Gatlinburg. Ugh. We could not get out of there fast enough. To the OP - if you want to whitewater raft, use NOC = the best in the area. They do all of the rivers. My favorite is the Nantahala. www.noc.com Where to stay? Anywhere around Asheville / Black Mountain area down toward Franklin NC would be good. Beautiful area and easy drive to GSMNP, the rivers, waterfalls, etc. |
I echo to try to stay out of Galtinburg unless you like the super touristy, commercial, really nothing to do with the NP atmosphere. We like Maggie Valley. It's on the North Carolina side and is close to some good hikes and close to the Oconuluftee Vistor's center which is nice and the Cataloochee area which has some great views and elk sightings. There are a couple fishing guide services available for lake fishing or trout fishing in the streams there- my husband and son have done them both and liked them. Pretty reasonable as well.
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