Smoky Mountain National Park
 

We are planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in May. We plan on spending most of our time hiking. We are not interested in amusement parks or shopping and would like to stay away from the crowds. I have found several cabins we could rent near Cosby. Would that be a good area to stay in? Or are there other suggestions of areas to search for vacation rentals?

Other than hiking, does anyone have any suggestions of things that are "must sees"?

If you really want to be away from it all, Cosby would work. Most people looking for a quieter experience in the Smokies look around Townsend - it's close enough to go into Gatlinburg or even Maryville for dinner if you like, and close to Cades Cove and some hiking and other scenic spots, but much quieter than Gatlinburg/PF. There are plenty of cabins around there, and several threads about them here if you do a search.

We usually stay in Townsend when we visit the Smokies to be away from the crowds and traffic in Gatlinburg/PF. While there aren't any great hotels in that area that I would recommend, there are plenty of cabin rentals. We've always had luck with Dogwood Cabins and Townsend View Cabins. There's a large grocery in Townsend to pick up food and supplies and a handful of restaurants. Little River Bar-b-q is a local favorite.

The 11-mile one way loop around Cades Cove is extremely popular and depending on the time of day, can have LOTS of traffic. I would recommend making the drive early in the morning. However, the loop is closed to cars 2 mornings a week to allow cyclists to ride thier bikes safely.

http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/bic..._mountains.htm

There are some great hikes that start out of Cades Cove so if you plan on any hikes there, make sure it's not the same morning its closed for cars. Gregory Bald is one of my favorites, you'll be too early for the flame azalea on top, but it's you'll still have great views.


http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/gregory.htm

Two other spectacular (long) hikes are to Mt. LeConte and Rocky Top. Not sure what kind of mileage you're looking for?

http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/lecontealum.htm

A great short hike would be Andrews Bald which starts from Clingman's Dome - it's a great spot for a picnic lunch.

http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/andrewsbald.htm

Since the park does not charge admission, you'll have to pick up a park map at one of the visitor centers. Sugarlands Visitor Center (next to Gatlinburg) is always crowded. I would suggest stopping at the Visitor's Center in Townsend. It's on the main strip going through Townsend about a mile or so before the park entrance on the right.

If you are there late May, you might catch the Fireflies. These aren't ordinary fireflies. They all flash in unison at same time. This only occurs in two places in the world and it does it here for about two weeks, usually around June 1. Last year they were early.

You would have to go into Gatlinburg, but I like Ziplinning. I've used Climbworks and they are good. They are not really in the main hub area, so it isn't crowded. I also like Parrot Mountain(something a bit different).

You can ride the entire Cades Cove (on Wednesday and Saturday-I think) on your bicycle and no cars are allowed for a few hours on those days. Rent or bring you own.

http://fodors.com/community/united-s...nd-parrots.cfm

A link to my trip report with my nephew from first week of June last year. I am going last week of May this year with my wife and daughter.