My husband and I were thinking of spending the last week in April somewhere in the Smoky Mts. I know the weather may be rainy, but how rainy? Has anyone else visited during this time period? Also, I'd like to stay at a nice inn, but not so small that I have to chat with every guest over the dinner table. Anti-social, I know, but... seeing more of an inn, less of a B&B I guess. I was looking at the Balsam Mountain Inn and the Folkestone Inn. Don't need to be too close to Asheville (as I've been there before), although we did want to spend 1 day at Biltmore. Also interested in horseback riding and guided white water rafting.

Any suggestions or advice appreciated!

Thanks.

Have never stayed there, but there is a really neat looking inn in the Nantahala Gorge...and I believe it may be called the Nantahala Inn...don't know if the city will be Bryson City, NC or just what it will be.

The last weekend in April is usually a beautiful time in the Smokies but it is crowded as it is the annual Wildflower Week (April 19-25) see www.nps.gov/grsm/pphtml/eventdetail1030.html for details. A good way to learn about the hidden Smokies if you haven't been here before. Due to this hotels in the surrounding area fill. As I camp I can't help you on lodging. Call up www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm for a list of activities and concessionaires in the park. Near the park are the Nantahala Gorge which has unguided and guided whitewater rafting and a couple hours away is the Ocoee Gorge with guided rafting.

Have you ever considered renting a cabin in the area, that way you have your own place, you don't have to chat with other people if you don't want to (I guess I'm anti-social a little bit too, I just love my privacy), in your own place you will have more than just a room to relax in, you can have your own place and property to go with it to enjoy. We go up every 3 months or so, and there really isn't much in the direct vicinity of the Nantahala River area that I would personally stay at because there are no grocery stores, etc. The town of Topton, just south of the NOC area is a bit trashy in my opinion, or at least the main road is, but the rest of the area both south and north of that is very nice. I can give you more info on the Murphy area, which is close to both the Ocoee (20 minutes away) and Nantahala Rivers (30 minutes away), and there is also a very nice place to go horseback riding that is sooo close, my daughter and her friend just went when we were there at the end of December and they loved it. Send me an email if you would like more info, I can provide you with links to various places. I haven't gone whitewater rafting yet, but have visited both areas quite a bit, have enjoyed watching the rafters from the side of the road. I have heard that the Ocoee might be better (easier, not as rough), especially if you are wanting a guide, but not really sure on that. They are both beautiful rivers and would be very easy to get to from Murphy. You could still take a day trip to Asheville, about a 2 hour beautiful and easy drive, most of it is 4-lane hwy. Email if you want more info at [email protected].

Wherever you go, have a great time!

Folkestone INn is very nice as is Frymont Inn (fairly large) and Hamilton House (small with a nice dining room).

If you would want a beautiful cabin outside of Pigeon Forge (I think their mailing address is Sevierville) check out oakhavenresort.com......These are beautifully decorated, exceptionally clean...Plus, they have special up thru May and you would only be about an hour away from The Biltmore House..nice for a day trip.