>> I would like some opinions on some of the hikes in the park. You can't get that on google>>

Actually, you can. By typing in "Great Smoky Mountain National Park forum", I found this link -
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...Park-BR-1.html

with reviews that have been rated by stars based on helpfulness

and one of those reviews took me to a website focusing entirely on GSMNP hikes -
http://www.hikingthecarolinas.com/hikes.php

Thanks those links are very helpful! What are your suggestion on places outside the park? I would like to see Brevard and whitewater falls. Is that worth driving that far?

There are other places to stay in the Great Smoky Mountains as well. The weather is not that hot in the smokies. Even during the summer. Have a look at these cabins http://www.legacymountainresort.com/
http://www.sugarmaplecabins.com/
http://www.thepreserveresort.com/
http://www.majesticmountainvacations.com/
http://www.gatlinburgcabinsonline.com/
Also here are a couple of guides to the smokies: http://www.rodsguide.com
http://www.smokiesguide.com
http://gatlinburg-tennessee.org/
http://www.gsmnp.com/

Christian