Looking forward to our 1st visit to the Smoky Mts sometime this year. Would like to avoid rain and crowds. Thinking about latter part of May or sometime in September. Ideas? Thank You.

May will probably be less crowded than September, although, either month will be less crowded than mid-summer or October. Both months tend to be relatively dry.

We've been there in spring, summer, and fall and love them all. Were there a few years ago in the beginning of April and able to swim some days. No crowds. Same with May several years ago. Early June wouldn't be as bad as July. Also, there schools start earlier than most, so after mid-August is also good-lower rates and smaller crowds.

You shouldn't have problems with rain either month, but of course, I am not a weatherman!
Agree with the others about the crowds. Tennessee schools get out the 20 something of May. They are out by Memorial Day.....and go back about the middle of August. The northern schools go back after Labor Day, so September will be a good month for you also.
One caveat, if there is a car show going on..you will sit in lots and lots of traffic, so check the calendar.
Have fun.'

I would shy away from the moutains in the fall months, even September, myself. We were there this past Labor Day and it was CROWDED! The traffic was miserable around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

I grew up in upstate SC and many of our vacations were taken in Maggie Valley and Cherokee (long before the casinos arrived). We went up in the spring and summer nearly ever year, but back then the crowds were quite small. The fall was always crowded, no matter what!

I would opt for spring myself, but spring is my favorite time of year so I'm biased.

DD

To arb:
Where are you planning to stay- Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or elsewhere? I prefer the Riverhouse at the Park in Gatlinburg because it is right near the park entrance, clean, and reasonably priced. Pigeon Forge is usually a zoo, no matter when I go. Last summer, we rented a cabin at Eagle's Nest, which is a mile or so off the main parkway in Pigeon, and it was phenominal!