My husband and I are debating about where to go in early June either Great Smoky Mountain National Park or the Adirondack in NY. We are looking for a great place to go hiking that is not too far from Chicago (trying to save on gas). We are in our twenties and like a challenge. We do not like humid, hot weather. It would be a bonus to have a couple places to eat. Nothing fancy...just good food. Thanks for your advice!

GSMNP will be crowded, hot and humid, so by default the Adirondacks would win.

But if you are driving and really want to save on gas, there are plenty of places in the UP, northern Minnesota and even in Canada that would be closer and still give you some great hiking.

I love the Smokies, but if you choose the Adirondacks, Frankie's Taste of Italy in Old Forge is one of the best meals I've ever had, despite the long wait.

Where are some good places to hike in Canada?

When would be a good time to visit the Smoky Mountains?

There are some good parks in Ontario. Look at their website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/

I've heard a lot of good things about Lake Superior Provincial Park, and Alonquin looks good too. You'd probably have to repost in the Canada forum to get more info.

Adirondacks is true wilderness. If that's what you want go there. Just make sure you understand that means bugs (especially in June), bears, variable weather, limited places to stay and eat.

In spite of that, the high peaks can be busy with hikers and some of the trails are pretty beat.

That said, I'd choose the Adirondacks over just about anyplace else for hiking.

If you are still considering the Adirondacks I would recommend Lake Placid. I believe almost the entire park will have plenty of hiking. That's what you do in the Adirondacks I do recommend Mt. Wilmington for a drive or hike and High Falls Gorge. You're in for a real treat as the Adirondacks are truly magnificent. The air is usually "crisp" in the Adirondacks.
Iloveny.com is a great place to find lodging and info about the Adirondacks.
Good luck!

wliwl- I was also going to mention the bugs because at times they can be down right bothersome. Yet there are ways to protect yourself too. Although it it best to know this beforehand Good point.
Yes - do consider that there are bears. Although I've been hiking in the park many times unprotected I might add and never once saw a bear. My hiking is not of the experienced nature of many who hike the park though. Just good boots, hat, camera and water for hydration. Hiking in the park varies. There is hiking for all levels.
One reason I mentioned Lake Placid is becasue there are many choices for lodging and dining. 1980 Winter Olympics were held here and the town is always vying to host again so it does meet criteria for entertainment.

I've never been to the Adirondacks, so I can't make the comparison you're looking for - BUT I don't think the Smokies in early June will be terribly hot and humid. The average high in June in Townsend is 82, and the mountains will be cooler. It all depends on what you're used to, but I was in Chicago in June two years ago and it was much hotter than the Smokies would have been. I think May or June, or September, would be a great time to go to the Smokies. Later in the summer it does get hot and humid, and although the weather is great in October, it gets pretty crowded with people coming to look at the leaves.

If you decide on the Smokies, I know Southwest flies direct from Midway to Nashville for pretty reasonable fares (starts at $59 one way for June 6). So one option might be to fly into Nashville and rent a car from there. It would be about four hours to Gatlinburg.

annikany - I always recommend this shirt to anyone who wants to be outdoors in the Adirondacks in June --

http://www.bugshirt.com/diagrams.htm

(The Elite Edition)

I know it looks dorky, but it is awesome! I bird watch, and especially in the spring and early summer, and I can suffer black flies, etc. This shirt has the net face and it can even be zipped away just enough for my binoculars. It is also not sweaty at all.

I love that shirt! Wish I'd had that a few times over!
Thanks for the link!

While I've not yet been to the Adirondacks (yet), I grew up in the Smokies and dispite what a couple of postings implied, early June would be a lovely time there - should not be hot and humid. You really only get that in late July and August and even then, if you're in the higher elevations it's not bad.

There are so many hiking trails in the Smokies, including the Appalachian Trail, it's a great place for hiking and enjoy nature. Numerous peaks over 6000 feet in the park - the highest mountain range in the east, so pretty spectacular. You can also go whitewater rafting (try the Nantahala River outside of Bryson City, NC for a pleasant & fun float trip). It's true that it can get crowded if you are DRIVING across 441 between Cherokee and Gatlinburg, or God forbid, going to Severville, TN (aka Dollywood). But, if you're really trail seeking, once you get to even the most basic trails in the park you'll find the crowds quickly evaporate. Mt. Leconte trail and Chimney Tops are both nice treks, but there are so many great trails to explore. If you're into backcountry camping, the trails and vistas are endless. Good luck and have fun.