Trip to Great Smoky Mountains NP
Apr 27th, 2004, 09:04 AM
#21
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
idauria:
If you want, send me an email and I can send you a link to a bunch of activities in NC to help you plan your vacation better. There are many, many more places you can consider seeing while in the NC mountains in addition to what has been listed on this thread. I'm sure you will enjoy your mountain vacation wherever you go!
If you want, send me an email and I can send you a link to a bunch of activities in NC to help you plan your vacation better. There are many, many more places you can consider seeing while in the NC mountains in addition to what has been listed on this thread. I'm sure you will enjoy your mountain vacation wherever you go!
Apr 27th, 2004, 04:17 PM
#22
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sept is cooler and less crowded but why not come mid-Oct and see the colors? It is busiest on the weekends and you can be in Ashville on those days.
It is 35 miles from Cherokee to Gatlingburg. There is one main road running through the park and this connects these two towns. About mid-way is Newfound Gap and just before it is the turnoff to Clingmans' Dome. It is 7 miles to the parking lot and .5 mile walk to an observation tower with a 360 degree view. There are benches along the way to stop and rest. A great stop for sunrise/sunset. At Newfound Gap (restrooms and water) can see plaque where park was dedicated and take a walk on the Appalachian Trail. Going towards Gatlinburg will come to the parking area and trailhead for Alum Cave Bluffs and Mt. LeConte on your right. Nearby closer to Gatlinburg is trailhead to Chimney Tops. 2m one way to top. Steep but very impressive views from top. Or just walk down to the river and cross over the bridge. The Chimney Tops picnic area is good place to check for black bear. You will arrive at a crossroads just before Sugarlands Vistor Center. Turn left here to go to Cades Cove will pass Laurel Falls trailhead on your right, 1.3m to falls. The road around the cove is busy no matter what time of year. Allow at least an hour without stopping midway around at the visitor center and old farm buildings. The road is one-way and is closed til midmorning on Wed and Sat to allow hikers and bicycles to enjoy it without cars. There are three wonderful churches in the cove which are open to public. Can also take the Rich Mt Rd (oneway out of the park) and get view down into the Cove.
In Gatlinburg turn at stop light 8 (there are numbers on top of each) this takes you to Roaring Fork Nature Road with old homes and trails to Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls.
Traffic is bad all the time in Gatlinburg and parking is hard to find. There are a number of major hotels just off the road in Cherokee leading into the park. Both towns are tourist traps but Cherokee's is much smaller in size.
If you take the Blue Ridge Parkway from Ashville to the park be sure to stop at the Southern Highlands Folk Art Center at milepost 382. It is approx. 79 miles from Ashville to the park. Speed limit is 45. Also near Asheville is Mt. Mitchell State park (access is off Blue Ridge Pkwy) which is the highest point east of the Mississippi.
It is 35 miles from Cherokee to Gatlingburg. There is one main road running through the park and this connects these two towns. About mid-way is Newfound Gap and just before it is the turnoff to Clingmans' Dome. It is 7 miles to the parking lot and .5 mile walk to an observation tower with a 360 degree view. There are benches along the way to stop and rest. A great stop for sunrise/sunset. At Newfound Gap (restrooms and water) can see plaque where park was dedicated and take a walk on the Appalachian Trail. Going towards Gatlinburg will come to the parking area and trailhead for Alum Cave Bluffs and Mt. LeConte on your right. Nearby closer to Gatlinburg is trailhead to Chimney Tops. 2m one way to top. Steep but very impressive views from top. Or just walk down to the river and cross over the bridge. The Chimney Tops picnic area is good place to check for black bear. You will arrive at a crossroads just before Sugarlands Vistor Center. Turn left here to go to Cades Cove will pass Laurel Falls trailhead on your right, 1.3m to falls. The road around the cove is busy no matter what time of year. Allow at least an hour without stopping midway around at the visitor center and old farm buildings. The road is one-way and is closed til midmorning on Wed and Sat to allow hikers and bicycles to enjoy it without cars. There are three wonderful churches in the cove which are open to public. Can also take the Rich Mt Rd (oneway out of the park) and get view down into the Cove.
In Gatlinburg turn at stop light 8 (there are numbers on top of each) this takes you to Roaring Fork Nature Road with old homes and trails to Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls.
Traffic is bad all the time in Gatlinburg and parking is hard to find. There are a number of major hotels just off the road in Cherokee leading into the park. Both towns are tourist traps but Cherokee's is much smaller in size.
If you take the Blue Ridge Parkway from Ashville to the park be sure to stop at the Southern Highlands Folk Art Center at milepost 382. It is approx. 79 miles from Ashville to the park. Speed limit is 45. Also near Asheville is Mt. Mitchell State park (access is off Blue Ridge Pkwy) which is the highest point east of the Mississippi.
Apr 28th, 2004, 05:26 AM
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow, those were indeed excellent directions! I actually did print it and will save it along with all my other trip planning stuff.
I know the colors are awesome in October, but I rather go when the crowds are less, even if I plan on being there during the week anyway. I think I just can't wait go and will go nuts waiting an extra month! But, who knows, my plans are not etched in stone yet, so I just might find myself there in time to see the fall colors.
Is there another name for the parkway? I was confused because directions said to take rte 40? to the park but I looked at a map and I thought that was the same as the parkway but I looked at a map and saw that the parkway was south of that route. You do take the parkway to GSM, right?
I know the colors are awesome in October, but I rather go when the crowds are less, even if I plan on being there during the week anyway. I think I just can't wait go and will go nuts waiting an extra month! But, who knows, my plans are not etched in stone yet, so I just might find myself there in time to see the fall colors.
Is there another name for the parkway? I was confused because directions said to take rte 40? to the park but I looked at a map and I thought that was the same as the parkway but I looked at a map and saw that the parkway was south of that route. You do take the parkway to GSM, right?
Apr 28th, 2004, 08:36 AM
#25
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As far as I know, the Blue Ridge Parkway only has that one name. If anyone has referred to Rt 40, that's probably Interstate 40, which does indeed head due west from Asheville. If you're looking to get somewhere and not take forever doing it, that's the way to go. It's the more practical way to commute between places, whereas the protected scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway is what makes that road more a destination in and of itself.
Apr 28th, 2004, 01:41 PM
#27
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are three ways I know of from Ashville to the park. The Blue Ridge Parkway which can be accessed off I-40. There are signs indicating the parkway or look for sign for the Folk Art Center which is on the parkway. You can take I-40 to the Foothills Parkway near milepost 444, which is a two lane road which connects with TN32 (2 lane road) which runs past Greenbrier (excellent place to put your feet in the water while sitting on rocks in the river) into Gatlinburg. Can also take US 23/74 off I-40 towards Waynesville then towards Cherokee. This is a divided four lane highway with few stoplights. Look for the Hwy 441 exit which takes you to the park. This would be your quickest way. If you want to experience more "flavor" but on a narrow, windy road take US19 off 23/74 towards Maggie Valley then Cherokee.
May 1st, 2004, 06:18 AM
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks very much for all the great info. I have one more question- where is the airport in TN that is closest to Gatlinburg? Is it Knoxville? I am back to my original plan of flying into one and leaving from another. Now I just don't know if I should do Asheville or GSM first. What makes more sense?
Thanks!
Thanks!
May 1st, 2004, 06:26 AM
#29
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Knoxville would be your closest airport to Gatlinburg. The park is less busy on the weekdays would suggest you plan on being in Ashville on the weekend. If you were planning on going to Biltmore House there were posts on this site asking about discount tickets being available from AAA. In case you are interested.
May 1st, 2004, 07:37 AM
#30
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Idauria~
I was able to call the AAA office in Asheville and purchase the Biltmore Estate discounted tickets over the phone. They are mailing them to me. The tickets are $32 vs. $39. Their phone number is 1-800-274-2621. You will need to give them your AAA number. While in Asheville, we're staying at the Richmond Hill Inn...check it out! The Richmond Hill Inn gives a 10% discount to AAA members as well.
The last portion of our trip we'll be staying in a cabin at Nantahala Mountain Resort. It's just 20 miles southwest of Bryson City, NC...and gorgeous cabins for rent. Because of Photodog's great directions through the GSM, we'll be taking a day trip following his directions...from Cherokee to Gatlinburg. There is a great map showing all of his directions. Go to www.us-national-parks.net/images/gres.jpg However, I'm having trouble getting it to print on a page...even horizontal and legal size paper. If I figure it out, I'll email you back.
Lastly, if you have the time, we're taking two other day trips from the Nantahala Mountain Resort.
#1. THE MOUNTAIN WATERS SCENIC BYWAY: It's a 61 mile (one-way) trip from Almond, NC to Highlands, NC...easily accessible from Bryson City. It takes you through two gorges and many, many waterfalls and trails.
#2. THE JOYCE KILMER MEMORIAL FOREST AND CHEROHALA SKYWAY: The Cherohala Skyway is nicknamed "The Mini Blue Ridge Pkwy." with less crowds. It goes from just outside Robbinsville, NC to Tellico Plains, TN. The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is just before the entrance to the skyway. We'll spend an hour or so exploring the forest then start our journey on the Skyway. Look both of these up on the web...they look beautiful.
Have a great trip!
I was able to call the AAA office in Asheville and purchase the Biltmore Estate discounted tickets over the phone. They are mailing them to me. The tickets are $32 vs. $39. Their phone number is 1-800-274-2621. You will need to give them your AAA number. While in Asheville, we're staying at the Richmond Hill Inn...check it out! The Richmond Hill Inn gives a 10% discount to AAA members as well.
The last portion of our trip we'll be staying in a cabin at Nantahala Mountain Resort. It's just 20 miles southwest of Bryson City, NC...and gorgeous cabins for rent. Because of Photodog's great directions through the GSM, we'll be taking a day trip following his directions...from Cherokee to Gatlinburg. There is a great map showing all of his directions. Go to www.us-national-parks.net/images/gres.jpg However, I'm having trouble getting it to print on a page...even horizontal and legal size paper. If I figure it out, I'll email you back.
Lastly, if you have the time, we're taking two other day trips from the Nantahala Mountain Resort.
#1. THE MOUNTAIN WATERS SCENIC BYWAY: It's a 61 mile (one-way) trip from Almond, NC to Highlands, NC...easily accessible from Bryson City. It takes you through two gorges and many, many waterfalls and trails.
#2. THE JOYCE KILMER MEMORIAL FOREST AND CHEROHALA SKYWAY: The Cherohala Skyway is nicknamed "The Mini Blue Ridge Pkwy." with less crowds. It goes from just outside Robbinsville, NC to Tellico Plains, TN. The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is just before the entrance to the skyway. We'll spend an hour or so exploring the forest then start our journey on the Skyway. Look both of these up on the web...they look beautiful.
Have a great trip!
May 1st, 2004, 08:27 AM
#32
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I FOUND THE MAP! Go to: www.nps.gov/carto/GRSM.html
You'll want to click on the top one labeled: Adobe Acrobat PDF, April 2003 screen-viewable file (1.1MB) It's a great map showing the road that goes through the GSM from Cherokee to Gatlinburg. It shows everything Photodog wrote about in his reply.
If you decide to do either of the itineraries I wrote about in my previous reply, let me know and I'll tell you how to get the maps and directions.
You'll want to click on the top one labeled: Adobe Acrobat PDF, April 2003 screen-viewable file (1.1MB) It's a great map showing the road that goes through the GSM from Cherokee to Gatlinburg. It shows everything Photodog wrote about in his reply.
If you decide to do either of the itineraries I wrote about in my previous reply, let me know and I'll tell you how to get the maps and directions.
May 1st, 2004, 02:35 PM
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh boy, decisions, decisions!!! There's just so gosh darn much to see and do down there I really don't know where I want to go! I will take your advice Photodog and head to Asheville first, which was my initial inclination anyway. We will fly in on a Saturday morning (flight is just under 2 hours). How much time should I allot here? I was thinking leaving from there either Mon or Tues and head to Chimney Rock first and maybe Lake Lure if time permits that day and then onto the parkway to GSM. In your opinion is Chimney Rock a worthwhile place to see?
Jewelhag - those places sound really nice. The more I hear the more confused I get! I want to see everything, but I know I must choose only a few places to visit. I am thinking it might be nice to do something other than hiking all week - any suggestions? I don't belong to AAA so no discounts for me, besides I am not sure Biltmore Estate is part of our plans or not. I guess we should check it out. I am glad I still have 4 months to plan this thing. I think it is going to take that long to figure out an itinerary!
Jewelhag - those places sound really nice. The more I hear the more confused I get! I want to see everything, but I know I must choose only a few places to visit. I am thinking it might be nice to do something other than hiking all week - any suggestions? I don't belong to AAA so no discounts for me, besides I am not sure Biltmore Estate is part of our plans or not. I guess we should check it out. I am glad I still have 4 months to plan this thing. I think it is going to take that long to figure out an itinerary!
May 1st, 2004, 07:58 PM
#34
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband and I were thinking of visiting the area in July/Aug. I know it will be hot but just how hot will it be? Is it so hot and humid (?) that you don't want to do anything or can you still hike in the mountains since the elevations are higher? I live in Oklahoma so I am used to some heat but not so much with humidity.
May 2nd, 2004, 03:38 AM
#35
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just an FYI - Knoxville has a terrific little airport. I love flying in and out of there when I take those (short) long weekend trips in the fall for the leaf change. The airport is simple, clean & nice, and easy to get in and out of.
Also, I am heading to the mountains in June for a week+ and will gladly be printing these fantastic comments posted here. Thanks to everyone! I will be staying at Sunterra's Bent Creek - where I stay on every visit. It's a lovely resort, BTW.
Also, I am heading to the mountains in June for a week+ and will gladly be printing these fantastic comments posted here. Thanks to everyone! I will be staying at Sunterra's Bent Creek - where I stay on every visit. It's a lovely resort, BTW.
May 12th, 2004, 07:41 AM
#36
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi from Asheville. Seems like the bottom line is that you want to visit Asheville with the idea of perhaps relocating here and as a side line you also want to see Great Smoky Mtn NP. An alternative to getting to GSMNP via Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge - which have awful traffic and teem with tourists, hotels/motels and chain restaurants, would be to go into the park via Waynesville or Bryson City area. Waynesville is about 40 minutes from Asheville and Bryson City about 1.5 hrs. In between the 2 is 441 which goes to Cherokee and through the park.
Is there a particular reason you want to go to GSMNP since you are not hikers? If you just want to see scenery then staying in Asheville and driving the Blue Ridge Parkway north into Pisgah Nat'l Forest would be just as beautiful.
Once the leaves start turning both the park and the parkway will be jam packed. I would suggest late Sept or very early Oct.
As far as Asheville - great city - lots of art, great restaurants and outdoor activities. You'll love it - unfortunately everyone does!
Is there a particular reason you want to go to GSMNP since you are not hikers? If you just want to see scenery then staying in Asheville and driving the Blue Ridge Parkway north into Pisgah Nat'l Forest would be just as beautiful.
Once the leaves start turning both the park and the parkway will be jam packed. I would suggest late Sept or very early Oct.
As far as Asheville - great city - lots of art, great restaurants and outdoor activities. You'll love it - unfortunately everyone does!
May 13th, 2004, 07:14 AM
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
leahinsc -We definitely want to do some hiking! We also enjoy just being in the mountains and taking in the scenery. I am not looking for intense hiking experiences but would like to explore the mountains. We want to go in early/mid september in order to avoid the foliage crowds. I was thinking spending 3 days in Asheville, then heading out via the parkway towards the park, stopping at Chimney Rock Park, then back on the parkway. Depending on the time, we might also make other stops. Thinking on spending that night in cherokee, or another town near the NC entrance to the park and then heading towards TN the next morning, spending the remainder of the trip there. (Right now I am looking into cabins in the gatlinburg area close to the park.) Does that sound like a reasonable itinerary? As for the exact places we will be seeing, we haven't gotten that far yet. I am in the process of buying all sorts of guide books and gathering as much info as possible.
Jul 25th, 2004, 11:32 AM
#38
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Been up that way a few times now, I must say its georgeous any time of year!
Don't stay in Cherokee. Go down the road a little to Bryson City and check out either the Freymont Inn, Randolph House, or cheaper Lakeview Cottages. Bryson City is so laid back, I've never run into traffic, and the views are awesome. There is a lodge at Fontana Dam too. Check out this site, its got lots of great info:
http://www.greenoaks2001.org/western...lina_links.htm
I wasn't too impressed with Gatlinburg, but it was January when we were there. If I remember correctly, the drive from Cherokee to Gatlinburg was only about 30 miles, but due to the twisting and turning, it took about an hour to navigate it!
The weather in September will be awesome. That is our favorite time of year. The day time highs can get into the 80's, but not as humid as the lowlands. The nights are cool into the 60's. Not the rainy season if I remember correctly.
Drive down 74 from Cherokee to Nantahala Falls. Do a raft trip! The water is usually cool and refreshing!
If you boat, you can rent a pontoon at Almond Boat Park. Fontana Lake is beautiful, and never crowded! They've even got some campy cabins there if you're interested in spending the night. On second thought, Lakeview Cottages are nicer. NOw, remember, these aren't four star accomodations.
But Freymont and Randolph House are historic landmarks with restaurants on site. http://www.lanierbb.com/North_Carolina/
There's the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad too. Its got locations in Bryson City, and Dillsboro if I remember correctly.
Have fun, you're going to love NC!
Don't stay in Cherokee. Go down the road a little to Bryson City and check out either the Freymont Inn, Randolph House, or cheaper Lakeview Cottages. Bryson City is so laid back, I've never run into traffic, and the views are awesome. There is a lodge at Fontana Dam too. Check out this site, its got lots of great info:
http://www.greenoaks2001.org/western...lina_links.htm
I wasn't too impressed with Gatlinburg, but it was January when we were there. If I remember correctly, the drive from Cherokee to Gatlinburg was only about 30 miles, but due to the twisting and turning, it took about an hour to navigate it!
The weather in September will be awesome. That is our favorite time of year. The day time highs can get into the 80's, but not as humid as the lowlands. The nights are cool into the 60's. Not the rainy season if I remember correctly.
Drive down 74 from Cherokee to Nantahala Falls. Do a raft trip! The water is usually cool and refreshing!
If you boat, you can rent a pontoon at Almond Boat Park. Fontana Lake is beautiful, and never crowded! They've even got some campy cabins there if you're interested in spending the night. On second thought, Lakeview Cottages are nicer. NOw, remember, these aren't four star accomodations.
But Freymont and Randolph House are historic landmarks with restaurants on site. http://www.lanierbb.com/North_Carolina/
There's the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad too. Its got locations in Bryson City, and Dillsboro if I remember correctly.
Have fun, you're going to love NC!
