Wears Valley?
Jun 3rd, 2004, 02:26 PM
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Wears Valley?
You were all so helpful when I posted last month about my plans to visit the smokies. I am still looking into cabin rentals in gatlinburg and the more I look, the more confused I get. Because I am not familiar with the areas, I am not sure where to stay. I know I want to be in gatlinburg or between p.f. and gatlinburg, but some of the rental agencies talk about the "wears valley" area. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I am going nuts here. Also, I am condidering going with Aunt Bug's cabins which all seem to be located either between pf and gat or in gat. Has anyone had any experiences with this agency? I like them because they are family owned, the rates are nice, and they have a lot to choose from and I like what I see. Thanks!
Jun 4th, 2004, 02:52 PM
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Thanks!
Well, basically the only requirement that I have is to be close to the park. We will be spending most of our time there so we don't want to waste any time driving back and forth. I assume this means gatlinburg, but many cabins are located between there and pigeon forge, and say that they are near the park. So, how far can I go but still be in close proximity? As you can tell, I am more than confused about this.
Well, basically the only requirement that I have is to be close to the park. We will be spending most of our time there so we don't want to waste any time driving back and forth. I assume this means gatlinburg, but many cabins are located between there and pigeon forge, and say that they are near the park. So, how far can I go but still be in close proximity? As you can tell, I am more than confused about this.
Jun 4th, 2004, 03:25 PM
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Where you choose to stay will definitely impact your experience. We love the GSMNP for it's natural beauty, hikes etc. Gatlinburg is a densly populated town with many motels, gift shops and restaurants. Traffic is almost unbearable in the summer.
Wears Valley is the Sevierville area which is the first town you'll encounter off I-40 and blends in to PF, which is the next town (between Sevierville and Gatlinburg). There is a stretch of beautiful curving highway from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg. It is much more peaceful to stay in that small area. Friends of ours had a cabin there for years. It was in a community of genuine log cabins--all homes are built from material from 1800's log homes. I can't remember the name but the Chamber will know. The entrance to the GSMNP is at the far end of Gatlinburg. Avoid the main strip and take River Road to get to the entrance (which runs parallel to the strip).
Townsend is a great choice if you want a quieter mountain experience. You also have direct access to the NP from there. The friends sold their Gatlinburg log home and bought a beautiful place in Townsend that they lease. The "new" road between PF and Townsend gets you back and forth quite easily.
It is very confusing because of all the choices. Again, the first thing you need to decide is if you want the tourist town experience or the mountain experience and then choose your lodging.
Wears Valley is the Sevierville area which is the first town you'll encounter off I-40 and blends in to PF, which is the next town (between Sevierville and Gatlinburg). There is a stretch of beautiful curving highway from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg. It is much more peaceful to stay in that small area. Friends of ours had a cabin there for years. It was in a community of genuine log cabins--all homes are built from material from 1800's log homes. I can't remember the name but the Chamber will know. The entrance to the GSMNP is at the far end of Gatlinburg. Avoid the main strip and take River Road to get to the entrance (which runs parallel to the strip).
Townsend is a great choice if you want a quieter mountain experience. You also have direct access to the NP from there. The friends sold their Gatlinburg log home and bought a beautiful place in Townsend that they lease. The "new" road between PF and Townsend gets you back and forth quite easily.
It is very confusing because of all the choices. Again, the first thing you need to decide is if you want the tourist town experience or the mountain experience and then choose your lodging.
Jun 4th, 2004, 07:14 PM
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I don't know, I don't know!!!
I hate how confused I am. I definitely don't want to be in the middle of traffic and lots of crowds (though I am going in september and hoping the crowds will be less). So, it seems like the area between PF and Gat. is a good bet? Close to the park but away from traffic? I still want to be near gatlinburg for restaurants and more of the park that I want to see, so townsend is prob not where I want to be. At least I dont think so.
I hate how confused I am. I definitely don't want to be in the middle of traffic and lots of crowds (though I am going in september and hoping the crowds will be less). So, it seems like the area between PF and Gat. is a good bet? Close to the park but away from traffic? I still want to be near gatlinburg for restaurants and more of the park that I want to see, so townsend is prob not where I want to be. At least I dont think so.
Jun 4th, 2004, 07:54 PM
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I agree that sounds like a good area for what you want. I could cross that road from PF to Gatlinburg in about 15 minutes. But I was in college and probably took the curves a little faster than I would now! If you can find it, there's also a back way from that area into g-burg.
September will not be as crowded as the peak of summer and it might be a little cooler depending when in Sept. Just remember to take River Road to avoid the traffic and spare the frustration! It's only one block behind the strip.
September will not be as crowded as the peak of summer and it might be a little cooler depending when in Sept. Just remember to take River Road to avoid the traffic and spare the frustration! It's only one block behind the strip.
Jun 5th, 2004, 09:56 AM
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Thanks for the advice, I will definitely heed it. So, if I stay in the area between PF and Gatlinburg, I will be about 15-20 mins from the park? That is pretty much my limit. I don't want to be further than that. I would like to be closer but not at the expense of my surroundings. We definitely want more of the mountain experience than the traffic and craziness of being downtown. So, I guess I will narrow my cabin search to locations in that area. Can you tell me the name/names of the roads in that area so I have a better idea of where the cabins are?
Jun 5th, 2004, 10:19 AM
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I will email my friend who had a cabin in that area and ask her the names of the roads. She's a real estate agent in Townsend so she can probably also suggest some rental agencies that have properties in the area you want. It might take a few days to get back to you, but I'll post as soon as I hear from her.
Jun 5th, 2004, 11:56 AM
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Thats really great of you to do for me. I really appreciate you helping me like this. It will be nice to get recommendations from someone in the area. It might cut down on some of my research time. I look forward to hearing from you again!
Jun 5th, 2004, 12:48 PM
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Good advice with which I agree.
Now that we know when you are to be here and what your primary goal is I would recommend the following:
1) In September, excepting Labor Day week and Semptember weekends, the crowds will not exist. University of Tennessee home football games on will cause huge summer crowds on Friday thru Sunday. If you are there during a game and you like college football, don't miss the game as a football game in the South cannot be beat for all the fun, food and glamour of football season. Point- do not worry about crowds other than noted exceptions.
2) If no crowds and your goal is to be close to the park, then I recommend the Galtinburg as the best central location for the entire park. If traveling in the summer I would not stay in Galtinburg. Wears Valley and Townsend have always been a favorite because we formly lived in this part of Blount County. It is located on Hwy 73/ 321 between Townsend and Pigeon Forge. It is nice location and close to Cades Cove and Townsend area. If I stayed here I would attempt to be on the river.
3) Do not stay in Pigeon Forge based upon your goals. Pigeon Forge is nice but with more traffic and is further away from the Park.
4) Galtinburg and Pigeon Forge are worth a visit but the Park is really great. Sometimes in September it will be quite cool and other times remains very warm.
5) Galtinburg area has cabins on the Mountain above Galtinburg bur there are many many others along rivers, creeks and in the woods. Unless I really wanted to be on the Moutain overlooking Galtinburg, I would look at other options.
6) Areas in the Park that merit your consideration include Roaring Fork Trail ( Roaring Fork has cabins on it and it is our favorite place to stay in the Galtinburg area), Greenbrier Area off of 321 north of Galtinburg, Cataloochee area in the northeast part of the Park ( elk area), Cades Cove, Elkmont, Clingsman Dome on 441 and the state line, Cherokee on NC side of park.
7) Fishing is great if you like to wet your hook.
8) Rafting will still be going on in limited runs on the river.
9)Trails- there are miles and miles of trails and you can research them on the internet or the best book is a handy paperback book called "Hiking Trails of The Smokies". It is available at any of the Park visitor centers along with many other resources.
10)Tennessee home games are Sept. 5th, Sept. 18th and Sept. 25th.
I hope that this is helpful. Let us know about any other concerns. Most of all weclome to Tennessee, travel safe and have a great and wonderful time. The Park can't be beat if you get on a trail!
From high in the mountains of East Tennessee, may God bless...
Now that we know when you are to be here and what your primary goal is I would recommend the following:
1) In September, excepting Labor Day week and Semptember weekends, the crowds will not exist. University of Tennessee home football games on will cause huge summer crowds on Friday thru Sunday. If you are there during a game and you like college football, don't miss the game as a football game in the South cannot be beat for all the fun, food and glamour of football season. Point- do not worry about crowds other than noted exceptions.
2) If no crowds and your goal is to be close to the park, then I recommend the Galtinburg as the best central location for the entire park. If traveling in the summer I would not stay in Galtinburg. Wears Valley and Townsend have always been a favorite because we formly lived in this part of Blount County. It is located on Hwy 73/ 321 between Townsend and Pigeon Forge. It is nice location and close to Cades Cove and Townsend area. If I stayed here I would attempt to be on the river.
3) Do not stay in Pigeon Forge based upon your goals. Pigeon Forge is nice but with more traffic and is further away from the Park.
4) Galtinburg and Pigeon Forge are worth a visit but the Park is really great. Sometimes in September it will be quite cool and other times remains very warm.
5) Galtinburg area has cabins on the Mountain above Galtinburg bur there are many many others along rivers, creeks and in the woods. Unless I really wanted to be on the Moutain overlooking Galtinburg, I would look at other options.
6) Areas in the Park that merit your consideration include Roaring Fork Trail ( Roaring Fork has cabins on it and it is our favorite place to stay in the Galtinburg area), Greenbrier Area off of 321 north of Galtinburg, Cataloochee area in the northeast part of the Park ( elk area), Cades Cove, Elkmont, Clingsman Dome on 441 and the state line, Cherokee on NC side of park.
7) Fishing is great if you like to wet your hook.
8) Rafting will still be going on in limited runs on the river.
9)Trails- there are miles and miles of trails and you can research them on the internet or the best book is a handy paperback book called "Hiking Trails of The Smokies". It is available at any of the Park visitor centers along with many other resources.
10)Tennessee home games are Sept. 5th, Sept. 18th and Sept. 25th.
I hope that this is helpful. Let us know about any other concerns. Most of all weclome to Tennessee, travel safe and have a great and wonderful time. The Park can't be beat if you get on a trail!
From high in the mountains of East Tennessee, may God bless...
Jun 5th, 2004, 04:03 PM
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cheapseater, thatnks for the advice. So since crowds won't be a problem while I am there, I should definitely stay in gatlinburg as opposed to in between there ans PF? It's funny because I was just settled on staying between PF and Gatlinburg per jayne's comments. I would rather be nearer to the park if possible but I still want a place that's private. I hope that is a possibility for me. Do you have any recommendations for me as far as loding goes?
Oh, I will be there from sept 15-18. Let me share my tentative itinerary with you and let me know if it works:
Sat Sept 11 fly into Asheville, NC
sightsee there for a few days and head towards the park on Tuesday, Sept 14. Since driving the blue ridge pkway can take all day with stops and everything, I plan on spending the night in Cherokee.
Wed, Sept 15 get an early start and head out towards TN thru the park. I figured it would be a good day to go to clingmans dome and I have a list of other places to see too.
I will stay in gatlinburg Wed, Thurs, and Fri nights and fly back home sat morning.
Is that an appropriate rationing of my time?
Oh, I will be there from sept 15-18. Let me share my tentative itinerary with you and let me know if it works:
Sat Sept 11 fly into Asheville, NC
sightsee there for a few days and head towards the park on Tuesday, Sept 14. Since driving the blue ridge pkway can take all day with stops and everything, I plan on spending the night in Cherokee.
Wed, Sept 15 get an early start and head out towards TN thru the park. I figured it would be a good day to go to clingmans dome and I have a list of other places to see too.
I will stay in gatlinburg Wed, Thurs, and Fri nights and fly back home sat morning.
Is that an appropriate rationing of my time?
Jun 6th, 2004, 11:49 AM
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idauria,
I just heard back from my friend and unfortunately she could not be of much help. She didn't want to recommend the rental agency they used in G-burg for their cabin because they added on so many additional charges potential renters were turned off.
For what this is worth, they sold their cabin because that area is getting more and more congested year-round; they just didn't enjoy it anymore. She told me that more and more travelers to the area were staying in Townsend to get away from the commercialism of PF and G-burg. It's a 30-minute drive over there from Townsend.
This is just my opinion and I'm not going to debate with others because it's my personal feeling. I do not like G-burg or PF--for our family it's too crowded and full of tourist traps. Again, my opinion--I know others disagree and it is a matter of person preference. When I go there it's strictly for the mountains and the park and we stay in Townsend.
I just heard back from my friend and unfortunately she could not be of much help. She didn't want to recommend the rental agency they used in G-burg for their cabin because they added on so many additional charges potential renters were turned off.
For what this is worth, they sold their cabin because that area is getting more and more congested year-round; they just didn't enjoy it anymore. She told me that more and more travelers to the area were staying in Townsend to get away from the commercialism of PF and G-burg. It's a 30-minute drive over there from Townsend.
This is just my opinion and I'm not going to debate with others because it's my personal feeling. I do not like G-burg or PF--for our family it's too crowded and full of tourist traps. Again, my opinion--I know others disagree and it is a matter of person preference. When I go there it's strictly for the mountains and the park and we stay in Townsend.
Jun 6th, 2004, 12:46 PM
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Please don't misunderstand, when I recommend the Galtinburg area I don't mean Galtinburg proper. The area around Galtinburg will be advantagous for a base camp and to visit in Galtinburg at night for food and frolic. I agree with Jayne re her assessment of PF and Galtinburg if in high season. One note is that the weekend of your time in the Smokies is the Florida- Tennessee football game on Friday it will be packed everywhere but on the trails.
I would stay between PF and Galtinburg if the cabin has what you are looking for. There are so many available for rent I would look long and hard for a cabin. Jayne is also correct that many, but not all, add many types of fees to the rental price- so ask early on. The realtor rentals are usually the ones that add the most or those with lots of units to rent. Just keep searching until you find what you want- river, seculsion in the woods, on the mountains, in the coves, etc.
Again, the trails and the Park are the primary draw for me although I do enjoy Galtinburg and to a lesser extent, PF, if it is not the weekend or the high season for tourists.
Your schedule will provide you with ample time as you are not traveling very far from Asheville to Townsend and Galtinburg. You should have much time to hike or walk the park if that is your desire. I would strongly encourage you to get to Cades Cove at dawn for the best wildlife viewing or at dusk as these are the best times to see wildlife from a drive or bike ride or walk around the 11 mile loop.
In summary, I only recomend the Galtinburg area due to its central location for trips around all parts of the Park. If you do not plan to visit the North end of the Park, then I agree with Jayne that Townsend or Wears Valley is a better choice but with very limited dining if you are eating out. Great bike trail and tubing the Little River is nice.
Please send any other questions as perhaps Jayne, others and I can help.
From high atop the East Tennessee Mountains...
I would stay between PF and Galtinburg if the cabin has what you are looking for. There are so many available for rent I would look long and hard for a cabin. Jayne is also correct that many, but not all, add many types of fees to the rental price- so ask early on. The realtor rentals are usually the ones that add the most or those with lots of units to rent. Just keep searching until you find what you want- river, seculsion in the woods, on the mountains, in the coves, etc.
Again, the trails and the Park are the primary draw for me although I do enjoy Galtinburg and to a lesser extent, PF, if it is not the weekend or the high season for tourists.
Your schedule will provide you with ample time as you are not traveling very far from Asheville to Townsend and Galtinburg. You should have much time to hike or walk the park if that is your desire. I would strongly encourage you to get to Cades Cove at dawn for the best wildlife viewing or at dusk as these are the best times to see wildlife from a drive or bike ride or walk around the 11 mile loop.
In summary, I only recomend the Galtinburg area due to its central location for trips around all parts of the Park. If you do not plan to visit the North end of the Park, then I agree with Jayne that Townsend or Wears Valley is a better choice but with very limited dining if you are eating out. Great bike trail and tubing the Little River is nice.
Please send any other questions as perhaps Jayne, others and I can help.
From high atop the East Tennessee Mountains...
Jun 6th, 2004, 02:00 PM
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Cheapseater,
I had forgotten the UF/UT game was that weekend--that will be one the most crowded weekends of the year. DH is a gator and I am a Vol. He's not a gator maniac so peace prevails on those weekends! I remember the UT home games being the only thing that bailed out the World's Fair in 1982 because the football crowd would come over after the home games.
The reason I was emphatic about not debating the G-burg thing is because it's been done here and gets quite heated; it's simply a matter of personal preference. Obviously since you still live up there so you know what I mean! IMHO I think anyone traveling up there for the mountain experience is not the kind of person who would enjoy staying in G-burg proper. Ten years ago I went to G-burg for a wedding--I hadn't been in about 10 years. I couldn't believe how much more touristy it had gotten (didn't seem possible that it could get more touristy, but it did). What I noticed was the absence of all the old mountain artisan shops--Cliff Dwellers and that fabulous old house, etc. Friends who live in the area tell me that the old timers couldn't survive among all the tee shirt and novelty shops.
I love Townsend--one of my college friends has a vacation home there that she leases so that's where we stay. Even Townsend is getting more crowds these days but it seems determined not to over-develop.
I envy you living up there. It's one of my favorite places.
I had forgotten the UF/UT game was that weekend--that will be one the most crowded weekends of the year. DH is a gator and I am a Vol. He's not a gator maniac so peace prevails on those weekends! I remember the UT home games being the only thing that bailed out the World's Fair in 1982 because the football crowd would come over after the home games.
The reason I was emphatic about not debating the G-burg thing is because it's been done here and gets quite heated; it's simply a matter of personal preference. Obviously since you still live up there so you know what I mean! IMHO I think anyone traveling up there for the mountain experience is not the kind of person who would enjoy staying in G-burg proper. Ten years ago I went to G-burg for a wedding--I hadn't been in about 10 years. I couldn't believe how much more touristy it had gotten (didn't seem possible that it could get more touristy, but it did). What I noticed was the absence of all the old mountain artisan shops--Cliff Dwellers and that fabulous old house, etc. Friends who live in the area tell me that the old timers couldn't survive among all the tee shirt and novelty shops.
I love Townsend--one of my college friends has a vacation home there that she leases so that's where we stay. Even Townsend is getting more crowds these days but it seems determined not to over-develop.
I envy you living up there. It's one of my favorite places.
Jun 6th, 2004, 02:33 PM
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Thanks guys!
Thanks for clearing up that confusion cheapseater about gburg vs gburg proper. I can't believe I happen to pick the weekend that there will be lots of crowds! Well, I will be leaving sat morning and hopefully it won't be too bad on friday. I will probably be in the park anyway.
I have to speak to my husband about what exactly his preferences are. I know he wantd to have the mountain experience and staying in Townsend/Wears Valley sounds really nice but I am not sure if I want to be limited as far as food and park proximity goes. He did tell me that he would gladly stay 20 mins away if it meant more seclusion. I don't know about the north side of the park - what is there? I am planning on seeing cades cove, but we aren't planning our trip to the T. I don't have a precise itinerary for each day of my trip, but I am trying to gather info as far as places/things we must see. We want to keep things as loose as possible (although I am not sure that is possible for me, I worry and obsess over everything and like to nail down the details before we do anything). Being that it's my first visit to the park, I think staying in the gburg area makes sense.
Thanks for clearing up that confusion cheapseater about gburg vs gburg proper. I can't believe I happen to pick the weekend that there will be lots of crowds! Well, I will be leaving sat morning and hopefully it won't be too bad on friday. I will probably be in the park anyway.
I have to speak to my husband about what exactly his preferences are. I know he wantd to have the mountain experience and staying in Townsend/Wears Valley sounds really nice but I am not sure if I want to be limited as far as food and park proximity goes. He did tell me that he would gladly stay 20 mins away if it meant more seclusion. I don't know about the north side of the park - what is there? I am planning on seeing cades cove, but we aren't planning our trip to the T. I don't have a precise itinerary for each day of my trip, but I am trying to gather info as far as places/things we must see. We want to keep things as loose as possible (although I am not sure that is possible for me, I worry and obsess over everything and like to nail down the details before we do anything). Being that it's my first visit to the park, I think staying in the gburg area makes sense.
Jun 6th, 2004, 05:02 PM
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You might want to stay on River Road in G-burg if you choose to stay in town. Thisis the street that I mentioned that runs parallel to the main drag one block behind. It will get you a little off the beaten path and there are several hotels that have balconies over the creek.
Jun 7th, 2004, 08:53 AM
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Thanks again! I will investigate River Road and I was actually already considering calling Aunt Bug's. I keep going back to her website because I like her cabins and it seems that several of them are in the area I want. Thanks for the advice! I'll let you know what I come up with.
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