Tree Tops Gatlinburg April '04

The weather was fine in the third week of April, with high temperatures in the 70s. Heated pools allowed for swimming outside each day. In Great Smoky National Park, there are many options. Waterfalls and rushing rivers abound. Cades Cove is a slice of history and Americana, so don't miss it. Tree Tops Resort is a fine location a medium-long walk to the main strip of Gatlinburg. There you can board a trolley to go anywhere. The aquarium was a high point – it offered unique presentations and was well staffed. The kids loved it and we will visit again.

Quick Tips:

Wal-Mart in Pigeon Forge has everything you might need. There are good markets in Gatlinburg, too, and they’re much closer. There’s no liquor in Pigeon Forge, but you can buy it in Gatlinburg.

Best Way To Get Around:

We did not experience the busy traffic, but heard some war stories. Therefore, if you are visiting on a holiday weekend or on a special event, EXPECT BAD TRAFFIC. There are bypasses and back roads if you know them. Public transit is available too, but if the strip is gridlocked, I don't know how they can move either.

Best Things Nearby:
Roaring Fork River! It's right out your door about 20 paces. Picturesque and provides a low "roar" for the background of your videos! Motor Nature Trail ends at your doorstep, but starts further south into Gatlinburg...going through the Great Smoky N.P. past some very nice waterfalls and views.

Best Things About the Resort:
Location, location, location. You are minutes from downtown, but you are off the strip and secluded. Staff was great. Unit was a bit older than some, but more than adequate.

Resort Experience:
As you drive up the hill the Roaring Fork is at your left. The road is narrow and you might feel slightly cramped by an oncoming car...if you see one. Quaint cottages and cabins line the road on the way up to the resort. Tall trees abound and you may not notice the buildings as they come up on your left. A well lit and prominent sign directs you to turn left ahead at the bridge...you have found Treetops!

The small parking lot near the resort office is for arriving/departing guests only. Your check in is short. Information is available on printed handouts to guide you to stores, restaurants, hikes, drives and things to do. Staff is nice.

There are several buildings on one side of the road and one (bldg.4) on the other. Three outdoor pools/one indoor. I was in building 8 and it had a pool area with a medium sized pool, a kiddie pool and nice hot tub. Plenty of seating and pool chairs.

Gas grills were available for outdoor cooking and picnic tables provided for sitting. A nice kids’ playground area is available with slides and climbing to wear down the kiddies.

Our unit inside was nicely appointed and furnished. Large two-bedroom, two-bath unit with full kitchen and living room/dining room combo. Nice big fireplace too. TVs in living room and master bedroom. Master bath had a jacuzzi, but it was older and a bit long in the tooth. Otherwise, unit was great.

You get the feeling that you are in "nature" at this resort. Maybe it's the river or the trees or the mountains rising above you...or perhaps the birds chirping, the flowers and the nice landscaping...or maybe it's because you ARE in nature. A nice natural setting for a resort. We liked it very much. We became owners last year and will probably exchange our floating red week next year, but will return again...and again.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Very Good

Calhoun's is a chain in Tennessee and we have eaten at the one in Nashville. The one in Gatlinburg had excellent ambience with lots of lodge-style wood and a huge fireplace. A huge waterwheel adorns the main entrance in reference to the original Calhoun’s, which is on the Tennessee River in Knoxville (?).

The food was tasty and there is an appetizer that was yummy with cheese and bread for dipping -- nothing fancy here. Barbeque favorites abound, so relax and enjoy. Also they have their own microbrew beer, which was very tasty. Kids meals were typical, but served in a cardboard "convertible," which the kids liked.

On a Monday in early spring, there were no crowds. We had a blast on a beautiful warm day. Water rides get you soaked here. The train ride on the historic train was great and good fun for all.

The terrain is relatively flat with some small hills. Trees provide some shade.

A nice tip for those on a budget is to take the trolley from behind the Old Mill area just off the strip. It costs $.25 per person each way, but you don't have to pay to park in the lot at Dollywood and it drops off/picks up right at the entrance to the park.