Gatlinburg Journals

Great Smoky Mountains

An August 2006 trip to Gatlinburg by Sandy Goes

Life Saving Station Museum Photo - Ocean City, Maryland

Quote: Road trip from NYC to Gatlinburg. View nature at its best from Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia to the Smoky Mountains in TN.

7 Photos

Great Smoky Mountains

Overview

Quote:

The Great Smoky Mountains are among the highest peaks in the Appalachian Mountain Range. We shared a rental chalet with my sisters' family for a week with our own apartment. From our private deck we looked out at the Smokies while enjoying our morning coffee. The morning mist is prevalent most of the time but the weather usually clears later in the day. Only 20 minutes away by car is Smoky Mountain National Park where we hiked to Clingmans Dome; the high point between Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. The 1/2 mile hike to the observation tower provides an interesting panoramic view. On a clear day you can see the whole of the mountains and 7 States. Our hiking day was not clear and the mountains were shrouded in heavy mist and covered in fog which was kind of cool. This bluish mist which clings to the mountainside and fills the valleys much of the time is why the mountains are called "Smoky Mountains". The hike takes about 30 minutes from the parking lot on a paved but steep road gaining 330' in elevation in a half-mile. The hike is exhilarating and you need to rest along the way. It is recommended that people with respiratory and heart conditions be cautious because of the elevation. My husband who has neither problem experienced difficulty breathing and declined to make the hike to the top. Bring a jacket or windbreaker as the temperature drops dramatically at this elevation.

Another more rugged section that we hiked was about 3 miles long with a steady incline over many boulders and fallen trees but fun and an adventure for a city gal.

On the one-way road out of the park there are many streams, people float by in rubber tubes or some sit near a waterfall enjoying the surroundings.

There are many pull-offs where you can park and wander around the park; perhaps enjoy a picnic or hike on a flat trail. Trails are designated as to degree of difficulty. There is something for everyone.
Take precautions for personal safety because of black bears.
Cades Cove, an 11 mile one-way road allows a visit to historical preserved log cabins, churches of settlers from the 1819 era. Expect delays because of the crowds but it is unique and worthwhile. There is no entrance fee to the park.
www.smokiesinformation.org

Quick Tips:

Weather is very changeable, be smart to wear layers and carry rain gear.
There are many hotels, motels, private homes, chalets and condos in and around Gatlinburg and 20 minutes away in Pigeon Forge. www.gatlinburg.com for accommodations

Both areas cater to families and can be very crowded during the summer. Plenty of activities such as miniature golf, motels have pools with big slides, many shops with handcrafts, dinner theaters, Ripleys Aquarium, etc. There is a big Arts & Crafts Community 3 miles from downtown Gatlinburg with 80 shops, studios & galleries featuring one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork & crafts.
There are many dinner shows such as Dixie Stampede, Black Bear Jamboree, comedy clubs. Some offer discounts if you purchase tickets to more than one show.

The natural beauty of the area and the park is what would bring me back to this area to simply enjoy nature at its best.

Best Way To Get Around:

To get around downtown Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge you can drive or use the Trolley system to shuttle you around town for .50 per ride. There are several route options.
During the summer months traffic is heavy downtown and parking is very difficult. There are parking lots where you can park all day for about .
You need a car to get to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There is no public bus service but a daily shuttle to the Park's main northern entrance at a minimal cost is available. For park info about camping and and all park info call (865) 436-1200. Read Less

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Cherokee Grill

Restaurant

Quote:

Advertised as Gatlinburg's Great Steakhouse. Comfortable casual atmosphere specializing in wood-grilled shrimp $15.95, fresh mountain trout $14.95, ribs $12.95, catfish $12.95. Wanting something light we ordered Asian Grilled Salad, sliced, grilled Asian chicken tossed with a Kung Pao peanut sauce and warm poppy seed dressing $9.75 with selection of homemade dressing. Served with slice of garlic cheese toast. It is so good you'll ask for seconds. Also good was the black & white bean chili. Unique side dishes such as baked macaroni & spinach with spicy cheese & Nev's potatoes. Available are great Burgers and steaks as well as beer and wine. While waiting for our dinner we ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 2, 2007

Cherokee Grill
1002 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 436-4287

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Black Bear Jamboree Dinner & Show

Restaurant | "Black Bear Jamboree"

Quote:

Family fun dinner and show with variety acts from Broadway to the Fifties with some hokey comedy skits. My young nieces loved the show and have been there many times. It was an okay show for me and I would not return. Although I thought the acts were rather amateurish it was good family fun. The food was good and plentiful and served promptly. www.BlackBearJamboree.com

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 2, 2007

Black Bear Jamboree Dinner & Show
119 Music Road
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863
(865) 908-7469

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Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede

Attraction | "Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show"

Quote:

It's a great family entertainment for all ages. The majority of audience is children. Admission includes four-course feast and spectacular show with horses, top-notch riders, Buffalo and friendly competition and rivalry between the North & the South. Spectacular Patriotic Grand Finale with flying Doves of Peace. Good clean fun, lively music with a happy atmosphere.
Some folks go year after year for this fun filled event. Food is good and plentiful served by friendly waitstaff.

Tel (800) 356-1676; prices adults approx $40, special prices for children. Check for senior discounts.
Located about 30 minutes from Gatlinburg, TN.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 2, 2007

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede
3849 Parkway
Pigeon Forge 37868
(800) 536-1673

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Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park

Attraction | "Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Resort"

Quote:

Take the 10-minute tramway from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg for panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Ask about discounts, senior or AAA.On the way up to the top you can spot the bears sleeping in a closed in area. You can look for free from the tramcar rather than pay to see them. When you exit the tram car there is a huge pavilion with an indoor ice skating rink. For about $10 you could rent skates and try your luck. I loved the ice skating. Not having skated in about 20 years, I was able to stay on my feet for about 45 minutes and really enjoyed it along with my 28 year old nephew Jim, his two kids, Kelcy age 11 and Leanne age 8. The kids challenged me to fall and did everythi...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 2, 2007

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park
Ski Mountain Road
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738

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Surprising Find of National Historic Landmark

Story/Tip

Quote:

On our drive to Gatlinburg which is approximately 750 miles from NYC we stopped for the night after being on the road about 7 hours. We spent the night in Natural Bridge VA. The next morning as we were ready to get back on the road we discovered that we were about 15 minutes away from a National Historic Landmark. "Natural Bridge" is located on US 11, 15 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway off I 81. This natural rock bridge is 215' tall and 90' wide was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. A pleasant descent into the ravine to Cedar Creek can be reached in about 35 minutes walking leisurely to the end of the trail where you view a waterfall. Unfortunately due to lack of rainfall, there wasn't m...Read More

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About the Writer

Sandy Goes
Staten Island, New York

"I take at least two big vacations a year of 10+ days out of the country. Also enjoy driving trips 5..."
13 journals
205 photos
53 reviews

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Clingmans Dome: User Rating: 4 out of 5

Gatlinburg Journals

Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Cherokee Grill

Black Bear Jamboree Dinner & Show

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park

Surprising Find of National Historic Landmark

About the Writer

More Journals by Sandy Goes

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