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.