Heading to Gatlinburg TN. Any must-sees must do's ???

[travelingypsy]

My husband and I are going to Gatlinburg TN the third week in October. We're taking the pu for our longest trip to date (both miles and days). I was just wondering if there are any must sees. We plan on going to the state Park to do some hiking and to Pigeon Forge too! We're staying at the KOA. Thanks in advance this forum is great!

Happy Trails
travelin' gypsy

[cyclone]

Busy time of year for that area - be prepared for heavy (and I do mean heavy) traffic on the week-end.  

1.  Cades Cove is an absolute must (do this on a week-day, but check beforehand.  They close the loop for biking on Wed morning, I think).  The Cove is beautiful and peaceful.  My favorite place over there.

2.  Hiking opportunities abound.  You will love it.  

3.  I've heard the aquarium is good, but haven't been there yet.  Likewise, Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge.

4.  Hands down, my favorite place to eat is the Apple Barn at the north end of Pigeon Forge (may even be Sevierville, I'm not sure.)  The apple fritters are fabulous!  The area around the Old Mill is Pigeon Forge is fun, too, and I've also heard good things about the restaurant there.  

5.  If you are into shopping - 95% of the shops are junk.  There are some kinda cool ones on the arts/crafts loop east of Gatlinburg; in the Village in G'burg; and Governors Crossing (I think is the name) outlets.  There's also a Coleman Store, a Lodge outlet, and a really good scrapbook store.  

6. There are 5,912 places you can spend/waste money on miniature golf, go karts, etc.  Spend your time in the mountains.  It's far more entertaining in my book.  There are probably 5 times that many rental cabins around there.  (disclaimer:  I made those numbers up, but I'm probably not too far off).  

7.  Dollywood was ok - I wasn't thrilled the only time we went there, but it was also about 95 degrees in the shade and extremely crowded which dropped the "fun factor" considerably.

8.  I'm thinking I need to plan a trip to the mountains soon - all this is making me want to be there!  Enjoy your trip.

[danwors]

I second everything Cyclone said.  

Cades Cove is our favorite place to visit in the Smokies.  Depending how long you plan to spend there, you may want to pack along a lunch.  

On a clear day take a ride(and walk) up to Clingman's Dome.  Beautiful views from up there.

Take a couple of hours to drive the Roaring Fork Nature Trail.  It starts right at the edge of Gatlinburg and within minutes you've left all of the traffic behind...peaceful drive and some hikes as well.

Old Mill has great food.  You will not leave there hungry.  Beware though - there may be some very long waits to get a table depending what time you go.

[badabing67]

the dixie stampede is a must do but you need to order tickets before you go so you'll get a seat, we went 4th of july and loved it. hopefully you won't get caught up in the bumper to bumper traffic, it took us about 45 mins. to go 5 or 6 miles, try the hard rock cafe for lunch in gatlinburg. I recommend the bbq sandwich. hope you enjoy

[SkipP]

That time of the year should be about peak color! IF you can get up and get going early, then by all means, do Roaring Fork and Cades Cove. They're no where near close to each other but there is much scenery to enjoy along the way too.

If you do get to Cades Cove, take the loop, then do it again. On the second lap, take the one-way Rich Mountain road (just after the churches). It takes you up and out of the cove and, in a few spots, offers some of the best views of the cove..period. Taking this gravel road will put you in Townsend, TN. From there, if you're in a hurry, take 321 back to Gatlinburg. If you still have time, head west towards Maryville and take a ride on the Foothills Parkway. Little traffic and occasional open views. Great ride if the fall colors are working.
 
Enjoy!

[brainpause]

1. Cades Cove

2. Dixie Stampede

3. Country Tonite show

4. Just drive in/around the Smokies. Beautiful!

Larry

[Tony&Donna]

Hello All,
We have been to the mountains ever since we were young kids.

We have just bought a pop-up camper and will be going to the mountains that weekend.

For the traffice that weekend, Cades Cove is a waste of time.
It's beautifull but could be many hour traffic jam. The roaring
folk motor trail is worth the trip! Traffic is generly not that bad.
Pick up a visitors guide they usually have maps that you can
use to bypass traffic jams.
Pidgeon Forge is more for kids and families. North Carolina side
of mountains are always prettier.

We are going to try to stay at the Twin Creeks camp ground.
You have to make reservations.
Gatlinburg is the best place to visit! Lots of shops and great eating
places. My favorite place is The Viliiage. If I am not mistaken it's
UT Verses Alabama in Knoxville that weekend.
We agree the Grist Mill in Pidgeon Forge is a great place to eat!
There are always long lines but worth it! Apple Valley Farms in Pidgeon
Forge or Severville wasn't worth the hassle.
Good Luck to all you campers!
Tony & Donna Davis
Kingston Springs, Tn
davis1091@comcast.net

[labontefan]

I highly recommend the aquarium. Probably want to hit it during the week if possible--crowds may be lighter.

Here are some pix I took when I visited:

http://family.webshots.com/album/80867943rjwadP

One of my favorite things to do in Gatlinburg is just stroll around the streets, check out all the shops, and watch all the people.

And of course the mountains are always gorgeous. I love Cade's Cove, but, yes, traffic can be a problem on the loop road. The views are usually worth it though. Thought I had some pix, but apparently I didn't upload them to WebShots.

(BTW, the picture of my camper that I use as the avatar was taken in Big Meadow Campground in Townsend, TN, in the Smokies--just the other side of the mountain from Gatlinburg.)

[GeneF]

If you have the time, about 90 miles one way and about 2 hours, a trip to the BiltMore Estate in Asheville is worth the visit.

We spent the better part of the day there and enjoyed it very much.  Suggest doing the self-guided audio tour, extra $7 (Thanks for the tip, Jan) but you get a lot of explanation. Cost was $45.  Grounds were really nice.  Spent over 2 hours in the house. At in the Stables, good food reasonable priced.

If you do the artist's loop, stop in at the "Trolls in the Park" shop.  One of our favorites.  You can take the Trolley through this area instead of drivng it.

The climb to Clingman's Cove is worth it if it is a clear day.  Be warned the climb is paved but steep.

We stayed at Smoky Bear campground.  Small campground but the bathrooms were amongst the cleanest that we have ever encountered.  Sites were a decent size.  Not far from the Yogi Bear campground on Route 321.  Highly recommend this cg even if there was some road noise.

If you feel like gambling, there is always Harrahs over in Cherokee.