GSM NP - good and bad time

[AlaTex]

We just returned (early) from a 7 night trip from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We stayed at Elkmont in the GSM NP and were having a great time until Monday evening. Wind was getting noticeable strong with acorns hitting popup sounding similar to gun shots, limbs breaking and trees starting to fall. We grabbed a few items and left campground to prevent damage to TV. We did not have time to break camp - just left everything. Stayed the night in Gattlinburg, TN. Next morning all roads were closed to campground. At about 2 PM after call to NP H.Q.., we were allowed in to survey damage and retrieved popup and other property. What a mess. Luckily we had little damage - dent on (new) roof, limb through awning and EZ-UP upside down with a broken leg. Packed up and left 2 days early.  :mad:

National Park Service news release stated "Rain and high winds registering over 90 mph, with a pear wind gust of 106 miles, impacted the [GSM NP], particularly on the Tennessee side ... trees down and debris, forcing closure of major roads and public use areas."

[AustinBoston]

At least you enjoyed the first part of the trip.  I am sure that weather is unusual there, and hope that you saw enough to make you want to go back.  I've only been to GSM NP once, but like most national parks, I'd love to go back.

Austin

[AlaTex]

At least you enjoyed the first part of the trip.  I am sure that weather is unusual there, and hope that you saw enough to make you want to go back.  I've only been to GSM NP once, but like most national parks, I'd love to go back.

Austin

Yes we had a great time before the weather event, and we will go back.  We go there for a week in the fall, most years.

[brainpause]

Wow! Glad we got outta there! We left on Sunday...We were staying in Townsend at Little River Village, not too far at all from Elkmont.

Larry

[tlhdoc]

Sorry your trip ended so abruptly.  I hope your next trip is better.  GSMNP is a wonderful park.  I have only been there once, but will go back again.