In May 2001, we visited the Smoky Mountains for 3 days as part of our 2001 vacation that included going to Florida. We spent a night in Asheville, North Carolina so we could see the Biltmore Estate and three nights in Sevierville, Tennessee just a few miles west of Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Our stay in this area was highlighted by

• a trip to the Biltmore Estate
• Two days of driving and walking trails in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Mammoth Cave National Park.  Yes, this is in Kentucky, but it seemed to make more sense to include it here than Florida.

We really enjoyed the Biltmore Estate and time time in the mountains was very peaceful and relaxing.  We saw a lot of wildlife including a black bear, several deer, a wild turkey and many other birds. 

The Smoky Mountains are very different from the Rocky Mountains.  For starters, the altitude is much lower.  Clingman's Dome, the highest peak in Smoky Mountain National Park is only 6,643 ft above sea level so the altitude is not as difficult to get used to and there aren't snow capped peaks.  Another big difference is that the Smoky's are more rounded mountains while the Rockies have sharper peaks.  

The town we stayed in, Sevierville, is just west of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.  You basically drive through the three towns without noticing much that you left one for the other.  Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are the more famous and have more things to do.  The area is a tourist trap with a wide variety of activities to choose from.  There are many shopping opportunities from the souvenir shops to the many outlet stores.  The amusement park Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge.  There are many water parks, miniature golf, go-carts, comedy clubs, wedding chapels, music clubs and many circus rides all over the place.  There is an aquarium in Gatlinburg, Ripley's Believe it or Not and even a Hard Rock Cafe.  

Recommendations

• There is something for everyone here.  There's a little bit of something here for everyone.  From nature lovers to shoppers, everyone should be able to find something they like.
• Be prepared to walk a lot in the park or in town.  Parking in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge looks like it can be an adventure.  
• Very nice place to visit.  It is very beautiful country.  The towns were a little too touristy for us - we don't care about all the rides and go-cart places, but the people are very friendly and the park is a great place to go
• For quiet time in the park, walk some of the longer trails.  Even if you just go part way down a trail and double-back, there doesn't tend to be as many people as some of the short trails.    

Did you know Smoky Mountain National Park was founded in 1934.

For more information, visit the National Park Service page at www.nps.gov/grsm

Click Here for a web site featuring information about lodging, dining, attractions and other activities in the area.