"The Great Smokey Mountains in Eastern Tennessee" Tennessee by Ky_Happy_Dad

Tennessee Travel Guide: 3,515 reviews and 6,944 photos

Smokey Mountain family vacations

My wife enjoys hunting for bargains at outlet malls and eating out at restaurants. My boys and I prefer hiking and camping. The Smokey Mountains is a good compromise vacation choice because it has both options, as well as country music shows and Dollywood (a themepark).

When planning your trip to the Smokey Mountain area, you can stay in crowded tourist areas, or you can find peace and quiet in a rented cabin or a bed and breakfast on a mountain top.

If you like crowds and shopping (as my wife does), there are many motels lining the road in Pigeon Forge mixed in with chain resturants, outlet malls, music show theatres etc. Gatlinburg, on the park's North entrance, is older and more compact for walking, but it has more crafts and locally made goods. If you stay in Pigeon Forge you can take a bypass around Gatlinburg to the park and avoid the traffic.

If you enjoy getting away from the crowds (as I do), either stay in the Best Western motel in Townsend, stay in a bed and breakfast or rent a cabin. The ideal choice, for those who enjoy hiking (because that is the only way to get there), is staying in LaConte Lodge,the cabins at the top of Mt. LaConte. These are usually reserved up to a year in advance, but sometimes vacancies occur. If you like camping at campsites, the Cades Cove campground is a good choice because you can go horseback riding, biking, walking, or visiting the old mill and cabin area.

Many of the most well known hiking trails in the park are crowded, yet the park is large enough you can find small trails that are secluded with great scenery. The closer proximity to Gatlinburg, the more likely you'll run into casual park visitors. One popular trail leading to a waterfall is used so much the park service paved it in blacktop. A small book called Great Walks of the Smokey Mountains lists several short scenic walks most families would enjoy even if they are not rugged advanture hikers. Those looking for longer hikes should read Bill Bryson's book about walking the Appalachian Trail. He has a chapter describing his walk through the park. The May/June 2001 issue of National Geographic Traveler provides good tips on planing a trip, or visit the National Geographic Website.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great Scenery and Variety
Cons:Crowds and tacky tourist items in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
In a nutshell:Something for everyone in your family to enjoy

Last visit to Tennessee: Jul 2005
Intro Updated Aug 13, 2005
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Reviews (15)

"The Track" family recreation center ... Things to Do (3)

If you have typical boys that like to ride go-carts, I can recommend "The Track" which features four go-cart tracks--a... more travel advice

Italian Steakhouse in peaceful Townsend Restaurants (2)

Anyone who has stayed in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg knows they are crowded. An alternative for those seeking more peace... more travel advice

Escape from the outlet malls - Tennessee

Outlet malls in Pigeon Forge and... Shopping (1)

Anyone who has ever been to Pigeon Forge in Tennessee knows the place is full of outlet malls, restaurants, country... more travel advice

Camping in the Smokey Mountains Hotels (3)

When we camp in the National Park, we enjoy staying at the Cades Cove campground because of the opportunity to bike... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Traffic in Gatlenburg and...
Favorites (1)
The Smokey Mountain National...
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Written Aug 13, 2005

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The Smokey Mountains

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Comments (19)

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Florida999 May 8, 2006 at 12:51 PM

We love the Smokey Mountain NP too!! I have not yet made a page for NC and TN yet but will soon. Hello from another family traveler in Florida :) !!
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dsantosh Jan 8, 2004 at 11:36 PM

Brent ...great travellouges and albums...Many many happy returns of the day. Wishing you a happy birthday and great travels in 2004.
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floss1 Apr 1, 2002 at 11:59 AM

excellent!!!!! very good
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janiac Oct 20, 2001 at 8:01 PM

planning a trip there soon/want to see bears
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acemj Sep 7, 2001 at 7:34 PM

I`m with you. Avoid the crowds!
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zentrinko Aug 25, 2001 at 11:11 PM

Nice page, I as well like Tennessee
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kschatterbox Aug 23, 2001 at 9:18 PM

I just love Tenn and Mountains. I cant wait to see the smoky
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Petra1 Jun 28, 2001 at 11:12 PM

Wow - fantastic pictures!
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Archie_Oak May 21, 2001 at 2:32 AM

just loved your photograph of Smoky mountains...its really ca
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brdwtchr May 2, 2001 at 8:30 PM

Smokey Mountains are beautiful.