Smoky Mountain National Park Area Camping
Hi--we have a trip planned for the 1st week of August to the Smokies and are looking for a good campground to explore the area. We want something centrally located that we can use as a home base and ...
Forum Discussion
j'sgypsybuggy -- It's gonna be hot and sticky in August. If you plan to hike and everyone in the group is in good shape - Alum Cave trail is a great hike. It may be closed M-F for renovation. One of our favorite trails is Andrew's Bald which starts at Clingman's Dome parking lot. It will be cooler due to the elevation and is not as challenging. Walker Sister's trail in Metcalf Bottom is a great, easy stroll and the cabin is wonderful. I recommend reading up on the Walker sister's as their story is worth it.
If your group likes wildlife -- get up early Wednesday morning and drive to Cades Cove and rent bikes at the campground store and hit the Cades Cove 11 mile loop road on bike. In August the critters will only be active early and again after sunset. I've driven loop countless times and it was only after my son and I rented bikes during a camping trip did I see all the details.
There are actually several roads that lead to the Park. The main one is Hwy 441. There are very neat little roads that come into the Park from Wear's Valley and other locations that will lead you back into rarely-traveled areas.
A great day trip would be to travel from your CG over to the Cataloochee area in North Carolina. Cataloochee has a wonderful elk herd and seeing those massive creatures is incredible. The trout fishing is pretty good in Cataloochee, as well.
Plan to eat at "Best Italian" in the Elk's Plaza in G'burg and ask for a table outside. Go later in the evening and enjoy the little creek and you may be entertained by the Momma raccoon that has been known to beg for scraps. We enjoy the roof top dining of "Loco Burro" in G'burg. The food is okay and the frozen adult beverages sneak up on you. Very, very nice to sit outside in the late afternoon heat and drink frozen drinks.
There is much to do in the Park and it is always better to be out of the car exploring the "Quiet Walkways" and such. However, the "Roaring Fork Motor Trail" is an excellent drive. Great day trip and plenty of places to pull over and have a picnic and explore the cabins.
Writing all this is making me plan my next trip. Go have fun.
If your group likes wildlife -- get up early Wednesday morning and drive to Cades Cove and rent bikes at the campground store and hit the Cades Cove 11 mile loop road on bike. In August the critters will only be active early and again after sunset. I've driven loop countless times and it was only after my son and I rented bikes during a camping trip did I see all the details.
There are actually several roads that lead to the Park. The main one is Hwy 441. There are very neat little roads that come into the Park from Wear's Valley and other locations that will lead you back into rarely-traveled areas.
A great day trip would be to travel from your CG over to the Cataloochee area in North Carolina. Cataloochee has a wonderful elk herd and seeing those massive creatures is incredible. The trout fishing is pretty good in Cataloochee, as well.
Plan to eat at "Best Italian" in the Elk's Plaza in G'burg and ask for a table outside. Go later in the evening and enjoy the little creek and you may be entertained by the Momma raccoon that has been known to beg for scraps. We enjoy the roof top dining of "Loco Burro" in G'burg. The food is okay and the frozen adult beverages sneak up on you. Very, very nice to sit outside in the late afternoon heat and drink frozen drinks.
There is much to do in the Park and it is always better to be out of the car exploring the "Quiet Walkways" and such. However, the "Roaring Fork Motor Trail" is an excellent drive. Great day trip and plenty of places to pull over and have a picnic and explore the cabins.
Writing all this is making me plan my next trip. Go have fun.
