We stayed at Tremont and liked it a lot. It is right outside the park and a short drive to Cades Cove. We went to Cades two days and took our dogs. Had picnic lunches at wider pull overs and set up chairs and our dogs were with us. Some trails didn't allow them and we didn't go on them. On the westside there is an overlook road that was really neat with spectacular views. At Tremont we park for a couple of nights by a county deputy and he was a wealth of information on places to see and places to go. Next trip we are going to the eastside of the park.