Great Smokey mnt nal park

[Gaetan]

Driving from Canada to Florida beginning of novembre and back mid april
We would like to spend a week to visit the park which is the best time of these 2 periods would be the best time, and what are the must. See
Gaetan

[2008Wildcat]

Just got back from the Gatlinburg area.

We did the Rainbow Falls hike, and saw bear on the way back down.

There is so much to see and do, just research a little more, and you will find all the tourist trap attractions of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Also see the Cherokee Reservation after Clingmans Dome......

[Gaetan]

Thanks for your pertinent comments it is appreciated
Gaetan

[bgum]

November will be a little late for the peak fall colors. The weather should be cool but very nice. Crowds should be thinned out. In April the weather should be cool but nice also. Spring will bring out the people and the newborn animals. Both times are great for a visit.

[Markiemark32]

A gem of a campground:

Mile High

Although, may not be open, during your visit:(

Markiemark:C

[wmoses]

April is better in my opinion. You might even see a black bear in the park, if you are lucky. Lots of deer and wild turkeys too.

[Skylark]

Go to see the elk while there.

Elk Herd

[Handbasket]

Google will probably catch it for you, but it's 'Smoky' without the 'e'.

I'd prefer mid-April. It's less likely to be raw and rainy (no guarantee, tho'). After almost 50 years in the area, I can tell you that the law of averages means nothing weather-wise here. It may be 70, or it may be snowing. Might even do both the same day.... So "Dress accordingly." 😉

Jim, "Crowded elevators smell different to midgets."

[americanrascal]

We love it there and are partial to the fall when the colors are changing. But mid- late November is a bit late and you might even catch some snow up on top.

We think Clingmans Dome is the best of the park, but Cades Cove and the myriad of trails are good also. 2 totally different experiences, each worth the visit.

[linnemj]

It is a large National Park! Either time is great for a visit since you miss most of the crowds and have nice weather. We like to hike and there are trails to suit all type of hikers in the park. I recommend you go on-line and see all the features of the park. One nice site I just found is www.nationalparktraveler.com

Have a great visit

[TPUC]

"It's not a park with spectacular scenery" I would disagree great park best views are off the main roads. I drove one day for 5 hours down back roads inside the park and ran across all matter of wild life and views.

[agesilaus]

Depends on the weather, either time should be OK. They will be cooler. Aside from Cades Cove I'm not sure what I'd call a 'must see' in GSMNP. It's not a park with spectacular scenery, I'd say it's a park where you let the feeling of the area soak in over a period of days. Hike some trails and take your time.

BK