Planning Smokey Mtn trip

[djnedd]

The DW and I are planning a Mid May trip to the Smokey Mtn NP (side trip to Mammoth Cave) etc. Probably a couple of distillery tours.

I am a pretty compulsive planner ( a character deficit ) for trips like this. How many days do you think I need to get a good sample of the Smokey Mtn.'s and surrounding environs? Are there any must see adventures you would recommend ( not the usual ones) ?

Thanks in advance.

Dan N

[djsamuel]

Some great suggestions here. Take a look at Townsend as well. Quiet and very convenient to the park. We stayed at Big Meadows Family campground and enjoyed it.

[TxGearhead]

If you stay in Wears Valley, Elvira's Café is OK. Also Geppetto's Italian.
We stayed at Cove Creek RV last year and have reservations there in April. Close to an entrance to the park and not too far from Pigeon Forge.

[GeoBoy]

We spent a week in the Smokey Mountain NP and used the Pine Mountain RV Park in Pigeon Forge, TN. Great location, and the shuttle stops at the campground. Have fun.

[cindik]

Second RV2GO, great suggestions!

[djnedd]

Thanks all for your input. Some great advice. Looks like I could use up a week or two without much effort. At least I think I need to be thinking 4-5 days minimum just for the Smokey Mtn NP.

To answer the questions on preferences we like history and development of areas (some museums), short hiking trails, auto tours and scenic vistas, and of course good local food specialties.

[JoeH]

If you get a chance, visit Cataloochee Valley and see the elk that wander around. Dawn or just before sunset are great times to visit. We use Maggie valley as our base. There's lots to do in the valley and it's a short drive to Cherokee , the Blue ridge Parkway and other areas of interest including Asheville. If you are interested in motorcycles, Wheels thru Time in Maggie Valley is a must see. There are several RV CG's in Maggie, the last time we stayed at Pride RV and it was a pretty nice place.

[Two_Jayhawks]

Here is a restaurant recommendation English Mountain Trout Farm & Grill. Off the strip and away from the crowds.

[ViewOfAKindArt_]

Paw Paws Catfish for me:)please! Have fun safe travels.

[skipro]

RV2GO has some great suggestions. Give us some more info on the kinds of things you like to do and we'll give you more ideas.

[ken56]

The best distillery tour is Jack Daniels in Lynchburg. Very comprehensive and a good lesson in the distilling process. The distilleries around the Smokies are small Moonshine distillers and basically just tanks to see, same as a micro brewery really. Moonshine is just unaged whiskey. Lots of flavors made today and still worth a visit though. Campgrounds inside the NP are dry, no hook-ups so as said above, do you want to stay closer to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg or Townsend and the quieter side? Townsend has a couple of nice private campgrounds.

As far as must see's there is Forbiden Cavern, Bush Beans factory that has a cafe for a good lunch and museum for their history. Its small and an easy go through. Townsend area has the Great Smoky Mtns Herritage Center and small railroad/lumber museum. The touristy things to do in town are still worth a visit. Lots of good shows and restaurants in the area.

[rv2go]

I sure hope that when you say you are wanting to visit the Smokey's, you mean the Park instead of the tourist traps of Pigeon Forge and Gburg.

Stop at the Visitors Center. View the displays, watch the movie, then drive up to Newfound Gap. Pack a lunch.
Plan on a early rise and drive the Little River Road over to the Y and then on to Cades Cove. Plan on a hike to Abrams Falls. about 5 miles RT. Several old homesteads and churches along the Cades Cove loop. about 11 miles. If time permits hike up to Laurel Falls on the way back. The trail and parking can be crowded. Pack a lunch and take water.

Plan a early start and drive the Roaring Fork Motor. Along the way, you come to the trail head for Rainbow Falls. At 80 feet, it is the tallest clear fall in the Park.

Drive back up the Newfound Road to the trail head for the Chimney Tops. This trail will take you to some views of the mtn's and the great fire.

OK....Now you can do some of the touristy things.

[FLGup]

What activities do you like? If you want full hookups and some tourist/town stuff, eating out, shows or attractions as well as going into the National Park, then I would look at Weirs Valley. You can go towards the tourist stuff or take the back entrance into the Park and you are halfway to Cade’s Cove or the other way towards the Visitor Center.