Gatlinburg

[rachel1998]

We are going to be in Gatlinburg. What is the road like from Gatlinburg to Cherokee? Is it worthwhile going there at all? Not Gatlinburg, Cherokee. I heard it was very touristy.

 

[tombo]

Cherokee is touristy. Heck for that matter Gatlinburg is touristy. The road is long and winding but could be worth a day trip. The leaves should be changing now, and the drive through the park is beautiful. There is a casino in Cherokee and there is touristy Indian stuff. I haven't been in years since there is more to do in Gatlinburg , Pigeon Forge, and the Smokey Mountain Nat'l Park than I can do in a week. The Aquarium is great, many good dinner shows, lots of nice walking and junk shopping on main street. Dollywood is fun if you like rides. Dollywood also has some good shows and arts and crafts. If you are going to be in town before the end of October the Craftmen's Fair is at the convention center on the main drag in downtown Gatlinburg, a definite do see. Read back through previous Gatlinburg posts and you will receive advice on more to do than you can do in a week.

 

[AwayWeGo]

We Skipped The Indian Casino.

We enjoyed Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge & Smoky Mountain National Park.

The drive through Cade's Cove in the park is extremely pleasant.

We didn't bother with the Indian casino in Cherokee.

We heard everybody should go to Gatlinburg at least once, so we went -- had a nice time.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[stanmark]

The road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee is a winding mountain road, but a pretty drive--especially in late October. In the middle of the drive, you may want to take the road to Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the area that should provide a scenic view on a nice day. If you like to hike, or even take a gentle stroll, stop at the Visitor Centers at either end of the National Park and ask about trails. Nice hikes are accessible not far from both the eastern and western entrances. Cherokee is touristy, (so is Gatlinburg) but you may enjoy the Cherokee Indian Museum for both its artifacts and the telling of the story of the Cherokee Nation. The Ocunaluftee Indian Village is a reconstructed Cherokee village with real Cherokees demonstrating crafts and explaining their ancestors' lives. Also near Cherokee, you can access the Blue Ridge Parkway for some wonderful scenic driving along the crest of the mountains.

 

[sfwilshire]

In late October, you'll see mostly the bumper of the car in front of you. Traffic is awful for the leaf peepers. I stay FAR away from the whole area in October/early November.

Sheila

 

[tombo]

In late October, you'll see mostly the bumper of the car in front of you. Traffic is awful for the leaf peepers. I stay FAR away from the whole area in October/early November.

Sheila

Traffic is horrible. It took me over 4 hours to drive through Cades Cove 2 years ago in late October (normally about 1 1/2 hour trip). The wait for restaurants is terrible. Shows fill up. It is hard to find a parking place. What a bad time to go to Gatlinburg!

I leave for Gatlinburg Thursday night and I can't wait. The view of the mountains covered in red and gold makes the trip worth it. I look forward to Saturday night in Knoxville at the Bama-Tennessee game where orange clad fans cover the stadium like a garbage man's convention had arrived. Our small but vocal crimson clad contingent will be sitting in the upper deck corner of the end zone. The yells of Roll Tide and go vols will fill the air all weekend throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It is an every other year trip I always look forward to.

If you want to see Gatlinburg at a less crowded time, there are very few times during the year that are this busy. However, if you want to see the leaves at their peak color, late October and early November is the only time to go. Be patient, relax, and enjoy the Smokeys at their most beautiful. After all that is why it is so crowded this time of year, everyone wants to see the fall colors at their finest.

 

[sfwilshire]

For those that don't know, Cades Cove is an 11 mile loop. Four hours. Sounds about right this time of year.

The leaves are just as good other places with MUCH less traffic.

I'll also be avoiding Knoxville this Saturday for obvious reasons.

Sheila