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re: Planning a vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains
Posted on 7/6/16 at 4:16 pm to The Spleen
Posted on 7/6/16 at 4:16 pm to The Spleen
It can get that way in the summer months. Try Hayesville on Lake Chatuge or Nantahala Lake.
2
Posted on 7/6/16 at 5:12 pm to TigerOnTheMountain
quote:
TigerOnTheMountain
Whats the weather like this type of year.. beginning August?
I expect it to be nice/cool not to hot? Rain alot?
Posted on 7/6/16 at 5:37 pm to LUS Tiger in FL
Expect humidity and mid to upper 80's from about 11 am until sunset. Usually a breeze is blowing, so it's not a suffocating heat like LA. It can rain frequently but, it passes through the valleys quickly and does not last long enough to ruin any plans outdoors you and your family may have. Once the sun sets in the valley of the noon day sun, it will get cooler and very enjoyable.
However, weather on top of the mountains can be very unpredictable. If you plan on hiking into the higher elevations, definitely be prepared.
However, weather on top of the mountains can be very unpredictable. If you plan on hiking into the higher elevations, definitely be prepared.
This post was edited on 7/6/16 at 5:39 pm
Posted on 7/7/16 at 12:35 am to TigerOnTheMountain
I would recommend a day in Waynesville. Nice little town that is also the highest elevation town in NC. It is only about 40 minute drive from Bryson City. Sandwiched in between Bryson City and Waynesville and a tad to the South is Dillsboro. It is about 25 minutes from BC.
Of course, Asheville is worth a day trip if you have never been to Biltmore Estate.
Just stay away from Cherokee and Maggie Valley. Both are very trashy and will make you feel like "why the hell did we come here?"
Of course, Asheville is worth a day trip if you have never been to Biltmore Estate.
Just stay away from Cherokee and Maggie Valley. Both are very trashy and will make you feel like "why the hell did we come here?"
Posted on 7/7/16 at 7:55 am to Dick Leverage
I haven't spent much time in Waynesville. It's not the highest the town in NC, though. Without looking, I know Boone is higher in elevation. If you're going to day trip to Asheville, catch a tourist game.
And bruh, Maggie Valley is an internationally recognized skiing destination
And bruh, Maggie Valley is an internationally recognized skiing destination
This post was edited on 7/7/16 at 7:56 am
Posted on 7/7/16 at 8:12 am to Dick Leverage
Biltmore is okay, but don't they charge like $50 or something just to get on the property and walk around? We stayed there for a wedding so didn't have to pay, but I overheard a couple talking about it. I didn't think it was worth that if that is accurate.
I'm pretty excited about checking out the new Sierra Nevada brewery when we're up there in a couple of weeks. Friend said it's pretty awesome even if you don't like their beer.
I'm pretty excited about checking out the new Sierra Nevada brewery when we're up there in a couple of weeks. Friend said it's pretty awesome even if you don't like their beer.
Posted on 7/7/16 at 8:17 am to LUS Tiger in FL
Avoid walking the strip in Gatlinburg unless you can handle carnival-barker-salesmen trying to get you to go look at a condo - or - you like over-priced crappy souvenirs
If you like hiking, go here LINK and pick up a trail guide for free that lists all the trails and ranks them according to difficulty and features (like waterfalls or beautiful lookouts)
Dollywood is a decent place for families although it will be overrun in the summer months. They have a water park that is great on super hot days, but the water is cold.
I usually stay in a chalet instead of a motel or condo. There are some reasonable values if you hunt for it. I always stay in Cobbly Knob because it is out from town and the chalets are private.
Most of the restaurants are crap - including ALL of the pancake houses that look like log cabins.
The outlets are crap - avoid these.
I have been to the Smokies too many times (+-30) and usually hike the major trails and cook my own food and relax in the hot tub.
If you like hiking, go here LINK and pick up a trail guide for free that lists all the trails and ranks them according to difficulty and features (like waterfalls or beautiful lookouts)
Dollywood is a decent place for families although it will be overrun in the summer months. They have a water park that is great on super hot days, but the water is cold.
I usually stay in a chalet instead of a motel or condo. There are some reasonable values if you hunt for it. I always stay in Cobbly Knob because it is out from town and the chalets are private.
Most of the restaurants are crap - including ALL of the pancake houses that look like log cabins.
The outlets are crap - avoid these.
I have been to the Smokies too many times (+-30) and usually hike the major trails and cook my own food and relax in the hot tub.
Posted on 7/7/16 at 8:56 am to The Spleen
quote:
I like the NC side much better.
I like the NC side more as well.
Posted on 7/7/16 at 11:34 am to LUS Tiger in FL
quote:
What's the best place to stay?
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Bryson City, NC?
Depends on what you want to do. If you just want to enjoy the scenery and get away from the hustle and bustle...check out Fontana Village. It is very cool, with lots of fun stuff for the kids.
Posted on 7/7/16 at 11:57 am to TigerOnTheMountain
quote:There's a Travel Board now if you want some additional input. Good luck on the trip
TigerOnTheMountain
Posted on 7/7/16 at 1:35 pm to The Nino
I'm not traveling. I live here already
Posted on 7/7/16 at 3:04 pm to TigerOnTheMountain
Lol...
I do appreciate everyone's input and looking forward to a great trip
I do appreciate everyone's input and looking forward to a great trip
Posted on 7/7/16 at 7:17 pm to LUS Tiger in FL
Happy to help. Love encouraging people to visit this area. I visit this board frequently so if you have any questions while visiting post here and I will respond as best I can.
Posted on 7/8/16 at 9:39 am to LUS Tiger in FL
Gatlinburg is a total tourist trap.
Don't expect to see any wildlife.
The whole area is overcrowded with people.
Don't expect to see any wildlife.
The whole area is overcrowded with people.
Posted on 7/8/16 at 9:48 am to samson'sseed
There are a few things in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge I enjoy. Watching the taffy machine at the Candy Kitchen, fresh donuts in the morning at the Donut Friar, Hillbilly Golf, the smell of the onions and peppers on the flat top at they open window sausage/brat place, the local artisan gallery.
But as has been said, the real allure is to go put up a tent and sit by the stream, sipping coffee in the morning and beer in the evening with your feet in the current, and taking hikes around the park.
But as has been said, the real allure is to go put up a tent and sit by the stream, sipping coffee in the morning and beer in the evening with your feet in the current, and taking hikes around the park.
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