Gatlinburg Forum: Great Smokies & Asheville Trip Planning Questions

We definitely want to include SMNP on this trip. We'll forego the horeseback riding if necessary. We are less intersted in the historical aspects of Cades Cove than overall scenic value. So for us, foregoing Cades Cove is an option as well if folks believe the scenery is similar to what we'll see on Newfound Gap Rd and Roaring Forks Motor Trail.

Curious as to people's thoughts on the best scenic route between Shelby and Cherokee on Day 2 as we head to the park. The tradeoff being scenic value vs. limited time we have.

Also on Day 3, would a stop at Craggey Gardens be worthwhile and not too far out of the way on our way to Asheville?

Thanks!

The scenery at Cades Cove is unique, but the traffic is usually a nightmare (even cars waiting at sunrise for the gates to open are usually backed up quite a way). An area similar to Cades Cove (though not identical but much less heavily visited) is Cataloochee Cove, in the southeastern part of the park. Since you are going to Asheville, it wouldn't be very far out of your way and has a lot of the same kind of historical interest that Cades Cove has. (Check it out on the national park website.) Just an alternative to consider.

The horseback riding business on hwy 321 is closed for the winter season. Sorry! So is part of the Roaring Fork Motor Trail.

Carol

Thanks. We are visiting i reviewed mid April so fhings would hopefully have reopened by the.

I've read.in severalthe places that Cataloochee is an interesting alternativ

e to Cades Cove. Are the roads to Cataloochee paved?

The road to Cataloochee is not paved. It is a narrow dirt road in good shape. Just drive slow and you will be fine.

I would go to Cades Cove for sure. In April the traffic will not be bad. You have a 50/50 chance of seeing a bear there. Usually a mother and small cubs at that time of year. The wildflowers will be good that time of year.

I would drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Cherokee. The views are beautiful. It may take an hour of extra time but well worth it.

In Asheville have lunch or dinner at Tupelo Honey Cafe. If you like good bbq eat at 12 Bones. President Obama has ate here 2 times in the last 3 years.

Must see's are the GSNP, Cades Cove, and Roaring Forks Motor Trail if the road is open. The water will probably still be too cold for rafting in mid April.

You can have lunch on the grounds of the Biltmore, the Stable Cafe is reasonable and right beside the mansion.

I second the drive on BRP to Asheville. And Tupelo Honey is outstanding. Early Girl and Corner Kitchen are fun too. President Obama ate at Corner Kitchen too. Visit the Farmers Market on Brevard and have lunch at Moose Cafe. Enjoy your trip.

ncagr.gov/markets/…

Thanks for the tips everyone. Can't wait till April!

Back from our trip to Asheville and GSNP. We really enjoyed it. Traveled the Newfound Gap Rd across the park, hiked up to Clingman's Dome, and saw lots of wildlowers on the Cove Hardwood Nature Loop (Chimney Tops Picnic Area Trailhead). Had a nice picnic on the creek at the Chimney Tops campground area.

Highly recommend the Park Vista hotel in Gatlinburg for it's location, atmosphere and views. Next day we enjoyed the Roaring Forks Motor Trail and horseback riding at Smoky Mountain Riding Stables. Saw a bear and 3 cubs on our 1.25 hr trail ride through some nice forest and stream scenery.

Easily filled the last day with the Biltmore House and gardens. While in Asheville had 2 great breakfasts at Country Kitchen in the Biltmore Village, a tasty dinner at Rezaz, and some great BBQ a Luella's. Grand Bohemian hotel was a great place to stay with a convenient location at Biltmore gate. The rooms and lobby areas were very nice, and the staff very helpful.

Would love to come back and spend more time in this area.