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Smoky Mountains: TN or NC side to stay?
Posted on 4/15/24 at 8:24 pm
Posted on 4/15/24 at 8:24 pm
3rd time visiting but first time planning the trip as my first 2 trips were as a kid.
Got a steal flight from MSP to Asheville for a 4 days in June.
I know Gatlinburg is the hot spot but not sure if Townsend, TN or Cherokee, NC would be better options. They seem to be quieter. Also, Bryson City NC could be an option but don't know much about it.
Any input would be great. Thx.
Got a steal flight from MSP to Asheville for a 4 days in June.
I know Gatlinburg is the hot spot but not sure if Townsend, TN or Cherokee, NC would be better options. They seem to be quieter. Also, Bryson City NC could be an option but don't know much about it.
Any input would be great. Thx.
This post was edited on 4/15/24 at 8:25 pm
7
Posted on 4/15/24 at 8:35 pm to SpartyGator
TN side the 2 areas of Gatlinburg and pigeon forge are big busy and touristy. Traffic can be a nightmare, Maggie Valley is busy but still pretty small.
NC side Asheville is Austin TX weird and a lot of alphabet pushed stuff, very congested. Boone is beautiful and slower college town.
Both sides have many laid back areas if that is what you are into.
NC side Asheville is Austin TX weird and a lot of alphabet pushed stuff, very congested. Boone is beautiful and slower college town.
Both sides have many laid back areas if that is what you are into.
Posted on 4/16/24 at 9:25 am to SpartyGator
I have considered, but never did the NC side. What are some of the events/attractions you plan on doing while you are out there. That may help posters advise which side would be best.
FYI, we always do the TN side as we don't mind the touristy stuff as that is a lot of what we typically do with 3 small children. When they are older, we'll be doing less touristy things, and more exploring and that is probably when we'll start doing the NC side.
FYI, we always do the TN side as we don't mind the touristy stuff as that is a lot of what we typically do with 3 small children. When they are older, we'll be doing less touristy things, and more exploring and that is probably when we'll start doing the NC side.
Posted on 4/16/24 at 9:40 am to SpartyGator
quote:
Bryson City NC
We went a few years back and Bryson City was perfect.
We stayed at Lands Creek - LINK
Posted on 4/16/24 at 10:35 am to SpartyGator
NC side all day. Love to go see the elk herd in fall either in Cataloochee Valley or visitor center in Cherokee. Kids love to play in that river
Posted on 4/16/24 at 10:46 am to SpartyGator
Both have their pros and cons. Overall, I prefer the North Carolina side and find it to be more upscale, overall, but the Tennessee side has its nice parts.
Posted on 4/16/24 at 10:47 am to SpartyGator
Stayed in Cherokee the last few times. (been several years so I suppose subject to change) I'd stay Cherokee side again unless I got a good deal on a cabin remote outside of Gatlinburg.
I love the park, but the vibe of the tourist hell hole of Gatlinburg makes my skin crawl.
I think it was a Holiday Inn Express in Cherokee. Interesting seeing the difference between unfettered tourism on the north side, or the depressed nature of an Indian Reservation at the south entrance.
I love the park, but the vibe of the tourist hell hole of Gatlinburg makes my skin crawl.
I think it was a Holiday Inn Express in Cherokee. Interesting seeing the difference between unfettered tourism on the north side, or the depressed nature of an Indian Reservation at the south entrance.
Posted on 4/16/24 at 7:25 pm to SpartyGator
Skip the Smokies, look around highlands, cashiers, blue ridge, brevard. Lots of cool shite through those areas.
Lots of amazing food in comparison to the chain garbage in the Smokies area.
Lots of amazing food in comparison to the chain garbage in the Smokies area.
Posted on 4/16/24 at 7:41 pm to Weekend Warrior79
quote:
I have considered, but never did the NC side. What are some of the events/attractions you plan on doing while you are out there. That may help posters advise which side would be best.
Basically just need a place to crash and will be in the park for the 2 days over there. Would love to find some good local eateries.
Thanks for all the input on this thread
Posted on 4/17/24 at 12:13 pm to SpartyGator
I would opt for western NC as well. Bryson City, Sylva are great areas (GSMNP, whitewater rafting, Great Smokey mountain railway for kids) and as someone else pointed out, Cashiers, Brevard are nice family areas (hiking, shopping, lots of waterfalls, etc). East Tennessee is more "touristy" if that is your preference.
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