Had enough of Gatlinburg, need solitude with FHU

[amy5708]

We have always wanted to visit Gatlinburg, but walking through town for an hour and driving up to Pigeon Forge and sitting in traffic for 2 hours is enough!! However, we would like to spend more time around the National Park, hiking and fishing without crowds.

For the last two weeks we have stayed at quiet, secluded state parks. We have had enough of roughing it and would like full hookups (we are traveling with 2 teen girls!), and we have 36', so National Parks aren't an option.

Thinking of moving to Cherokee or Bryson City, but since we haven't been to either before unsure if we will jumping from frying pan to fire.

Suggestions would be very appreciated!!!

Thanks so much, Amy

[Parkerrs]

Cherokee will usually be about as crowded as Gatlinburg and it is also a casino town now. Bryson City is fairly quiet and laid back while being close enough to drive into the park.

Another good spot is Townsend, Tenn., it is very quiet with plenty of hiking, fishing, and rafting available. I's a scenic drive from it to either of the towns also. Also it is located next door to Cades Cove which is an all day adventure in hiking and wildlife.

One other location is Maggie Valley. It's quiet but also contains the Ghost Town amusement park.

My suggestion would be Townsend if you've never been there.

[paz]

Sevierville, TN, is another possible location. We stayed at River Plantation there back in 2007.

Sevierville is handy to Pigeon Forge if you want to take part in some of the tourist activities there with your girls, but it's farther from Cades Cove. Townsend is quieter and closer to Cades Cove, but farther from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

[Chickadee]

Sounds like you'd REALLY appreciate Townsend area. It's even called the "quiet side of the mtn." yet access to all the area offers is GREAT! Even if ya get to missing the hub-bub of Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, it's just short drive back into this mess from Townsend. . If ya have a toad w. ya, just take a day trip over New Found Gap to visit Cherokee. Think twice about taking your rig over this route!! Enjoy.

Steve & Lynette

[Parkerrs]

If you want to check out Townsend just go to traffic light #3 in Pigeon Forge and take Wear's Valley Road. It goes from Pigeon Forge directly to Townsend. Only caution is when nearing Townsend there is a 180 Degree downhill curve, It has more than ample clearance for a 45 footer with toad though. You can use this same road to return to Pigeon Forge if your girls want to do some of the activities, it's about a 30 minute drive. Also the parkway which is a straight shot across hwy.441 from Wear's Valley road is a good way to avoid the pigeon forge congestion and still hop to different places in town.

[JohnA]

Amy:

There is a very nice, but little known park just 12 miles East of Gatlinburg on US Route 321. It's Gatlingburg RV Resort, an Outdoor Resorts of America park, and you can find out about it at www.outdoor-resorts.com . We have stayed there a number of times and it is very clean, quiet, and well located for other activities. There is an entrance to the East end of Smoky Mtn Nat'l Park within 2 miles of the camp and that part of the park is a very low use area compared to other areas of the park. There is good hiking (marked trails) and great scenery there.

Check the web site, but I'm sure you would enjoy a visit there.

Also, their phone number is

Gatlinburg RV Resort
Toll Free: 1(800) 677-5861

Hope this helps,

John A

[historyljc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnA Amy: There is a very nice, but little known park just 12 miles East of Gatlinburg on US Route 321. It's Gatlingburg RV Resort, an Outdoor Resorts of America park, and you can find out about it at www.outdoor-resorts.com . We have stayed there a number of times and it is very clean, quiet, and well located for other activities. There is an entrance to the East end of Smoky Mtn Nat'l Park within 2 miles of the camp and that part of the park is a very low use area compared to other areas of the park. There is good hiking (marked trails) and great scenery there. Check the web site, but I'm sure you would enjoy a visit there. Also, their phone number is Gatlinburg RV Resort Toll Free: 1(800) 677-5861 Hope this helps, John A

That is a nice park. I've stayed there.

[Redcrown]

My wife and I were married there 15 years ago, came back through there about a month ago. We were shocked at the traffic, thought we were in LA! off the freeway then a hour and half to the camp ground!

[sknight]

The area really has changed in the 18 years I've been going there. I still like the area though, all the touristy things the kids like, plenty to do, then we sneak off for some seclusion on the BRP at Mile High CG. Unfortunately no hookups.

I'll third (Or fourth, whatever it's up to.) Townsend. It's still a lot like PF and Gberg were 20 years ago. Nice, quiet, just a small town in the mountains. Cades Cove is a very short drive, the Natl park is a short ride, the BRP is an hour away on the other side of the park.

[bishgeo]

We stay at jelly stone park cosby tn.They are on rt 321 by rt 40 you can camp right on the stream bank.