Community Forums

Catch14me · 07-17-2015, 05:48 AM

Hello, my wife and I are considering taking two grandkids to the Smoky Mountains in August. In the past we have stayed in the Gatlinburg area in the Fall but never been there in the Summer and wondering how badly crowded it is this time of year in the Park. We have been in the bear traffic jams at Cades Cove and long lines at Clingman's Dome a couple of times but it was cool temps then in the Fall of the year. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

Melvo · 07-17-2015, 08:46 AM

Have a cabin near Gatlinburg and go there often. There seems to be wall to wall people all season only time it thins out is dead winter.

daydream37 · 07-17-2015, 09:27 AM

I have never been to Cades Cove when it wasn't a giant traffic jam. There are many other places just as nice without the traffic nearby.

Superslif · 07-17-2015, 10:49 AM

We visited 2nd & 3rd weeks of June for 12 days staying 9 days in the park at 2 campgrounds 3 nights at a campground in Gatlinburg that was on the trolley route. Yes, Gatlinburg was busy, but manageable. We came to see the streams, waterfalls and views. The key was hitting the park early. Like the chimney Tops Picnic Area by 10:30 to get a table. Kids would have fun climbing about the rocks by the stream. Hit Clinmans Dome either before 11am or do a sunset visit.

Smoky Mtn. photo gallery 2012.

GaryKD · 07-17-2015, 11:13 AM

Hi Catch14me,
It depends, when in August you want to go. Beginning August 3, local schools start. Not all at the same time, but staggered in the month. There will still be plenty of people. How old are the Gkids? Will they enjoy the shows, mini golf, rides, go carts? If so, Sevierville or Pigeon Forge may be a better location as a base camp. I agree with previous posts about SMNP. Get there early for whatever activity you want to do. SMNP is the only NP I will hike alone. There are so many people on the trails if anything should happen help is there.

Consider http://www.hiddenmountain.com/cabin-type/the-dell-rv/ as a base camp. You can not get a better location if Sevierville or Pigeon Forge activities are in the plan.

Wizard · 07-17-2015, 05:42 PM

Just a reminder, GSMNP is the most visited NP in the USA

Superslif · 07-17-2015, 06:29 PM

A vender hit us up to view a time share and we got 3 tickets to the Dixieland Stampead Dinner Show. Otherwise we did one and a half days in Gatlinburg and the rest were spent in the park.

jacwjames · 07-17-2015, 06:37 PM

You might check into going into the GSNP via Townsend, usually not as crowded and relatively short drive to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.

That being said we live ~45 miles away and I haven't been there in 4-5 years because of the crowds.

Catch14me · 07-17-2015, 08:35 PM

Thanks for the replies. The kids are 8 and 10 and we thought they might enjoy the trip and it might be our last chance. Gatlinburg and vicinity although really crowded have a lot to offer with the combination of entertainment and nature. Just never been there in August and a little worried about not finding parking spaces in the Park since it has been a couple of years and a noticable increase in people/campers everywhere. I will check out the suggestions mentioned. How about on the other side of the mountain?

Superslif · 07-19-2015, 11:48 PM

We did 8 nights on the north side, and stayed 4 nights at Smokemont on the Southern side. Smokemont (a national park campground) has many large sites for larger units. Is close to Cherokee NC. where there is a casino and shopping in downtown Cherokee. Found this side much less crowded than the Northern side of the Smoky's.

Catch14me · 07-20-2015, 07:54 AM

Thanks everyone that replied. I think considering everything our best bet is to park the RV at a remote less crowded location where we stay a while and drive the toad to Gatlinburg. Maybe stay overnight at a nice motel in the area.

JFXG · 07-22-2015, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wizard

Just a reminder, GSMNP is the most visited NP in the USA

..... because it is within a one day drive of about 30% of the U.S. population.

burgman50 · 07-22-2015, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catch14me

Thanks everyone that replied. I think considering everything our best bet is to park the RV at a remote less crowded location where we stay a while and drive the toad to Gatlinburg. Maybe stay overnight at a nice motel in the area.

well Gatlinburg is going to be so crowded its gonna be hard to find parking. we stay at rv park that's on the trolley line and use toad to explore outside Gatlinburg.