Great Smoky Mountains
Written: Feb 13 '01 (Updated Feb 14 '01)
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Pros: This is one of the most beautiful places in the United States.
Cons: Some places, such as Gatlinburg, are a bit too touristy.
The Bottom Line: is on the bottom line of my review!
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| Mom2TyZick's Full Review: Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
One of my favorite vacation spots is the Great Smoky Mountains. It is perfect for families, honeymooners or old married couples. For my family, it's a getaway that is far enough away from home to be different, but close enough to enjoy it for a weekend. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has something for everyone.
We have been visiting the Smokies since I was a little girl, so I know my way around. There is so much to see and do that you can't possibly enjoy it all in one trip. In this review I want to write about a few of my favorite gems in this vast park.
The Smoky Mountains are home to some of the most breathtaking views I've ever witnessed. Some peaks reach heights of more that 6,000 feet making this National Park one of the highest points in the Eastern United States. The secret to this wonderful destination is the awareness that the trip is in the trip. That is to say (excuse the cliche) take time to smell the roses. Some of the most fun we've had is randomly stopping at some of the many "Scenic View" signs. This is absolutely the best way to enjoy the beauty of this mountain range.
Naturalists
One of my favorite spring activities is picnicking. There is no better place to do this than the Smoky Mountains. This area is filled with aforementioned stops, just take your pick. My top pick for the best places to picnic all fall within the Bed and Breakfast town of Highland, NC. There you will find Dry Falls. There is plenty of parking and an easy paved trail leading down to the falls that even toddlers can navigate. There are no spots to picnic on the trail, but there are a few picnic tables near the parking lot. Don't waste your picnic here, though! This is purely for your viewing pleasure. Dry Falls is a 75-foot water fall that is a site to behold from any spot on the trail. The trail actually takes you behind the waterfall, where you will get just a little bit "moist" from the spray. I got some gorgeous pictures here. Don't forget your camera!
Head down the road a mile to Bridal Veil Falls. You can actually drive under this 120 foot waterfall. While not as grand as the Dry Falls, you will be able to tell just how this waterfall got its name. A simple pleasure that is not to be missed. While on Highway 64, you will see many gorgeous waterfalls along the way.
One of the most wondrous sites of this part of the world is the turning of the leaves. If you've never seen Autumn here, you should mark a weekend in October on your calendar and slowly cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway. It will restore your faith in Mother Nature.
For the more adventurous there is Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala River. It really couldn't be considered rough enough for extreme sportsmen (and women!), but if you have the family along (7 and up, of course) it seems a perfect choice. The River is beautiful and this seems to be the best way to see it.
Tourists
After all of this splendor, sometimes we clamor for a little capitalism, right? There are many places here that are fun and willing to take your money. Here are just a few of our favorites:
My top pick for things to "do" here is the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. I may be a tad bit biased because my son is obsessed with trains, but it is an enjoyable trip for anyone. Trips run from April through December and prices start as low as $19.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids twelve and under. You have your choice of steam or diesel locomotives that go to a handful of different destinations. One of the destinations is Dillsboro, NC about which I've written a review. Check it out if you'd like to know a little more about this town. The one we rode was from Bryson City to the Nantahala Gorge. This is where we first saw the white water rafting! You could choose lunch at a nice restaurant (reservations must be made ahead of time), a fast food type restaurant once there (no reservations needed), a box lunch on the train (you had to reserve this ahead of time, too) or a picnic from home. We opted for the fast food and we were sorely disappointed, so next time we'll bring a picnic. They have many tables right by the beautiful clear cold river so who wants to waste time standing in line or eating in a restaurant that you can go to anytime? A tip for you...one side of the train is better than the other (for us it was the left side going to the Gorge) but they ask that you switch sides on the trip back so everyone has a chance to see the great views. Another tip: Take the cheapest open car. We paid a bit more to go in coach and I though it was a mistake! They have wooden bench seating, but the car is open and the experience is ever so much better.
If you are going to be in Maggie Valley, you need to treat the kids to Ghost Town in the Sky. It is a western theme park atop a steep mountainside that sends you back in time to Frontier days! You can get up the mountain by an inclined railway or a chairlift. I like the chairlift best, but it can be a little scary! Keep your head up once you get there, for bank robbers and gunfighters roam the streets, just like Tombstone! The park has more than 30 rides and shows to offer. One memorable ride is the roller coaster that makes you feel like you will be thrown from the mountainside! There are plenty of places to get vittles and plenty of places to picnic as well. The cost for this park is $17.95 for adults and $12.45 for ages three through nine.
One more activity that is very popular around these parts is Mining for Gems in Franklin, NC. You can hunt for genuine rubies, sapphires, and other native stones. Most mines are open from April to October.
Because there is just so much to do here, this review just barely skims the surface of the grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. If you ever have the opportunity, make it a vacation destination for your family. You will not be sorry!
**I used James L. Hoffman's Fun with the Family in North Carolina for reference on some information such as pricing and operating schedules.
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: September-November
Recommended for: Familes
Review Topic: Overview
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Mom2TyZick
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Member: Suzanne
Location: North Carolina
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