Thursday, 12 April
This year, the Phaeton is going to take us to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) for our spring motorhome vacation.
The only other time we were in the Smokies was in 1994. It was a very fast 5-day trip that took us from Virginia to Tennessee and North Carolina. From Gatlinburg to Asheville, we covered a lot during that trip — a day-drive through the Smokies; a tour of the Biltmore Estate; a hike to the top of Chimney Rock where scenes for The Last of the Mohicans (the Daniel Day-Lewis movie) were filmed; and a no-stops-along-the-way drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway on the way back home.
Clockwise from Top Left: Cable Mill in Cades Cove; Biltmore Estate, Asheville;
Chimney Rock Skyline Trail (can you find me in the Opera Box?); scenic overlook, GSMNP;
Chimney Rock (see if you can find Mui).
Our April 2012 trip to the Smokies will not be a whirlwind of activities. Sure, we’ll go out and explore quite a bit, but we’ll do so in-depth and cover fewer places — the way we really like to do things.
We’re booked into the Tremont Outdoor Resort for the duration of our vacation; that’s in Townsend, TN — billed as the gateway to the ‘quiet side’ of the GSMNP. Though we might consider a day-trip or two to Gatlinburg and other towns, our intent is to spend most of our time in the park itself. Nope, not going to Dollywood!
So, why this post? Well, we’re looking for ideas from all you RVers out there who’ve been to the Smokies. What are your favorite hikes — especially those with entertainment (scenery) along the way or a reward (scenery) at the end? What are the secret, not-to-be-missed spots in and outside the park?
Get those ideas rolling as we roll down I-81 tomorrow!
Oh, I am so looking forward to reading about your adventure to the Smokies. We were there in the winter in 2007 and I really look forward someday to seeing all those rhododendrons in bloom. Still love seeing the "blast from the past" photos of you two. And, by the way, in addition to sharing a bday with Russ you share one with my only granddaughter! Happy Late Birthday to you, Erin!
ReplyDeleteWe have only stayed at the Escapee park in that area over night. We will be watching also to see what you see and do. Enjoy your weekend. ~wheresweaver
ReplyDeleteI'll be watching as well since The Smokies is in my future in June. :)
ReplyDeleteWe have been there several times, it will be a great trip!
ReplyDeleteWe stayed in the Elmont Campground in the park when we were there for a couple of weeks and loved it. It's boondocking, but we love that too. Take as many hikes there as you can. The waterfalls should be great in April. You are going at a perfect wildflower time of year. Can't wait to read about it!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time! Glad to see you get the Phaeton rolling knowing your were itching to get on down the highway. Please don't feed the bears...
ReplyDeleteCan't help as I've never been there, but I am looking forward to your photos and your journals. Hope you get some good suggestions. Have fun and travel safe.
ReplyDeleteİyi yolculuklar , iyi gezmeler. -- Sis
ReplyDeleteDear Erin-
ReplyDeleteJust a quick note to wish you a wonderful trip to the Smokies.
Drive safely and have fun exploring...
Keep in touch.
Love,
Moyra
Darn, that one GSMNP won't be nearly as much fun for me as BRRP! Love the pictures...you and Mui look so good together! Don't forget to get out there a bust a few moves, now!!
ReplyDeleteHave a fantastic trip!
ReplyDeleteI love the Smokies. But it's been so long since we were in the area that our favorite resturant has evidently closed. Grandma Boone's in Boone, NC. Have fun!
ReplyDelete