Smoky Mtns/Blue Ridge Parkway advice

[RoxMonster]

Well, it looks like we will finally be able to book our trip to TN this July. We plan to stay in a cabin in the Smokies and stay for 5 nights. We want a low-key, outdoorsy vacation (skipping the amusement parks, etc). I just want to explore all the beauty that is the National Park there, hike, bike, take scenic drives, etc.

We plan to spend three days exploring the Smokies and then want to drive to the NC side and take a day exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway. I know it's about an hour and a half to get there.

So mainly my questions for those who have done either are:
1. Any out-of-the-way back roads or hikes you'd recommend in the Smokies (preferably hikes that are not super strenuous)?
2. We will only be able to explore a small portion of the BRP in order to get back to TN in the same day. Any leisurely hikes on that end of the parkway that you would recommend? Are there towns and restaurants along the parkway where we can stop to eat, etc?

[sarahsas]

Are you going into Smoky Mountain National Park? If so, I highly recommend you stopping at the visitor's center on the way in and talking to a ranger. That's what we did - were looking for the same thing as you - and he gave us a map and marked it for us. We ended up doing Clingman's Dome and another short hike to a waterfall. It was great! We even saw bears. I forget the name of the trail but it was exactly what we were looking for.

[RoxMonster]

Yep, we're going into the National Park. We'll stop at the visitor's center first; it sounds like they are very helpful.

Another question: Are most of the drives still doable/able to be seen and enjoyed if we happen to encounter rainy weather while we're there?

[Deleted]

Cades cove is crowded but an enjoyable drive or hike in the national park.

I think you are making a mistake not doing Dollywood. I don't like amusement parks and I LOVE Dollywood.

[RoxMonster]

@septimus What makes Dollywood a must-do?

[Deleted]

Jan 21, 2014 9:58:04 GMT -5 RoxMonster said:

@septimus What makes Dollywood a must-do?

It is just delightful. I prefer it to Disney. Maybe because I'm not being knocked over by rascal scooters.