It can sleep six (two bedrooms with a king in each, plus sleeper sofa). Ten min to town, price is definitely reasonable, looked just like in the photos on VRBO.
We don't have kids, but H and I LOVED GSMNP. I saw lots of families there, and it seems like a family-friendly vacation as well. Some things that we loved:
Cades Cove--we saw a huge black bear here Clingman's Dome--it is a pretty steep trek to the very top, but if the kiddos can't handle it, you still get great views from the parking lot (My sig pic is from there) Cataract Falls--this is an easy and flat hike from Sugarland Visitor's Center out to a waterfall and I saw lots of families doing it
We didn't spend a ton of time in downtown Gatlinburg (mainly just went for dinner), but it seems like there are also fun activities for kids there, like the aquarium, Ripley's Odditorium, etc.
If you have any other specific questions about the park, feel free to ask me!
Post by spunkarella on Jul 28, 2014 19:18:58 GMT -5
I don't have any specific recommendations, but my family went a lot when I was younger and I have lots of good memories. I definitely think it's fun for kids. I think we normally rented a cabin between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and would always go to Cherokee and Cade's Cove. And a giant flea market near Gatlinburg.
I don't know that I would *recommend* this, but I have lots of good memories from a somewhat creepy and run-down amusement park/petting zoo called Santa's Land near Cherokee.
Thanks for responding! My daughter is 2, so a steep hike area probably wouldnt work. But a good view from the parking lot would be nice. I like the flat walk to a waterfall.
I would definitely suggest stopping at the Sugarland Visitor Center your first day in the park. It's a quick 3 or 4 min drive from the strip in Gatlinburg. The rangers are very knowledgeable and helpful and you can tell them the types of things you want to do in the park, and they'll give suggestions.
A fun picnic area for the family is the Chimneys Picnic Area. Each parking spot has its own picnic table and they are located right next to a babbling brook.