Relaxing Fall Travel

Summer is barely over, and it is time to think about fall travel. If you’d like to go on an affordable vacation where you will also find some of the greatest natural beauty in the world, then you should strongly consider Smoky Mountain National Park. Most people don’t realize that Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. It even has more visitors per year than Yellowstone National Park. The fall colors are a bucket list experience for fall travel. There are many places you can choose to visit. For example, you can stay in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Bryson City, Cherokee, Sylva or somewhere a little more off the beaten path.

Accommodations

If you choose to visit the area around Smoky Mountain National Park, then you will have four types of options for accommodations. One is to stay in a mountainside cabin. The views will be majestic, and you can enjoy them from a hot tub on a balcony. However, the prices might be a little steep. For more affordable rentals that still offer scenic beauty, look for a riverside cabin. A more rustic option is to stay in a cabin in the actual park. These cabins won’t offer nearly as many features, but you will truly be away from it all. This option is perfect for people who like roughing it. A fourth option is to stay in a hotel. This one is convenient, but you won’t get the true Smoky Mountain experience.

If you are looking to save money and you don’t want to sacrifice much, look at the riverside cabins first. Most of these cabins have two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and a private back deck alongside the river. Some of the decks are screened-in, and others aren’t, so be sure to inquire.

Attractions

As far as attractions and activities go, you can choose from nature-based options such as Cade’s Cove, hunting, fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, snow skiing and waterfall viewing. Or you can do more modernized attractions and activities like Dollywood, Ripley’s Aquarium, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel, Santa’s Land, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, a gondola ride and much more.

While there are dozens of attractions and activities to choose from, what you remember most is the personality of these mountains. There’s something overly peaceful and calming about them, which makes you want to come back as soon as possible. And don’t forget to take lots of pictures.

Suggested reading:

A Lifetime in Gatlinburg:: Martha Cole Whaley Remembers

Gatlinburg (Images of America)