About the Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers over 520,000 acres in east Tennessee and western North Carolina. Because of its central location in the eastern USA, the park is the most frequently-visited park in the national park system. The park is heavily forested with beautiful streams and is known for its extensive wildflowers and many species of wildlife, including black bears and elk. The peak wildflower season is in April. The highest peak is Clingman’s Dome (6,653 feet), the second-highest peak east of the Mississippi. There are over 800 miles of hiking trails (including a major section of the Appalachian Trail), catering to hikers of all levels. The park also includes a number of scenic driving roads, scenic viewpoints, picnic areas, historical preservations and nature centers.

The Great Slow Travel Gathering 2008

A Great Slow Travel Gathering in this area would be held in one of the less-touristed areas surrounding the Smokies—on the North Carolina side or in Tennessee near Townsend or a more remote area of Sevier County. We would NOT base in the heavily-touristed and very commercial towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge (though some Slow Travelers may enjoy the extensive outlet shopping). There are a number of small mountain resorts or retreat centers that could serve as a central base for our group, as well as quaint towns that would offer a variety of accommodations in B&Bs, inns, and small chain hotels.

Climate in March/April

The weather would be mild in March/early April. (The average high is low 60’s for March and upper 60’s for April.) Snowfall is typical only at the higher elevations and would be very unusual in March.

Getting There

By Air - The Smoky Mountains are served by two major airports. Knoxville, Tennessee’s McGhee-Tyson Airport is served by seven airlines with direct flights to and from 16 cities. The Asheville, North Carolina airport is smaller and is served by five airlines with direct flights to and from eight cities.

By Car – The Smokies are easily accessible from several major interstate highways, including I-81, I-40 and I-75. The area is approximately four hours from Atlanta, Cincinnati, Charlotte, and Nashville.

Getting Around – A car would likely be necessary in order to fully experience the area.

Dining

There are a variety of restaurants in the Smokies for a variety of budgets and palates. Options include international themes, quality American cuisine, gourmet Southern cuisine, and local specialities like barbequed pork, ribs, and fish freshly-caught from the mountain streams. We would likely have our major group meals catered at our primary Gathering venue.

Activities

Outdoor activities in this area include scenic drives, hiking, biking, horseback riding, golf, fishing, and whitewater rafting. There is outstanding shopping in antique malls, crafts shops and outlet malls. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is a unique way to experience the mountains and lakes. And if we stay on the North Carolina side, the ecclectic town of Asheville would be easily accessible, including the nearby Biltmore House and Gardens.

Informational Links

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (National Park Service site): www.nps.gov/grsm
Great Smoky Mountains tourism site: www.great.smoky.mountains.national-park.com
Townsend, Tennessee (The Peaceful Side of the Smokies): www.smokymountains.org/
Swain County, NC: www.greatsmokies.com/
Haywood County, NC: www.smokeymountains.net/
Daytrips: www.smokeymountains.net/scenicdrives.html
Biltmore House and Gardens: www.biltmore.com/

This is my choice!!!!! Right nearby Kentucky...we got married in Gatlinburg, TN!!!