|
|
Post by onewheeldrive on Apr 2, 2013 21:14:18 GMT -5
Just got back last weekend from the first REAL vacation I've had in years. Stayed in Gatlinburg for 3 nights. Got to see the Smoky Mountains for the first time--very cool. I wish I brought a real camera though, because the iPhone 3gs camera isn't that good. It took about 9 hours from where I live to get there. The mountains are pretty cool. We hiked a trail up one of the mountains. We were supposed to go horseback riding but it was booked up---it didn't say anything about making reservations...bummer. The aquarium in Gat. is pretty cool. Ate at 4 different restaurants while there--- overall pretty good. Overall I had a great time. Although, Friday (the day we went home) I had a fever of 103.8 when I got home.  Feelin' better now though. Anyone else been in that area? |
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
Joined: Feb 27, 2013 2:23:40 GMT -5
|
Post by CopperDeer on Apr 2, 2013 22:38:06 GMT -5
I went to college about 45-60 min away at Western Carolina Univ and we visited Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg a couple times, although it's kinda too touristy for us locals  (notice the 14% sales tax?!) I've been on US-441 through the Great Smoky Mtns state park there on my Ninja 500, would love to do it on a scooter someday, probably need a 250+cc to manage some of those hills. That road is probably closed in the winter like most of the Blue Ridge Parkway is, though. That road breaks 5,000 ft in elevation near the NC/TN line! Clingman's Dome, at 6,643 ft, is like 10 mi away straightline from Gatlinburg. It's the highest point in TN and 3rd highest east of the Mississippi River. Having ascended Mt. Mitchell (the tallest) and Mt. Craig, naturally it's one of the next peaks on my list... I visit the Appalachian Mtns about once a month and nab as many 5k & 6k ft peaks as I can  |
|
|
|
Post by jeepsteve92xj on Apr 3, 2013 9:27:20 GMT -5
I stayed in Pigeon Forge a few years ago over July 4 week. It was crowded but we had tons of fun. Drove over the Smoke4ys into NC and then a large loop back. All in the Jeep.
My GF's parents and family live in Chattanooga
Last Summer we were in Chattanooga and I had hoped to make a side track on the way home to see Deal Gap, but time was short and money was tight. That was a road trip in the van.
In July 2011, we had gone to Savannah GA, and I know we did pass not far from Deals Gap, but I didnt realize how close until I reviewed the route later.
Maybe next time...
It is a long drive for me from Milwaukee, I end up driving the entire trip. GF never drives.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jarlaxle on Apr 3, 2013 10:05:18 GMT -5
Many runs through that area...been to Somerset, BG, and Bristol with the Hot Rod Power Tour. Beautiful area!
|
|
|
|
Post by onewheeldrive on Apr 3, 2013 21:19:28 GMT -5
I went to college about 45-60 min away at Western Carolina Univ and we visited Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg a couple times, although it's kinda too touristy for us locals (notice the 14% sales tax?!) I've been on US-441 through the Great Smoky Mtns state park there on my Ninja 500, would love to do it on a scooter someday, probably need a 250+cc to manage some of those hills. That road is probably closed in the winter like most of the Blue Ridge Parkway is, though. That road breaks 5,000 ft in elevation near the NC/TN line! Clingman's Dome, at 6,643 ft, is like 10 mi away straightline from Gatlinburg. It's the highest point in TN and 3rd highest east of the Mississippi River. Having ascended Mt. Mitchell (the tallest) and Mt. Craig, naturally it's one of the next peaks on my list... I visit the Appalachian Mtns about once a month and nab as many 5k & 6k ft peaks as I can The one thing I forgot to pack was my toothbrush. Gatlinburg has a Walgreens downtown, and I don't know whether it was hanging underneath the wrong price tag or what, but the toothbrush was over $7 after tax when I paid for it! I bought it anyway. |
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
Joined: Feb 27, 2013 2:23:40 GMT -5
|
Post by CopperDeer on Apr 4, 2013 12:01:58 GMT -5
Hehe I'm telling you everything's a racket down there. Even fuel prices were crazy IIRC, considering the fuel tax is 30-40c less in TN than NC. If you want to see some really spectacular nature in that area, I recommend a little further north and anything on the NC side of the Appalachians. Long story short, TN got the short end of the political stick when it came to negotiating that border.
My personal favorite is Roan Mountain on the TN/NC border. Good main road access to 5500+ ft, short hikes to 6000+. Incredible panoramic views from Round Bald, the largest natural grassy bald in the world. Not to mention the largest natural rhododendron garden in the world half a mile up the other side of the mountain come mid-June bloom ;D The ecosystem diversity within such a small area is mind-blowing.
|
|
