<p>Friends have asked us to join them on a vacation in Gatlinburg, TN. They have a time share and are planning to try out a resort there this year. </p>
<p>Any tips on things to do in the area? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Go for the hiking and stay away from the tacky souvenir shops and Dollywood. The Smokies are gorgeous.</p>
<p>There’s a little book called “Great Walks” Smokey Mountains. It details some of the best hiking trails (easy to difficult) and what you’ll find on them. Great book.
Buy a map and gold pan and go panning–lots of fun even without the map.
Bring a picnic basket/blanket.
Visit Cade’s Cove.</p>
<p>When you try out a resort are you subject to any attempts to sell you a timeshare?</p>
<p>The mountains are beautiful, but the traffic in Gatlinburg/pigeon Forge is horrendous, so be prepared.</p>
<p>Typically if you are staying with someone who owns a timeshare, at most they may contact you once to see if you are interested in a tour.
When we went to Gatlinburg several years ago, we were actually shocked by how few people venture from the parking lots onto the many beautiful hikes down there. That area kind of reminded me of an ocean boardwalk kind of place without the ocean. When we went, we did many hikes, and one day we went driving around to several different waterfalls. Either on Saturday or Sunday they opened someplace to bikes that you normally can’t bike on, but I can’t even remember what it was (we missed it).
My funny Gatlinburg story… They have lots of pancake houses down there. I really wanted real maple syrup. So we asked a person up front if they had real maple syrup, and the response was something like “it must be, it’s homemade in our kitchen.”</p>
<p>The Smoky Mountains are absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are so commercialized, full of fudge shops, t-shirt shops and cheap souvenir stands. We usually rent a cabin up in the hills and spend time outside the cabin hiking and enjoying nature. I suggest hiking, rafting and definitely visit Cades Cove. There is usually lots of traffic at Cades Cove because it’s so beautiful and people want to see it and catch a glimpse of bears. Look beyond the tourist traps and see the real beauty! Enjoy!</p>
<p>Thanks for the info everyone. I really had no idea what this area was like or what was there. My google searches didn’t turn up anything major in the area (other than Dollywood, which didn’t sound like something I would plan a vacation around) so I didn’t know what to expect. </p>
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<p>Haha that is great. </p>
<p>I don’t know about having to tour or anything, the friends own the timeshare so we haven’t ever spoken to anyone from the resort. Our friends didn’t mention any strings attached from the resort so hopefully there aren’t any.</p>
<p>As far as the hiking goes, are these trails the type where you should actually have hiking boots or the type where sneakers would be just fine?</p>
<p>It varies–that’s why the “Great Walks” book is nice–it tells you exactly what you’re in for.
Hiking boots are nicer though–better for slippery rocks if you run into them and more support.
As to the fudge shops–buy some!</p>
<p>Cade’s Cove?? Years ago when H and I went to the Smokey Mountains, everyone told us to visit there. Whatever is so special must have by-passed us.</p>
<p>I know nothing about the area but this was on the front page of the Chicago Tribune travel section today as one of five last minute summer things to do:</p>
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<p>My BIL lived there once upon a time… We enjoyed Dollywood; the artesians were displaying their wares on our visit. We enjoyed Applewood, too (Dolly’s restaurant). I do recall that there was a road that paralleled the main N-S drag to the east that had far less traffic. Mountains are pretty. Enjoy!</p>
<p>Hiking, surely. All levels available.</p>
<p>Drive the Arts and Crafts Community.</p>
<p>Eat BBQ.</p>
<p>Best time my family had was when D was younger (she loved the kitsch) and we rafted the Pigeon River. Also all levels available!</p>
<p>Have Fun!</p>
<p>Thanks Marilyn, Perfect timing.</p>
<p>Just wanted to update. We just got back and had a great time. The hiking was amazing. I loved that each trail had a cool destination like a magnificent water fall or a cave or observation tower. We did an actual cave tour too which was really fun. Also went white water rafting, which was really exciting. </p>
<p>We did hit downtown Gatlinburg which as others had mentioned was a typical tourist destination’s downtown. Lots of restaurants and candy shops. Pigeon Forge was not really for us, but if you have younger kids who want to do go karts, or play mini golf it would be a good addition. We weren’t really into doing the shows either, but if that’s something that interests you, there were plenty to choose from</p>
<p>I would say if you like outdoor, active vacations, it is a great place. As long as you are not too freaked out by bears, which we saw several!</p>
<p>Thanks for the update. Glad you enjoyed it.</p>