Getting there is More than Half the Fun

Getting there is More than Half the Fun in the Great Smoky
Mountains
By Jon Hoffman © 2012, All Rights Reserved

Most vacations are all about the destination, but when you visit
the Great Smoky Mountains, getting from place to place becomes a
part of your adventure, not just a means to an end. Not only are
there plenty of things to see and do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon
Forge, but there are also dozens of ways to get there.

Get Closer to Nature

Perhaps the best way to really experience all that this vast
wilderness has to offer is to step off the beaten path and go
exploring on foot. Walking and hiking trails crisscross the
mountains and offer you and your family the opportunity to see
the beauty of nature from a vantage point many will never enjoy.
Choose from well-maintained trails that meander through some of
the park’s most popular locations, or take a less-traveled path
for a quiet afternoon just enjoying the stillness of nature.

Early settlers to the area explored the valleys and rivers of
these mountains on horseback. You can re-create their adventure
when you hop in the saddle and head out for an afternoon, a day,
or even overnight. Your guide will lead you far off the common
paths, where ancient trees tower overhead, and whitetail deer
scamper through hidden meadows. Stop for lunch beside a sparkling
stream, and enjoy the sweet sounds of the forest before heading
back to the cacophony of modern life.

Grab a Seat and Enjoy the View

Of course, you don’t have to immerse yourself in nature to enjoy
the show. There are plenty of comfortable seats available, and
they all boast a great view. From downtown Gatlinburg, hop aboard
the aerial tram for a trip up the mountain to Ober Gatlinburg.
Along the way you’ll enjoy amazing scenery as the valley spreads
out below, while the mountain looms overhead. For a few minutes,
you’ll feel as if you’ve landed in a Swiss village.

If shopping, dining, or Dollywood is on your agenda, the
Gatlinburg trolley is your ticket to a fun afternoon. Pick your
route and hop aboard for an entire day of sightseeing for one low
fare. A trip along the popular 8-mile arts-and-crafts loop is a
good way to discover one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs, while the
Dollywood route offers a convenient and inexpensive way to get to
the park without the hassle of traffic or parking.

Choose Your Own Adventure

For the ultimate relaxed tour of the area, you can wander the
mountains in your own vehicle. Hundreds of miles of scenic
highways let you experience the grandeur of the area from the
air-conditioned comfort of your car. No matter which road you
choose, every few miles brings you to another scenic turnout
perfect for practicing your photography skills or just enjoying
the view.

Feeling a little more adventurous? Consider renting a Jeep so you
can explore the roads a family car might find intimidating.
Single-track trails climb high into the mountains, fording
streams and offering the opportunity to stop for a picnic lunch
in an out-of-the way clearing decorated with summer wildflowers.
A 4 x 4 and these dirt roads are a great compromise between
seeing the area on foot and traveling by car.

Getting around in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge can be just as much
fun as the destinations themselves. Whether you pull on your
walking shoes or put the top down on your Jeep for an afternoon
drive, one thing is certain: Your trip to the Great Smoky
Mountains will be one you won’t soon forget.

Jon Hoffman is Reservations Manager of Volunteer Cabin Rentals
specializing in Smoky Mountain rental cabins in Gatlinburg and
Pigeon Forge, TN. Visit them today at
http://www.volunteercabinrentals.com to book cabins for weddings,
vacations, reunions and other special events.