Dollywood and Gatlinburg! Who’s been?

[BellaBaby]

We are thinking of going end of July. How far in advance do you need to reserve a day at Dollywood?

 

[mandy200587]

We are thinking of going end of July. How far in advance do you need to reserve a day at Dollywood?

That might vary, I know end of July is a popular time for this area because schools start back or are near starting back so they try to squeeze in last minute trips. I don't know what restrictions will be in place either by that time either.

 

[cschaaf]

Happy to see this thread, too. Last night, we booked a short stay at a cabin in Gatlinburg. We'll have 2 full days in the area, plus some time on both our arrival day and departure day (we'll be driving there)

We'll probably spend one day at Dollywood.

We went to the area for Christmas a few years back - maybe 5 or so? - and we did a lot of the touristy things on that trip.

 

[unrequited23]

My parents just got back from a trip to the area. They stayed in Pigeon Forge and said there was definitely a updated side of town and side that had seen better days. They checked out of the hotel they had booked 3 days early and went to the Holiday Express on the other side of town. My mom said she didn't even want to wash her hands in the room sink.

 

[fly girl]

Resurrecting this thread as I’m considering a quick trip to Gatlinburg. Would only be for 3 days — Dollywood one day, Touristy spots another day (Titanic Museum, Hillbilly golf), and one day at national park.

It’s the park I’m stumped on. So much info, so little time!! Anyone have ideas on a hikes that aren’t too long, and offer something that will impress a teenager? I’ve read they have trails with waterfalls, some with flowers, etc … but I would love to hear your favorite. Thanks!

 

[rotlex]

Resurrecting this thread as I’m considering a quick trip to Gatlinburg. Would only be for 3 days — Dollywood one day, Touristy spots another day (Titanic Museum, Hillbilly golf), and one day at national park.

It’s the park I’m stumped on. So much info, so little time!! Anyone have ideas on a hikes that aren’t too long, and offer something that will impress a teenager? I’ve read they have trails with waterfalls, some with flowers, etc … but I would love to hear your favorite. Thanks!

Our last trip we stopped at the Sugarlands Visitors center - https://smokymountains.com/park/things-to-do/sugarlands-visitor-center/ It was. a great location with some nice shorter trails, and longer ones if you wanted. The cool thing about it is that one of the trails is the Gatlinburg Trail. You can literally hike to downtown Gatlinburg from it and back. (8 mile round trip, roughly). We really enjoyed the day there!

 

[luv2cheer92]

Resurrecting this thread as I’m considering a quick trip to Gatlinburg. Would only be for 3 days — Dollywood one day, Touristy spots another day (Titanic Museum, Hillbilly golf), and one day at national park.

It’s the park I’m stumped on. So much info, so little time!! Anyone have ideas on a hikes that aren’t too long, and offer something that will impress a teenager? I’ve read they have trails with waterfalls, some with flowers, etc … but I would love to hear your favorite. Thanks!

I went this past weekend. We did the Alum Cave Trail. We took it all the way up to the top of Mt. LeConte and to Myrtle Point, which is 12 miles round trip and pretty strenuous, but you don't have to go that far. The first mile goes along a stream with several small waterfalls. Then you reach Arch Rock, which is a really cool formation that you walk through. Then about another mile up is the Alum Cave Bluffs, which is also cool to see and offers some good views of the mountains.

 

[BlondieinFL]

Resurrecting this thread as I’m considering a quick trip to Gatlinburg. Would only be for 3 days — Dollywood one day, Touristy spots another day (Titanic Museum, Hillbilly golf), and one day at national park.

It’s the park I’m stumped on. So much info, so little time!! Anyone have ideas on a hikes that aren’t too long, and offer something that will impress a teenager? I’ve read they have trails with waterfalls, some with flowers, etc … but I would love to hear your favorite. Thanks!

Grotto Falls is our family's favorite trail!