Gatlinburg Trip

Hey Taco brothers,

Sorry to high jack the local thread. If it needs to be move please go ahead. I looked for a trip advice section but couldn't find one haha

I'm looking into taking a trip to Gatlinburg for about a week. I just traded in my 02 taco for a 2015 Tacoma OF. I was looking for same-day trails that a stock could handle and get some good views and maybe some hiking around the area a little off the beaten path. Thanks for any reply just checking out the area looks amazing! I can't wait.

Thanks
Andrew.

 

I don't know of anything around Gatlinburg. You might like Cades Cove. Its a paved road, but has some decent views. Windrock off road park would be better for a truck. You can go from mild to wild. Too much traffic in Gatlinburg and Sevierville nowadays. I do want to check out the new suspension bridge in Gatlinburg. I hope you enjoy your trip.

 

I never heard of that bridge THANKS! That's totally going to happen now. I will post after those pictures are taken.

 

Cades cove is closed till March. They are working on the tunnel.

 

Ok sorry, should have mentioned we are thinking sometime around April for our trip.

 

Its called the Skybridge.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...BMAR6BAgAEAo&usg=AOvVaw21aA45tfq3zyKuo3gfgcqd

 

Cade’s cove should be open by than. I saw about a week ago that everything is on time. I guess that can always change though.

 

Not any off road trails near there, lots of good hiking. Hwy 441 between Gatlinburg and Cherokee see's ice/snow often this time of year. My MIL was in Cherokee earlier in the week at the casino and couldn't cross the mountain to Gatliburg because of snow.

Two of the better spots to see wildlife are on opposite ends of the park. Cades Cove on the southern end, and Cataloochee Valley in the north. Cades Cove can get crowded, Cataloochee not so much. You'll see lots of deer around Cades Cove, elk in Cataloochee Valley. I see more bear just outside Gatlinburg on the Roaring Fork nature driving trail which is a good trip.

Hiking can vary from easy to strenuous. Lots depends on your fitness and skill level. My wife and I go 2-3 times each year. We mostly do day hikes in the park. I will be going for 3-4 days in a couple of weeks.

Downtown areas are a zoo, very crowded especially weekends. Going in winter is better. If you plan to hike back country get to the trailheads by 730 ish and there is usually plenty of parking. Later than about 9 and it can get crowded.

There is a casino on the Cherokee Reservation just off the eastern side of the park. There is good trout fishing on the reservation too. No license needed on the reservation, but you pay by the day for a permit.

Cataloochee elk



Section of the trail to Mt Leconte. An 11 mile round trip day hike.

Charlies Bunyon



Cades Cove


5-6 bucks chasing 1 doe during the rut a few years ago. I almost got run over. There were several other bucks not in frame.

 

@Marshall R Amazing thank you for the information!