Buy a GPS and a guide about Smokey Mountains and the trails in Smokey Mountains.If you don't want to buy a GPS ,at least rent a car that has a GPS.Your vacation will be much easier if you have a GPS,it will worth the price.
The best time to go in the Smokey Mountains is early autumn (late August- September) because then the trees start to change leaf colour and the views are very beautiful.You can also visit the Smokeys during summer.
For a very nice family vacation or a romantic vacation I recommend renting a chalet or a cabin.There are plenty in the area,some of them can accomodate pets,and the prices are very convenient.For 100 dollars/ night you can rent a 2 bedrooms, 2 baths chalet equipped with everything you need for a confortable stay.Be aware of the fact that the Smokey Mountains is a very popular touristic place, so you will have to make reservations early ( as early as one month or more before your trip).
If you visit the Smokeys in the summer, bring some earplungs with you.The reason to do this is that there are a lot of frog trees that are very noisy in the evening and during the night, and you can have trouble sleeping.
Besides nature, there are other things to see in the Smokeys:the Aquarium of the Smokies, the Wonderworks Museum, The wax museum in Gatlinburg.Other activities include gem mining (but be careful of the scams), horseback-riding, all kinds of rides (available in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge).
