The Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies in both North Carolina and Tennessee nestled within the Appalachian mountain chain. Consisting of 520,976 acres, it became a national park in 1934 after donations from such prominent figures as John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Knoxville's Mrs. Willis C. Davis. Ten million visitors a year make this park the most visited national park in America. Tourists bring their children to the Tennessee mountains year after year to hike through nature, view the wildlife and enjoy the recreational activities of nearby tourist towns.
Although there are hotels and condominium rentals in neighboring Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, many people traveling to the Smokies insist on staying in one of the many scenic mountain cabins that are scattered throughout the area. Search online and find listings for rental cabins. Your kids may be excited to see wildlife wondering near your cabin — maybe even a bear or two. Read all local warnings, however, and instruct your kids never to approach a bear. If you are vacationing in winter, ask whether or not your cabin is located on a main road. If a winter storm arrives before you do, a 4-wheel drive vehicle may be required to get to your cabin. Most rental companies do not offer refunds due to inclement weather and will continue to charge rental rates if you are unable to leave due to snow or ice. If your children are older, however, they may not mind, as many cabins are equipped with pool tables and video games.
If your children enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or just sledding, Ober Gatlinburg offers all of these. Located atop Mount Harrison, you may travel up ski mountain road or take the scenic aerial tram from downtown Gatlinburg. As of January 2011, you may purchase day, twilight, night or combination sessions. Low temperatures are required to make snow, so the closer you get to mid-winter, the better chances for a favorable ski experience. Holidays at the resort, however, may become over-crowded, especially if there is fresh powder. If you prefer limited traffic on the slopes, this may not be the best time to visit the resort. Ober Gatlinburg also offers summer attractions, including alpine slides, wildlife encounter and kiddie land.
Many people prefer to visit the Great Smokey Mountains in the fall for the change of seasons and colorful foliage. Hiking trails abound throughout the national park, including many in Cade’s Cove, which is the largest open air museum in the park. Cade’s Cove’s many rustic cabins, grist mills, barns and old country churches will give your kids a glimpse into Appalachian history during the 1800s.
If your kids prefer fast-paced, more commercialized attractions, nearby Gatlinburg has plenty of those. From the amazing mirror maze with its light and sound show to Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, there’s plenty to keep your active kid entertained. Other Gatlinburg attractions include Earthquake the Ride, the Space Needle, and Ripley’s Moving Theatre. Whitewater rafting is also available in the Smokies from March through November.
