While September is still steaming hot in the south, things cool off more quickly in the mountains. Western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee are home to the best amenities the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer. Here are a few family friendly fall getaway hotspots that will cure your children’s back-to-school blues this autumn.
Bryson City
One of my favorite locations in North Carolina, Bryson City is a charming small town with idyllic shopping streets, tasty eateries and state-of-the-art camping facilities. Deep Creek Campground is beloved among more primitive campers who want to ditch full hook-ups for a crackling campfire in the brisk mountain air. Packed with fly fishermen, waterfalls, hiking trails and group camping sites, Deep Creek Campground is a favorite pastime for many campers, including myself. With tent campsite rates starting at $30 per night, visit recreation.gov to reserve your site ahead of time. In the area and want to look around? Scope out the campground in person at 1912 East Deep Creek Road in Bryson City.
Also stationed in Bryson City is the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offering families scenic rides through the Nantahala Gorge. Close to Christmastime, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad operates as the Polar Express to bring the magic of the holiday season to passengers on board.
Fontana Dam
According to blueridgeheritage.com, Fontana Dam is the tallest dam east of the Rocky Mountains at 480 feet in height. Constructed in 1942, Fontana Dam once solved an electricity crisis in east Tennessee and is now one of the best places for boating, fishing and education in the Smokies. Frequented by Appalachian Trail hikers due to its hot shower facilities, the visitor’s center is open May through October. Your family will gawk at the massive structure and mountainous beauty surrounding the Little Tennessee River.
Cades Cove
Located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend, TN, Cades Cove is a sight for sore eyes. A scenic valley accessible by an 11-mile one-way loop road, Cades Cove can be a full-day trek during peak season but will certainly not disappoint those looking to take in the beautiful wildflowers, wildlife and history of the Smokies. Bear sightings are frequent, and hiking trails are abundant. Visitors also love taking a quick tour of historic churches, homes and cemeteries throughout the park. Park for a picnic, hike to Abrams Falls and stop by the visitor’s center for souvenir shopping. Find hours of operation and read more about Cades Cove online at nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Taking a family trip to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is a childhood rite of passage. Ideal for families with small children, Pigeon Forge, TN is the Great Smoky Mountain mecca of adventure, attractions and more. With nearby theme parks such as Dolly Parton’s decades-old Dollywood, in addition to mountain coasters, mini golf and white water rafting, there is never a dull moment in Pigeon Forge. Catch dinner and a show at Pirate’s Voyage, Dolly Parton’s Stampede or Hatfield & McCoy’s Dinner Feud before tucking your family in for the night at one of the numerous cabins, resorts or campgrounds in the area.
Nearby Gatlinburg is perfect for couples, young adults and those looking for breweries, nightlife and shopping with an alpine feel. Still want to go swimming in the fall? Gatlinburg is also home to Wild Bear Falls Water Park which is an astonishing indoor waterpark with an interactive treehouse, lazy river and retractable roof. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery draws in the crowds while Crockett’s Breakfast Camp serves top notch breakfast to early risers. Brave the Gatlinburg SkyPark or Anakeesta Adventure Park for panoramic views, and shop for outdoor gear at NOC Gatlinburg.
