Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
General Chit-Chat (non-photography talk)
Going to Gatlinburg
Page 1 of 2 next>
Jan 1, 2014 08:09:43   #
RacerDan Loc: Virden Illinois
 
Wife and I just started planing a early May trip to Gatlinburg. Anyone know how to save a few dollars while there? Also need some suggestions as to where the good pictures are.

We will go thru Nashville to get there. It is normally a 10 hour drive from home but we can take 2 days or more to get there, any ideas?

Reply
Jan 1, 2014 08:19:13   #
budhatch
 
Cade's Cove is 27 miles from Gatlinburg....a definite spot for pictures.


http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm

Reply
Jan 1, 2014 08:28:51   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
Just drive through the mountains, the shots will find you. A nice creek runs along the road. It will provide shots for you. If you can hike, there are waterfalls to hike to. Be sure to stop at the visitors center and pick up some literature about the mountain folk who used to inhabit the area. If you follow the main road, you can get to an overlook that will give you a tremendous view of the mountains. You'll see why they are called the Smokies. Near Gatlinburg there are various craft shops, including photography shops that include absolutely amazing photos of the Smokey Mountains. We've got a great family photo going through the rapids of the Pigeon River. Fortunately, when my wife fell out of the raft she followed instructions and there was a raft behind us that picked her up!!!

Reply
 
 
Jan 1, 2014 10:17:36   #
Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma
 
If you take a leisurely drive thru Smokey Mountains National Park, you'll find tons of excellent photo-ops. Also, don't miss the Gatlinburg Skylift -- runs from downtown to one of the ski slopes -- has an observation deck on top of the downtown terminal which is excellent for photo-ops. http://www.gatlinburgskylift.com/

Reply
Jan 1, 2014 10:25:28   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
What kind of lenses are you taking?

Reply
Jan 1, 2014 10:55:44   #
RacerDan Loc: Virden Illinois
 
SteveR wrote:
What kind of lenses are you taking?

canon 60d
rebel 300d
tamron 18-270
canon 75-300
canon 18-55
canon 50
extension tubes 12,20, and 36 mm
I hope to come up with a good L series lens before we go, still have to look into what.

Reply
Jan 1, 2014 11:13:47   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
RacerDan wrote:
canon 60d
rebel 300d
tamron 18-270
canon 75-300
canon 18-55
canon 50
extension tubes 12,20, and 36 mm
I hope to come up with a good L series lens before we go, still have to look into what.


I think you'll find having two cameras handy. I'd put your 18-55 on one and your 75-300 on another. You might never have to switch lenses that way on your trip.

Reply
 
 
Jan 1, 2014 11:44:55   #
RacerDan Loc: Virden Illinois
 
SteveR wrote:
I think you'll find having two cameras handy. I'd put your 18-55 on one and your 75-300 on another. You might never have to switch lenses that way on your trip.


Had been using the Tamron most but started using the 18-55 more and like the results and I like you suggestion for the 2 camers.

Reply
Jan 1, 2014 11:49:49   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
RacerDan wrote:
Had been using the Tamron most but started using the 18-55 more and like the results and I like you suggestion for the 2 camers.


The 18-55 will give you the widest angle that you'll have available. If you can rent one, I'd suggest picking up a 10-24mm wide angle.

Reply
Jan 1, 2014 16:25:58   #
GeorgeH Loc: Jonesboro, GA
 
SteveR wrote:
The 18-55 will give you the widest angle that you'll have available. If you can rent one, I'd suggest picking up a 10-24mm wide angle.


I've loved using Sigma's 10-20 mm f4-5.6 on my Pentax K5. Sharp, low distortion, what's not to like? I shot some wonderful scenics at Fort Mountain State Park in Georgia on one of the clearest days I've ever seen. Made killer 16 x 24 enlargements. If you can rent one you won't regret it.

Reply
Jan 1, 2014 18:58:27   #
jeanbug35 Loc: Jonesboro AR
 
Definitely take the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. It is very nice and you will enjoy it a lot. You also need to go across the mountain to Cherokee. Great mountain scenery. Would not advise staying right on the strip in town, it is very hard to get in and out on the road. Really enjoyed eating at Bubba Gumps and Bennetts BBQ while in Gatlinburg. Bryson City is 10miles from Cherokee and there are 3 waterfalls in the Deep Creek area. You will love it there.

Reply
 
 
Jan 2, 2014 08:33:38   #
banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan
 
RacerDan wrote:
Wife and I just started planing a early May trip to Gatlinburg. Anyone know how to save a few dollars while there? Also need some suggestions as to where the good pictures are.

We will go thru Nashville to get there. It is normally a 10 hour drive from home but we can take 2 days or more to get there, any ideas?


The bourbon trail in Kentucky

Reply
Jan 2, 2014 09:43:29   #
watrbg2 Loc: rutledge, tn
 
Drive Rt 441 from Gatlinburg to Cherokee for overlooks for great sunrise/sunset photos. Morton's Overlook, Newfound Gap, Oconaluftee Overlook and Clingmans Dome (~7 miles) off 441 all provide the opportunity for the "classic Smoky Mountains" photo.

But wherever you go, get in the park early. Traffic tends to get horrible as the day goes on especially in the summer, fall & weekends. Pack a lunch and stay all day.

I live near the park and try to get there 3-4 times a month to hike/shoot. If you plan on hiking let me know and I can recommend trails based on your ability and what you want to shoot.

Reply
Jan 2, 2014 11:42:05   #
Ive Fallen Loc: Chula, GA
 
take a day and drive the back roads. you will find all the photo opps you can imagine. i don't care much for the shops so i find the sights.

Reply
Jan 2, 2014 13:52:57   #
shall1585 Loc: Prichard, WV
 
Clingman's dome is a nice place too, but if you want to go all the way to the dome it's like a mile walk up hill. It's a concrete path, and it's well worth it. We also like to just drive through the Smokies into Cherokee, NC and stop at the over looks along the way. And you could check out the the Indian reservation in Cherokee while you were there too. Also, many people would disagree, we always stay in Pigeon Forge but we never book a hotel before we get there. You can usually find better rates while driving around. If you're up for listening to a timeshare presentation, there's a few resorts in the area too that will give you money and/or free tickets for shows and Dollywood just for going through the presentation and checking out the property.. Hope you have fun on your trip, May is a great time to go!

Reply
Page 1 of 2 next>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
General Chit-Chat (non-photography talk)
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.