Trip route from Michigan to Gatlinburg, TN
Jul 23, 2018 07:19:00 #
Am planning a trip to Gatlinburg in the fall and would appreciate some "don't miss" photo opportunities along the way. Will be taking Highway 68 south instead of I-75. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Jul 23, 2018 07:23:27 #
When in Gatlinburg take a drive through the Smokey Mnt Nat. Park. Also, take the tram to the overlook at night, interesting city shots.
Jul 23, 2018 07:30:53 #
CanonTom
Loc: Birmingham
Cherohala Skyway and Blue Ridge Parkway Both beautiful all year but especially in the fall. Best leaves, depends on temp, rain, etc but usually 3rd week in Oct. By the way on the Blue Ridge (federal control not state) 45 MPH means 45MPH. 60MPH means $400 ticket. Definitely google for local things to see. Views from little known state roads can be just as good as any, with virtually no traffic.
Jul 23, 2018 07:47:48 #
Do not miss a stop in Cades Cove. A photographer that I met on line gets some of his best shots there. I'll look for his name and get it to you so you can look. In the mean time here is an article about it. http://experiencecadescove.com/blog/tips-for-cades-cove-photography/
Jul 23, 2018 08:06:52 #
Jul 23, 2018 23:35:35 #
lmTrying
Loc: WV Northern Panhandle
Forget Gatlinburg. It's nothing but junk shops and head shops. There is a Bubba Gump Restaurant that you have to go upstairs to get to. Instead, go north out of town and drive out to Artists' Road. There you will find some nice stuff. Look for Alewine Pottery. Everything is hand made in the store. They make beautiful pottery. Also look at the photos hanging on the walls. I think it is the work of his daughter. She is good. Keep your camera handy. On our first trip, we just cleared the city by a few hundred yards when my eye caught a momma black bear with a cub on each side run out of the woods, crossed the road behind us, and disappeared into the woods on the other side. 20 seconds tops. Of course my camera was safely stored in it's bag, behind the seat. Also, out of Pigen Forge. Take the road to the other side of the mountain. When you hit the "T" intersection beside the wood carvers, turn right. Not too far down the road is another small community of artisans. Just ask the locals for directions, and enjoy your trip.
Jul 23, 2018 23:45:23 #
lmTrying
Loc: WV Northern Panhandle
Oh yes. Everyone should go to Dollywood at least once in their life. It's a really good place to eat. And it's the only place I know of that has a silent roller coaster. You can watch it all you want, but you'll never understand unless you ride it.
Jul 24, 2018 05:18:56 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
runyanp wrote:
Will be taking Highway 68 south ...
You’ll get farther South by taking Highway 69 instead.
Jul 24, 2018 07:28:28 #
Cades Cove for sure. Go early morning or late afternoon for best wildlife shots. Also go to North Carolina , Cherokee entrance of SMNP and will probably see elk.
Jul 24, 2018 07:38:40 #
One of my favorite spots in the Smokies is the Chimney’s picnic area. Love watching the creek. Great photo op for moving water. Definitely take your tripod. ENJOY
Jul 24, 2018 08:12:40 #
If you’re really ambitious, try sunrise over the mountains from the parking area at Clingmans Dome - about 1/2 hr drive from Gatlinburg. It can be spectacular with some clouds.
Jul 24, 2018 09:04:41 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
runyanp wrote:
Am planning a trip to Gatlinburg in the fall and would appreciate some "don't miss" photo opportunities along the way. Will be taking Highway 68 south instead of I-75. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
tripadvisor.com
Jul 24, 2018 09:43:49 #
cmcaroffino
Loc: Sebring, FL
Be prepared for traffic, traffic, traffic. Last time I tried to see the area in the fall it was bumper to bumper for miles back. Cades Cove was a solid line of vehicles from beginning to end. Nice area but I look for less congested places for my fall color tours.
Jul 24, 2018 10:59:58 #
cmcaroffino wrote:
Be prepared for traffic, traffic, traffic.
No kidding!! Years ago when the kids, now grown, were still at home, we rented an A-frame in the hills above Gatlinburg. It probably got caught up in that fire a couple of years ago, which was a shame. We drove from Dallas and decided to make it in two days, getting there late. We had to go through Pigeon Forge first. Unfortunately a low rider convention was in full swing well past midnight. The main road was bumper to bumper low-riders and they were more interested in showing off hydraulics than in moving. It took forever to get to Gatlinburg, which is just next door to Pigeon Forge.
Jul 24, 2018 12:04:07 #
Don't take I-75 through Cinncinatti!!! Unless you want to sit in traffic a long, long time trying to cross the bridge there.
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