well, none.
It was this type of a log cabin situation with a bunch of bedrooms and no scenic overlook . . . https://www.pigeonforgetncabins.com/3-5-bedroom-cabins/
well, none.To clarify, how many old time photos did you go to when you were there?
Now the right wingnuts are saying ditch Disney for Dolly Wood because Disney is "woke". Wonder if they are aware that Dolly Wood and Dolly Parton are very LGBQT supportive, and she has even received death threats from right wingnuts because of her support.
Yea, The "I'm here to enjoy the natural beauty, and throw Bud Light cans in the river" lower lifeforms.Well, that sounds just terrible.
Also:
Grrr.
We live less than an hour from it, and go all the time. I believe its the #1 most visited in the US, counting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg together. ALWAYS packed, really no matter what time of year or weather.
We're driving there Tuesday to be with son, DIL and 2 granddaughters. We accept that it is a tourist area and just go with it. Where else can I ride Alpine coasters or play minigolf on the side of a mountain or shop in a giant store that has bears living in it?
Love the pics. The view from the cabins is so breathtaking and calming. I could just sit in a rocker on the porch and look at it all day.
I think it was a little over $220/nt which seemed pretty reasonable for the space and location. And Laurel Falls was busy but thankfully wasn't that busy when we were there. TBH it didn't seem worth the traffic to me. I much preferred the Cucumber Gap and Little River Trail. Much longer sure but just doing Little River Trail is an easy hike close by with next to no hikersNice cabin, that must of cost ya.
We live ~25 miles in north eastern TN from the Townsend, TN park entrance. Unless we have visitors that want to go to the park and Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Seversville we stay clear of it. It's a zoo most of the year and traffic is terrible, especially in Gatlinburg and the park. We have been to several national parks and I can not see why this one is the most visited, 14M visitors last year. There are much more scenic parks in the US. Probably because it's close to large urban population areas and there's the cabins, the tourist crap, and Dollywood. A 1 day pass will cost you $84. and parking is $25 for all standard length vehicles, $30 for oversize length vehicles such as RVs and trailers. And she has her cabin rentals, resort (currently building another), and the Stampede Dinner attraction.
The national park is going to start charging parking fees. Parking Fees They were/are charging a $14./2 hour parking fee at Laurel Falls to try and reduce the crowds.
Laurel Falls trail:
I used to MTB Tsali every time I was up that way.I prefer hiking on the south side of the Smokies. The Appalachian Trail through the Nantahala is spectacular.
My daughter's middle name comes from Laurel Falls. First hike my wife and I ever did together, which started a massive hobby and inspired us to actually get in shape. 14 years after hiking it we both weigh about 30 pounds less and have done multiple of the top 10 hardest day hikesin the US.Nice cabin, that must of cost ya.
We live ~25 miles in north eastern TN from the Townsend, TN park entrance. Unless we have visitors that want to go to the park and Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Seversville we stay clear of it. It's a zoo most of the year and traffic is terrible, especially in Gatlinburg and the park. We have been to several national parks and I can not see why this one is the most visited, 14M visitors last year. There are much more scenic parks in the US. Probably because it's close to large urban population areas and there's the cabins, the tourist crap, and Dollywood. A 1 day pass will cost you $84. and parking is $25 for all standard length vehicles, $30 for oversize length vehicles such as RVs and trailers. And she has her cabin rentals, resort (currently building another), and the Stampede Dinner attraction.
The national park is going to start charging parking fees. Parking Fees They were/are charging a $14./2 hour parking fee at Laurel Falls to try and reduce the crowds.
Laurel Falls trail:
View attachment 59864
They need to charge more for parking and use it to fund a decent bus system. Probably make some locations bus only during peak times, like Zion does.I agree they should charge a parking fee. With that said you and I know that a lot of of idiots will park anyway without a tag when implemented and frustrate those of us paying but left without a spot to park.
If you stay out of the valley and Mariposa Grove the crowds aren't bad in Yosemite. I went last year with the permit system, it was amazing with the lack of crowds.People ditched Intl travel so the parks/campgrounds are flooded with people. As the restrcitions continue to lift folks will start returning to Intl and more long distance travel and these places will revert back to normal.
I've yet to step foot in Yosemite due to the crowds but hiked/camped all over Kings, Sequoia, Lassen and the SNF with zero tour buses clogging the roads.
As I've posted multiple times on other threads, its time the Feds and States start building more campgrounds and more hiking trails. All this park land that we pay for that is kept out of public view.
Don't want to derail the thread, but your story is why I tell people not to exercise. It will usually end in aversion to it. Like you and the Mrs. have experienced; Find something you enjoy doing, the exercise and its benefits, are a byproduct.My daughter's middle name comes from Laurel Falls. First hike my wife and I ever did together, which started a massive hobby and inspired us to actually get in shape. 14 years after hiking it we both weigh about 30 pounds less and have done multiple of the top 10 hardest day hikesin the US.
I much prefer the Western parks, but the Smokys were nice when my daughter was a toddler. Lots of easy and moderate hiking, few drop offs, and it had other things available to do in the evening. Plus it was easy to feed her there.
If you stay out of the valley and Mariposa Grove the crowds aren't bad in Yosemite. I went last year with the permit system, it was amazing with the lack of crowds.
I agree with you that we should be developing more trails. We need to find something like CCC again.
When are you going?I went to the valley in Yosemite in spring of 2007, it was popular but not crowded. I hope it is not that bad when we return because it is my favorite place in the US so far.
maybe in 4 years, my 10 and 12 year old are not ready for an 8 hour hike yet. but i cannot wait to go back!When are you going?
Yosemite valley is definitely my favorite place on earth. Broke my heart last year when we first passed through tunnel view and my 5 yo didn't have a religious experience.
I think as long as you avoid the traditional summer break times, the valley isn't too bad for crowds.maybe in 4 years, my 10 and 12 year old are not ready for an 8 hour hike yet. but i cannot wait to go back!
Did you actually go into the national park?Just got back. Bruised my tailbone riding Goats on the Roof alpine coaster 3 times, played Hillybilly Golf on the side of the mountain and got 2 holes in one, saw bears in the wild twice, did the aquarium and loved the sharks and penguin parade, did all the suspension bridges at the top of Anakeesta, enjoyed our cabin's indoor pool and the hot tub. Did Easter egg dyeing and hunting with the grandchildren and took everybody to the Melting Pot for Easter feast. Don't care how tourist trap any of it is, we did it all and enjoyed it all.
edit: I forgot the rolled ice dream Exterous recommended - we all liked that.
Dollywood has some cool coasters.
I've seen bears, well not in the wild, but in my yard twice last week. One 'sighting' wasn't pleasant as I was walking the dog for his even wee-wee, and she bluff charged us and clacked her teeth at us. Amazing how fast it gets your heart rate up.Just got back. Bruised my tailbone riding Goats on the Roof alpine coaster 3 times, played Hillybilly Golf on the side of the mountain and got 2 holes in one, saw bears in the wild twice, did the aquarium and loved the sharks and penguin parade, did all the suspension bridges at the top of Anakeesta, enjoyed our cabin's indoor pool and the hot tub. Did Easter egg dyeing and hunting with the grandchildren and took everybody to the Melting Pot for Easter feast. Don't care how tourist trap any of it is, we did it all and enjoyed it all.
edit: I forgot the rolled ice dream Exterous recommended - we all liked that.
Black or Brown?I've seen bears, well not in the wild, but in my yard twice last week. One 'sighting' wasn't pleasant as I was walking the dog for his even wee-wee, and she bluff charged us and clacked her teeth at us. Amazing how fast it gets your heart rate up.