Considering a trip to the park in April and will most likely stay at a motel in either Townsend or maybe Cherokee. Any suggestions as to good cheap lodging in those areas? Not looking for anything fancy, just a clean place to lay my head down and a place to shower. Usually leave early in the morning and return after sundown so all the extra frills not needed.
Thanks

Since it seems your going specifically to shoot, are you correct in your assessment of the proper time. I ask as I was in Lenoir NC last May and the tree's were not all leafed out. Lenoir is not that far from the park and at a lower altitude. I figured from the looks of it I was 3 to 5 weeks to early. Have you consulted any data? Perhaps your going for waterfalls?

Wayne,
I was actually going by a brochure I received that states at this time the dogwoods are in bloom. It does sound a bit early. The main thing for me is the amount of people in the park. The last time I was there a few years ago it was bumper to bumper much of the time, this was in the summer. I'm sure I would be able to find subject matter for photos somewhere in the park.

While I can't offer anything specific, I do think your areas are a better choice than those in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, although in the off season Pigeon Forge used to have some unrealistically low rates. To avoid traffic, stay off the central road that crosses the park and stick to the side roads, which often have little or no traffic. There are a *very* large number of trails accessible from the roads that go around the park and surprisingly few that can be accessed from the central road.

The vast majority of people that visit the park are not going to go more than 12 steps down the trail, usually just to the first sign of a stream and then back to the car, so don't worry about the crowds for the most part unless you want to trek to the top of Clingman's Dome, which is always crowded. It's great fun to see them panting and just about passing out when they break for a smoke, but it's not very good photography (well, maybe a little!).

I strongly suggest getting a copy of “Hiking Trails of the Smokies” from the Great Smoky Mountains Historical Society, who also sell neat little booklets of specific subjects like waterfalls and other subjects of interest that have directions to the best places to find those things.

I'll stop there since you didn't really ask for help on good spots, but I couldn't resist. Hey! I'll help carry your stuff if you take me along!

- Randy

Randy,
Thanks for the information and I will try to obtain the book you mentioned. I figured Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg might be a bit crowded but you are probably correct about the off season rates. I probably won't make any reservations so I can be a bit flexible on my lodging, plus I'll have the tent and sleeping bag along just in case.
I'll let you know when and where to meet me so you can help carry my STUFF!
Thanks:p

If you pick up the hotel/motel discount book when you enter Tn. you should be able to find motels in Gatlinburg for $35. or less.There will be a lot of empty rooms in April. Lot's of places to eat too.

In Cherokee, coming in from 441 just as the road bends to the right by all the rubber tomahawk shops is a motel uphill on the right. Cherokee Hills motel?
They always have their price on the sign. $34.95 Maybe up to 39 now.

Townsend is the closest to Cades Cove. I've never stayed there.

If you like motorcycles check out the Wheels through Time museum in Maggies Valley.

Wayne,
I was actually going by a brochure I received that states at this time the dogwoods are in bloom. It does sound a bit early. The main thing for me is the amount of people in the park. The last time I was there a few years ago it was bumper to bumper much of the time, this was in the summer. I'm sure I would be able to find subject matter for photos somewhere in the park.

It has been many years since I lived in the Mid-Atlantic states, but while technology changes people and nature do not. As I recall, dogwoods are about the first trees to bloom and they bloom well before most other trees leaf out. That should make photographing them easier.

Steve

Cades Cove does have a campground...that would be a great trip there...some towns to visit outside of cherokee would be sylva and bryson city, great 'old' towns and there is also the Great Smokey Mtn railroad which is a lovely ride through the forest into the nantahala gorge...

Thanks everyone for all the great information. Looking forward to the trip although it's still in the planning stages. Guess I'd better get busy and order more film...........:)

Don't foget your tripod!

Don't foget your tripod!

Well that's one thing I've never done.......:p
Now I've got thet to worry about! :rolleyes:

If you search page five you will find some stuff that I and others wrote about GSMNP.

I photographed the park area in April back a few years ago. I found some interesting waterfalls and plenty of dogwood in bloom. The last day we were there it snowed in the mountains and added to the beauty. I would suggest bring a pair of hip boots, because you will see some nice waterfalls across the river in some areas. The best image I made on that trip was one of a waterfalls where I had to forge the river in my bare feet as the snow was falling. I spent the better part of a day trying to find a place to buy some hip boots, and nobody had any. You can be sure the next time I head that way I will bring some. Have a good trip

If you search page five you will find some stuff that I and others wrote about GSMNP.
Thanks, more great info........ might have to extend my stay!