Best places near the Smokeys

[BrianGoldstone]

Hi

I'm going to be heading out to Tennessee for the first time from Britsh Columbia and could use a little local knowledge. I fly into Nashville on the 21st and out of Knoxville on the 26th. As of right now I haven't booked any place to stay as I want to find out the places to shoot would be. I'm looking to get a variety of fall scenics but mostly would be things off the beaten path as well as some backpacking shots. I'm thinking of getting a cabin near Gaitlinburg. Is this a good place to base out of or is there somewhere else?

[mtngirl]

Hi Brian,
I'm a local photographer, and love the colors around these mountains....Around the 21st, the colors will be down low..........The Smokies will still be fantastic, but the colors will not be on top of the mountain...........Chances are they will be gone.........You can get good shots half way up the mountain, and around Gatlinburg.....
Go up Highway 321 into Gatlinburg, and there are some good places to visit.......About 10 miles out of Gatlinburg, is Greenbriar.......cuts off Hwy 321 to the left.......It's part of the national park, with streams and good colors.......
When you get into Gatlinburg, go to traffic light #8, turn left, and stay straight. It takes you into the motor nature trail.....a one-way paved road about 8 miles long with old log cabins, streams, a mill, and waterfalls right beside the road.....brings you out right back into Gatlinburg.....
There are hiking trails in The Smokies, it's according how long a hike you want to take......One of the shortest hikes is the Laurel Falls hike, and a beautiful waterfall..............
That's a few good places to get colors that time of year.......
Good Luck to you and I'll see you on the mountain.
www.Smokymountainphotos.com
mtngirl

[Larry]

Great places to visit for fall colors this week of the 21st are Fall Creek Falls, ( Near Crossville ),Cherohala skyway ( Near Teleco Plains), and Big South fork Nat'l Park ( North of Oak Ridge, Tn. The colors are goint to peek this week, through next weekend. The Smokies are very crowded now and the above areas are great. Because of resent rains latley the colors are awsome. Larry