Amazing views, and worth the drive up, but... oh, that road. Took my Jeep Gladiator and drove up to…read morethe top. For the last mile, in first gear the whole way. One close call: someone in a giant GMC SUV had trouble maintaining lane in a curve. Not for the leaden footed drivers. We parked at the first parking lot, which was pretty full, but after the steep, short walk up the remainder, found 3 more spots up top. It's worth checking. The views were spectacular. Our 16 year old dog had some trouble with all the steps, but managed it. Also, more graffiti than you're likely to see in any one place, but climb those stairs, get above the graffiti, and it's worth every step!

The views from the top of Bell Mountain are spectacular! The drive up the mountain is not for the…read moreweak either. My husband and I took some great photos, but at the very top deck I could barely stand still due to all of the gnats flying around!! (Nov 1)

Came to Brasstown Bald Observation Tower for the views and it was a sight to see! It's not everyday…read more(at least where I live) that you can stand in such a high place and be able to see mountains spanning across 4 different states. The entry fee was 8 per adult (kids are free) which also includes a van ride to the overlook. Or you can choose to hike which wasn't a long hike but steep from what I saw. A must do for anyone visiting the area! Ohh... and make sure you watch the little movie at the top, it's very cool to see how one place is its own little world in different seasons and the history behind the place.

The current Brasstown Bald observation tower was built in 1965, replacing an earlier stone tower…read morethat was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935. The original 1935 stone tower was torn down in 1947 and replaced with a steel tower before the current structure was built - we'll folks looks like it's time to build another tower this one is in a state of disrepair. I came here to observe 4 states from the highest point in Georgia, but apparently the observation tower is in such bad shape that it is now closed to the public and your adventure will end after climbing a few flights of stairs ending at the base of the observation deck yeah there's a view from the lower level but in my opinion not worth the price of admission. Thankfully there's a shuttle van that takes you from the parking lot level to the top it runs about ever 10 minutes, our driver was very friendly and tried his best to entertain us during the short drive to the top but there's not much to say - the museum at the top is okay and takes about 2 minutes to tour it then time you walk the lower deck and wait for the shuttle back down - I purchased a refrigerator magnet for the RV from the gift shop and headed for the truck. I guess I am fortunate that I came and saw this, although it was never on my bucket list, I'm still trying to figure out why there's an old train engine in the museum it's quite the anachronism...

The Hiwassee Dam is a little bit of a detour from Murphy, NC. But I highly recommend a stop. The…read moredam is hydroelectric and is remarkable to see just the size of it. You can drive over it too. I wasn't sure at the time if I could take a walk on it so I behaved myself this time. There appeared to be sidewalks on both sides in sections so I will do that next time. The dam is 307 feet high and holds 67 billion gallons of water. Hiwassee Lake is about 22 miles. The dam took 1600 men four years to build before being completed in 1940. At the time it cost $24 million to build. The dam generates enough electricity for 28,000 homes. The views are breathtaking here so if you are in the area this remarkable piece of work.

If you're in the Murphy area, or planning a trip out to the falls, and enjoy being outdoors, be…read moresure to take a quick detour and venture into easily accessible Hiwassee. Surrounded by the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests - This cozy and colorful park has a lot to offer, including a rich habitat for deer, wild turkey and other animals. Have your camera ready to snap memorable moments, scenery and wildlife. Built in the 1940's, the Hiwassee Dam is largely known to locals as 1 of 32 dams built & planned to provide flood control, navigation and electricity for the region. Today, this piece of history is known as one of the top 5 things to do/points of interest for those visiting Murphy. Upstream from Apalachia Reservoir, the river stretches for 22 miles northwest to southeast. The Pros: - Great for picnics. - Free and easy to locate parking. - The area features a day-use park that provides access to boating, fishing and paths for exploring the Hiwassee Reservoir and its tributaries. - The area is isolated and not overloaded with people/tourists (even during season). On most occasions you will find yourself alone and have this stunning area all to yourself. It's well suited for canoeing & rafting. - The dam is close to Cherokee, the falls and many of Murphy's other "must-see" areas. Prior to your trip, consider these tips: - Check out & research the weather conditions prior to making your plans to venture out onto the roads, or into the water. The reservoir comes from deep below the surface and the water temperature is super chilly, even in the summer. - Keep an eye out for snakes! - If it's summer, be sure to pack bug spray and sun screen. Fun Facts: - The dam is known as a historical landmark used by the Navy Bureau of Ordnance for torpedo testing into the deep water, and the isolation provided by its mountainous environs. - The dam is currently operational and still providing electricity today.

Worth the drive to see and walk through the tunnel…read more Read the history, it's really a sad story. They call it the stolen highway

If you didn't know the history of this spot, you might not think it's a big deal but if you do know…read morethe history, it becomes more relevant. Yes, it literally is a road that ends in a very long, dark and wet tunnel. There are also several walking trails nearby. We drove back on the road a little bit and did one of the shorter hikes that leads to a section of the lake. There are other trails that are more strenuous. This is more of an oddity than anything else, but still an interesting place to visit.

Today was our second time back to Alum Cave Trail, and we did the 2.3 miles to Alum Cave Bluff and…read morethen turned back, for a total of 4.6 miles. You can go on for a total of five miles to reach Mt. Leconte, but since the weather was turning and it was starting to rain we cut our hike short. Like others, I suggest getting to this trail head early, as at 7:30 am half the parking lot was full!! We love this trail in particular for its endless water features, lots of scenic spots to take pictures, unique bridges, and the breathtaking view from the top. Even with the bad weather today, it was something spectacular watching the fog lift above the golden trees. If you haven't been, this trail is definitely worth your time and attention. You will want to wear some sturdy walking shoes for this one and maybe even bring a walking stick!!

Gorgeous trail with diverse beauty. We did the medium length hike to the bluff and loved it. Once…read moreyou pass the cave the whole hike is pretty much going uphill so come prepared to get a workout in and wear proper shoes and bring some water. The views are great from the bluff and totally worth it. We came during the week around noon and parking lot was full so we had to park further out and walk about a half mile or so to the trail so be prepared for that or plan your time. Totally worth it! One of my favorite hikes that we did in the area. Loved being by the creek, the log crossings, the cave, the moss, the trees, and the Mountain Views. the scenery was so pretty. There is a bathroom on-site at the start of the trail in case you are wondering.

I saw this place on tiktok by Daisytown and also Elkmont. The drive out here is a lil wonky and…read morewill take a long time to get out here. If you are handicap, you dont have to pay for parking. But otherwise you need to get a day pass at the visitor center.

Thanks to Google Maps (and my thorough trip itinerary planning), I had discovered the historic…read more(once a) "ghost town" of Elkmont. For America's most visited national park, it can be difficult to escape the crowds within the Great Smoky Mountains--yet Elkmont is one place to do just that! This Little River Valley was once home to a pioneer Appalachian community, a logging town, and later a resort community. To this day, old relics and abandoned buildings from the past remain--awaiting to be explored. The area was settled in the 1840s as the town of Little River when a logging company was formed. A railroad was later constructed to transport timber for the Little River Lumber Company. This eventually allowed the wealthy from Knoxville to visit what eventually became a resort town. When the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was was established in 1934, residents were given the option to sell their homes at full price and relocate, or sell to the National Park Service (NPS) for a discounted price allowing them to live there until they become deceased. By 1992, most of the homes remained vacant or with expired leases leading 70+ historic buildings into a state of deterioration. Thankfully the NPS decided to renovate and preserve 19 buildings in Elkmont for public visitation. You can now find the Elkmont Historic District with cabins along Jakes Creek Road that were completed around 1997. They attempted to keep the buildings in the closest original condition--even their exterior paint colors! Each cabin has information about the tenants and any unique features. Unfortunately, the cabins cannot be brought up to code for renting or staying inside. However, the largest lodge known as the Appalachian Club is available as an event venue. Continue to explore the Old Elkmont Cemetery up a rocky road near the beginning of Elkmont Road, or choose to hike the Jakes Creek or Little River Trails where you will venture past less discovered old chimneys, walls and tractors that still remain. Directions: Coming from Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge or Cherokee, turn to go west on Fighting Creek Gap Road toward Cade's Cove (turn off near the Sugarlands Visitor Center). After the Laurel Falls trailhead, watch for signs to Elkmont Campground. Follow Elkmont Road all the way til it becomes a loop drive at Jakes Creek Trail Trailhead.

An amazing and unforgettable experience - perhaps the crowning jewel of our entire trip. Olivia was…read morea knowledgeable and personable guide. I loved hearing about how the cave was discovered by little kids - brothers - who spent their childhoods playing in it, and how they later grew up to save enough money to buy it outright and keep it in the family thereafter (and it's still privately owned by the family to this day!) At the start, we were a bit concerned about the amount of walking - and in particular, the steps. Our youngest is at the age where he wants to be independent, but he needs extra time to manage stairs (and some of those passages were narrow and steep enough to where we didn't feel comfortable carrying him) but we needn't have worried. Our large group had some adults who needed extra time with stairs, as well as people who took full advantage of our pace to snap more photos (and I've been on another cave tour where we were rushed through and unable to take many photos at all); nobody seemed to mind. I was also worried about not bringing a sweater, as the cave is 58 degrees year round, but it's a little bit of a workout which keeps you warm. If you have any health issues like a heart condition or anything affecting the function of your lungs it might be too intense (I'm just fat, and it was mildly strenuous: just when your heart starts to pound and you're breath is coming in faster you've reached your next destination and you return to resting state - this happens a couple times.) The cave is like being on another planet. We snapped some amazing photos. When it was time to return to the world above, my kids were sad that it was over.

If you're heading to Townsend. Tuckaleechee Caverns is a must-do…read more This place is absolutely worth the visit. Pricing is reasonable, and the experience is unforgettable. We had Kash as our tour guide and he was fantastic, energetic, kind, and amazing with kids. He kept everyone engaged, answered every question, and clearly knows the caverns inside and out. Even in a large group, you could still hear him clearly throughout the walk. The tour runs about 1.5 hours and covers over a mile underground. Be ready for stairs, lots of them (around 87 steep steps on the way out), and this is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The cave floor is wet, so good shoes are a must. You'll also duck in a few spots, but not constantly. The views are unreal: a waterfall, a stream, stalactites, stalagmites, and massive natural columns you get to see up close while learning the history behind them. It stays cool inside, but you'll warm up from all the walking. It's well organized even when multiple groups are passing each other, and everything flows smoothly. The gift shop is also a win: well stocked, fair prices, and they accept cards. Bottom line: if you love nature, caves, geology, or just want a unique family experience, this is 100% worth your time.

First week of June 2024 I love stopping here EVERY trip to…read morethe Smokeys! Such a beautiful area!! A must see at least once!!!! a very nice gift shop and VERY CLEAN restrooms!!

We we're here for a wedding ceremony. The wedding venue is maybe 30 steps up to a platform…read moreoverlooking the water. It's really pretty, but does not fit a large number of guests. It was perfect for the wedding we attended. The only drawback was that on a Saturday around 5 pm there was multiple motorcycles coming to the area. It was very loud and difficult to hear people talking for the ceremony.

At 6643 feet, Clingmans Dome, now known by its Cherokee name, Kuwohi, is the highest point in the…read moreGreat Smoky Mountains National Park. My visit to Kuwohi was a highlight of my visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The drive up to the summit is breathtaking. There are several overlooks along the way to stop and enjoy the views. When we arrived, it was about 20 degrees colder than in Gatlinburg and it was very windy. Fortunately, we had dressed warm for the hike. The half mile trail is paved and accessible, however, the climb is straight up and was very difficult for some people. At the top of the trail we passed the Appalachian Trail. Then we found a fantastic Mid Century concrete spiral structure to climb. At the top, is an observation deck with placards describing the magnificent views of Tennessee and North Carolina. The modern observation deck was completed in 1960, replacing a wooden structure. Thomas Lanier Clingman was one of the early explorers that mapped the region in the 1850's. Kuwohi was (and still is) a sacred mountain of the Cherokee people. The mountain held Magic Lake that is believed to have healing powers for those who value the earth and its people. Parking permits are required to park in the large lot. Permits can be purchased on site for $5/day. Restroom facilities are available, but no running water. A nearby Visitors Center sells maps, shirts and other hiking gear. Kuwohi is a must visit on a trip to SMNP. Bring warm clothes (gloves, hat, etc). Cell tower reception is poor, so maps are helpful.

This stop has been on my list for awhile, and I'm not really sure how I hadn't made it yet…read moreconsidering the amount of times I've road tripped to the Smokies... but here we are! Got to see a bear on the way coming from Oconaluftee, which meant the day was perfect no matter what else happened. The weather was a little rainy, scattered storms here and there, and the cloud cover wasn't great for a great view from the overlook, but.... The parking lot view was still excellent, and the overlook itself was cool to see, and there was a Passport stamp station and Visitor Center, loads of camp style restrooms, with plenty of parking, so, absolutely worth the stop!

The city of Blairsville was perfect for our little mountain getaway!…read more Blairsville or "City of Mountains" is located in North Georgia (Union County) near Chattahoochee National Forest, and Vogel State Park. There's so much fun stuff to do around here such as renting a cabin, hiking, camping, fishing, paddle boating and so much more. Some of the places we visited while staying here: - Blairsville Downtown - Sleepy Hollow Enterprises - Vogel State Park - Helton Creek Falls - Blairsville Seafood Market "Mike's" - Brasstown Bald - Bell Mountain All of those destinations were 15-20 min away from each other at the most and all the activities, and views were absolutely worth it! I totally recommend staying in Blairsville and visiting all of those places. Also, don't miss Blairsville Downtown! It's a cute, small town but it's full with happy people ready to welcome you! The restaurants around it are great as well! ESPAÑOL ¡La ciudad de Blairsville fue perfecta para nuestra pequeña escapada a la montaña!   Blairsville o "City of Mountains" se encuentra en el norte de Georgia (Condado de Union) cerca del bosque nacional Chattahoochee y el parque estatal Vogel.   Hay muchas cosas divertidas que hacer por aquí, como alquilar una cabaña, ir de excursión, acampar, pescar, remar en bote y mucho más.   Algunos de los lugares que visitamos durante su estancia aquí:   - Blairsville Downtown   - Sleepy Hollow Enterprises   - Parque Estatal Vogel   - Helton Creek Falls   - Blairsville Seafood Market "Mike's"   - Brasstown Bald   - Bell Mountain   Todos esos destinos estaban a 15-20 minutos el uno del otro como máximo y todas las actividades, y las vistas valieron la pena! Recomiendo totalmente alojarse en Blairsville y visitar todos esos lugares.   Además, ¡no te pierdas el centro de Blairsville! ¡Es un pueblo pequeño y lindo, pero está lleno de gente feliz lista para darte la bienvenida! Los restaurantes a su alrededor también son geniales.

SMALL TOWN CHARM IN A NEAT LITTLE PACKAGE!…read more Blairsville is a small town located straight up 400/19 in Union County. It is located near the Chattahoochee Forest and Vogel Park and has spectacular views and vistas. Town Square is at the center of town and where you will find restaurants and the historical court house which is now the site of the Historical Society Museum. It is a true gem and deserves its own review. It is a great little "get away" and a great place to go and re-acquaint yourself with nature, history and wonderful people. The town plays host to several festivals and community activities, (Friday night concerts) throughout the year. Although we were in town for the Mountain Heritage Festival, we wandered into town for breakfast and to see the historic courthouse which literally sits in the center of town where you can't miss it. A traffic circle directs you around the building. This town seems to be run by volunteers who love their town and its history. They were throughout the various venues and just full of useful information. We had such a nice visit, that we are considering returning to the fall festival when the weather is cooler and we are able to see the trees change color. If you come for a festival, you must have a meal downtown and take a look around. There is plenty of convenient public parking available. When you are traveling to Blairsville, you will encounter long winding roads that can appear to be a bit precarious. However just hang in there and you will be fine. These roads are very popular with cyclists, drivers of sport cars, and motorcyclists so you must be cautious and TAKE YOUR TIME. We actually were stuck behind a group of cyclists, so we simply put our hazard lights on and hunkered down while staying about two car lengths back. It is simply not safe to pass on these challenging roads. If you have ever ridden a bike on the street, you can appreciate how scary it must be to be on a winding mountain road and have an aggressive driver on your tail. Just be kind! The sorghum festival will be taking place during the first weekend in October, so make a plan!