Possible Family Vacation

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Sep 10, 2014
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Thinking of taking my family (me, wife, 3 small kids - 7, 5, and 8 mo) on a small vacation and would like to get into the mountains for some scenery and relaxing. I live in FL so we don't regularly see much of the mountains and when we do it's usually because we're driving through them on our way to Ohio (family is there). We won't be doing a lot of hiking, but would be nice to find some walkways or areas with great views. The kids can handle a couple miles of pretty even terrain and I can carry the baby.

All that to say, I'm wondering if anyone has some recommendations of nice family areas in the Carolinas or Tennessee. There looks like some nice national forests (N. of Atlanta or maybe around Asheville) and the Smokey mountain national part in the area but I just know so little about them I don't know where to start.
 
The Smoky Mt National Park has everything you want and need. It is a gem!

If this is your first visit, I would suggest hitting the visitor center, getting maps for waterfalls (brochure), (many are short hikes and even wheel chair friendly), probably the overview tower at Clingman's Dome at the top of the mountain, a general map showing trails in the park, getting a general park map, old buildings and mills, then heading out to see some "mountains". Cades Cove is always a wonderful place to visit and very kid friendly. I go there at least a couple times a year. With the fall foliage, it will be crowded. Great places to eat in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for a family. Motels and so forth are modestly priced overall and you can choose whatever quality you like.
 
North Georgia is not too far away, a lot of National Forest land, you can rent a cabin around Eljay.
Do a search with your computer for cabin rentals around the Smokey Mtn. areas.
 
My sister rents a cabin for about a week every year outside the SMNP, often several times a year. They get booked up pretty quickly during the prime times and October is definitely prime time. I noticed on the park website that they have an advisory out for bears as they are very active right now. Bring the camera!!

The area around Blairsville GA is real nice. The problem in Blairsville is there are very few places to eat. But they do have a Holiday Inn Express. :rolleyes:

Ellijay GA, nice too but I haven't spent much time there other than passing though.

If you want something "less" but still a park and I am assuming you eventually make your way to Ohio and family.... Falls Creek State Park in TN is real nice. Very limited places to eat however other than at the Lodge. Cumberland Falls SP in KY is real nice and certainly interesting with the waterfalls on the Cumberland River.
 
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