Gatlinburg / Smoky Mountains area HoneyMoon Recommendations

[DuckDogDr]

Getting married Next April . Our big “actual” Honeymoon is scheduled for a year later (budgeting for it) but we want to do a small weekend or 3 day trip close to home.

She loves fly fishing and just relaxing and going at her own pace bs having a dedicated schedule and have to be at xyz at 0900.

We both want away from people as much as possible and quiet . Been trying to find a resort with a separated cabin ..

We would be interested in kayaking or floating a stream (yes we know it’s going to be cold then) .

 

[Carr5vols]

We like Maggie Valley for that type of weekend...away from crowds but if it is easter weekend look out.

 

[Choupique]

away from people

Somewhere else. Gatlinburg is absurdly packed.

 

[fmyth]

Tapoca Lodge. Near Robbinsville, NC. Just spent 3 weeks in cabin nearby. Beautiful country, very few people. Rivers, lakes, hiking everywhere. Very few people compared to where I live East of Phoenix AZ.

 

[IW17]

Somewhere else. Gatlinburg is absurdly packed.

This. Unfortunately you need a time machine because that gatlinburg no longer exists. I've got family about an hour west and have been going my whole life. It's still enjoyable, but it's crowded and very touristy. Think Myrtle Beach in the mountains.

 

[JK47]

Yes, lots of people. But Smokey Mountain Knife Works in Sevierville is reason enough to put up with the people. We would rent a cabin in Pigeon Forge. Go north to Sevierville or south to Gatlinburg.

Best pizza I’ve ever had in my life was in Gatlinburg. Smokey Mountain Brewery has a pizza called The Brewmaster. It’s the bar for me.

I always had a great time there regardless of the crowds. Not near as bad as Vegas….and I LOVE that place!!!

Go and enjoy.

 

[Johnson27]

My wife and I just spent 4 days in Gatlinburg in early June. Great for one day in town, but the GSM areas were crowded.

 

[Gen273]

Based on your parameters, you really should look at Townsend, TN.

 

[loganwayne]

If you want to get away from the crowds but still be close to stuff and possibly do a float fly fishing trip and fly fish.
Id recommend Bryson city, Waynesville, sylva, Robinsville NC. Rafting company's on the nantahala and also fly fishing guides there as well on the tuckasegee, deep creek and the pigeon rivers.
All those towns besides robinsville have nice downtown areas and shops but aren't slammed full like Gatlinburg.

I live between Waynesville and sylva.

 

[timekiller13]

If you want to be away from people then Gatlinburg/pigeon forge is not the place for you. Those places stay packed year round now. Used to be a little lull during certain times of the year, but now it’s always busy.

GSMNP is also very busy. It is the most visited NP in the US. The popular areas are traffic nightmares.

Maggie valley is not so bad. You could hit up the rez for great fishing but there will be plenty of company.

 

[Captains1911]

If away from people is your goal, then stay away from Gatlinburg. My wife and I have stayed in the Bryson City, NC area a few times, which is on the other side of the park to the south. It’s way less crowded, and close to Nantahala National Forest, which we enjoy visiting just as much as the park. I don’t fish so I can’t help you there. Western NC is beautiful, have a great time.

ETA: for kayaking this place is cool:
https://noc.com/trips/nantahala-riv...MjT9-Onjjhkb_NmZW7MqXRyDZLK6nXLxoCiUIQAvD_BwE

 

[SMOKYMTN]

There’s 2 Smoky Mountains, the Tennessee side which is commercialized, packed and basically Myrtle Beach of the Mountains, and the NC side which is the larger section of the GSMNP, more rugged and quiet. I love both sides for different reasons, it just all depends on what you’re wanting to do.

If you’re wanting to get as far away from the hustle and bustle and people, stay away from the Tennessee side. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are crazy packed. Look more towards Robbinsville, Bryson City, Maggie Valley, Sylva and Dillsboro.

 

[jayhawk]

There’s 2 Smoky Mountains, the Tennessee side which is commercialized, packed and basically Myrtle Beach of the Mountains, and the NC side which is the larger section of the GSMNP, more rugged and quiet. I love both sides for different reasons, it just all depends on what you’re wanting to do.

If you’re wanting to get as far away from the hustle and bustle and people, stay away from the Tennessee side. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are crazy packed. Look more towards Robbinsville, Bryson City, Maggie Valley, Sylva and Dillsboro.

^ this

If you decide on Gatlinburg, double check events happening during the time you’ll be there. Car shows, parades, festivals, etc. would make for a crowded honeymoon.

Stay on the NC side if you want something low key and easy going. Lots of little towns that are just gems with lots of outdoor activities.

 

[Choupique]

Stay on the NC side if you want something low key and easy going.

Do this.

Wife and I went to Gatlinburg for our honeymoon in 2021. Didn't know any better. 4th of july was that week. It was basically like being at a Walmart in Louisiana except outside. The little cabin we had rented was basically in the middle of the cabin equivilent of a trailer park. Fat people everywhere. Traffic jams at all hours. It was terrible.

 

[wesfromky]

You might also look into places nearby like Boone, Asheville, or Linville. Maybe Chattanooga. If you want to fly fish, the TN tailwaters might be worth a look.

 

[fmyth]

If you want to get away from the crowds but still be close to stuff and possibly do a float fly fishing trip and fly fish.
Id recommend Bryson city, Waynesville, sylva, Robinsville NC. Rafting company's on the nantahala and also fly fishing guides there as well on the tuckasegee, deep creek and the pigeon rivers.
All those towns besides robinsville have nice downtown areas and shops but aren't slammed full like Gatlinburg.

I live between Waynesville and sylva.

Drove from Robbinsville to have lunch at Foragers in Sylva. The shrimp tacos were the best we've ever had! Hard to beat dining on the patio just feet from the creek/river.