The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasted the highest visitation numbers of all 59 national parks in 2016 at 11.3 million people, and if you’re planning on visiting any time soon, one of the most important parts of planning is exploring and choosing between the multitude of Smoky Mountain vacation rentals. Here are just a few things to keep in mind while you’re looking for lodges in the Smokies.
Amenities:
Choosing a vacation lodge that offers the right amenities is just one critical aspect of making the most of your trip. Whether you’re going on a romantic getaway or a trip the whole family can enjoy, you’ll want to make sure your lodge rental has everything you need to feel as comfortable as possible. Many areas in the Smoky Mountains offer primitive camping, which means you won’t have access to water or electricity. But most travelers prefer more equipped and luxurious lodge rentals that include water, power, and more. Think about your goals for the trip, as well as your budget, before deciding exactly what type of lodge is most appropriate for your stay.
Distance To Activities:
If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg, chances are, you want to see some of the best sights of the city — or wilderness. You’ll have to carefully consider whether you want to prioritize the outdoor aspects of Smoky Mountain Park or explore the city of Gatlinburg itself. There are 800 miles of hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ranging from a half mile to 70 miles in length, and it’s not uncommon for hiking trips to last hours or more at a time. At the same time, the city has some astounding attractions: The fish in Ripley’s Aquarium outnumber the residents of Gatlinburg, 10,000 sea creatures compared to about 4,000 permanent residents. Try to plan an activities that everyone can enjoy.
Ultimately, these are just a few important parts of figuring out your Smoky Mountain vacation rental plans. Keep an eye out for the next post, where we’ll discuss some more ways to determine your best lodging option.
