The Smokies can be a joy or it can be a nightmare.

I've had both experiences in this park. I would not

recommend taking the Cades Cove driving loop tour

in the summer. The traffic is overwhelming and very slow.

I would recommend doing this on a weekday in the spring

or fall. The hiking in the Smokies is extraordinary.

I hiked the remote Cataloochee cove area on a Saturday

in July and didn't see a soul. It was marvelous.

I have also hiked to Alum Cave and Andrews Bald and enjoyed

these hikes very much. Clingmans Dome however is a bit

overrated. And I was so disappointed to see all the

acid rain destruction here.