I can offer several suggestions on cabins in gatlinburg if you are interested. I am going to Townsend in a few weeks....kinda a last minute trip, so iam searching for lodging at the moment... i will be happy to share whatever i come accross though!

Thanks for the replies.

I have found a few cabins in the Townsend & Cosby area. But since I haven't been there in so many years, I would appreciate any 1st hand advice.

As stated earlier, we like be be away from the crowds, more into "local" scene. Just want to enjoy the park & Cherokee.

Please feel free to offer suggestions.

I like Cherokee but I don't usually stay there. I usually stay in

Gatlingburg at Zoder's and then drive to Cherokee. There are alot of little shops in Cherokee and now they have Harrah's

Casino if you like that kind of thing. There is also a musuem about the Cherokee Indians and also UNTO THESE HILLS which I'm sorry to say I've never seen. I heard it was an outdoor show of some sort put on by the Indians. There are several hotels in the area including a Ramada, and a Quality Inn. I think it's worth the money to go.

In Cherokee there is a waterfall called Mingo Falls. It is not in the park, it is owned by the Cherokee. It is the biggest in the area. We visit it everytime!!! It is down Big Cove Rd. past the KOA campground. There will be a Mingo Falls campground, turn in and park in the small parking lot. It is a short walk but up steep steps.........WELL worth the walk!!!!!

I stayed in Townsend once in the Wright Cabins. They were great people and a nice place to stay.

Wears Valley is inbetween Townsend and Pigeon Forge. It is a nice place with lots of cabin rentals. You might want to check into that!!

If I think of anything else I will let you know!

Oh, thanks brenda!! I forgot about Unto These Hills!!! I saw it and loved it!!! We took our then 2 year old and she loved it too. It is an outdoor play and depicts the whole Trail of Tears. It is really worth checking out!!! Try cherokee-nc.com, they have info about it!

I remember Unto these Hills from many, many years ago!

But I think it is at night. Which can be scary on unfamilar mtn roads.

Since Cherokee has the casino now, has it gotten commercialized like I hear alot of the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area??

How about Cosby area?? From maps & what I've read, it looks like we could go to the GSMP & Cherokee Indian Village & still be away from the crowds,yet close to stores & shops??

Sparklejoy -------- be sure to update after your trip.

Any advice is welcomed!!

Will Do Lectro! We got several brochures from Townsendl last night. Unfortunately I was to sick to check any of them out. If i find some good cabins or lodging, i will post links for you.