Whether you are a first time visitor or have been coming to the Smoky Mountains for many years, we have a few suggestions that are bound to please. While you probably have your own preferences and pace, we have tried to arrange our "daily" suggestions within proximity of one another and some of the more physical activities on different days (so you can "recover" from an 8-mile hike to Ramsay Cascades, for example). One point we want to make very strongly: To get the real flavor of what the Smokies are all about, get out of your vehicle and get "lost" in the Great Smokies National Park.

In regard to timing, many people ask "What's the best time to visit the Smokies?". Well, the simplest answer is that any season or time is great for a visit to the Smokey Mountains. It all depends on your personal preference. For example, if one of your main goals is to get away to a secluded place and avoid the crowds, you'll need careful planning in the summer and peak color of fall.

Spring has a special appeal because the wildflowers are in bloom and whitewater in the is up. An exhilarating time! Tip: Check out our feature on wildflowers and time your trip for blooming times.

Summer is the most obvious and frequent choice (despite the crowding) because the kids are out of school (it's the kids' vacation, right?), the weather is warm, and everything is green. Tip: Start early in the day while others are sleeping in or eating breakfast. A great place to get to early is Cades Cove. It's the most visited place in the Park for good reason.

Everyone will agree that Fall is an excellent time because of the color extravaganza. If children are not a consideration, the extreme crowding (especially on weekends) can be countered somewhat by going during the week and early enough in the morning to beat some of the crowd. In addition, great pockets of color remain at lower elevations in early to mid November. Tip: To avoid crowding and still enjoy the foliage at peak color, try the Cataloochee area! Check out our feature (lots of great images) on fall foliage.

Winter even has a special appeal for many. The trees absent their foliage greatly enhance mountain vistas. Stating the obvious, the Park looks completely different in winter. The contrast of bare trees against the snow at higher levels (especially at sunrise and sunset) is awe inspiring. Tip: Day hiking can even be more comfortable. Unlike summer, winter allows you to dress in layers--adding or removing a layer as your body temperature changes.