[Brian D.]

I really enjoy the Bryson City side of the park. Small town with access to some less-hiked trails. They also have a scenic railroad, and there are three diferent rivers nearby to raft or innertube float on. And they have a great microbrewery right down by the depot--Nantahala Brewing Company. By now they should have their excellent new Russian Imperial Stout in the taps. South of Bryson City and the national park is hundreds of square miles of national forest, also less visited by tourists.

By the way a bad storm blew through the Townsend/Cades Cove area last week so some roads or attractions in that direction may be inaccessible.