9 Unusual Places to Stay in the Smoky Mountains
Don’t let your Smoky Mountain vacation sound just like your neighbors’. Set your trip apart by staying at unusual lodging options along the way.
Gloria Wadzinski
National park enthusiast, Gloria Wadzinski writes, photographs and shoots video to encourage travelers to try something new. A planner at heart, Gloria likes to be prepared for adventures so she helps other travelers by thoroughly documenting hikes, road trips and destinations, including everything they need to know to forge out safely and not miss a thing.
Gloria earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin, and because life is change, added additional degrees and certificates from the Western Iowa Technical College, Front Range Community College and the Art Institute of Denver. Over a 40-year career, Gloria has won national accolades including CUES Golden Mirror Awards for a children's educational program and graphic design projects, and most recently a Folio Digital Award for the relaunch of a website about the national parks of Colorado.
What is Gloria's favorite national park? The last one she visited, so the answer changes several times a year.
Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina
Climb the 491 stairs on Outcroppings Trail to get to the top of Chimney Rock and see sweeping views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge.
Cades Cove Scenic Drive in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A photo tour of the Cades Cove historic community, its log cabins, churches, and grist mill, inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Hike the Appalachian Trail Through Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Appalachian Trail (AT) travels 72 miles through Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
3 Old Tennessee Treasures in Blount County, Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Here are our picks for historic finds on the quiet side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A preserved pioneer village, caverns, and antiquing heaven.
Cataloochee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Popular to visitors are the Palmer Chapel, the Will Messer Barn, and Caldwell Place. Also enjoy a campground, hiking trails, wildlife watching, and fishing.
