Tennessee targets in-state travelers

River Rat Rafting may be FUN and a Money Maker, but to us who first saw it - what a horrible sight! Shocking and Horrible!! The "Quiet Side of the Mountain"?
People crowded river banks, cars everywhere, noise,and a beautiful mountain stream hidden under wild colors and screaming.
And that's not to mention the congested Townsend Crossroad.
Eventually a Gatlinburg atmosphere will take over, and in a spot at the very entrance leading to Cades Cove - which also has problems.
Have been a visitor many times since the 70s and am so sad to see what seems to be so unawares to others.
It brought tears to my eyes, and my heart is sad.
Will not be visiting as often, and then only when the timing is right to see mountains, streams, wild life, historical sites, and the local folks who are so wonderful.
Pick another spot for the River Rats. Please - somewhere out of sight.

The only time We go is when School starts and We usually go during the Week....Being a local,It saddens Me also..Take care.

hey, at least they're getting out of their cars !!
but most would soil themselves in a real kayak and true whitewater.

my god, our mountains have evolved into a drive thru adventure.
the d@mn gatlinburg tourist mecca.
the whole cades cove thing sickens me to no end.
people creating a massive traffic jam loop, most never waddling out of their cars.
or at least never very far from it.

so to go anywhere near it and expecting it to be the way you want to see it, is expecting more than a little too much.

i personally don't hike there any longer until the middle of winter.
try hiking up to mt. leconte in the snow, ice and freezing fog.
you'll have the whole place to yourself and have one of the best true experiences that these mt's. can offer.

think of all the poor saps who go to orlando to be strapped in to a hard plastic seat and force fed someone else's idea of a false fantasy.