If you like peace and quiet, then for God's sake headquarter at Townsend. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are an absolute "zoo" this time of year. We had a recent Cane Gathering up in the Park, and I had to take some of the guys thru Gatlinburg to get to a specific stream. The comment from all was; "Any way back where we don't have to go thru this mess???"

Good Spots to stay in Townsend: Highland Manor Inn/Dock's/TalleyHo Inn are just 3. Restaurants would be: Carriage House (at TallyHo/Timbers/Miss Lily's (especially Sunday brunch!)/BBQ place on the river...

Save yourself a lot of grief and check with the folks at Little River Outfitters. They are very current on what's happening and where the fish are biting. A good standard plan for fishing is to start and finish at Metcalf "Bottoms" and work your way up to Elkmont. Metcalf "Bottoms" is especially good in the evenings for the big "hatch". Be sure to have someone explain the "back way" into Metcalf because you do NOT want to use the Little River Road from Metcalf to Townsend... unless you have the patience of Job.

If you are going to fish for more than 3 days then buy a NC annual out of state license (via the internet). You do not need a trout stamp to fish in the park, and you do NOT need a TN license to fish the TN side of the National Park.

Ralph