TravelGuides

(TGA) - We are planning a driving trip across AL to the Great Smoky Mtn. NP. Where could we see some pretty fall scenery? Thank you.
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If you are driving from Lousiana to the Smoky Mountains, you will probably go up I-59 from Birmingham to Chattanooga. That route takes you between Sand Mountain and Lookout Mountain for more than 100 miles. Just get off the interstate at some point and follow a parallel course on either side. West of the interstate, the scenery is especially pretty around Oneonta. East of it, there's a Lookout Mountain Trail or Parkway (I forget the official name) that will take you from Noccolula Falls north of Gadsden past Little River Canyon, DeSoto Falls, and Mentone all the way into Tennessee. But I would go off the mountain at Mentone and visit Valley Head and Sequohia (sp?) Caverns. You can get back on I-59 at Valley Head and drive between the mountains the rest of the way to Chattanooga. I think you will find that the drive through northeast Alabama is more scenic than the interstate from Chattanooga to Knoxville.
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alabama.travel/activities/…
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Thank you very much for the info.
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I would also suggest you go east on the bypass (Hwy 74, exit 20 off of I-75N) at Cleveland, TN and take Hwy 74 to Hwy 411N which would be much more scenic than just staying on the interstate. 411N will take you into Maryville where you can then take Hwy 321 to Townsend. You then have a choice of going straight into the Smokies on Scenic Hwy 73 or you can take a left and continue on Hwy 321 over to Pigeon Forge. It takes a little more time than the interstate but it's a nice drive and you go through a few small towns and a lot of nice farm land.
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Sounds like a great route. Thank you.
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You might also consider Bald River Falls in Telico Plains north east of Clevend Tn. It is quite a ways back up in the gorge, but a VERY nice drive and there may be some color there. Also when you get to Cherokee area, make sure you DON'T MISS mingo falls. It is on BIG COVE Rd.

Do you by chance have the book "Waterfalls of the Southern Appalachians", if not then you may want to check them out at a big bookstore. It is a VERY good book for all of that area. It tells you how good they are, directions, how far you have to walk and anything else you may want to know. They even have pictures of most. Have fun, jim
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Thanks ,Jim. I didn't know about these falls, but I will sure check them out. My mother(85 Years old!) and I are driving up in a week.
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Minnehaha will be a tough walk for her unless she can walk pretty good. Not that far from parking but a short walk up an incline and then dirt pathway with some roots to watch out for,

Bald river falls is right there on side of road and next to parking, really nice.

Mingo according to the book is rated Difficulty :moderate/trail length 1/4 mile. Says from parking, follow the steep path upwards for 100yds. trail levels off and proceedes to footbridge to base of falls. Is one of the most impressive cascades in the Smokies region

Noccalula, in AL, is easy to see and can be quite impressive when good rain in area.

Ga. has Amicalola: easy and very nice.

See if you can find the book, it is well worth the price. Hope this helps and if you need any more info just let me know, jim
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Great info!
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