Great Smoky running ?

Well, as luck would have it, I just returned from my first trip to Gatlinberg a couple of weeks ago.
I would say that the trails, for the most part, would be tough to run on. On my last day there, I
ran on the road that is at the Greenbrier entrance. It was perfect. If you start at the intersection
of the entrance and run all the way to Ramsy's Falls trail head and back, that is about 10.5 miles.
I did not drive it, I just estimated base on my perceived pace. It is a beautiful run. The road runs
along the Little Pigeon Creek. The beginning is paved but most is gravel. Very little traffic in the
morning. Several bridges that go over rocky streams. It is mostly uphill going into the park.

Once you get in the area, go to an information center and get a hiking map of the park. The
Greenbrier entrance will be shown there. If memory serves, I think it is very near the intersection
of the East Parkway and Rd
416. It is about 10 minutes east of Gatlinberg.

Have a good time.

Michael

"Kelly M" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I am planning a few days in Gatlinburg next week. I've never been there before. Can someone
recommend some places to run in the park? I'll likely have some time to run while the wife
goes shopping or something. I know there's plenty of trails availible, but I'm not much of a
trail runner.

I'd

Quoted message said:

be interested in somewhere relatively smooth (that is, few tree roots, rocks, etc. to deal with)
that I could keep a decent pace while enjoying

the

Quoted message said:

outdoors. Something in the 3 to 13 mile distance would suit me. Any advice?

I'm going up in about 3 weeks. Mecarey1 was right, the Greenbrier area is a good place to run. I've
been to the area much and ran a few of the local races in the past. The last being Louise Mandrells
run for the boy scouts a few years ago. It's beautiful there so have fun!

Kelly M said:

I am planning a few days in Gatlinburg next week. I've never been there before. Can someone
recommend some places to run in the park? I'll likely have some time to run while the wife goes
shopping or something. I know there's plenty of trails availible, but I'm not much of a trail
runner. I'd be interested in somewhere relatively smooth (that is, few tree roots, rocks, etc. to
deal with) that I could keep a decent pace while enjoying the outdoors. Something in the 3 to 13
mile distance would suit me. Any advice?

Run around Cades Cove. Gorgeous run, and rolling bunny hills. Nice!

Brian

I was going to run Cades Cove but it takes about 1 hour to get there from Gatlinberg. Longer if you
are staying east of town. It would be a nice place to run though. Wednesday and Saturday mornings
til 10:00a.m. are closed to motor traffic so that bikers and walkers/runners can have the run of the
place. The loop is 11 miles.

Quoted message said:

"Kelly M" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I am planning a few days in Gatlinburg next week. I've never been there before. Can someone
recommend some places to run in the park? I'll likely have some time to run while the wife goes
shopping or something. I know there's plenty of trails availible, but I'm not much of a trail
runner.

I'd

Quoted message said:

be interested in somewhere relatively smooth (that is, few tree roots, rocks, etc. to deal with)
that I could keep a decent pace while enjoying

the

Quoted message said:

outdoors. Something in the 3 to 13 mile distance would suit me. Any advice?

I've been to the Smokies several times. However, I'm a relatively new runner, so I haven't
discovered all the good areas for running. I discovered a good running trail this summer, however.
For a short run, you can run out of gatlinburg into the park, about 100 yards into the wooded area
there's a road turning to your right back into town. Turn right on this little road, then on the
left is a small trailhead. This trail will lead to the park visitor's center. It's 2 miles one way.
Nice run, trail is smooth. Lots of other runners there. Sounds like a 4 miler would be short for
you... Guess you could turn around and run it again...

Thanks for the tips folks - I'll give them a try.

forget the Park ... drive a few miles to Townsend ... you'll have a much better day ... and
relax ...Roy