asadi wrote:

I'm sure you know this link... http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm Cherokee
is depressing in the sense that it is poorly maintained, many area roads
throughout the reservation are well, trashy.

Yeah, Cherokee struck me as being a remnant of the fifties; the
"motor courts" and such that looked like they were built in that era and
had been left to waste away. Plus the tacky gift shops, etc.

And thanks for the link. I've spent quite a bit of time at that one.

Actually, in Pigeon forge at this time of year you may get a deal on
lodging, don't be afraid to bargain. The intersection at 441 and 19 on the
south side (NC side) is exploding, plenty of hotels there, with busses to
the casino.

I know the exact intersection you are talking about. And it's not
quite what I want in a Smoky Mountain Experience. :-}

It's not the best fishing or the biggest fish, but I have always enjoyed the
West Prong of the Little Pigeon River that runs along 441 as it goes across
the park. I go up to the Chimney Tops Trailhead, turn around and drive down
north to a likely looking pull off, about a half mile or so, then hike down
in to the river. Fish my way up and get out at the bridge, then walk the
roadway down to my car. It's absolutely delightful if the water is not too
high and one of the best low water spots around.

The boulders are gigantic, you can rock hop and not get wet and it's pocket
water all the way. Plenty of small fish and I did nail a 13 inch brookie
once.

When I was there in June, I remembered you posting about this. But
I couldn't recall the specifics, and I was on my way to the Little River
at the time, and din't stop off to explore. Maybe this time.

You can go on into Bryson City...(is the train running?) and take the road
to Nowhere that dead ends at Nolan Creek. I've had plenty of good fishing
there, plenty of bear sign. There are some monstrous fish in there but they
have seen every fly made.

I drove up that road when I was waiting out a thunderstorm. It's on
my list of places to check out in the future.

One of the most picturesque streams, if the light is right is straight
creek, before it enters the reservation. Very Jurassic looking if the ferns
and moss are green.

One of the things I like about the park streams is that there are no
patterns. It seems to me the fish key in on color and size so about half of
my day is the hit or miss of changing colors and sizes. Big yellow and
bushy? Small green and fine? Really fun in my opinion.

Hey, have a good time.

Thanks, John. I plan to. Hopefully SWMBO will as well. I'll have
to walk that fine line between me wanting to spend all my time on the
water, and letting her see some of the sights she's never seen.

Thanks for all the info. It looks like I'm in the same situation I
was in last year (too much to do and too little time to do it in).


Chuck Vance