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| Great Smoky Mountains incl. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Area |
| The Smokies have always been a personal favorite of mine! This was a personal trip to help decide on buying a new house. Please excuse the length of time it has taken to get it posted as I had an extended illness. Just because the mountains are by nature hilly, do not let that dissuade you from making this a place in your travel itinerary! There are few places in the world as beautiful as the Great Smoky National Park, and there is a large area surrounding it for your accommodations and entertainment needs as well. While on this trip we decided to rent a mountainside cabin instead of availing of the many other lodging choices. We did an online search for wheelchair accessible cabins, and there were several. We had our pet with us and it was just myself and my spouse, so we opted for Hearthside Cabins' Hank Panky cottage. It was advertised as a 1 bedroom, fully accessible cabin just outside of Pigeon Forge. We made reservations and the trip was set. When booking the reservation we asked extensive questions about the cabin, the bathroom, and it's accessibility. We were told it was owned by an individual that was in a wheelchair, so we were confident it would work. Upon arrival the check in went fairly smoothly. The office staff were busy but adequate, and our cabin was ready as per our reservation. We got the key and the standard rules and info, and followed the directions to our cabin. It was in a very nice area with good views and well maintained cabins and roads not too far out of Pigeon Forge. The cabin was nice when we pulled up. There was a ramp going to the front door and wrap around porch. We found it clean and well decorated with all the amenities. TV with satellite, pool table, full kitchen with service ware, hot tub on back deck, and even a gas log fireplace for the chilly mountain morning this early in May. The bedroom was perfect, with a nice king bed and plenty of room on the sides. The bathroom was not! While I realize each wheelchair user has unique needs, we had specifically asked if the shower and toilet were wheelchair accessible. We were told the shower was a roll in shower and that the toilet was accessible. As you can see in the photographs below they were mistaken. Needless to say I was EXTREMELY disappointed! The rest of the cabin was great, but not being able to shower for 5 days was not what I had expected. We were there though and decided to make the best of the lodging. I suggested that the owners and staff at Hearthside Cabins learn the terminology concerning accessibility and learn more about their client's units. I realize they do not own the properties, they just manage the rentals, but making a crucial mistake such as representing a step in shower as a roll in is not excusable. Other than that mistake, they had a good description of the cabin, and there were no other issues with the cabin. |
| The Smoky Mountain National Park is huge. Be prepared to use several days to a week to explore it all. Many places are wheelchair accessible, but obviously many are not. There are a few trails that are accessible for wheelchairs, but most are foot trails. Two of the ones worth trying are Clingman's Dome and Sugarland Valley Nature Trail. If you want to be at the highest point in the Smokies, then Clingman's Dome is the place. Heed this warning; the trail is very steep although paved with no steps or barriers. If you use an electric chair, make sure it is fully charged and in good working order. If you use a manual one, and are not in above average shape and arm strength, bring a friend to help. The half mile trail is almost extreme, but the views are breathtaking! On a clear day you can see up to 7 states and upwards to 100 miles, depending on conditions. There are flat areas such as Cade's Cove and others. These are great places to spend the day just riding, wheeling and taking in the sights. Check out the Smoky Mountain National Park website and be sure to take advantage of the Free Access Pass! |
| There are several communities around the Smokies that have a myriad of lodging, camping, dining, and entertainment choices. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Cherokee are situated on the outskirts of the park. There are amusement parks such as Dollywood, water parks, shops, skiing in the winter, dinner theaters, and so many choices I have no way to review them all. Pigeon Forge and Cherokee are a bit flatter than Gatlinburg, but all three have plenty of choices that are accessible. I have chosen one to review here. While at the cabin we mostly ate in. It was more cost effective and fun to grill on the back deck with the nice view. We did get out to eat on occasion, and one that was above average was the Old Mill Restaurant at the Old Mill Square. The restaurant itself went above and beyond to be accessible. Two elevators provide full access to all the eating areas, including the picturesque view of the river while dining. The food was exceptional, and the service beyond reproach. Prices were quite reasonable for a tourist city. I have nothing but the highest recommendations for the Old Mill Restaurant! Another benefit is that it is part of a complex including shops that sell pottery, art, candy, fresh grist mill ground products, ice cream and other goodies! It is truly an area to spend half a day and I had no issues rolling all over it. Definitely a place to stop and check out on your trip to the Smokies! |
