Tucked away within lush woods on the peaceful side of East Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, RT Lodge is a 58-room boutique inn with a locally-driven restaurant and scenic views.
The staff at the lodge is providing readers with some insider recommendations for prime leaf-peeping October season.
Beth McCabe Holman – President
Beth McCabe Holman – President
“For prime leaf-viewing, drive through Townsend, Tennessee, and stop at the Apple Valley Mountain Village before driving through Cades Cove!”
Gary Doyle – General Manager
Gary Doyle – General Manager
“One of my favorite hikes is the Lumber Ridge trail, also in Tremont, with trailhead starting by the Tremont Institute dormitories and parking at the visitor center. It’s very easy to get to, quiet and private with a nice steady incline through mature stands of forest (it’s not a stroll, but not too strenuous either). The clearings throughout make the ideal stop for a lunch or snack break. Another recommendation would be the Buckeye Trail, a trailhead which comes very soon after starting up Lumber Ridge, which takes you to Spruce Flat Falls.”
Trevor Stockton – Executive Chef
Trevor Stockton – Executive Chef
“For a nice hike (or fly-fishing spot) I suggest driving up to Tremont, Tennessee, all the way to the end of the gravel road and hiking up the Lynn Camp Prong. It is a pretty gradual hike, has some beautiful waterfalls and great fishing where you can get out on the river without seeing too many other anglers.”
Meagan Titlow – Marketing Manager
Meagan Titlow – Marketing Manager
“I always recommend a drive along Foothills Parkway in the fall, with a stop at Look Rock Tower (an easy half-mile hike to the observation deck) for stunning panoramic views of the Smokies. There are many areas to picnic along the parkway as well, so you can stop and take in the surroundings. For a hike, do Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove!”
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