Blanchard Springs Caverns were absolutely stunning. We took the Discovery Trail that takes you 1.2 miles through the caverns. We have previously been to Tucklaleechee Caverns in Tennessee and Florida Caverns State Park and Blanchard was definitely the most beautiful of the three. If you take the Discovery Trail that it has strenuous parts of the trail including 700 steps up and down during the tour. The most strenuous leg of the trail is called heart attack hill. You can hear the group huffing and puffing after getting up the stairs. The surrounding area is beautiful as well. There are great opportunities for photography and fishing at the spring, Mirror Lake dam, and waterfall. The trail to the bottom of the dam has a beautiful view and continues right up to the base of the dam and waterfall. This is a must see if you are in the area.
The fresh bowls that you mix and they cook were excellent. The staff was polite and helpful in explaining the process of fixing your bowls. The fresh cooked barbecue strips were great as well. The sushi bar was alright. I have had better. I have had worse. The ice cream was good for desert but the rest of the desert bar was lacking in flavor.
Absolutely awesome stop on our road-trip. The two ladies at the visitor were top notch and very helpful. There is a visitor's center that has information from all around the state. The park is very well maintained and clean. The power of the rushing water was very impressive. I have been to a few spring but have never seen one that flowed at the rate of this one. The old power plant has interactive exhibits to explain the functions of the hydroelectric generators that were used in the early 20th century. There are plenty of walking areas around the spring, lake, and the transition to the river. The mimosas were in full bloom and made the park small great. The train depot attendant was very polite and outgoing. He answered all of our questions and showed us the very well done exhibits of the prior train services that were available in the area. A short walk or drive through the park gets you to the fish hatchery where there is a beautiful exhibit room with large aquariums with local fish and an alligator. This was a great stop and will take a few hours of your day to get through.
One of the most beautiful parks in America. There is always wildlife to see in Cade's Cove. Clingmans Dome is awesome as long as the weather is cooperative.
Ole Smoky was great place. It was slightly crowded but had live music. I don't drink but the butterscotch shine is very smooth!