We camped at Smokemont Campground and enjoyed the peacefulness of the area. The best loop is F which was not open yet and sat along side the creek. We had previously stayed in the KOA in Cherokee which was fine for someone with kids and that want a pool.
Mingus Creek Trail climbs past old farms to the Smokies high country
We would take our trail magic, Cliff Bars, while hike the trail and meet thru hikers that were thankful for a treat and someone to visit with for a brief time to tell some stories.