My wife and I went in Spring of 2017 so I'm not sure how the weather will correlate but there was still a lot of snow and it even snowed while we were there. Some roads and trails in the park may be closed. We actually found a groupon for a cabin to stay in. The trees were so tall and thick. It was very private. Maybe 1/8-1/4 mile away from other homes. I think Sevierville is a great town to stay in. Still somewhat close to Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. It's a very very very touristy place. Once you roll into any town around, it's got attractions and helicopter rides, etc. We didn't care for that stuff and would just drive around in the country parts. It truly is a "hill country" Little homes and farms tucked away in the hills surrounded by tall pine trees.