I agree with not staying in Gatlinburg. At least go to Cherokee, NC where it's not so crazy and cong

Gatlinburg is just one huge tourist trap. Go to Bryson City on the other side of the Park and enjoy a pleasant mountain trip. Or go to Asheville hotels in paris and maybe just tour through the Park for a day, and enjoy Asheville. It's about 50 miles through the Cherokee entrance to the Park, I think.
If your main goal is to see the park, Gatlinburg probably isn't the best place to stay. You'll be fighting traffic to get to and from your hotel for your entire stay, and if you're not interested in the restaurants/attractions/shops in Gatlinburg, it's not worth it. Gretchen's suggestion of Bryson City gets recommended a lot (I haven't stayed there myself). Townsend, TN is another option, but has more cabins than hotels.
hotels in paris I agree with not staying in Gatlinburg. At least go to Cherokee, NC where it's not so crazy and congested with traffic. Better yet, Townsend or Asheville or Waynesville or Bryson City. Enjoy the mountains - rather than touristy stores and traffic.
It is a FABULOUS time to be in the park - and anywhere in surrounding areas. The mountains will be gorgeous, the weather should be gorgeous. There's already a touch of fall in the air, but the temps will be warm. I'll be up there. Well, not in Gatlinburg but in the glorious mountains.
I would stay up off Ski Mountain Rd or close to light #10 in Gatlinburg then you will not have to go down the strip to fight traffic and you will be right there at it.Most of the schools are now in session and Labor Day is more like a short weekend trip. It will be busy Sat.Sun and Monday but most will head back home Sunday night. You can always look into cabin in the Wears Valley,Townsend areas. North Carolina is nice but Bryson City will be a bit of a drive and if you want to do things in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge then you would have to travel 441 over the mountains coming and going. Sept. is normaly a slower month due to the schools. The city will be crowded hotels in paris for the weekenders coming hotels in paris but I dont think you will have a problem finding a place to stay at.There are a ton of nice hotels in and around the area. Here's some good links to look at.I kinda get tired of people calling Gatlinburg a tourist trap. Of course it is and it is right by the national hotels in paris park which is free so that will pull people in.Most all vacation places are tourist traps and if they didnt have things to do and see then no one would have a reason to visit the area. Gatlinburg does have alot of t shirt shops etc. but I think they are alot of fun.It least it gives people hotels in paris a choice hotels in paris where to shop at. Have fun and be safe and enjoy your trip
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