GDG- When is the best time to visit?

[John Baniszewski]

I think the best compromise would be the first two weeks of August, for several reasons.  The foliage is pretty much the same as it would be during anniversary week, so you get a "battle-conditions" view.  The crowds, though still pretty haevy, are less than June and July.  And you avoid the madness of Motorcycle Week and Anniversary week, both of which are in July.  But you can also take advantage of the Ranger-led battle walks.  The walks are done each day, usually at 3:30.  They are as good as the ones done during anniversary week.  Bettre, actually.  The Anniversary week tours get unwieldy - I once went on one that had over 200 people.  I you do a ranger walk in early August, you will probably have a group of less than 20, which means you can cover more ground, and get the opportunity to interact with the ranger.  The park web site gives the schedule for the walks.  The last one is mid-August, which this year means August 12, I believe.  If you see one offered by Troy
 Harmon, I strongly recommend it.
   
  Since I am a Licensed Guide, I concur with the folks on the GDG who recommend hiring guides : )   
   
  John Baniszewski
   
   

       
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