trip advice to smokies from atlanta

Hello,
Wanted some input on travelling to smokies for
2 days out of atlanta.

Wanted to do the train ride. Should we drive
to Bryson City, NC or any better city?

I just want to keep driving to minimum once
we get there. we have 2 days and not much into
hiking, but like good scenery.

Can anyone suggest:
1. good city to drive to/stay in for train ride?
2. easiest hiking spots (maybe shaded, paved hikes)
3. anything not too miss.
4. since I don't know ahead of time, which 2 days this
will be, should I make train reservations ahead of time?

Thanks,
c