Smoky Mountains 75th Anniversary Underway

The 75th anniversary celebration of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is under way.
The park, with 8 million to 10 million annual visitors, is the nation's most popular national park.
Events and activities are scheduled throughout the year to mark the anniversary. They include:

-- Seventy Five Miles of Hikes, a series of hikes sponsored by the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, to highlight trails used by its members before the park was officially established in 1934. Hikes include a 7.2-mile hike scheduled for April 5 on Porters Creek Trail; an April 18 hike to White Oak Sink that's 6 miles, and a June 21 hike to Gregory Bald via Gregory Ridge that will run 12 miles.

-- Music of the Mountains, March 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Sugarlands Visitor Center, a free festival of musical traditions of the southern Appalachian Mountains including claw hammer banjo and fiddle styles.

-- Spring wildflower pilgrimages, April 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26. Programs with daily hikes, arts and crafts, educational presentations and entertainment.

-- National Junior Ranger Day, April 25, with kids' activities 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the park's three visitors centers.

-- Educational events on citizen science, May 16-17, and biodiversity May 22.

-- An event highlighting the history of Cades Cove, June 13, with an outdoor performance by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (vehicle pass required). Cades Cove, a popular destination in the park, is home to log cabins and other preserved buildings where settlers in the valley lived and farmed in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

--Dolly Parton, a native of the mountains, helped launch the park's 75th anniversary by performing Feb. 10 at the annual Tennessee Sampler trade show in National Harbor, Md. She has been designated the official ambassador for the celebration. Parton is donating first-year proceeds from her new CD, "Sha-Kon-O-Hey!," to the nonprofit Friends of the Smokies organization. The title of the album means "Land of Blue Smoke" in Cherokee.

Information courtesy of Savannah Morning News

The Great Smoky Mountains Prepare for 75th Anniversary

Millions come to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park every year. This year, 2009, will certainly be no exception as the park prepares to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the official proclamation that gave birth to the park.

The question on many’s mind this year, however, is whether one of those millions will come to the Smokies and do what no one has done since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Will President Barack Obama be only the second sitting president in history to visit, following in the footsteps of FDR?

The invitation has been sent. For now, it’s wait and see.

Park spokesman Bob Miller said the dedication event is the fifth in a year-long series of celebrations in 2009. The fifth event in the Park is Sept. 2, which is the date President Franklin Delano Roosevelt came to the park to dedicate it in 1940. “We’re looking at a big event at Newfound Gap with major dignitaries,” Miller said.

Miller said the Park Service hasn’t heard whether incoming President Barack Obama will attend.
“If President Obama were to come, he would be the first sitting president to visit the Smokies since FDR,” Miller said. “President Bush had planned to come here in 2005 and got rained out.”

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee.

Just as Park visitors pass from one state into the other, the theme for the Park’s 75th anniversary pays homage to the past while looking toward the future.

“We’re looking forward to this event this year. The overall arching theme of the 75th anniversary is celebrating the past and securing the future,” Miller said.

“We’re giving recognition to individuals and families who gave up property during the creation of the park. There was lots of sacrifice that went into the creation of the park. People had to give up land -- some grudgingly and some willingly. In all, 6,000 tracts of land were bought to create this park. Certainly some lives were disrupted. We wanted to recognize those people.”

Miller said the anniversary events would also recognize the hard work done to raise money to buy the tracts of land necessary for the Park. There was $5 million raised by the two states - $2 million by appropriation from both North Carolina and Tennessee. “That was a lot of money in 1920,” he said. “Another $1 million was raised by civic groups and individuals. Each county agreed to provide a certain amount of funding. That made up the $5 million raised that was then matched by John D. Rockefeller to purchase the land.”

Miller said Rockefeller got involved because he was a supporter of protecting old growth forests. Rockefeller has a broad legacy of supporting parks. He funded much of Arcadia and Grand Teton national parks and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Miller said.

“There were still remnants of old growth forests, and he felt it was worthy of preservation. His only request was that it be done in memory of his mother, Laura Spellman Rockefeller, and that a plaque be erected to that effect,” Miller said. “There is such a plaque at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line.”

Events for the anniversary also will celebrate the tremendous amount of hard work on the part of park employees and the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC was a public works program for young men created by the Roosevelt administration. “They had a major contribution in terms of building trails, roads, bridges and campgrounds. They have a rich legacy here,” Miller said.

Miller said Park supporters and officials will use the anniversary as an opportunity to generate awareness of issues the park faces such as air quality challenges, non-native species, aging infrastructure and operational needs.

“We want to generate support for future stewardship,” he said. “We look forward to engaging people in that process as much as we can.”

An anniversary website is already getting a lot of traffic, said Miller. The site, http://www.greatsmokies75th.org/, provides information about the CCC, a history of the Smokies long before the Park’s creation, the evolution of the Park idea in surrounding communities and milestones along the way toward its creation and development of the park. “Also on the website is a photo gallery where we invite people to send in and post up family pictures through the decades,” Miller said.

Miller said the website also will provide links to activities in surrounding communities - three in North Carolina and three in Tennessee - that are in addition to the activities in the park. These activities, said Miller, are consistent with the 75th anniversary message dealing with culture, history, natural resources and natural topics.

For example, Miller said activities outside the Park such as the Old Timers Day in Townsend would be integrated into the yearlong anniversary celebration because the Park is so integrated in the communities surrounding the National Park.

Inside the Park, the major activities planned are:

April 19 to 26: A proclamation by the governors of Tennessee and North Carolina is set for late April in the National Park Week, April 19 to 26.

“Basically it is an event that will be the kick off for tourism events in surrounding communities for the year,” Miller said.

June 13, 14 and 15: The actual “birthday” is June 15. “The actual signing of the parks’ enabling legislation that established the National Park was signed June 15, 1934,” Miller explained. Events are planned for June 13-15 in each of the Park’s three major visitor’s areas.

Of those three events, the Saturday, June 13, event in Cades Cove has created the most excitement. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform in the Cove, near Cable Mill.

“We’re working with the KSO to provide tickets in terms of a car pass system,” said Miller. “Cades Cove is a tough place to do business because there isn’t any infrastructure and parking is limited. We’re going to be able to issue some number of vehicle passes consistent with number of we can hold. We’re probably looking at between 1,500 and 2,000 cars, which could end up being between 4,000 to 8000 people.”

Miller said the number of people at the event isn’t the real issue. It’s the parking.

“Parking is our major stick-point. On the anniversary website, we’ll put up the process people need to do to get car passes. By the end of January we’ll have it on the website,” he said. “The passes will be sold through the KSO ticket system, and it will be a very modest cost compared with usual symphony tickets.”

On June 14 the Park Service will hold an open house at Sugarlands Visitor’s Center. “We’ll showcase the park operation,” Miller said. Aspects of the operation include wildlife management, engineering tasks like road improvements and dealing with the hemlock woolly adelgid, a non-native insect that is attacking Eastern hemlock trees in the Park. “Everything the park does will be showcased during the open house,” he said. “That will be at the headquarters near Gatlinburg.”

On June 15, the third day, is the anniversary of the dedication of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at the Cherokee entrance to the Park. “The two big visitor centers are Cherokee and Gatlinburg. We actually have a groundbreaking scheduled for the new visitor’s center at Cherokee that will take place at that event,” Miller said.

The new visitor’s center will be funded by the Great Smoky Mountains Association, the non-profit entity that runs all park bookstores. They’ll pay more than $500,000 for the building and exhibits. “The current center is a 1,400 square foot building that was built in the 1940s as a ranger station,” Miller said. “It’s nowhere near the size it needs to be to host the number of visitors coming into the Park today.”

The last event is the Sept. 2 celebration of the dedication of the Park at Newfound Gap.

Information courtesy of Blount Today

Gatlinburg Offers Smoky Mountain Fun for Visitors

When the widow Martha Jane Huskey Ogle and her extended family arrived at the foot of east Tennessee's Smoky Mountains in the early days of the 19th century, things looked a little different. The majestic, verdant mountains, cut by numerous clearwater, boulder-strewn streams, and the host of wildlife living there were still the same, but the town of Gatlinburg was nonexistent.

Life was harsh but they persevered, eking out a living by farming and hunting. Daylight hours were spent clearing land for farming and felling trees for their Cherokee Indian-inspired log cabins. Evenings were spent resting on front porches serenaded by tree frogs and whippoorwills.


These days, Gatlinburg has become a hustling, bustling town full of souvenir shops, Appalachian arts and crafts, hotels, restaurants, museums and a plethora of flashy amusements. Attractions suitable for any age group can be found in any direction you look. So many couples get married here — second only to Las Vegas — that it's often called the Wedding Capital of the South. It's worth the trip here just to watch the never-ending stream of wide-eyed tourists wandering the city's sidewalks. If you tire of the countrified glitz and glamour of downtown, Mother Nature's wonders are mere minutes away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America's most popular national park.

Here is a sampling of attractions:

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: This 1.4 million-gallon aquarium of huge sharks, rays, moray eels, angelfish, snappers, jacks, giant sea turtles and thousands of other exotic sea creatures is a must-see for all ages. It boasts the world's longest underwater tunnel that allows you to experience the sensation of being underwater with these amazing creatures while staying dry (and without worrying about being eaten by one of the 12-foot sharks).

Aerial Tram: This 20-passenger tramway transports visitors from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg, an amusement park and ski resort 1,300 feet up the mountain. After a scenic 10-minute ride, visitors easily can spend a day enjoying Ober's indoor ice skating rink, game arcade, mini-golf, alpine water slide, and much more. If you haven't seen one of the area's ubiquitous bears yet, there are several here in the Black Bear Habitat Zoo. During winter months, there are eight ski slopes to choose from at the ski resort.

Arts and crafts community: Established in 1937 by a handful of local artisans, this 8-mile loop, 3 miles from downtown, is now home to the largest group of independent artists and craftsmen in the country. Its dozens of shops, studios, and galleries offer everything from oil paintings and wood carvings to pottery and dulcimers.

Hollywood Star Cars Museum: More than 30 cars featured in movies and TV shows are on display in re-created settings featuring sound and light systems. Found here are the General Lee, from "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The Beverly Hillbillies" jalopy and "The Munsters" Drag-u-la.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This immense, 800-square-mile park straddling the Tennessee/North Carolina border has more than 1,200 campsites, 800 miles of hiking trails, 700 miles of trout-filled streams and 11 picnic grounds. There are at least 1,600 black bears roaming the park and thousands of white-tailed deer, along with reintroduced beavers, elk, peregrine falcons and river otters.

If you're not into hiking, biking or horseback riding, you still can enjoy some of the park's most scenic views, historic buildings, and wildlife, by car. Newfound Gap Road is 26 miles of spectacular views. Stretching from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, N.C., it rises to more than 5,000 feet at Newfound Gap, and a 7-mile side road continues upward to 6,643-foot Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the Smokies. Along the way are numerous places to park and look out over the Smokies, with many trailheads as well. The trails vary greatly in degree of difficulty, from very easy strolls through the woods to very difficult trails suitable only for the most fit hikers.

Perhaps the most beautiful drive of all is Roaring Fork Auto Trail, a 6-mile auto loop. The narrow, hilly road runs closely beside Roaring Fork Creek as it tumbles down from the mountains above. Moss-covered boulders decorate the stream, and its constant gurgling as it passes over numerous riffles and small falls blends with the birdsong falling from the trees. Chestnut oak, white oak, magnolia, maple, hemlock and tulip trees provide sun-dappled shade. Several 19th-century houses and tub mills have been preserved along the stream.

Also in the area, Dollywood, a family oriented theme park in Pigeon Forge, 5 miles north of Gatlinburg. If you're a fan of owner Dolly Parton, you'll love Dollywood, and even if you're not you'll find enough thrill rides to keep you and the kids happily occupied. Bluegrass and country music performers are scattered throughout the park, and you can thrill your taste buds with homemade candies, barbecue, beans, greens and ice cream.

If you go . . .

Gatlinburg is just outside the north entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 90 minutes from Knoxville, Tenn., or four hours from Atlanta. It is a year-round travel destination. In the early spring, wildflowers decorate the roadsides and trails with their vivid colors. Mountain laurel blooms in May, and red rhododendron blooms practically cover the hillsides in June and July. In summer, things shift into high gear as families converge on the area for their annual vacations. Autumn brings another rush of tourists who come for the spectacular colors of fall foliage, and the cooler weather makes hiking and other outdoor activities even more enjoyable. In winter, things slow down and hotel prices plummet, although there is still a lot to do. If you're lucky enough to be here during a big snowfall, you'll be amazed at the winter-wonderland transformation that takes place. Even if there is no snow, you'll find plenty of man-made snow on Ober Gatlinburg's ski slopes.




Information courtesy of The Austin American Statesman

Artists aid in Great Smoky Mountains 75th Anniversary

A new limited edition print by artist Robert A. Tino, a Smokies’ native son, will be sold for the benefit of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park as an official component of the Park’s 75th Anniversary. The work entitled “Finding the Way Home” will make its formal debut at the Robert A. Tino Gallery’s Smoky Mountain Homecoming festival on October 4th & 5th in Sevierville, but is available for pre-order now through both gallery locations in Sevierville, TN and Highlands, NC.

Robert and Mary John Tino are very special Friends of the Smokies. As original Charter Members they joined only 149 other donors to provide start-up funding for the organization. Over the last fifteen years, they have given generously to support Park needs. Now, as the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park approaches in 2009, Robert and Mary John are making another very important contribution to the Park’s lasting preservation. Robert Tino’s timeless Smokies’ scene “Finding The Way Home” will be offered as the official 75th Anniversary painting in both print and giclee format. A generous portion of the proceeds from each sale will benefit Friends of the Smokies.

“Finding the Way Home” presents an opportunity for those who love these mountains to support the Park and to own a 75th anniversary commemorative treasure by one of the Smokies’ most beloved and widely collected local artists. The money raised will help improve and maintain Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the next 75 years- and beyond.

Funds from the print sales will enable Friends of the Smokies to continue its annual commitment of giving more than $1 million for Park needs, including maintenance of more than 800 miles of hiking trails. The organization was founded in 1993, and through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations has raised more than $24 million to-date to help provide science education programs, restore historic structures, research and protect black bear and elk populations, and save the eastern hemlock trees which are currently threatened by the destructive hemlock woolly adelgid.

For more information about Friends of the Smokies and the 75th Anniversary Celebration throughout 2009, please visit http://www.greatsmokies75th.org/. The website includes a historical timeline, a way for folks to upload and share their own Smokies’ memories, and a calendar of special 75th Anniversary community events.

To learn more about the Smoky Mountain Homecoming, please visit http://www.smokymountainhomecoming.com/.

Friends of the Smokies is an independent, 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that helps preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park. More information is available online at http://www.friendsofthesmokies.org/ or by calling (800) 845-5665.

Gatlinburg is a Bird Watchers Paradise during Fall

The beautiful fall foliage of Gatlinburg is not the only aerial attraction for skyward-gazing, nature-oriented travelers to the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg is home to over 240 species of birds – making it the perfect fall travel destination for bird enthusiasts.

Birders who visit Gatlinburg this fall will have the opportunity to see the elusive Broad-winged Hawk, Sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, Northern Harriers, and other majestic species flying among the spectacular autumn leaf display. Fall is a time of transition for birds, allowing for an even wider variety of birding options. Even as migrating birds depart, winter birds such as Purple Finch, Evening Grosbeak and Swamp Sparrow begin arriving. In the fall, the experienced birder is able to enjoy the sport of seeking birds wearing a sometimes-confusing molted fall plumage. Throughout the fall, bird species are beginning their migrations to and from the Smoky Mountains – increasing the potential variety of birds spotted.

“Birding is a popular pastime with an estimated 50 million birders in the U.S. today, and Gatlinburg wants to be part of this growing phenomenon,” said David Perella, executive director of the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism. “The fall offers an opportunity for a unique experience for birders.”

On any given day in the Great Smoky Mountains, birders can see upwards of 25 separate bird species. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to 120 species of birds that breed throughout the National Park, and are the permanent home to over 60 species. Hundreds of other bird species travel through the Smoky Mountains during their annual migrations.

While in the area for entertainment, fall foliage or bird watching, stay in a Gatlinburg Cabin for a completely relazing and rejuvenating experience.

Information courtesy of Seymour Herald

Dolly Parton will serve as Ambassador for Smoky Mountains National Park Anniversary

Sevier County native Dolly Parton has signed on to be the 75th anniversary ambassador for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Ann Froschauer, who is in charge of coordinating the 75th anniversary for the Park, discussed plans Tuesday afternoon at a Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau meeting. The Bureau was one of the first big donors to support the anniversary, giving $10,075 to the Park.

Parton has written a song about the Smokies for the event and will donate rights to the song for the first year to Friends of the Smokies. It will not be a promotion for Dollywood, but will highlight the love the entertainer has for the mountains she has known since a girl, Froschauer said.

The actual birthday of the Park will be June 15 and three premier 75th events are planned that weekend in each developed section of the park.

The first is a local event. On June 15 in Cades Cove, which is part of Blount County, Maryville native U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander will play the piano with the Knoxville Symphony. He did this at the 50th anniversary of the Park.

"He suggested he would like to be involved again," Froschauer said.

Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson wants to make this a carpool-only event and Townsend may get the chance to provide parking for those going to the Cove.

On June 14 the anniversary celebration will be at Park Headquarters in Gatlinburg. The event will highlight the history of the Park infrastructure and the Civilian Conservation Corps' accomplishments that are still evident throughout the Park.

Then on June 15, Oconaluftee outside Cherokee, N.C., will be the third 75th celebration site. There will be a ground breaking ceremony for a new visitors center there. The current visitors center was not intended as a visitors center and has many deficiencies, including size and noncompliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The park was dedicated Sept. 2, 1940, at Newfound Gap, where Tennessee and North Carolina join, by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The Park has historic black and white pictures of that day showing Roosevelt, wife, Eleanor, others in attendance and the classic cars from that era.

Information courtesy of The Daily Times

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival in Gatlinburg Underway

If you’re coming to the mountains, it only makes sense to stay in the mountains, and autumn is worthy of a front-row seat in Gatlinburg. The harvest season of September finds the folks of Gatlinburg decorating and celebrating the beginning of fall, and the Great Smoky Mountains share center stage with the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair during the month of October.

September’s warm, sunny days and cool, clear nights mix with just the right amount of rain to transform 800 square miles of lush green forest into a brilliant palette of vibrant autumnal colors. Third-generation artisans and storekeepers strive to match the beauty of the autumn mountains by carrying the same colors into often-elaborate storefront decorations, thus turning their little mountain town into a promenade of Southern Appalachian sights. Arts and crafts have long held a deep association with the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Nowhere else in the South will you find a richer heritage of fine craftsmanship than in Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, established in 1937, is the largest group of independent artisans in North America. Located on an eight-mile loop at the northeast corner of Gatlinburg, the Community proudly preserves the craft heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains year-round.

This area offers the best in a wide range of craft shops, including pottery, woodcarving, candle making, quilting, weaving, broom making, and painting, among many other fine art forms. Gatlinburg also is home to the world-renowned Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Founded in 1945, Arrowmont offers summer and spring workshops and an array of special conferences for all levels of students in craft-art media. The art galleries at Arrowmont are open for tours of select collections throughout the year. From October 9 through 26, 2008, the award-winning Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair opens the doors of the Gatlinburg Convention Center to the public with the 33rd Annual Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. Numerous artisans and craftspeople are on-hand each day to demonstrate their skills, answer questions, and offer their unique art for sale.

Information courtesy of Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce

Complete Guide to Autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains

Autumn in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a special time when a glorious leaf season of several weeks is enjoyed by visitors as fall colors travel down the mountainsides from the highest elevations to the foothills. The colors are magnificent and varied because of the amazing diversity of trees. Some 100 species of native trees live in the Smokies, the vast majority of which are deciduous. The timing of fall color change depends upon so many variables that the exact dates of "peak" season are impossible to predict in advance.

Color displays above 4,000 feet start as early as mid-September with the turning of yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry, clearly visible from such vantage points as Clingmans Dome Road.

The fall color display usually reaches peak at middle and lower elevations between mid-October and early November. This is the park’s most spectacular display as it includes such colorful trees as sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and the hickories.

September
By the later stages of September, the right ingredients are beginning to emerge, the time when cooler temperatures and sunny days mix with some rainfall to bring on a spectacular autumn color display in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The timing of color change and leaf fall is primarily sparked by the calendar; that is, the increasing length of night. As days grow shorter and nights grow longer and cooler, chemical processes in the leaf begin to paint the landscape with nature’s autumn palette.

While the typical peak of fall leaf color is at the middle to lower elevations where the greatest diversity of trees live, emerging changes above 4,000 feet begin the parade of color which then moves down the mountainsides into the valleys. The high country is still predominantly green, but fall is coming.

Sourwood, dogwood, maple, sassafras and birch trees are the first to make the change, turning red, orange and yellow. At this point, there is just a hint of color change among those early fall starters. Perhaps more notable now are the fall wildflowers including cardinal flower, black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, great blue lobelia, skunk goldenrod, southern harebell, ironweed, and a variety of asters, as well as the bright fruits on trees and shrubs such as hearts-a-bustin.

September’s suggested scenic drives:Parsons Branch Road, Newfound Gap Road and Clingmans Dome Road

Suggested hikes: Albright Grove and Sugarland Mountain Trail as well as high elevation hikes to Andrews Bald or Mt. LeConte would be time well spent.

Another colorful opportunity includes a motor tour of the recently reopened Parson Branch Road, an eight-mile one-way narrow, low speed byway. The road provides motorists an opportunity to drive through a large area of mature second growth forest and experience the quiet and solitude a back-in-the-woods journey has to offer.

Early October

By the beginning of October, trees in the high country that are now showing bright color are the yellows of American beech and yellow birch and different shades of reds on mountain ash, pin cherry and mountain maple. In the lower elevations, a few early color changing species such as sourwood and sumac are showing bright reds now, but are scattered. Some dogwoods and maples are beginning to turn different colors in some areas as well. Fall wildflowers such as goldenrod and asters are colorful throughout the park and some blueberry and blackberry shrubs are also changing color, as well as the Virginia creeper plant.

Bright golds and yellows of American beech, yellow birch, and yellow buckeye and different shades of reds on mountain ash, pin and black cherry and mountain maple are painting the landscape. The big rounded leaves of witch-hobble are showing fine displays of color ranging from yellow to red.

The majority of the deciduous forest at 4,000 feet elevation and below is still predominantly green, but now with splashes of color dotting the slopes. Sourwood and sumac are showing bright reds; some dogwoods and maples are turning different colors in some areas as well. Fall wildflowers such as mountain gentian, black cohosh, and goldenrod are colorful throughout the park and some blueberry and blackberry shrubs are also in color, as well as the Virginia creeper plant.

Because the Great Smoky Mountains provide a range of elevations between 875 and 6,643 feet in the Park with differing moisture conditions and habitats, many trees will still produce significant color as the Park moves into its peak autumn season.

Recommendations: High elevation trails such as Sugarland Mountain Trail and Appalachian Trail, accessed at Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap, would be good hikes for this time of year. Also, roads leading into the high country, including Newfound Gap Road, Heintooga Ridge Road, Foothills Parkway West and East, and Rich Mountain Road out of Cades Cove, are the best options for leaf seekers.

Middle October
By mid-October at the lower elevations, fall color is nudging along. It is the sunny days and cooler nights that instigate the biochemical processes in the leaf to begin. The park continues to experience very dry and warmer-than-normal conditions. These conditions will affect the timing, duration, and intensity of fall leaf season. The peak of color at the lower elevations is over a week away. In the valleys, black gum, dogwood, sumac, and sourwood trees continue to show vivid reds. Golds are coming along on tulip tree, black walnut, birch, beech, and hickories. A few scattered maples and oaks are showing the first signs of fall colors.

A succession of warm, sunny days and cool crisp, but not freezing nights will bring about the most spectacular color display.

Some areas are showing more reds throughout the landscape than in other years. This may be due to the fact that the pigment anthocyanin, which gives color to such familiar things as cranberries, red apples, and blueberries, is in high production because of drought conditions. Anthocyanin is produced in response to lots of light and excess plant sugars within leaf cells. The carotenoids which produce yellow, orange, and brown colors are present in the green leaf but begin showing after the chlorophyll breaks down.

As the leaf color increases, so does the number of autumn leaf peekers. While scenic drives are a good way to see fall color, taking to the trails is a wonderful way to enjoy the splendors of autumn.

Recommendations: Suggested easy to moderate rated hikes through hardwood forests include Lower Mount Cammerer, Baskins Creek Falls, Little River, Old Settlers and Porters Creeks Trails. For the more hardy outdoor enthusiasts hikes that provide scenic overlooks include Sugarlands Mountain, Low Gap, Appalachian, Mt. Sterling, and Goshen Prong Trails. Roads providing views of good displays of fall color are the Foothills Parkway segments on the east and west side of the Park; Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) with its many scenic overlooks; Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail; Balsam Mountain Road; and Cove Creek Road.

Early November
As October fades away, colors at mid elevations, from 3,000-5,000 feet, are at or slightly past peak and are very impressive. Reds are more pronounced now than in recent years, especially on the North Carolina side of the park. Colors at the very highest elevations (above 5,500’) are now past peak.

At the lower elevations, fall colors are quickly developing. The first frost of the season occurred this week in the low elevations, so the remaining leaves should begin to change color within a few days. Black gum, dogwood, sumacs, and sourwood trees continue to show vivid reds. Golds are present on tuliptree, black walnut, birch, beech, spicebush, and hickories. The peak of color at the lower elevations is still a few days away and will probably spill over into November.

It is not unusual for some autumn color to last through certainly the first week of November, but if weather cooperates autumn displays could last through mid-November as well.

While colors are past peak in the high country and many trees have already shed their leaves, a number of species of trees in the middle elevations are still showing color. Oak trees are just beginning to change color, although their hues are somewhat muted compared to maple, hickory, and other trees. Some pockets of green can still be seen at middle to lower elevations so there is still some new color to appear in these isolated areas if mild weather continues.

Recommendations: Good places to see fall color include Newfound Gap Road from Alum Cave Trailhead to Kephart Prong Trailhead, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Foothills Parkway East & West, and Heintooga Ridge Road to Balsam Mountain Campground. Suggested hikes include Rich Mountain Loop, Chestnut Top Trail, Smokemont Loop, Kanati Fork, and Sutton Ridge Overlook (Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail).

Information courtesy of Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce

10 Free Things to do in Gatlinburg

Check out our list of these 10 free things to do in Gatlinburg (but there are many more!).

1) Walk on the Parkway where you'll find more than 200 unique shops, dozens of restaurants and attractions for all ages.

2) Stroll along River Road that runs along Little Pigeon River one block off the Parkway.

3) Jump in your car and explore a collection of historical sites on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

4) Drive to Greenbrier for tubing, swimming, hiking, sunbathing, wildlife watching, a nature hike or mountain biking.

5) Visit Sugarlands Visitor Center located at Great Smoky Mountain National Park's main northern entrance two miles south of Gatlinburg.

6) Enjoy Cades Cove, a western valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park where historical cabins, farmhouses and churches are maintained.

7) See Gatlinburg from a bird's eye view from the two overlooks in the National Park.

8) Indulge in a little culture as you browse the galleries of Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

9) Take a trolley (the brand new all-day Trolley Pass is only $2.00!) or your car and visit the eight-mile loop of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.

10) Stroll the Parkway and take in the free and fun collection of personalities and performers at Gatlinburg's 3rd annual Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™.

Information courtesy of Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce

The Arts and Outdoor Fun Reign Supreme in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg was originally settled in the early 1800's by the Ogle family. Descendants of the Ogles are still very involved in the city. The following link provides a history of the town. It is interesting reading, especially when you see how Gatlinburg has evolved.

Gatlinburg is considered a mountain resort town, a tourist town. Compared to its sister city Pigeon Forge, which offers a steady diet of shows, restaurants, outlet malls, miniature golf, pancake houses and junk shops, Gatlinburg looks downright quaint. Walking up and down main street Gatlinburg can occupy hours of time. People watching is fascinating and countless trinket shops provide much entertainment. While walking, you will find a number of booths with people offering free tickets for shows or other sights. Personally, I would avoid stopping. These people are trying to sell timeshares and the freebies are in exchange for listening to a sales pitch. The hawkers, once allowed loose on the streets, have been restricted to booths and are reduced to yelling "Hey sir, Hey madam, free tickets" in effort to grab your attention. Below are a few quality places you may want to visit while in Gatlinburg.

1. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Arrowmont is located at near the beginning of the Gatlinburg Parkway. Fronting the Parkway is a shop filled with beautiful artisan work from an artist community deeply seated in the Tennessee-North Carolina mountains. Artist from all over the world come to this area (NC and TN) to hone their skills in the inspiring mountain environment. You will find beautiful works in wood, clay, metal and fiber, along with spectacular jewelry. The shop is only a small part of the complex. A marvelous school (not really visible from the street) is attached. You can check with the shop if you are interesting in wandering around
the school grounds.

2. Gatlinburg Artist Loop (8-miles) These days I usually head to the area for a hike or backpack and forget that hours spent visiting artist galleries can be fun and very interesting. The Artist Loop is an 8-mile drive showcasing galleries and studios for local artists. As with Arrowmont, you will find all types of art. If a gallery catches your eye, you can stop, browse and chat with the artist. This is a fascinating drive worth the time spent. Your hotel can provide directions and a map. The Loop is located a few miles outside the city.

3. Ripley's Gatlinburg Aquarium If you enjoy aquariums, this one is very nice. If you have limited time, visit the the sites above and spend time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Finally, Gatlinburg is a city filled with restaurants. Since we spend most of our time in the mountains and very little time in Gatlinburg, my recommendations are limited.

Front Porch Mexican Restaurant, Cosby, TN: The Front Porch is an old Mexican Restaurant in Cosby, TN, a few miles outside of Gatlinburg. The Front Porch is best known for bluegrass music. The food is cheap and only okay, the service might be slow but the music is great. If you want booze, "bring your own bottle." The restaurant is open from 5:00-10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday night, 5:00-9:30 PM on Sunday night; closed all other days of the week. Music begins at 7:00 PM.

Pancake Pantry: Open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM (4:00 PM June-October), lines form early outside for breakfast. This is an experience not to be missed.

The Brass Lantern: We often travel through Gatlinburg after a long day of hiking or a weekend backpack. Our destination is always The Brass Lantern for a very specific meal, a tureen of vegetable soup and a "skillet" of cornbread. Although we may add a salad to our order (depending on how hard we hiked), we rarely order anything else. The ambiance is average, the dress is very casual and the restaurant is located on the main strip.

Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen: While technically not a restaurant, I consider salt water taffy one of the major food groups, especially vanilla and chocolate. Gatlinburg has a number of candy kitchens, this one happens to be our favorite and a few steps away from The Brass Lantern. The Candy Kitchen offers a large selection of candies and salt water taffy. You can buy by the piece or full box. Once made by hand, salt water taffy is now pulled and packaged by machine. The taffy machine is located in front of a large window. Stop for a few moments and watch the process, it is fascinating. An equally fine candy store is located next to the Pancake Pantry.
Check with your hotel for other eating establishments. Gatlinburg hosts a number of fine restaurants including Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que, Calhouns and others.

Getting around Gatlinburg is easy. The city operates trolley cars with stops throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Maps are available at most establishments. Utilizing the trolley prevents parking headaches and reduces car emissions, which are destroying plants in the park.
Save at least one day to explore the most visited park in the national park system. It is a true treasure "tucked" away behind Gatlinburg.

Information courtesy of The Travelzine Group

Gatlinburg's Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

As winter fades and the colors of spring begin to sparkle throughout the Smokies, Gatlinburg blossoms into the center of all things botanical during the Great Smoky Mountain Association’s 58th annual Wildflower Pilgrimage and National Park Experience. From April 23 to 27, everyone from the serious botanist to the weekend gardener can experience unprecedented access to some of the nation’s leading botanical experts as well as Appalachian wildlife authorities.

Registration is now open to the public for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage by calling 865-436-7318, ext. 222, or on-line at http://www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org/, where the full schedule of unique offerings is available.

“It is a rare opportunity for those with a personal love of flowers to have the same access to leaders in the field as researchers,” said Ken McFarland, a botanist and professor at the University of Tennessee. “Through seminars and intimate guided tours, each participant will expand his or her skills and knowledge of the unmatched flora and fauna of the Smokies.”

The Wildflower Pilgrimage offers over 150 programs including an array of instructional walks and guided hiking tours tailored to meet individual walking skill ability, along with demonstrations and guest lecturers. These tours showcase the abundant varieties of wildflowers, plants, ferns, mosses, trees and shrubs, as well as birds, reptiles and amphibians, all native to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Seminar classes include photography workshops and sessions by leading experts such as Carol Liguori Wolfe, a renowned ecologist, science writer and photographer, and Will Blozan, president of the Eastern Native Tree Society. Other classes include a study of herb lore of the Appalachian Mountains and an armchair tour of Cades Cove. While most classes take place in the Smokies, a number of educational classroom sessions take place in the W.L. Mills Conference Center in downtown Gatlinburg.

“The Wildflower Pilgrimage is always an exciting time in our town,” said Dave Perella, executive director of the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism. “The Convention Center is transformed into a hub of learning and celebration of the Great Smoky Mountain’s natural botanical beauty. We look forward to the Pilgrimage each year,” he added.

In addition to art and craft exhibits, the 2008 Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage juried art competition highlights the beauty of the botanicals of the Smokies and the talent of the artists who focus on the flowering plants of spring, mosses, lichens, trees or ferns from this region. The artists’ canvas can vary from watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, and oils.

Educational programs and entertainment in the evenings will round out the week’s events in Gatlinburg and the Smokies, which are sponsored by Great Smoky Mountains National Park and GSMA, the City of Gatlinburg, the University of Tennessee Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Friends of the Smokies, Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society and the Gatlinburg Garden Club.

For additional information, or to download a registration brochure and complete program schedule, please visit http://www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org/. Registration is required.
For more information on spring in Gatlinburg and other special events, please contact the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce at (800) 56-VISIT or visit www.gatlinburg.com.

Spring into Gatlinburg for Family Fun

Teens and young families alike will find plenty to do in Gatlinburg during spring break. There's so much to see and do for every member of the family, including fun-filled attractions like an aquarium with the longest underwater tunnel in the world, a ski resort with year-round ice skating, interesting museums, go cart racing, miniature golf, and and much more. Discover great outdoor activities, family fun, and all of the activities of the GSMNP.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one gigantic playground just waiting for you and your family. Enjoy hiking trails, horseback riding, bicycling, camping, and many places to enjoy a picnic; programs for kids and adventurous things to do. Then waiting just down the mountain in Gatlinburg are great restaurants for family dining, great shopping and a litany of lodging options that will satisfy the whims of every member of the family. And if that's not enough, attendance at any of the great Springfest events and celebrations of spring can be a great family activity and fun experience that will bond families together.

Information courtesy of Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce

Music of the Mountains Festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will hold its fourth annual “Music of the Mountains” festival on Saturday, March 29, in partnership with City of Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains Association. This year's day-long festival marks a departure from previous year's events which had been exclusively evening concerts. A series of six concerts will be held from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Park's Sugarlands Visitor Center and an evening performance will be held at W. L. Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

"Music of the Mountains" is a celebration of musical traditions of the southern Appalachian Mountains, showcasing the evolution of mountain music over time. The festival is one of several special events the Park has developed to tell the story of the people who lived here prior to the Park's establishment in 1934. "Musical expression was and still is often a part of daily life in the southern mountains, and mountain music is tied to Smokies history like no other part of our culture," said Kent Cave, North District Supervisory Park Ranger.

The event starts at 10 a.m. with an array of traditional musical performances at the Sugarlands Visitor Center Theater. Seating in the theater at Sugarlands Visitor Center is limited to 160 persons per concert, and is on a "first come, first served" basis. The six concerts below are free to the public:

10:00 a.m. Tony Thomas --Introduction to old-time banjo and fiddle tunes

11:00 a.m. Lost Mill String Band –Joan and Jerry Paul playing claw-hammer banjo and acoustic bass

Noon and 1:00 p.m. (two performances) Matt Morelock and Brian Vollmer—Old-time songs using claw-hammer banjo and fiddle

2:00 p.m. Bobby Fulcher--Songs and tunes from the Appalachian and Cumberland Mountains using claw-hammer banjo and guitar

3:00 p.m. Boogertown Gap--Traditional tunes and songs from Ruth Barber and Keith Watson using claw-hammer banjo and guitar

4:00 p.m. Sparky and Rhonda Rucker--Folk songs, ballads, and tunes from Appalachia and the Civil War period

Following the Sugarlands Visitor Center concerts, the event will be capped off with an evening concert by "Jimbo Whaley and Friends" at W. L. Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg, Tenn., starting at 7 p.m. Tickets for Whaley's concert at Mills Conference Center can be purchased online for $20 each, or at the door of the event for $25 (doors open at 6 p.m.). Online purchase can be made through the Gatlinburg Web site at www.eventsgatlinburg.com and click on Calendar of Events-March 29. Ticket holders will receive a CD of Whaley's newest gospel recording as part of the ticket price, and a door prize and other giveaways will be announced during the concert.

Whaley is a well-known bluegrass and gospel musician and singer from Sevier County, Tenn., and traces his ancestry back to residents of what later became Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whaley has played in many music events around the nation, and with notable bands such as "Pine Mountain Railroad" and "Greenbrier."

"We're pleased again to partner with the City of Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains Association to offer the public a variety of musical styles for this year's 'Music of the Mountains,' festival," said Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. "Our staff has lined up a wide spectrum of old-time, traditional, and bluegrass music performers. With the change to an all day festival we hope to allow more of our visitors to experience the rich traditions of mountain music," he continued.

For more information about the event, please phone the Sugarlands Visitor Center at 865-436-1291.

Gatlinburg combines the Great Outdoors with Family Fun

Located in the rolling hills of eastern Tennessee is a small town with a population of only 4,900. You wouldn't think such a place would make for a great vacation spot. You don't generally find enticing sights and activities the whole family will enjoy in tiny towns such as this. What makes this town the exception is the 500,000-acre playground in its backyard known as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The town is Gatlinburg, TN and because of its location it offers exciting activities and attractions for all age groups that will ensure a vacation you'll remember for a lifetime.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The eight to 10 million people who visit this park annually can't be wrong. You'll soon discover why the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is such a popular area of Gatlinburg. Cabin rentals in and around the area give you ready access to some of the best hiking and wildlife you'll ever see.

With over 800 miles of trails, this hiker's paradise unlocks pathways to hours (or days) of fun, excitement and beauty. Novice hikers will enjoy the gently sloping trails with clear views that wind past powerful waterfalls. Seeking a more strenuous activity? Trek along a wooded trail to the crest of a mountain where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views any time of year. Sunsets and sunrises receive special appreciation from hikers because they deliver a palette of amazing colors that spray vibrant reds, subtle grays and calming blues across the sky. There are some serious photo opps here!

Observing wildlife in their natural habitat offers an experience that will not soon be forgotten, especially since the park is home to so many varieties. Open areas offer the best opportunities to see white-tailed deer, raccoon, turkeys, black bear, elk and other creatures of the forest. Rather view from the comfort of your car? Meander down the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail with your camera ready. You're sure to catch a glimpse a black bear lazily sunning himself.

While the wonders of nature are by far the calling cards of the park, there is also lots of history to take in. Take a few moments to tour some of the nearly 80 historic structures in the park. Just imagine how our ancestors lived as you watch an actual gristmill at work or tour the homes of early settlers. You'll quickly gain a renewed appreciation for the modern conveniences of today!

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park

Whether you have a need for speed or prefer to enjoy the scenery while skiing, everybody loves Ober Gatlinburg. Cabin rentals and chalets are available in and around the area so you can ski till your heart's content. With eight trails geared for all skill levels, you can push an adrenaline rush with the wind burning your cheeks or slowly zigzag your way to the bottom. Two black diamond trails keep the most experienced skiers entertained while a total of four beginner and intermediate slopes give the entire family a way to enjoy the snow. Never skied before? Enroll in Ski School and hone your talent at the hand of a professional instructor.

Year round ice-skating is also available. The centerpiece of a huge enclosed mall, this rink puts shopping and dining right at your fingertips for the ultimate in convenience.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

What would it be like to walk under water and actually see stunning varieties of live sea life all around you? You might think it's not possible, but at Ripley's Aquarium it is! As you make your way through a tunnel that goes under the aquarium you'll find yourself engulfed by over 10,000 sea creatures of more than 350 species. Watch as mighty sharks, giant sea turtles and huge schools of playful fish swim over and around you. Have a face-to-face encounter with a colossal octopus or watch seahorses, tropical fish and even piranhas swim within reach.

The Coral Reef area of the aquarium has hundreds of multicolored fish displaying every color of the rainbow. Native to the Indo-Pacific, these species and many others participate in exciting dive shows that occur regularly in the Coral Reef.

The Shark Lagoon is filled with not only sharks, but fish of every shape and size. The 340-foot long glide path allows you to stare down a green sea turtle, giant stingray and - of course - some very large sharks! Don't get so focused you miss the rest of the sea creatures on display.

Even though Gatlinburg is small in size, it makes a very large impact on those who visit. Whether it's for a weekend or a week's stay in Gatlinburg, cabin rentals throughout the mountains put you in the center of some of Mother Nature's best work. That's probably why so many return time and time again.

Information courtesy of American Chronicle

Music of the Mountains Celebrated in Gatlinburg

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will hold its fourth annual “Music of the Mountains” festival on Saturday, March 29, in partnership with City of Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains Association. This year's day-long festival marks a departure from previous year's events which had been exclusively evening concerts. A series of six concerts will be held from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Park's Sugarlands Visitor Center and an evening performance will be held at W. L. Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

"Music of the Mountains" is a celebration of musical traditions of the southern Appalachian Mountains, showcasing the evolution of mountain music over time. The festival is one of several special events the Park has developed to tell the story of the people who lived here prior to the Park's establishment in 1934. "Musical expression was and still is often a part of daily life in the southern mountains, and mountain music is tied to Smokies history like no other part of our culture," said Kent Cave, North District Supervisory Park Ranger.

The event starts at 10 a.m. with an array of traditional musical performances at the Sugarlands Visitor Center Theater. Seating in the theater at Sugarlands Visitor Center is limited to 160 persons per concert, and is on a "first come, first served" basis. The six concerts below are free to the public:

• 10:00 a.m. Tony Thomas --Introduction to old-time banjo and fiddle tunes
• 11:00 a.m. Lost Mill String Band –Joan and Jerry Paul playing claw-hammer banjo and acoustic bass
• Noon and 1:00 p.m. (two performances) Matt Morelock and Brian Vollmer—Old-time songs using claw-hammer banjo and fiddle
• 2:00 p.m. Bobby Fulcher--Songs and tunes from the Appalachian and Cumberland Mountains using claw-hammer banjo and guitar
• 3:00 p.m. Boogertown Gap--Traditional tunes and songs from Ruth Barber and Keith Watson using claw-hammer banjo and guitar
• 4:00 p.m. Sparky and Rhonda Rucker--Folk songs, ballads, and tunes from Appalachia and the Civil War period

Following the Sugarlands Visitor Center concerts, the event will be capped off with an evening concert by "Jimbo Whaley and Friends" at W. L. Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg, Tenn., starting at 7 p.m. Tickets for Whaley's concert at Mills Conference Center can be purchased online for $20 each, or at the door of the event for $25 (doors open at 6 p.m.). Online purchase can be made through the Gatlinburg Web site at www.eventsgatlinburg.com and click on Calendar of Events-March 29. Ticket holders will receive a CD of Whaley's newest gospel recording as part of the ticket price, and a door prize and other giveaways will be announced during the concert.

Whaley is a well-known bluegrass and gospel musician and singer from Sevier County, Tenn., and traces his ancestry back to residents of what later became Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whaley has played in many music events around the nation, and with notable bands such as "Pine Mountain Railroad" and "Greenbrier."

”We're pleased again to partner with the City of Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains Association to offer the public a variety of musical styles for this year's 'Music of the Mountains,' festival," said Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. "Our staff has lined up a wide spectrum of old-time, traditional, and bluegrass music performers. With the change to an all day festival we hope to allow more of our visitors to experience the rich traditions of mountain music," he continued.

For more information about the event, please phone the Sugarlands Visitor Center at 865-436-1291.

Information courtesy of SevierCountyNews.com

The Glades Arts and Crafts Community of Gatlinburg, Tennessee

One of the south’s lesser-known treasures is nestled in the hills adjacent to a popular village. What is it? The largest group of independent artists and craftsmen showing their skills. The Glades Arts and Crafts community is comprised of an eight-mile country road loop where over one hundred artists and craftsmen parade their trades. You’ll find a wide variety of art galleries, pottery barns, active workshops, independent artist showrooms, basket-making studios, and many more authentic local artisans.

Originally begun in the 1930's, a visit to this unique location is still a visit to an earlier era, absent of industrial machines and computers. This was a time when a family community came together to share their talents with one another. Watch a master potter throw and spin clay into one-of-a-kind works on a wheel. Observe artists painting with various forms of art media, and then discover a mother/daughter team making beautiful jewelry they’ve designed together. Here originality and creativity occur daily.

Over the years this has been a place to come and discover the history and heritage that make up the Great Smoky Mountain legacy. What is so interesting about the artists and craftsmen is that they are continually seeking new and innovative ways of capturing their art form for today’s generation. Each year new artists are arriving to share their gifts and talents with the community to make it one of the most unique places to visit in the Smoky Mountains.

To visit the Arts and Crafts Community, simply get on Hwy. 321 in Gatlinburg and turn onto Glades or Buckhorn Road then follow the signs marked for Great Smoky Mountain Arts and Crafts Community. (It’s a very distinctive sign that has MEMBER written at the top.)

Information courtesy of American Chronicle

14 Things to do in the Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains are a beautiful vacation spot, whether you have a few days or an entire week to explore. The natural, refreshing outdoor activities combined with the great restaurants and shops create an exciting yet relaxing trip for those of all ages.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is wondrous outdoor mecca providing a myriad of activities for those who enjoy long hikes or short hikes, picturesque views, wildlife watching, waterfalls and the occasional bear sighting.

• On my recent trip to the Smokies, I ventured to The Sinks, a waterfall that can be spotted from Little River Road. This waterfall is easily accessible for viewing and allows for visitors to explore the waterworks up close and personally. The road The Sinks is located on is also a great connector road, leading to U.S. 441, which goes directly through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as to Cades Cove, a nature loop that’s very popular.
• Meigs Falls is located very close to The Sinks, and is also easily accessible. This waterfall is created by Meigs Creek joining the Little River. The dramatic combination creates a plunging water source perfect for those who enjoy waterfalls but are unable to hike for long amounts of time.
• US Highway 441 is a beautiful road to travel, as it goes directly through the Smoky Mountains. This is a perfect time to slow down, relax and enjoy the picturesque setting that surrounds you. There are plenty of scenic overlooks, nature trails and quiet walkways to explore. This highway also offers the occasional wildlife discovery. On my trip through, I spotted a black bear roaming through the connecting forest. Many cars were able to pull over and capture this unusual moment.
• Newfound Gap Overlook is also located on this stretch of highway. It offers the roads highest viewing point, with an elevation of 5,048 feet. A stop here allows visitors to peer into Tennessee as well as North Carolina’s Oconaluftee Valley.
• Clingman’s Dome is the parks highest point, with an elevation of 6,643 feet. The 7 mile stretch of road leading to the hike entrance gradually climbs the dome, with the resulting hike being a very steep but short half mile. The uphill hike offers amazing views along the way, as well as a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains. Whether in a hazy mist or on clear day, the sights are beautiful and well worth the hike.
• Traveling on US Highway 441 will lead visitors to the town of Cherokee, North Carolina. Approximately 2 miles outside of this Indian town, is Mingus Mill. It was originally built in 1886 and the turbine mill ground corn into meal and wheat into flour for over fifty years for the mountain community near Mingus Creek. The historical structure was restored when the National Park was created and is an interesting look back in time.
• Once you arrive in Cherokee, NC there are several areas to explore. There is an 18th Century replica of an Indian Village as well as unique shops. This area also has several outdoor activities to take advantage of, such as tubing, horseback riding and fishing.
• Located near the Cherokee area is Mingo Falls. This waterfall is approximately 120 feet high, making it one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. The hike to the waterfall is only a half-mile but is considered moderate in difficulty due to the steep set of stairs required and the earthy terrain that leads directly to the falls overlook. This breathtaking waterfall is a great picture opportunity and is also well worth the climb.
• From Cherokee, you can easily access the Three Falls loop. Comprised of Tom Branch Falls, Juneywhank Falls and Indian Creek Falls, this area provides three fabulous waterfalls. The hikes to Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls are combined and easy in difficulty. Juneywhank Falls is moderate in difficulty, but at a height of 90 feet, is about 60 feet taller than either of its nearby counterparts.
• Fontana Lake was a wonderful discovery that provided beautiful mountain scenery while also being home to the clearest emerald green waters I’ve frequented in recent years. This mountain lake was a water haven, especially with the easily rentable boats offered at Fontana Marina. The opportunity to cruise this lake as well as swim its fresh waters was a welcomed one!
• The Fontana Lake area also offers several spectacular scenic spots. The dam itself offers great picture taking opportunities and is the tallest concrete dam east of the Rocky Mountains. The road leading west from the dam takes visitors through Deals Gap. The stretch, which is largely in Tennessee, is roughly 11 miles in length and contains 318 curves, making it one of the curviest roads in the nation. Located on the southwestern corner of the Park, the area is largely forested with several scenic overlooks and pull-off points.
• There are plenty more scenic opportunities in and around the dam. The Foothills Parkway leads to Thunderhead Mountain, the highest point in this section of the park, and provides beautiful vistas. Look Rock Tower does as well, and it is a perfect place to view sunsets as well as panoramic views of the Smokies.
• Cades Cove, a popular nature touring area, is located near the Townsend area and is a great place to unwind and wrap-up your Smoky Mountain Experience. Cades Cove offers the widest variety of historic buildings of any area in the national park. Scattered along the loop road are three churches, a working grist mill, barns, log houses, and many other faithfully restored eighteenth and nineteenth century structures. Cades Cove also offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the Park. White tailed deer and turkey are often seen, with the occasional black bear sighting also possible.

There are so many things to do in the Smoky Mountains, it is impossible to cover all of the waterfalls, hikes, scenic drives and outdoor activities in one trip. The Smoky Mountain experience, however, can be accomplished in a matter of days. I was only able to explore for three days and still experienced all that is listed above. A trip to the Smoky Mountains, near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, is a must for all outdoor enthusiasts as well as those who have an explorer’s spirit. The breathtaking views, the enthralling scenery, the flowing waters…it’s all at your doorstep when you enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Free Things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

In the breathtaking state of Tennessee you’ll find the picturesque Smoky Mountains. Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are great places to visit for fantastic indoor and outdoor fun! A vacation to the Smoky Mountains is perfect too, because there are so many things to do in the Smoky Mountains. Even better, there are plenty of FREE things to do in the Smoky Mountains!
The natural outdoor allure of the Smoky Mountain destinations of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is easy to understand. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as their backyard, these two vacation destinations allow guests to discover what they’ve been missing…refreshing, all natural fun!

-Cades Cove: This is a great area for a scenic drive! There is an 11 mile one way loop that winds around the valley, complete with wildlife, campgrounds, bike rentals, spectacular foliage in autumn, and facilities for horseback riding.

-Sugarlands Visitor Center: A free 20-minute orientation motion picture provides an in-depth look at the Smokies and the enormous diversity of plant and animal life in the Park. Natural history exhibits include mounted specimens of park animals in recreations of their habitats and reproductions of journals kept by the first park naturalists are also on display. Ranger talks and slide shows are presented daily from spring through fall. You’ll also want to visit Laurel Falls, a beautiful waterfall located off Little Rover Road near the Sugarlands Center.

-Mills Park: Located in Gatlinburg, this park’s facilities include a softball field, horseshoe pits, playground, tennis courts, football field and basketball court. It’s a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors!

-Mynatt Park: A beautiful park complete with picnic area by the river, bbq grills, and recreation opportunities such as baseball and basketball.

-Tennessee Heritage Trails: Our Heritage Trails link attractions in three categories - History, Arts & Crafts and Music - to showcase the distinctive character and talents of Tennessee trails and to connect both well-known and obscure attractions under a common theme.

-Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Craft Community: The largest group of independent artisans in North America. This historic 8-mile loop has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. Established in 1937, these artisans create unique and treasured pieces.

-Newfound Gap Road: The 33-mile drive from Gatlinburg to Cherokee North Carolina along Newfound Gap Road is the only route that completely traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The drive offers a unique opportunity to enjoy an abbreviated experience of everything the Park has to offer, without necessarily trekking far from your automobile.

-Hiking: Enjoy a hike on any of the more than 800 miles of trails through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. With over fifty trails available to hike, you’ll discover a new treasure each time you explore.

-Douglas Lake: Beautiful Douglas Lake extends its 33,000 lake acres and 513 miles of shoreline to the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains, attracting nearly 2 million visitors each year. Favorite activities at Douglas Lake include fishing, boating, rafting, swimming, camping, and bird watching.

-Shopping in the Smokies: Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are a shopper’s dream and it doesn’t cost a thing to look! There are several Outlet malls, such as Belz Factory Outlet Mall, as well as hundreds of unique shops to explore.

-Festivals: Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are a haven for festivals. Many of these, such as the Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival, have free admission and concerts!

Plus, at Dollywood you can get your next day FREE if you arrive at the park after 3 pm!
With so many things to see and do in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, you and your family are sure to experience the vacation of a lifetime!