Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, with over 11 million visitors annually. Known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife, the park offers visitors a wide range of activities and experiences.
 
One of the most popular activities in the park is hiking. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, there is something for hikers of all skill levels, from easy strolls to strenuous multi-day treks.
 
For beginners or those looking for a leisurely hike, the Gatlinburg Trail is a great option. This 1.9-mile trail follows the Little Pigeon River and is mostly flat, making it a good choice for families with young children or those looking for a scenic stroll.
 
Another easy hike is the Cades Cove Nature Trail, a 0.8-mile loop trail that offers beautiful views of the cove and its wildlife. The trail is also wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for visitors with limited mobility.
 
For intermediate hikers, the Alum Cave Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that leads to stunning views of the park. This 5.5-mile trail features steep climbs, stunning rock formations, and a beautiful waterfall, making it a great choice for those looking for a more strenuous hike.
 
The Chimney Tops Trail is another popular intermediate hike, with a steep climb to the summit that offers breathtaking views of the park. The 3.5-mile round trip trail can be challenging, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
 
For experienced hikers, the Appalachian Trail runs through the park, offering a variety of challenging hikes and backpacking trips. The trail stretches over 70 miles through the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
 
 
In addition to hiking, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy. Here are some of the other popular things to do in the park:
 
Scenic Drives – The park is home to several scenic drives, including the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Newfound Gap Road, and Cades Cove Loop Road. These drives offer stunning views of the mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife, and are a great way to see the park at a more leisurely pace.
 
Wildlife Viewing – The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, deer, and more. Visitors can see these animals in their natural habitat by driving through Cades Cove or taking a wildlife viewing tour.
 
Fishing – The park has over 2,000 miles of streams and rivers, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can fish for trout, bass, and other species with a valid fishing license.
 
Camping – The park has several campgrounds, ranging from primitive sites to sites with full RV hookups. Camping is a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty up close and to enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
 
Weddings – The park is a popular location for weddings, with several beautiful outdoor venues to choose from. Popular wedding locations include Cades Cove, Cataloochee Valley, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
 
Overall, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers visitors a wide range of activities and experiences. Whether you’re interested in hiking, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful park.
 

Official website for up to date information: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

Gatlinburg

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Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a charming town nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The town was named after Radford Gatlin, a wealthy businessman who originally settled in the area in the 1850s. Gatlinburg has since grown to become a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of outdoor activities, unique shopping experiences, and mouth-watering dining options.

Visitors to Gatlinburg can enjoy the town’s many activities and attractions, including visiting Anakeesta, skiing at Ober Gatlinburg, or walking across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Gatlinburg is also home to unique attractions such as the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the Space Needle observation tower, and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum.

One of the most popular annual events hosted in Gatlinburg is the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales festival. This festival features live music and storytelling performances throughout the town, celebrating the rich culture and heritage of the Appalachian region. Another popular event is the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, which showcases the work of over 200 artists and craftsmen from around the country.

The area is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, with a rich history dating back to the early settlers of the area. Today, visitors can find a wide variety of handmade items, from pottery and jewelry to woodworking and weaving. One of the best places to experience the local arts and crafts scene is the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. Located just outside of Gatlinburg, this eight-mile loop road features over 100 shops and studios, all owned and operated by local artisans. Visitors can watch the artists at work, ask questions, and purchase one-of-a-kind creations to take home as souvenirs. Visitors can also take part in workshops and classes offered by local artisans, giving them the opportunity to learn a new craft or hone their skills. The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, located in nearby Townsend, offers a variety of classes and workshops for adults and children, covering everything from painting and printmaking to metalsmithing and glassblowing. The arts and crafts scene in the Gatlinburg area offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural history of the region. Visitors can take home one-of-a-kind souvenirs and learn about the crafts and techniques that have been passed down through generations of local artisans.

Gatlinburg offers a wide range of dining options. The Peddler Steakhouse is a must-visit for meat lovers, serving up perfectly cooked steaks and a cozy atmosphere. For a more casual dining experience, the Pancake Pantry is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a wide range of pancake flavors and breakfast dishes. While the Pancake Pantry has been a staple in Gatlinburg since 1960, the area now boasts the most pancake restaurants per square mile of the entire country! For those who prefer a more gourmet experience or who may be looking for a romantic dinner experience, we highly recommend The Greenbrier restaurant or The Red Oak Bistro. Our favorite lunch spot is The Wild Plum Tea Room, but its hours are very limited and reservations are a must!

Overall, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a charming town full of Southern hospitality, delicious food, and endless entertainment options. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing vacation, Gatlinburg has something to offer everyone.

Useful Links

List of Events and Festivals: https://www.gatlinburg.com/events/

https://www.visitmysmokies.com/

Pigeon Forge

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Pigeon Forge
The town of Pigeon Forge has grown from its humble beginnings to become a family-friendly entertainment mecca! The town was founded in the early 1800s and was named after an iron forge built by Isaac Love, the name of which referred to its location on the Little Pigeon River.
 
There are numerous dinner shows in Pigeon Forge. One of the most popular is the Dolly Parton’s Stampede. This dinner show features live entertainment and a delicious four-course meal, making it a must-see for visitors of all ages. A popular annual event is the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, a car show featuring vintage and custom cars from around the country.
 
When it comes to dining, Pigeon Forge offers a wide variety of options. For a taste of Southern comfort food, head to either The Old Mill or to Mama’s Farmhouse, which serves up hearty meals family-style. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, Seasons 101 is an excellent choice. We also highly recommend The Local Goat, which offers farm to table fare in a sports bar atmosphere.
 
In addition to great food and festivals, Pigeon Forge offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ziplining, and horseback riding. Families will love visiting Dollywood, a theme park owned by Dolly Parton, which features roller coasters, shows, and other attractions. Miniature golf courses and go kart tracks abound, as well as numerous other activities such as indoor skydiving!
 
For a more educational experience, visitors can check out the Titanic Museum Attraction, which offers a look into the history of the famous ship, or the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, which features exhibits on infamous criminals and law enforcement history.
 
Overall, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, history, or outdoor adventure, this charming town in the heart of the Smokies is sure to please.

 

Visitor website: www.mypigeonforge.com