Newfound Gap
Newfound Gap runs almost exactly through the center of the Park and offers gorgeous views at little pull-offs all along the way! If you don’t have much time or energy, but are eager to experience some great views of the Park, this may be the path for you!

Alum Cave Bluffs
The Alum Cave Bluffs are 100 feet high, and have been in the past, the source of alum, a compound sulfate used in munitions manufacturing, in medicines, and in setting cloth dyes. They were also supposedly a source of saltpeter for Civil War gunpowder. The Alum Cave Bluffs Trail begins at Newfound Gap Rd between the Newfound Gap and Chimney Tops overlooks, and is a popular destination for day hikers. The trail is pretty strenuous at the end. It is 2.5 miles to the Bluffs, and 5 miles to Mount Le Conte.

Andrews Bald
A bald is an open, unforested area on a mountain ridge. Naturalists can’s explain for sure how they happen, but it could be due to overgrazing or repeated fires set by humans. Andrews Bald is the easiest bald to reach in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is located 1.8 miles south of Clingman’s Dome, by hiking trail. It has beautiful view, and the open fields, containing mainly grass and flowering shrubs, make it a nice picnic spot!

Charlies Bunion
This is one of my husband’s personal favorites! He loves the views and it is the perfect day hike for him. He does it in a morning usually. In 1925, a forest fire swept through this section of the Park and exposed the ridge now know as Charlies Bunion, opening up sweeping views of Mount LeConte and Greenbrier. This trail is 4 miles one way.

Cherokee Orchard Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
These roads include historical sites  such as homesteads, cabins and a cemetery from a village that was home to about 24 families about 150 years ago! This is often hailed as a mini-Cades Cove, closer to Gatlinburg, a smaller loop, and usually less crowded, but still great for viewing wildlife and historic buildings! The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed in the winter.

Chimney Tops
In addition to the actual Chimney Tops Trail, the Chimney Tops picnic area, nearby, is in my opinion a destination of its own. It spreads along a beautiful mountain creek with tons of rocks to play on, and plenty of shallow spots to wade in! There are, of course, numerous picnic tables at which you can enjoy a meal. I have spent the whole day there before, reading, playing in the creek, and just generally relaxing and enjoying the lovely atmosphere! If you are interested in a little more action, continue down the road to the Chimney Tops Trail, and hike up to the Chimneys themselves on a strenuous four-mile round trip trail. This amazing rock formation is sheer pinnacles, looking somewhat like a couple of chimneys sticking up into the air. They said that when that blue mist rolls through the mountains, some of it goes in a cavity at the bottom of the formation and then rises out the open tops, looking very much like a smoking chimney!

Clingman’s Dome
Clingman’s Dome is one of the most popular sites in the Smokies, and with good reason! It is the highest peak in the Smokies, at 6,643 feet, and though the top is covered with spruce and fir trees, there is an observation platform from which you can see a spectacular 360 degree view! The path to the observation platform is steep, but only a half-mile. Even the most out-of-shape person can make it! Just take frequent rests and bring plenty of water and a snack!

Mingus Mill
If you are interested in historical buildings, this is a great place to stop! One of two water-powered mills still in operation in the Park, from mid-April through October, a miller grinds corn and wheat to make cornmeal and flour. This attraction is wheelchair accessible.  

Mount LeConte
Mount LeConte is considered one of the most beautiful mountain peaks to look at, and one of the most difficult to climb. It is a badge of honor to have climbed LeConte. I have a few friends who climb it at least a few times a year. My husband likes to go up there, and he usually ends up running most of the way down due to the steep grade! This is the third-highest peak in the Smokies, at 6,593 feet. Near the top, is LeConte Lodge, where some opt to stay the night and rest, and others stop for either a cool drink or a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, depending on the season. You will need to make reservations well in advance if you plan to stay at the Lodge overnight. There are no roads up to the Lodge, and all supplies are delivered by llama train! There are 5 different hiking trails on LeConte: Boulevard Trail via the Appalachian Trail starting at Newfound Gap. 16 miles round-trip; Alum Cave Trail at the Alum Cave parking lot on Newfound Gap Rd, 11 miles round-trip; Rainbow Falls Trail or Trillium Gap, each 13.4 miles round-trip; or Bull Head, 14.4 miles round-trip from Cherokee Orchard.

Mountain Farm Museum
Oconaluftee was settled around 1800, and is now home to Mountain Farm Museum, just a short walk from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The Museum replicates a 19th-century farm, including a house, barn, corncrib, sorghum molasses mill and blacksmith shop. From the spring through October, there are costumed interpretive demonstrations.

Everyone knows that leaves change colors and fall off in the fall, but there are also a lot of plants that hold on to their green leaves all year round. 

Rhododendron

Most of us would recognize rhododendrons by their beautiful flowers that bloom in June.  In the winter, their blooms are gone, and the plants don’t stand out as much but they are still there, leathery green leaves and all.  When it gets really cold, the leaves actually curl up to prevent water loss.

Next time you get a chance, touch the leaf of an evergreen plant.  Is it tough and leathery or waxy?  Having waxy leaves helps the plant retain moisture.  Evergreen leaves need to be strong to withstand snow, ice and wind during the winter. 

Dog Hobble

Here is another evergreen  plant you will likely encounter on a winter hike in the Smokies.  The name “dog hobble” refers to the dense tangle of branches that can be difficult to walk through especially on steep slopes (especially for a dog). 

One benefit of retaining leaves through the winter is not having to regrow them in the spring.  When all other plants are growing new leaves, the evergreens are ahead of the game.

Hemlock 

Hemlocks are the most abundant evergreen tree in the Park.  You may notice a white fuzz on the underside of the branches.  This is from the hemlock wooly adelgid.  This small insect was accidentally brought in from Asia and is attacking hemlocks all over the Eastern US.  The small aphid-like insects attach themselves to the base of the needles and feed on the sap.  This causes the needles to fall off one by one, until the tree dies.  The white “wool” is a protective coating secreted by the insect.  Learn more at the Park’s website.

Christmas Fern

This fern is green all year.  In many places it is the only fern that is still green at Christmas time and was often used in decorations, giving it the name “Christmas Fern.”   This beautiful plant is one of the most common ferns in the Smokies and easy to find.

Go out and take a walk in the woods.  If you pay close attention, you will be amazed at how many things are still green! 

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park allows leashed dogs on two trails: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. The Gatlinburg Trail starts in Gatlinburg and follows the Little Pigeon River for 2 miles through hemlock forest to Sugarlands Visitor Center. I haven’t yet checked out the Oconaluftee River Trail, which is in Cherokee, NC, but it sounds just as nice, following the Oconaluftee River for 1.5 miles.
In addition to these two dog-friendly trails, dogs are allowed in picnic areas, campgrounds, and roads (on a leash of course). Some of the quieter areas (especially in the off-season) like Greenbrier or Cosby may be nice roads to walk a dog on.

Go Shopping
The Village Shops – 27 Unique Boutiques!
The Village features brick pathways and fountains, with a European atmosphere and is located at traffic light 6 on the Parkway in Gatlinburg.

• Simply Animals – THE pet accessory shop in Gatlinburg
  Pick out some Smoky Mountain souvenirs for Fido.
• Coffee and Company – Gourmet Coffee Shop and Roaster
  Enjoy your morning coffee with your pup in their outdoor seating area.
• The Doughnut Friar –Fresh Doughnuts Daily!- 865-436-7306

Paws and Claws Pet Fashions – Gifts for the pet lover and sports fan
611 Parkway, Mountain Mall, Gatlinburg- (865) 430-5082

Gatlinburg Sky Lift
“Following an exhilarating ride to the mountain’s top, enjoy the sights of Gatlinburg through the naked eye or with binoculars located on the overlook platform. Spectacular views of the lush forests and majestic mountains are enjoyed from atop since the area is surrounded on thee sides by the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.“ And the best part is, pets are allowed to ride up with their owners!

Have Lunch on a Patio
The following restaurants allow well-behaved dogs of any size and breed in their outdoor eating areas.
Howard’s Restaurant – Streamside Dining
Best Italian Cafe and Pizzeria- Literally, the “BEST” locally!
Between traffic lights 8 and 9, tucked back in the Elks Plaza shopping center.
Lineberger’s Seafood – Downtown Gatlinburg
903 Parkway at traffic light 8; (865) 436-9284
Fanny Farkle’s -A delightful little eatery right on the Parkway! Fanny Farkle’s is famous for their foot-long corn dogs and sausage subs!
The Funnel Cake Company- “Located at the outdoor Baskin’s Square Mall along the Parkway in Gatlinburg, The Funnel Cake Company offers outdoor tables for customers dining with their four-legged friends. Lots of funnel cake flavors / toppings to choose from.”
Jordan’s Village Creamery- “Small coffee shop, serving up ice cream as well as a limited selection of sandwiches and other food items. They have a couple of outdoor tables where you can dine with a small dog.”

Doggie Day Cares and Play Areas
For those of you who can’t bear to leave your dog at home, but do have at least a few hours of your vacation where you can’t take your pet with you, a doggie day care may be just the thing! Or perhaps you made your reservations last-minute, and you didn’t manage to find pet-friendly lodging. You can still bring your best friend with you! These day-cares also offer overnight lodging for your pet!
The Barker Lounge- “Most Importantly, we’re not your standard kennel. We’ve gone to great lengths to ensure it! Our daycare and boarding programs have been designed not to simply “occupy” our four-legged guests, but rather to enrich their lives mentally, physically and socially! All of our OVERNIGHT BOARDING guests participate in ALL-DAY-DAYCARE every day while they’re with us! The only time they are ever alone is to eat and sleep … that’s it!”
Barks and Recreation- “Welcome to Barks & Recreation where we provide a loving, comfortable, and safe Smoky Mountains getaway for your pooch. We offer an open, home-like environment, with indoor and outdoor play areas. Doggies can also enjoy playtime with their friends, if preferred. You can expect that your dog will enjoy a full day of play, exercise, and attention from our dog-loving and experienced staff members.”
Just Fer Paws and The Comedy Canines- “In the heart of the Smoky Mountains you will find a unique group of dogs. A group of rescues that have been trained to educate and entertain. You will find a dog trainer with years of experience that can help you with your pet. A small boarding facility where your dog can have as much fun as you do on vacation.”

Special thanks to BringFido.com for their suggestions about pet-friendly activities in Gatlinburg.

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Tweetsie Railroad
“North Carolina’s first Wild West Adventure Theme Park featuring a three mile steam-powered train ride. Shopping, live entertainment, amusement rides, a Deer Park, and gold panning. Open May through October 9 AM to 6 PM.”

The Blowing Rock
“The Blowing Rock, North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction since 1933, is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below.” “Spectacular views, gardens and gift shops enjoyed while strolling along our walking trail. Admission required. Open year round weather permitting. January- March weekends only.”

Grandfather Mountain
“Grandfather Mountain inspires awe through an abundance of natural wonders. Designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve and protected forever by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, there is nowhere else on Earth that you can enjoy such a variety of mountain life in one amazing place.” Open year round.

Chimney Rock
“Chimney Rock is the natural fulfillment of your trip to the North Carolina mountains. Take a deep breath of refreshing mountain air, become invigorated by our hiking trails, and let your cares fade away in the cool mist of Hickory Nut Falls. This is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and spend time with family and friends. Only minutes from Lake Lure, Chimney Rock offers the best of the mountains in one place – spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is proud to be part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and is located just 25 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina.”

Folk Art Center
“The Folk Art Center is home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild.  The center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians.  In addition to an Eastern National bookstore and Blue Ridge Parkway information desk, the center houses three galleries, a library and Allanstand Craft Shop.  Beginning in March each year, visitors can see live craft demonstrations daily in the Folk Art Center lobby.  The Folk Art Center is located in east Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a five minute drive from downtown.”

Biltmore Estate
“At its core, Biltmore will always have the natural beauty of the mountains as well as the majestic house and gardens to inspire us and allow us to escape from the every day. Biltmore is still family-owned, and we are passionate about our mission of preservation through self-sufficiency—a philosophy embraced before the first stone was ever put in place. We remain self-sustaining through innovation, creative thinking, and listening to our guests who continue to tell us they want more ways to connect with Biltmore.”

The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
“Explore the natural beauty and authentic mountain culture of the Blue Ridge. Visit the new Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center at Milepost 384- featuring information desks, exhibits, a 22-foot interactive map of the Parkway and a 24-minute movie.”

The NC Arboretum
“Just as our experience of nature is intimate, visitors to The North Carolina Arboretum connect with plants in personal ways that are as diverse and rich as the land itself. Whether you enjoy strolling through gardens, exploring exhibits, enriching your mind or hiking and biking, the Arboretum offers activities for all ages.” “Within 434 acres, the Arboretum offers 65 acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, and the finest Bonsai collection in the Southeastern U.S. Ongoing exhibits of science, art and culture are featured in the Baker Exhibit Center, which also serves as the visitor information center.”

Cherokee, NC
“We eagerly await your arrival and the opportunity to share our culture with you. There are many things to do in Cherokee – attend the breathtaking outdoor Mountainside Theatre for a performance of “Unto These Hills…a retelling” with the whole family, visit the Museum with its new expanded research and education wing, buy a handmade piece of history at the arts and crafts cooperative Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual Inc., experience a working Village with blowgun demonstrations, mask carvings and more – including the “Hands-On Cherokee” experiential learning classes.”

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Fall is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. I know you love the leaves, but there are many activities that are even more special in the Fall. From German food to a ghostly tour, make sure to include this list of Fall activities on your vacation “To Do” list. We’ll see you soon!

1. See the Leaves. October is the busiest month of the year in Gatlinburg for one reason alone–the changing of the leaves. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park usually experiences an autumn leaf season of several weeks as fall colors travel down the mountainsides from high elevation to low. However, the timing of fall color change depends upon so many variables (including rainfall) that the exact dates of peak fall foliage color each year are impossible to predict in advance. From early to mid-October, fall colors develop above 4,000 feet. To enjoy them, drive the Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway. The fall color display usually reaches peak at mid 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. Rent a cabin with a view.

2. Annual Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff. It’s fall…are you thinking chili, too? Offering mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous, the City of Gatlinburg hosts its 21^st annual Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff on Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. on River Road and at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza. Be pleasantly tempted and tested before casting your vote for the People’s Choice Award. Also, judges will select winners in categories including Best Taste, Booth Presentation, Apron Design and Most Unique Chili Name.

3. Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament. The 11th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children – and is equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in the largest trout tournament in the Smokies. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations will be observed. For information, call 865-661-FISH (3474) or click here.

4. Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. This county wide celebration, held in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, features an array of craft shows, a decorating contest and other “artistic” special events that are sure to keep everyone’s energy level lively. If you’re in to knick knacks and friendly faces, then the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is sure to keep you entertained throughout your entire stay in the area. Don’t miss out, start making your plans to be part of the celebration today! The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival will be held September 1 – October 31 with many events to enjoy. For a full list of events, click here.

5. 21st Annual Gatlinburg Winter Magic ^tm is the four-month winter lighting promotion featuring custom designed, one-of-a-kind lighting displays which now sport all LED bulbs along Gatlinburg’s famous Downtown Parkway adjacent toRiver Road. Listed as one of winter’s “Top 20 Events” by the Southeast Tourism Society, Gatlinburg’s four-month Winterfest Celebration transforms the mountain resort town of Gatlinburg into a spectacular winter wonderland from November through February. A holiday craft show, Christmas parade, Winter Magic Tunes & Tales, and the popular New Year’s Ball Drop combine with millions of LED lighting displays and attractions to make Winterfest an activity filled season in Gatlinburg. The kickoff is the same night as the Gatlinburg Chili Cook Off. In 2010 it is on November 10th from 5 to 8 p.m.

6. Gatlinburg Sky Lift. Of course, the chair lift is open year ’round, and the Smokies are always a beautiful site…but, never is it more beautiful than during the fall. the Gatlinburg Chair Lift is a special experience–a 1200 foot climb up the side of Crockett Mountain. One little known fact is that the lift was originally purchased from the Sugar Bowl Ski Area in California in the 1950s, unassembled, and then reconstructed in Gatlinburg. Aptly put, it is the best seat in Gatlinburg. Rates are Adults $12 and $9 for children.

7. The Hofbrauhaus. 1969 The Cheese Cupboard opened it’s doors as Gatlinburg’s premier cheese shop. Since that time, thousands have enjoyed their large array of imported and domestic cheese and chocolate from Switzerland and Germany. The second floor is occupied by The Hofbrauhaus Restaurant. As you enter, you get the feeling of being transported to Europe. Styled after a German pub, the visitor can enjoy a small respite in the middle of busy Gatlinburg. Through the years the Famous Super Ruben has become the favorite. Enjoy any of their hot specialty sandwiches such as the Hoagie, Turkey, Pastrami or Bratwurst along with a cold beverage or beer. Click Here for a full menu.

8. Haunted Ghost Tour. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, taking a ghost tour of Gatlinburg will be a memorable part of your vacation. Take a leisurely stroll and search along the shadowy streets and alleys of Gatlinburg to hear stories of the unexplained and strange. Hear about a number of haunted hotels and buildings in the downtown area, about a gruesome murder committed at a very famous hotel & the young girl and security guard who still haunt it. Listen to the tale of a young man who made a foolish mistake and continues to pay for it to this very day. Tour a cemetery that was built in 1830-a most frightful place indeed! Tours run 7 days per week March through October. Buy tickets online.

9. Caramel Apples. Can’t make it to the Smokies this fall? Order a few caramel apples made here at the foot of the Smokies and have them shipped to you at home for a taste of the Great Smoky Mountains. To read the fascinating history of the Raimondi family’s caramel apple legacy, click here. Whether you like your caramel apples dipped in nuts or chocolate chips, they are sure to have one to tickle your Fall fancy. Don’t forget to order online!

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Get a peek into local culture! Visit the Sevier County Fair while you’re here in the Smokies! Enjoy fair rides, food vendors, livestock and gardening competitions, a beauty contest, live music, watermelon seed spitting contest, and much much more!! For more information, visit their website!

Visit Splash Country for their last weekend of the season! They will be open Saturday through Monday that weekend! Enjoy one last weekend of thrilling rides and slides, or soaking in the wave pool or lazy river. Or maybe you just want to bring your kids and lay out in the sun!

Enjoy the prime season for hiking in the Smokies! It’s the perfect temperature for hiking. Start early in the morning for the best hiking weather. Make sure to bring plenty of water and appropriate snacks to keep you going! Avoid hiking alone, and be mindful of the wildlife around you! When choosing what trail to take, consider what you hope to see (flowers or other beautiful plants, animals, waterfalls, expansive mountain views), how steep of a hike you can handle, how long of a hike you can handle, how long it will take, etc. For more information, visit the Park’s website, or stop in at the Sugarland’s Visitor Center.

Go horseback riding! Take your pick of riding stables in the area, and enjoy the flora and fauna of the Smokies from the back of a trusty steed! Maybe you would rather take a carriage ride? Got it! Want something even more unique? Try a camel ride!

Have a picnic in the Park! Pack sandwiches and chips, bring your own meal and grill out, or pick up lunch to go from your favorite restaurant! No matter how you slice it, a picnic is super fun! There are 10 different first-come, first-serve picnic areas. Big Creek, Cades Cove, Chimney Tops, Cosby, Greenbrier, Deep Creek, and Metcalf Bottoms are open year-round. And there are 3 other picnic areas that can be enjoyed during this warm and sunny season! 

If you love shopping, go on over to the Labor Day Weekend Sidewalk Sale at Tanger Outlet, and hit the stores! The Tanger Outlet offers over 100 band name stores just off 441! Tanger is probably the favorite shopping destination in the Smokies of most of the people I talk to! It includes every type of store you can imagine, as well as a few delicious places to eat, and right next door is the Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf, where you can drop off the members of your family who don’t enjoy shopping while you hit the stores!

And saving the best for last… rent a luxurious log cabin with a gorgeous mountain view! Cook out on your own charcoal grill, enjoy the view from rocking chairs on the porch, or maybe from your hot tub. If it rains no worries! Come inside and enjoy TV, comfortable surroundings, and maybe even a game room with a pool table, foozball table, or who knows what else!

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Near the top of the mountain is LeConte Lodge. Many people take a day to hike up to it, rest and relax a bit, and then hike back down the next day! There are no roads up LeConte, so how does the Lodge get supplies? Supplies are carried up the mountain by Llama train! Learn all about it by viewing a short video put together by the Great Smoky Mountains Association!

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

The Great Smoky Mountains abound with the two ingredients essential for waterfalls—ample rainfall and an elevation gradient. During wet years, peaks like Mt. Le Conte and Clingmans Dome receive over eight feet of rain. This abundant rainfall trickles and rushes down the mountain sides, from high elevation to low, sometimes dropping more than a mile in elevation from the high peaks to the foothills at the park’s boundary.

Every year over 200,000 visitors hike well-worn trails to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, Rainbow, and other popular waterfalls in the park. Large waterfalls attract the crowds, but smaller cascades and falls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Laurel Falls. The trail is 2.6 miles round trip and considered moderate in difficulty. The trail is paved and is suitable for strollers. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. The area is especially busy on weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer. Laurel Branch and the 80-foot high Laurel Falls are named for mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May. To find the trailhead from Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road.

2. Mouse Creek Falls. The 4-mile round trip hike to the waterfall is considered moderate in difficulty. Big Creek Trail follows an old railroad grade used to haul lumber out of the mountains during the logging boom at the start of the 20th century. At 1.4 miles the trail passes Midnight Hole, a deep, picturesque pool below a 6′ falls. At 2.1 miles a short side trail on the left leads to a bench where hikers can rest and view Mouse Creek Falls which is on the far side of Big Creek. The falls are 45’ in height. To find the trailhead, exit I-40 at Waterville Road (#451). Turn left after crossing the Pigeon River and proceed 2.3 miles to an intersection. Continue straight, past the ranger station, to a large parking area at road’s end.

3. Hen Wallow Falls. A 4.5 mile round trip hike. Take the Gabes Mountain Trail which begins from the parking area at the entrance to Cosby Campground. The trip to Hen Wallow Falls is a pleasant walk through hemlock and rhododendron forest. A signed side trail leads to the base of the falls by way of steep switchbacks. Hen Wallow Creek, only two feet wide at the top of the falls, fans out to 20 feet at the base. The waterfall is 90 feet high. The hike to the falls is 4.4 miles round trip and considered moderate in difficulty. Hikers continuing on the Gabes Mountain Trail beyond the falls can enjoy an impressive old-growth forest.

4. Indian Creek Falls. An easy 1.6 mile round trip hike will allow you to enjoy two beautiful waterfalls in the Deep Creek area. Walk Deep Creek Trail 0.7 mile to the junction with Indian Creek Trail. On your way you can view elegant Tom Branch Falls located on the far side of Deep Creek. Turn right at the junction with Indian Creek Trail and proceed approximately 200′ to Indian Creek Falls. The falls are 25 feet in height. To find the trailhead, follow the signs through downtown Bryson City, NC to Deep Creek Campground. Continue past the campground to the trailhead at the end of Deep Creek Road.

5. Juney Whank Falls. The trail to the waterfall is 0.8 miles round trip and is considered moderate in difficulty. Juney Whank Falls is divided into an upper and lower section. Both can be viewed from the footbridge which crosses Juney Whank Branch at the falls. Together they drop 90 feet from top to bottom. To find the trailhead, follow the signs through downtown Bryson City, NC to Deep Creek Campground. Continue past the campground to the trailhead at the end of Deep Creek Road. Backtrack on foot 0.1 mile along the road to the trail.

6. Rainbow Falls. The 5.4 mile round trip hike is considered moderate in difficulty. The Rainbow Falls Trail continues for approximately 4 miles beyond the falls to the summit of Mt. Le Conte. A rainbow produced by mist from this 80-foot high waterfall is visible on sunny afternoons. During extended winter cold spells, an impressive ice formation builds around the falls. Between trail head and falls, Rainbow Falls Trail gains about 1,500′ in elevation. From the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Continue past the Noah “Bud” Ogle homesite to the clearly signed Rainbow Falls parking area.

7. Ramsey Cascades. The trail to the waterfall gains over 2,000′ in elevation over its 4 mile course and the 8-mile roundtrip hike is considered strenuous in difficulty. It follows rushing rivers and streams for much of its length. The last 2 miles pass through old-growth cove hardwood forest with large tuliptrees, basswoods, silverbells, and yellow birches. Do not attempt to climb to the top of the falls. Several people have been killed trying to do so. Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park and one of the most spectacular. Water drops 100 feet over rock outcroppings and collects in a small pool where numerous well-camouflaged salamanders can be found. To find the trailhead, drive six miles east of Gatlinburg on Highway 321 and turn at the Greenbrier entrance to the park. Follow the signs 4.7 miles to the trailhead.

Please note that several fatalities and numerous injuries have resulted from people climbing on rocks near waterfalls.

These rocks are very slippery due to algae and mist. Do not attempt to climb to the tops of waterfalls. Closely supervise children at all times near water and waterfalls.

Don’t forget to make the most of your Smoky Mountain Vacation by renting a Gatlinburg Cabin! We even have cabins on the water!

Is there a topic you would like to see covered at A Day In The Smokies? Email us!

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel has pink and white flowers that bloom from May through early June!  The bloom of the mountain laurel is a little more saucer-shaped than the bloom of the rhododendron. One of the best places to find mountain laurel in the Park is on the Laurel Falls Trail!  This trail is named after this flowering shrub that is so prevalent along its path.  “The trail is 2.6 miles roundtrip and considered moderate in difficulty.  The trail is paved and is suitable for strollers.”  This trail is great for beginners! I have done the hike myself, and I am completely out of shape!  Just take frequent pauses to rest, and make sure to drink plenty of water and have a snack or two throughout the course of your hike!

Rhododendron

There are two main types of rhododendron that grow in our Smoky Mountains.  ”Rosebay rhododendron is the most common rhododendron in the Smokies.  It thrives around streams and in ravines at elevations below 5,000 feet.  Rosebay’s big clumps of whitish flowers appear in June at lower elevations and from July into August at middle altitudes.  Not every rosebay rhododendron in the park blooms every year.  “Big blooms,” when a higher percentage of the shrubs bear flowers, occur every 2-4 years.  No one has yet figured out when big blooms will happen, or why.  Even during off years, however, many rosebays will bloom throughout the Park, especially those along roadsides that receive more direct sunlight.

“Catawba is the rhododendron of the Smokies’ high mountains.  It is found only at elevations greater than 3,500 feet in the Park, often alongside other rhododendrons as part of tree-less shrublands call heath balds.  Catawba’s leaves are thick, shiny, and evergreen, much like those of rosebay rhododendron.  However, Catawba leaves are not as long and have a more rounded shape.  The beauty of Catawba rhododendron’s purple flowers is legendary.  From a distance it appears as if rhododendron-covered ridges have been painted with a purple wash. Catawba usually reaches its peak of bloom along the Newfound Gap Road in the first half of June.  Along the highest peaks it flowers in late June. Good places to see it are: above the Chimney Tops Trailhead, Alum Cave Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Andrews Bald.”

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Cades Cove Loop Road
Cades Cove Loop road has been closed for major improvements since March 1. It is set to re-open April 24 with some special celebration events! Other roads affected by the closure include Forge Creek Road, Parson Branch Road, and Rich Mountain Road. Several trailheads were also cut off because of the road closure, and will now all be available for your hiking pleasure! “Numerous potholes and eroded shoulders result[ed] in a rough ride for visitors touring Cades Cove. In addition to repaving the road, pullouts and parking areas, low water crossings and bridges [were] replaced during the project.”

Trails
There are several trailheads that begin in Cades Cove: Abrams Falls Trail, Cooper Road Trail, Gregory Bald Trail, Gregory Ridge Trail, Hannah Mountain Trail, Indian Grave Gap Trail, and Rabbit Creek Trail. The various hikes provide many beautiful scenes, including breathtaking mountain views, waterfalls, views of the Cove, historic buildings, and beautiful plants and wildlife all around! For more information about the trails, visit the Cades Cove Visitor’s Center.

Wildlife Viewing
“Deer are almost always sighted in the fields, and observations of other wildlife, including bear, Wild Turkey, and fox are possible. Please use pullouts when viewing wildlife and never approach or feed animals.” Cades Cove Loop Road is your chance for a Smoky Mountain Safari! Just drive through the park at a leisurely pace, and whenever you see wildlife that peeks your interest, pull you car over to the side, and view all God’s creatures from the comfort of your car! Or get out for a better view, but don’t approach wild animals! There are also horses in Cades Cove, which are a bit more approachable!

Historic Buildings
“A wide array of historic buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries is scattered through-out the cove. These include a grist mill, a variety of barns, three churches, and a marvelous collection of log homes and outbuildings.” I love looking at historic buildings, especially in Appalachia! Something about it just makes my heart come alive!

We’re sure you can see why we love Cades Cove, and we hope you’ll stop by to see us, and the Cove, very soon!

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Green Transportation Tips
Of course, using a car that gets the best gas-mileage is an obvious way to conserve precious resources! Also, if you choose to rent a car, the rental companies are getting better and better about offering green choices, just ask them about it when you are looking into renting a car! If you choose to fly… believe it or not, the bigger the better! The more people that can fit on that plane, the less fuel per person is used! And perhaps a choice you haven’t thought of- take the train! Amtrak is adding more lines all the time, and getting more and more reliable as well!

Green Lodging
There are a couple of ways you can make green choices for lodging! First of all, choose a company that is locally owned. That way your money is going to preserve and build up the local economy! Secondly, choose lodging that has done as little damage as possible to its surrounding environment in the process of being built. Renting a cabin in the Smokies is a great example of this, as cabins are built to nestle you right into the surrounding beauty of nature! Thirdly, choose a lodging company that is striving to go green in their business practices. ERA in the Smokies is striving to go green in several ways! A few examples… we have seriously cut down on paper waste, both by going digital with the great majority of our advertising, and by reusing scrap paper as much as possible. We also choose environmentally friendly cleaning products as much as possible, and strive to cut down our energy consumption with utilities as much as we can! A fourth way you can go green with your lodging choices is by doing YOUR best to avoid wasting precious resources! Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth… even on vacation!

Eat Green
Well your food doesn’t literally have to be the color green! But you can make green choices when it comes to your food, even while on vacation. When you eat out, choose local restaurants. More and more restaurants are hiring locals, buying their supplies, both edible and otherwise, locally, even buying organic foods, composting, and conserving energy and resources any way they can! Our Smoky Mountain community has many locally owned, unique, and delicious eateries!

Enjoy Nature
What better place to enjoy nature than the lush Great Smoky Mountains?! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts 1,600 species of flowering plants, 450 species of non-flowering plants, 66 species of mammals, over 200 varieties of birds, 50 native fish species, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians.  And this lush nature is not limited to the park itself! There are any number if ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the Smoky Mountain area! From hiking, to kayaking and canoeing, from whitewater rafting to enjoying a picnic outside, the sky is your limit!

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Fringed Phacelia
Fringed Phacelia is a white to pale lilac about 1/2″ wide, with a bell-shaped bloom of five fringed petals. The stem gets about 6 inches tall, and the leaves are generally white, with 5 to 9 blunt segments on each leaf. You can see a beautiful display of Fringed Phacelia at the Chimneys Picnic Area, during the first two weeks of April, as well as on the Chimney Tops Trail, and Newfound Gap Road.

Columbine
There are 60-70 different speciea of Columbines. This flower is known for it bell-shaped flower, with each petal modified into an elongated nectar spur. The name is derived from the Latin word for “dove”. The flowers of various species of Colombine were consumed in moderation by Native Americans as a condiment with other fresh greens, and are reported to be very sweet, and safe if consumed in small quantities. However, I would stick to viewing this lovely flower, as the plant’s seeds and leaves are poisonous! These can be found on Laurel Creek Road, and Thomas Divide Trail.

Bloodroot
These beauties appear from March to May, with delicate white petals blooming over clasping leaves. “Plants are found growing in moist to dry woods and thickets, often on flood plains and near shores or streams on slopes, they grow less frequently in clearings and meadows or on dunes, and are rarely found in disturbed sites.” Bloodroot flowers can be found on the Porters Creek Trail, and Rich Mountain Road.

Redbud
Redbuds, is a genus of about 6-10 species in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae of the pea family Fabaceae, native to warm-temperate regions. They are small deciduous trees or large shrubs, characterised by simple, rounded to heart-shaped leaves and pinkish-red flowers borne in the early spring on bare leafless shoots.

Fire Pink
“Fire Pink  is a wildflower in the pink family, Caryophyllaceae. It is known for its distinct brilliant red flowers. Each flower is approximately five centimeters in diameter and composed of five notched, brilliant red petals which extend into a long tube. It is a small (20-80 cm tall), short-lived perennial (2-3 years), with lance shaped leaves. Its stems, and the bases of the flowers, are covered in short sticky hairs. Fire Pink begins blooming in late spring and continuing throughout the summer. It can be found on Little River Road and the Chestnut Top Trail.

Yellow Lady’s Slipper
There are actually several orchids referred to as “Yellow Lady’s Slipper Orchid”. One species, Cypripedium pubescens,  is native to Illinois and surrounding states in the American Midwest, and it is used as a medicinal plant. It grows anywhere from 12 to 30 inches tall and has smooth, slipper-shaped yellow flowers.

Yellow Trillium
Yellow Trillium ”is a spring wildflower with native populations in the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas. It occurs in parts of North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky, usually in the shade of mature deciduous trees on calcium-rich soils. It is especially abundant around Gatlinburg. It is often planted outside its native range, and is highly regarded for its yellow, lemon-scented flower. The mottled leaves are also handsome. Yellow Trillium can be found on Tremont Road, and Cove Hardwood Nature Trail.

White Trillium
White Trillium ”is a perennial monocotyledonous plant in the lily family. It is native to eastern North America from southern Canada in the north, south in the United States through the Appalachian Mountains into northernmost Georgia and west to Minnesota. There are also several disjunctive populations, such as in Nova Scotia and Iowa. The plant is most common in rich deciduous and mixed upland forests. It is easily recognised by its attractive three-petaled white flowers, opening from the late spring to the early summer, that rise above a whorl of three, leaf-like bracts.” These can be found on Newfound Gap Rd, and the Cove Hardwood Nature Trail.

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg

The Re-Opening Celebration will consist of two special events. On Saturday, April 24 (the new opening day!) a Field Day has been planned, when only bicycles and pedestrians will be allowed on the road until noon! Traditionally, the Loop Road has only been available to bicycles and pedestrians until 10am each Saturday and Wednesday from early May through September. They have extended this event until noon on opening day to accomodate the anticipated greater number of visitors!

On Sunday morning, April 25, there will be a one-time-only “Cades Cove Loop Lope”, being planned by the Park, and Friends of the Smokies. This event will offer pre-registered runners a chance to race on either the 11 mile loop or a 3.5 mile loop course.  ”Historically the Park has declined requests to permit foot and bicycle races in the Cove, due to the heavy visitation that Cades Cove attracts and the knowledge that events of this nature would be very popular” and could plug up the area for other visitors. But Park managers, in partnership with Friends of the Smokies are excited to present this one-time opportunity to foot race on the Loop in honor of the first major facelift that the Loop Rd has had since 1978! The race will begin at 8am so that the road can be re-opened to vehicles by noon. It is expected that participants will have to pre-register, and the event fee will go toward a wide variety of Park programs! For more information, visit the Friends of the Smokies website!

“The weekend’s activities also coincide with National Park Week, a nation-wide celebration in National Park areas, when visitors are encouraged to get out and enjoy the great American outdoors.”

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg.  For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277.  ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg

Easter Arts & Crafts Show

What would the Smokies be without our Arts and Crafts Community? Come to the Easter Arts & Crafts show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, Wednesday, March 31 through Saturday, April 3 to inspire the creativity in your own soul, and take home some of these beautifully crafted items to grace your home, office, or other organization!

Ober Gatlinburg’s 12th Annual Easter Sunrise Service

What better way to experience a glorious Easter Sunrise than from high on the slopes of the Smoky Mountains?! Join us for Ober Gatlinburg’s Easter Sunrise Service enhanced by the beauty of the surrounding mountains! Free tram rides to the mountain top begin at 6 a.m. and continue in 15 minute intervals until the service begins at 6:30 a.m. Complimentary parking at the resort will be provided for those who prefer to drive. A breakfast buffet will be waiting and available at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant from 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. 

Ribfest & Wings

Join us as we entice summer to come more quickly by filling the streets with the smell of hickory-smoked barbeque and the sounds of live entertainment! Vendors from all over the Southeast will come together on Thursday, April 22 to show off their secret sauces and succulent meat at this unforgettable street party! Don’t miss out!

The 60th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage & Greener Living Expo

As wildflowers bloom, join the Wildflower Pilgrimage for more than 150 different hiking tours of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, exhibitions, demonstrations, classroom lectures and delightful motor excursions into the wonderful season of spring in the Smokies. The Wildflower Pilgrimage is set to run Wednesday, April 21 through Sunday, April 25.

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg.  For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277.  ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg

Roads

Primary Roads, such as US-441 (Newfound Gap Road), Little River Road, and the Cade’s Cove Loop Road are pretty much open year round, weather permitting. Cade’s Cove Loop Road is currently closed due to construction to improve the road, but will be opened again by May 21!
Secondary roads are opened seasonally. Little Greenbrier and Straight Fork/Round Bottom opened March 12! Parson Branch, Rich Mountain, and Forge Creek Roads will open by May 21. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Heintooga Ridge/Balsam Mountain Road openings will be delayed to May 28, and the Clingman’s Dome Road will open on May 29.

Camping

The Park has 10 developed campgrounds at different locations throughout the park! The Cade’s Cove Campground is opened year round and is not affected by the Cade’s Cove Loop Road Construction. Abrams Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Cosby, and Elkmont Campgrounds opened March 12. Deep Creek is set to open April 1, and Look Rock will open May 14. Due to some road repair work, Smokemont and Balsam Mountain Campgrounds will delay their opening til May 28.
Several group campsites are also available, and reservations must be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service. Group Camping was made available starting March 12 at Big Creek, Cataloochee, Cosby, and Cade’s Cove. Deep Creek will open on April 1, Elkmont on April 10, and Smokemont on May 28.
Also, of interest to some are horse camps, and opportunities for back country camping!

Picnic Areas

There are 10 different first-come, first-serve picnic areas. Big Creek, Cades Cove, Chimney Tops, Cosby, Greenbrier, Deep Creek, and Metcalf Bottoms are open year-round. Collins Creek Picnic Area opened on March 12, Look Rock will open May 14, and Heintooga will open on May 28. The Park’s largest picnic pavilion at Twin Creeks is scheduled to open April 28. There are five other picnic pavilions that can be reserved in the following picnic areas: Collins Creek, Cosby, Deep Creek, Metcalf Bottoms, and Greenbrier.

Horseback Riding

There are several horseback riding and related activities available in the Great Smoky Mountains! Smoky Mountain Riding Stable opened March 6, the Sugarlands Riding Stable opened March 13, and the Cades Cove Riding Stable will open April 1. Cades Cove offers not only horseback rides, but also carriage rides. The carriage rides, however, will not be available until the Cades Cove Loop Road opens. They will also be offering wheelchair accessible carriage and hay rides.

To find tons of other fun things to do during your stay in the Smokies, just use the Search feature on our website! For other detailed information about the Smoky Mountain National Park, visit their website!

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg.  For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277.  ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Are you looking for an affordable way to fill the days of your Smoky Mountain Vacation? Day trips are a great solution.  For the price of gas, a lot of destinations offer a full day of fun for little to no extra cash.

Our Great Gatlinburg Day Trips series has been very popular.  The first Day Trips post included great trips like Oak Ridge and the Bristol Motor Speedway.  Our second Day Trips post included a trip by both train and river boat.  Our third installment covers favorite destinations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

1.  Cades Cove.  Any coverage of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is incomplete without mention of Cades Cove.  Because winter is the off-season in the Smokies, it is a great time to visit Cades Cove, a destination that is frequently crowded in summer and fall.  Deer are often sighted in the fields, and observations of other wildlife, including bear, wild turkey and coyote are possible.  Please use pullouts when viewing wildlife.  Never approach or feed animals.  A wide array of historic buildings, some dating  back to the mid-19th century, are scattered throughout the cove.  These include a grist mill, a variety of barns, three churches, and a marvelous collection of log homes and outbuildings.  An 11-mile one-way loop road takes you around the cove.  A visitor center (open daily), restrooms, and Cable Mill historical area are located halfway around.  Numerous trails start in the cove, including the 5-mile round trip trail to Abrams Falls and the short Cades Cove Nature Trail.  Cades cove is located approximately 27 miles from Gatlinburg.

2. Big Creek.  Until the damage caused by the rock slide on Interstate 40 is repaired sometime later in 2010, the Big Creek area is still very easily accessible from Tennessee, but not so easily accessible from most of North Carolina.  However, since this will be a day trip for Gatlinburg for you, Big Creek still qualifies as a great destination from Gatlinburg especially if you love to hike.  The area offers a variety of beautiful hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail, Big Creek, Chestnut Branch and Baxter Creek.  By driving an additional seven miles on Old NC 284, you can also reach the Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail to Mt. Sterling fire tower and the Long Bunk Trail.  Click here for more information on these less frequented trails.  The stream-side Big Creek Picnic Area is open year-round.  To get there from Gatlinburg, take I-40 to Exit 451 near the North Carolina border.  Turn left after crossing the Pigeon River and continue 2.3 miles to the park entrance. Click on the map to the right to go to a large printable map.  The Big Creek area is located approximately 37 miles from Gatlinburg.

3.  Deep Creek.  This area is an off-the-beaten-path destination in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, celebrated for its rushing streams and waterfalls.  Hikers enjoy the area because of the waterfalls and because there are several loop hikes to choose from.  Mountain bikers can take advantage of one of the few park trails where bicycles are permitted.  Click here for additional information about bicycling in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Deep Creek area loop hikes include Juney Whank Falls (0.6 mile), Three Waterfalls Loop (2.4 miles), and Deep Creek-Indian Creek Loop (4.4 miles).  Longer loop hikes are also possible.  Bicycles are allowed on Deep Creek and Indian Creek trails to the points where the old roadbeds end and the trail treads begin.  Deep Creek Picnic Area is open year-round.  The Deep Creek Area is located approximately 48 miles from Gatlinburg.

4. Mountain Farm Museum.  The Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Museum contains an impressive collection of original log buildings, including the Davis house, a large barn, spring house, smokehouse, corn crib, apple house, and more.  Most of the historic structures were moved to the open-air museum from locations throughout the Smokies.  The site also demonstrates historic gardening and agricultural practices, including fruit orchards.  An inexpensive, self-guiding tour booklet is available.  Two interesting walking trails start in the vicinity as well.  The Oconaluftee River Trail is 1.5 miles long and features exhibits on Cherokee culture.  Mingus Creek Trail starts near Mingus Mill (see picture above courtesy of http://avagabonde.blogspot.com).  The Mountain Farm Museum is located approximately 32 miles from Gatlinburg.

5.  Newfound Gap.  In southern Appalachian vernacular, a gap is a low point in a mountain ridge.  new Englanders call such places “notches” while westerners refer to them as mountain “passes.”  At nearly a mile high (5,043 ft.), Newfound Gap is much cooler than the surrounding lowlands and receives more snow.  on average, 69 inches of snow falls at the gap each year.  When there is snow on the ground, and the Newfound Gap Road has not been closed because of it, opportunities do exist for snow sports in the area.  Snowshoeing on the Appalachian Trail is one possibility.  From the gap, one can proceed either north or south on the Appalachian Trail.  A trip to Newfound Gap is a trip to the Canadian zone spruce-fir forest.  This fragrant evergreen woodland is similar to the boreal forests of New England and eastern Canada.  Newfound Gap is located approximately 16 miles from Gatlinburg.

Special thanks to the Smokies Guide, official newspaper of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for providing the “Places to Go” update.

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Winter can be the best time for enjoying waterfalls. Waterfall flows are higher because of greater amounts of snow and rainfall.  In addition, there is less uptake by forest plants.  Waterfall views and opportunities for photography also improve after the trees have dropped their leaves.

Here are some of our favorite waterfall hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

1.  Laurel Falls. Take a 2.5 mile round trip hike on the Laurel Falls Trail.  The trail is paved all the way to the falls.  The trailhead is 3.9 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center on Little River Road.

2.  Hen Wallow Falls. Take a 4.5 mile round trip hike o the Gabes Mountain Trail which begins near the entrance to the Cosby Campground.

3.  Waterfalls Loop. Take a 2.4 mile round trip hike starting from the parking area at the end of Deep Creek Road, beyond the Deep Creek Campground.

4.  Rainbow Falls. This 5.5 mile round trip hike starts from the Rainbow Falls parking area on Cherokee Orchard Road in downtown Gatlinburg, TN.

The only waterfall visible from the road in winter is Meigs Falls located at post #6 on Little River Road.  As always, be forewarned that rocks around waterfalls are extremely slippery.

Special thanks to the Smokies Guide, official newspaper of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for providing the winter waterfalls update.

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

One of the most common questions that I hear from visitors to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains is “What is Cades Cove? Everyone says I should go.  Should I really?”  I always give the same answer, “Absolutely.”  During the winter months, the road out to Cades Cove closes during inclement weather, but it is worth a trip any time of year.  Here’s why…

John P. Cable grist and saw mill by Mike Goad from exit78.com

Cades Cove is a lush valley surrounded by mountains and one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. Deer are almost always sighted in the fields, and observations of other wildlife, including bear, Wild Turkey, and fox are possible. Please use pullouts when viewing wildlife and never approach or feed animals.

A wide array of historic buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries is scattered through-out the cove. These include a grist mill (pictured at top), a variety of barns (see below), three churches, and a marvelous collection of log homes and outbuildings.

"Drive-through" barn in Cades Cove by Mike Goad of exit78.com

An 11-mile one-way loop road takes you around the cove. Traffic will be heavy during the tourist season in summer and fall and on weekends year-round.

A visitor center (open daily), restrooms, and the Cable Mill historic area are located half-way around the loop road.

Numerous trails originate in the cove, including the five-mile round trip trail to Abrams Falls and the short Cades Cove Nature Trail. Longer hikes to Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top (made famous by the popular song) also begin in the cove.

Corn Crib in Cades Cove by Mike Goad from exit78.com

Several designated back country campsites (camping by permit only) are located along trails.

Only bicycle and foot traffic are allowed on the loop road until 10:00 a.m. every Saturday and Wednesday morning from early May until late September.

Mileage to Cades Cove:
from Cherokee—57
from Gatlinburg—27
from Townsend—9

Special thanks to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park site for providing facts about Cades Cove and all of the wonderful treasures inside the Park.

Are there other Gatlinburg sites that you would like us to blog about?

Send us your requests by email.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Pets are often like children in your family.  You usually take your children on vacation with you so why not your pets?

A significant number of the 9 million + visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains each year bring along their 4 legged family members too.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty & Rentals, and they love pets, too.  Because ERA has pet-friendly accommodations that sleep 2 to 10 people, ERA In The Smokies is now the proud sponsor of a second blog and website dedicated solely to the traveling pet lover in us all.  Now you don’t have to leave them at home.  Visit www.GatlinburgPetFriendlyCabins.com and take a look around.  From pet activities to cabin coupons, GatlinburgPetFriendlyCabins.com will help you turn your family vacation into a pet-friendly family vacation.

Here’s a great excerpt from the Pet Fun page on the new Gatlinburg Pet Friendly Cabins.com:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 800 miles of hiking trails and is the country’s most popular National Park. Dogs are welcome in the camp grounds, picnic areas & along roads, but your pet must be on a leash at all times. Pets should be well-behaved, and you must clean up after them.

Dogs are not allowed on most of the park’s extensive trails but are welcome on the Gatlinburg Trail.  The Gatlinburg Trail travels 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. It is relatively flat and runs through the forest along side the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which is crossed by a pedestrian foot bridge. Foundations and chimneys of several old home sites are visible along the trail. The Oconaluftee River Trail is the second walking path on which visitors can walk dogs and bicycle.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park assists the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds and public awareness, and by providing volunteers for needed projects.

Friends of the Smokies is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowable by law.  Wherever you go in the Smokies, you can see the results of their collective efforts, but they still have a lot more work to do.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

A recent guest, Jeff Crutchett, recently sent me a picture of a bear that he spied outside his cabin (pictured left), and a co-worker dubbed him ”Mission Impossible Bear.”  Are you humming the theme song too?  In response the photographer said, “Really?  I always think of Yogi Bear saying ‘What pic-a-nic basket?’” Just one thought of Ranger Smith grilling Yogi about stealing from Jellystone campers, and today’s post was born–the Art of the Picnic.

Summer in Gatlinburg and the Smokies is a mild, beautiful season of warmth and green; however, as temperatures begin to creep downward and fall approaches, I find myself searching for ways to spend more time outdoors.  What better way to enjoy the fall foliage than a picnic?  Whether homemade or store bought, picnics offer time with the whole family or maybe just a relaxing romantic day at the Park.  Here are some of our favorite spots to both find the food and savor the day:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Those of you that read this regularly know how much I adore the National Park.  Picnic space is no exception.  Most sites offer a table and an elevated park grill; park picnic areas are located at Big Creek, Chimney Tops, Cades Cove (approx. 27 miles from Gatlinburg), Collins Creek, Cosby (approx. 23 miles from Gatlinburg), Deep Creek (approx. 47 miles from Gatlinburg), Greenbrier (approx. 6 miles from Gatlinburg), Heintooga, Look Rock, Metcalf Bottoms, and Twin Creeks. Download a park map to view the location of picnic areas.  Some areas remain open year-round.  Please remember that feeding bears and other wildlife is illegal. Clean your picnic area thoroughly after your meal.

2. Pack Your Lunch. Gatlinburg’s only grocery store, Food City, offers a variety of freshly made and refrigerator-case  products perfect for packing your own picnic lunch.  From rotisserie chickens to potato salad, banana pudding and more, Food City offers something for everyone.  My favorite treat is the fresh antipasto bar located in the deli which includes cured meats, olives, roasted garlic, pepperoncini, mushrooms, artichoke hearts and various cheeses.  Call (865) 430-3116 to order ahead.

3. Gatlinburg City Parks.  The City of Gatlinburg maintains 3 parks for the use of residents & visitors alike.  Amenities like grills, covered pavillions, horseshoe pits, fishing streams, disc golf, walking trails and more make City Parks a great alternative for large family groups and reunions.  Pavillion prices are $25 – $35 for up to 4 hours & $35 – $45 for 4+ hours.  For information,  Click Here.

4. Desserts & More. Located in The Village(near traffic light #6 in downtown Gatlinburg), this cafe offers homemade desserts and sandwiches, quiche and more.  Freshly squeezed lemonade, a sandwich on freshly baked bread and Chocolate Tiramisu is my favorite picnic for a trip to the Park!  In winter, try potato soup with bacon, cheddar & green onion.  See the menu & call (865) 277-7285 to order.

5. Bypass the Crowds.  Looking for a spot for the two of you but want to stay close?  Try the Gatlinburg By-Pass.  Only a few blocks from the busy streets of Gatlinburg, the 6 mile, one-way road offers a quiet getaway. Lush, old growth forests & private corners along the way offer opportunities for a romantic picnic beside a babbling brook.  To locate the Gatlinburg By-Pass, Click Here for a downtown Gatlinburg map.

6. Wild Plum Tea Room.  Named for the wild plum trees surrounding the restaurant, the Wild Plum’s menu includes sandwiches and house salads. Choices change daily. Desserts are a must, & our favorite is Amaretto Bread Pudding. Specialty chicken salad & iced wild plum tea make the perfect picnic lunch. The Wild Plum Tea Room is open from March to mid-December.  Read a review & call to (865)436-3808 to order.

7. The Spur. If you’re looking for a convenient spot just to pull over and eat the sack lunch you just picked up in the drive-thru.  Try the “Spur.”  This is a local nickname given to the 5 miles of divided highway (441) that stretches between Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge.   The road is divided by the Little Pigeon River.  There are pull-offs scattered along the way, and you can climb down to the River and enjoy your burger on a rock next to the water.

8. Gourmet Goodies.  Every year, untold numbers of couples in love choose Gatlinburg for their wedding and honeymoon.  How do you let the happy couple know you’re thinking of them if you can’t attend their wedding?  Try a Gourmet Picnic Basket.  The Gourmet, Healthy Gourmet, and Grande Gourmet Picnic Baskets are hand-arranged & delivered to the newlyweds’ cabin by a local florist.  Prices range from $69 to $109 and include fresh fruits, cheeses, nuts, sausage, olives and crackers in a bow-tied wicker basket.  Order yours online today.

9.  Your own Back Yard.  Rent a cabin in Gatlinburg and chances are that your cabin will come with fully-equipped kitchens including cookware, flatware, glassware.  In addition, your home away from home will likely come with a grill and a space for outdoor dining on the deck or a picnic table that takes advantage of a view. For years, my husband and I have spent our anniversary having gourmet picnics on the livingroom floor while watching one of our favorite classic movies for the 10th time.  Rent a cabin and treat yourself to a feast of your own making.  The best part?  Once you’re stuffed, the couch isn’t far away..  One of my favorite cabin kitchens is found at Misty Mountain View.

10. Mountain Edge Grill.  Enjoy great salads, soups and sandwiches. House specialties include white chicken chili soup and the buffalo burger platter. Box lunches are available.  Mountain Edge Grill is located in Baskins Square (near traffic light #6) across from The Village.  Don’t forget to look up–they’re on the 2nd floor.  If you don’t have time for a destination picnic, pick up a boxed lunch from Mountain Edge Grill and enjoy a little people watching from a downtown Parkway bench. Call (865)436-0013 to order in advance.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN.  For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277.  ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Why are fall colors so remarkable in the Smokies? One reason is the area’s amazing diversity of trees. Some 100 species of native trees live in the Smokies and the vast majority of these are deciduous.

How do colors change? As summer ends, the green pigments in leaves deteriorate, giving other colors a chance to shine. Carotenoids, the pigment that makes carrots orange and leaves yellow, are exposed as the green fades. Reds and purples come from anthocyanins, a pigment that is formed when sugars in leaves break down in bright autumn sunlight.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park usually experiences an autumn leaf season of several weeks as fall colors travel down the mountainsides from high elevation to low. However, the timing of fall color change depends upon so many variables (including rainfall) that the exact dates of peak fall foliage color each year are impossible to predict in advance.

Elevation profoundly affects when fall colors change in the park. At higher elevations, where the climate is similar to New England’s, leaves begin to change as early as mid-September with the turning of yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush (above right) & pin cherry.

From early to mid-October, fall colors develop above 4,000 feet. To enjoy them, drive the Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway (right), or the Foothills Parkway.  The fall color display usually reaches peak at mid 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.

Autumn is both a beautiful and a busy time in the Great Smoky Mountains. The annual show of fall colors attracts huge numbers of sightseers, especially during the last three weeks of October. Areas in the park which experience the longest traffic delays are Cades Cove (see book pictured left) & Newfound Gap Road. Try some of these less crowded autumn hikes & drives:

• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a narrow, steep, but paved one-way road that winds through rich forests and offers glimpses of rollicking Roaring Fork creek. As the name implies, this road is designed for leisurely travel and enjoyment of nature.
• Blue Ridge Parkway follows the crest of the mountains for 469 miles, all the way to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Frequent auto pullouts along the first few miles provide spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains in all their autumn finery.
• Balsam Mountain Road offers intimate views of northern hardwood forest at the top, transitioning to cove and southern hardwoods toward the bottom. The road eventually leaves the park and enters the Cherokee Indian Reservation.

There are no rental cabins located within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park; however, take a look at some of these cabins with phenomenal views:

• Longview is a private, 2 bedroom, 2 bath log cabin with stunning mountain views!  Longview is well-decorated, has  satellite TV with DVD & a pool table.  Longview is located close to downtown Gatlinburg,Pigeon Forge & the National Park.
• Mountain Overlook – Enjoy the unforgettable mountain views while relaxing in the hot tub.  This 2 bedroom, 1 bath log cabin is only minutes from downtown Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge!
• A Nice Catch - This new 1 bedroom log cabin is close to downtown Gatlinburg, sleeps up to 5, and has cathedral ceilings, a wooden spiral staircase, and a game room. Lots of glass and decking make this cabin perfect for enjoying the mountain view!
• Almost Heaven - This 2 bedroom, 2 bath cabin is located minutes from the National Park. You can enjoy the fall color from your hot tub or porch –no hiking necessary.
• Winfield Heights - From a spa-like couples getaway to a family-fun vacation, the cabins of Winfield Heights offer you and yours deluxe accommodations and amenities–in-room whirlpools, outdoor hot tubs, pool tables & fireplaces.  Enjoy both a mountain view AND a downtown city view!

Special thanks to the Smokies Guide, the official newspaper of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as www.nps.gov/grsm for providing the fall color update information.

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg.  For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277.  ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

We know vacation can be expensive, but we also know it doesn’t have to be expensive. At A Day In The Smokies, we want you to love the Smokies like we do–not feel like it took your last penny. Our original “Cheap or Free Things to Do” in Gatlinburg blog post has been our most popular to date.  So, by popular demand, here are a few more things to do in Gatlinburg on a budget:

1. People Watching. Everyone’s a people watcher…whether it is from a mall bench or your front porch swing, people are always fun to watch.  People on vacation can be even more fun…and you’ve go to eat.  Why not make the most of both?  Gatlinburg is a day’s drive from almost 1/2 the US, so you are sure to see sights you never expected in Gatlinburg.   And where are the perfect vantage points?  We like the outdoor patio at TGI Friday’s (between traffic lights #8 and #10 in Downtown Gatlinburg) and Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co. 2nd floor deck that overlooks the Parkway (located at traffic light #8). My personal favorite is the outdoor cantina at No Way Jose’s.  A raspberry daiquiri (available both with and without alcohol) and a basket of chips are the perfect way to watch the crowd walk by or even watch the trout fishermen in the river below.  No Way Jose’s Cantina is located at traffic light #5 in Downtown Gatlinburg.

2. Hiking.  There isn’t any better place to hike than the Great Smoky Mountains.  Whether your looking for an Easy Summer Hike or a Waterfall Walk, the Great Smoky Mountains Trail Map will provide you with trails to suit any need.  There are even a couple of trail that allow you to take your dog along.  Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free.

3. Cars, cars, cars.  Can’t get enough of antique cars and hot rods?  Each Spring & Fall, Pigeon Forge is home to “Rod Runs.”  Check the events calendar for dates each September. These events include hundreds of cars both on display and for sale.  Looking is free, and the only price you’ll pay is a bit of traffic.  Stay at Golf Vista or a Gatlinburg Cabin and take advantage of the Spring Specials!  Even if you don’t make it to town during the rod runs, you can visit Garrett’s Muscle Car Museum in Sevierville year ’round.  The Museum is home to over 90 muscle cars worth over $7 million. Tickets are $9.75 +tax for adults & $4 for children ages 8 – 12.  Children under 8 are free!

4. A Day at the Park.  You’ll be surprised to hear that I’m not talking about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this time.  The City of Gatlinburg Recreation Department cares for several public parks.  Mynatt Park off the Historic Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg offers picnic areas, charcoal grills, horseshoe pits, a playground, tennis courts, and even a fishing stream (12 and under only). 

Mills Park is located just a couple of miles outside of downtown Gatlinburg near Gatlinburg Pittman High School and offers many of the same amenities as Mynatt Park, plus covered pavilions (available for rent to non-residents for as little as $25), a 9-hole disc (Frisbee) golf course, and even a skate park.  So pack a picnic lunch and spend the day in the park!

5. Go Hollywood.  Do you love Hollywood Memorabilia?  Visit Cooter’s Museum (located near traffic light #5 in Downtown Gatlinburg) to see relics like the “General Lee” from the Dukes of Hazzard TV show.  Admission to the museum is free; however, there is a charge for go kart racing and other activities if you choose to participate.  Hollywood Star Cars (located near traffic light #8 in Downtown Gatlinburg) offers a tour of vehicles from movies you love from Back to the Future to Fast & Furious.  As of 7/21/09, Tickets are $11.99 +tax for adults & $6.99 for children ages 6 – 12.  Children under 6 are free! Don’t forget to print the coupon page for an additional discount.

6. Take a Swim! Regardless of the time of year you visit, you can always take a swim at the Gatlinburg Community Center’s Indoor Swimming Pool which is open to the public–for residents and visitors.  Swimming costs around $2 per session, and showers and locker room use are included.  While you are there, take advantage of the other amenities the community center has to offer like bowling and racquet ball.

7. Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales.  This popular eight-week summer event truly highlights one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets – the walkability of the community – and provides guests with an interactive, educational and entertaining experience the whole family can enjoy. The collection of personalities and performers arrive nightly at 5 p.m. in the center of town. Visitors witness a magical transformation of sidewalk to stage as the characters disperse along the downtown Parkway for an evening of entertainment and storytelling until 10 p.m. As many as 18 nightly acts perform throughout the evening.  All of this entertainment is free.

8.  Putt-Putt.  There are lots of opportunities to play putt-putt in the Smokies, but we love Fort Fun (located between traffic lights #6 and #8 in Downtown Gatlinburg’s Reagan Terrace).  You have your choice of two putt-putt courses and a whole host of other activities.  If your family loves putt-putt, this is the course for you because they offer an unlimited package that allows you to play again and again throughout your stay for just $15.99.

9. Historic Tours. Great Smoky Mountains National Park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Nearly 80 historic structures—houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools, and grist mills—have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park. The best places to see them are at Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Oconaluftee, and along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Self-guiding auto tour booklets are available at each place to enhance your visit.

10. Rent a Cabin – Remember that your vacation doesn’t always have to be about things to do and places to go.  When you rent a cabin in the smokies, you can customize your vacation to include gamerooms, hot tubs, swimming pools, premium movie channels, gaming systems, water access, spectacular mountain views and so much more.  Enjoy uninterrupted time with your family as well as the cost-saving of fully-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and amenities that are sure to keep your family entertained. Click here to browse the options!

To see the original “10 Cheap or Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg,” Click Here!

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN.  For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277.  ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

The Great Smoky Mountains are renowned for the huge diversity of wildflowers.  More than 1,400 species grow in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Of all the areas north of the tropics, only China rivals the southern Appalachian Mountains for plant diversity.  Why so many varied wildflowers?  Would you believe that glaciers are part of the reason behind the variety?

During the last ice age, much of North America was scoured by glaciers, and the Great Smoky Mountains became a refuge for many species of northern plants and animals that were disrupted from their homes.  In addition, the Great Smoky Mountains offers a range in elevation from 875 to 6,643 feet which mimics the same changes you would experience driving from Georgia to Maine!

The Park hosts approximately 100 species of plants that are restricted to a single region of the park.  Many of these species are only found in the southern Appalachian Mountains, but some like Rugel’s ragwort have been documented only inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Think wildflowers only bloom in the Spring? Here are the wildflowers you can expect to see in the Great Smoky Mountain year ’round:

1. January. Witch hazel‘s bright yellow flowers (pictured right) are usually still lingering from the previous year’s bloom.

2. February. Spicebush blooms.  Trailing arbutus, daffodils, and periwinkle may bloom late in the month if the weather is mild.

3. March. Mild weather will see the blooming of sharp-lobed hepatica, bloodroot, spring-beauty, trout-lily, early meadowrue, and Jack-in-the-pulpit (pictured left).

4. April.  Spring woodland wildflowers usually reach their peak of bloom around mid-April.  The park’s annual wildflower pilgrimage is held during the last full week of the month.  Call (865) 436-7318 for information. Species in bloom include: fringed phacelia, purple phacelia, white trillium, Dutchman’s britches, squirrel corn, wild geranium, yellow trillium, fire pink, violets, cut-leaved toothwort, large-flowered bellwort (pictured right), crested dwarf iris, wild ginger, wood anemone, little brown jugs, and the yellow mandarin.

5. May.  Species in bloom in May include: may-apple, painted trillium, foamflower, brook lettuce, bleeding heart (pictured left), lady’s slippers, showy orchids, blue cohosh, columbine, wake robin, blue phlox, purple phacelia, wood betony, meadow-parsnip and umbrella leaf.

6. June. Species in bloom in June include: galax, fly poison, speckled wood lily, goat’s beard, wood sorrel, yellow star grass, sundrops, squawroot, mountain spiderwort, rattlesnake hawkweed, Indian pink (pictured right), woodland bluets, false hellebore and Canada mayflower.

7. July.  Species in July in bloom include:  Indian pipe, downy rattlesnake-plantain, wood tickseed, Michaux’s saxifrage, ramps, mountain mint, butterfly weed, Rugel’s ragwort, small purple-fringed orchid, thyme-leaved bluets and heal-all.

8. August. Species in bloom in August include: whorled wood aster, mountain bugbane, cardinal flower, Turk’s cap lily, mountain St. John’s wort, filmy angelica, monk’s hood, cranefly orchid, mountain krigia, starry campion, sweet Joe-Pyeweed.

9. September. Species in bloom in September include: pink turtlehead, New York ironweed (pictured left), jewelweed, yellow-fringed orchid, black-eyed susan, Canada goldenrod, skunk goldenrod and love-vine.

10. October. Species in bloom in October include: white wood aster, bee balm (pictured right), Maryland golden aster, wide-leaved sunflower, coneflower, heart-leaved aster, stoneroot and mountain gentian.

11. November. In November, nodding lady’s tresses, tall rattlesnake root and southern harebell (pictured below left) linger in bloom until the first frost.

12. December. Witch hazel blooms bright yellow flowers in December which linger through January.

Want to view wildflowers from your car?  Try these…

Little River Road. This 17 mile route runs between Sugarlands Visitor Center and the Townsend “Y” near the Townsend entrance to the Park.  the best viewing is in late march through April.

Clingmans Dome. This 7-mile route runs from Newfound Gap to near the summit of Clingmans Dome.  The best viewing is in late April through the end of August.

Balsam Mountain & Heintooga Ridge Roads. These scenic high-elevation roads are off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The best viewing is during Summer.

Want to take a walk or hike to see wildflowers? TryDeep Creek Trail, Kanati Fork Trail, Little River Trail, Cove Hardwood Nature Trail, Porters Creek Trail or Chestnut Top Trail. Click here to view a video of Porter’s Creek Trail.

Wildflowers in the Smokies face a number of human-instigated threats including off-trail hiking and poaching.  Plant poaching appears to be on the rise in the Smokies.  Some commercial poachers remove hundreds of plants each trip and make several trips annually.  In recent years, groups of poachers have been apprehended with well over 1,000 American ginseng roots.

Aside from ginseng, the most popular targets are orchids and trilliums (pictured left).  Overzealous gardeners take a serious toll by removing showy wildflowers for transplanting back home and careless hikers trample delicate wildflowers when they leave established trails.

If you observe people digging plants in the Park, report the activity to the nearest ranger station or call (865)436-1230.

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg.  For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277.  ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

The Great Smoky Mountains abound with the two ingredients essential for waterfalls—ample rainfall and an elevation gradient. During wet years, peaks like Mt. Le Conte and Clingmans Dome receive over eight feet of rain. This abundant rainfall trickles and rushes down the mountain sides, from high elevation to low, sometimes dropping more than a mile in elevation from the high peaks to the foothills at the park’s boundary.

Every year over 200,000 visitors hike well-worn trails to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, Rainbow, and other popular waterfalls in the park. Large waterfalls attract the crowds, but smaller cascades and falls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park.  Here are some of our favorites:

1.  Laurel Falls.  The trail is 2.6 miles round trip and considered moderate in difficulty. The trail is paved and is suitable for strollers. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. The area is especially busy on weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer. Laurel Branch and the 80-foot high Laurel Falls are named for mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May. To find the trailhead from Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road.

2.  Mouse Creek Falls.  The 4-mile round trip hike to the waterfall is considered moderate in difficulty. Big Creek Trail follows an old railroad grade used to haul lumber out of the mountains during the logging boom at the start of the 20th century. At 1.4 miles the trail passes Midnight Hole, a deep, picturesque pool below a 6′ falls. At 2.1 miles a short side trail on the left leads to a bench where hikers can rest and view Mouse Creek Falls which is on the far side of Big Creek. The falls are 45’ in height. To find the trailhead, exit I-40 at Waterville Road (#451). Turn left after crossing the Pigeon River and proceed 2.3 miles to an intersection. Continue straight, past the ranger station, to a large parking area at road’s end.

3. Hen Wallow Falls. A 4.5 mile round trip hike.  Take the Gabes Mountain Trail which begins from the parking area at the entrance to Cosby Campground.  The trip to Hen Wallow Falls is a pleasant walk through hemlock and rhododendron forest. A signed side trail leads to the base of the falls by way of steep switchbacks. Hen Wallow Creek, only two feet wide at the top of the falls, fans out to 20 feet at the base. The waterfall is 90 feet high.  The hike to the falls is 4.4 miles round trip and considered moderate in difficulty. Hikers continuing on the Gabes Mountain Trail beyond the falls can enjoy an impressive old-growth forest.

4. Indian Creek Falls. An easy 1.6 mile round trip hike will allow you to enjoy two beautiful waterfalls in the Deep Creek area. Walk Deep Creek Trail 0.7 mile to the junction with Indian Creek Trail. On your way you can view elegant Tom Branch Falls located on the far side of Deep Creek. Turn right at the junction with Indian Creek Trail and proceed approximately 200′ to Indian Creek Falls. The falls are 25 feet in height.  To find the trailhead, follow the signs through downtown Bryson City, NC to Deep Creek Campground. Continue past the campground to the trailhead at the end of Deep Creek Road.

5. Juney Whank Falls.  The trail to the waterfall is 0.8 miles round trip and is considered moderate in difficulty. Juney Whank Falls is divided into an upper and lower section. Both can be viewed from the footbridge which crosses Juney Whank Branch at the falls. Together they drop 90 feet from top to bottom. To find the trailhead, follow the signs through downtown Bryson City, NC to Deep Creek Campground. Continue past the campground to the trailhead at the end of Deep Creek Road. Backtrack on foot 0.1 mile along the road to the trail.

6. Rainbow Falls.  The 5.4 mile round trip hike is considered moderate in difficulty. The Rainbow Falls Trail continues for approximately 4 miles beyond the falls to the summit of Mt. Le Conte. A rainbow produced by mist from this 80-foot high waterfall is visible on sunny afternoons. During extended winter cold spells, an impressive ice formation builds around the falls. Between trail head and falls, Rainbow Falls Trail gains about 1,500′ in elevation. From the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Continue past the Noah “Bud” Ogle homesite to the clearly signed Rainbow Falls parking area.

7. Ramsey Cascades.  The trail to the waterfall gains over 2,000′ in elevation over its 4 mile course and the 8-mile roundtrip hike is considered strenuous in difficulty. It follows rushing rivers and streams for much of its length. The last 2 miles pass through old-growth cove hardwood forest with large tuliptrees, basswoods, silverbells, and yellow birches. Do not attempt to climb to the top of the falls. Several people have been killed trying to do so. Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park and one of the most spectacular. Water drops 100 feet over rock outcroppings and collects in a small pool where numerous well-camouflaged salamanders can be found.  To find the trailhead, drive six miles east of Gatlinburg on Highway 321 and turn at the Greenbrier entrance to the park. Follow the signs 4.7 miles to the trailhead.

Please note that several fatalities and numerous injuries have resulted from people climbing on rocks near waterfalls.

These rocks are very slippery due to algae and mist. Do not attempt to climb to the tops of waterfalls. Closely supervise children at all times near water and waterfalls.

Don’t forget to make the most of your Smoky Mountain Vacation by renting a Gatlinburg Cabin!  We even have cabins on the water!

Is there a topic you would like to see covered at A Day In The Smokies?  Email us!

1-800-309-0277

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg.  For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277.  ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.