Have you ever dreamed of having your wedding in a destination where the view is so stunning, you don’t even need decorations? The Smoky Mountains are ideal for a lovely ceremony. The beautiful weather, the peaceful scenery, and the gorgeous venues make a destination wedding in the Smokies wonderful for any couple. Your guests will love visiting the area and having fun in nearby Pigeon Forge as well! Make your destination wedding dreams come true without worrying about breaking the bank – the Smokies are an affordable place to enjoy true beauty. Here are some of the best venues in the area.
Rustic Beauty at The Lily Barn
Townsend’s Lily Barn is a beautiful place to have a rustic chic wedding. From the covered bridge to the cabins where the groom and bride can get ready, this location has everything you need. They do catering for your reception, so there is no need to worry about getting another vendor. And your photos will be absolutely gorgeous as you explore the many quaint spots all around the property.
Southern Elegance at Colonial Estate
Maybe, rather than a rustic barn, you want the stunning view of the mountains to be all the backdrop you need. Maryville’s Colonial Estate offers an elegant setting for a ceremony. Walk down the aisle at this destination wedding location in the Smokies with the mountains framing the gazebo where you’ll exchange vows in front of your intimate wedding party.
Contemporary Meets Traditional Charm at Sampson’s Hollow
Located in Walland, Sampson’s Hollow is a property that allows for whatever kind of mountain wedding you want. Enjoy a barn ceremony, an outdoor ceremony at the Foundry, and more. The private space is perfect for having an all-day affair to celebrate your new life together. There is even a honeymoon cabin on the property for the wedding night.
Tying the Knot in the Smokies
There are many other places to host a lovely destination wedding in the Smokies. From the Townsend Hill Vineyard to the Heartland Wedding Chapel, there is something to suit any kind of couple. Getting hitched here in the mountains is a tradition for people from around the world. The area offers tons of options for vendors and wedding planners, as well as luxury cabin rentals for the honeymoon. Imagine starting your new life together by waking up to the stunning view of the sun rising over mountain peaks right outside the bedroom window.
Blount County is one of the most romantic areas in the Smokies, and is just a short drive away from lots of fun in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas as well!
Author: dstech
Looking for Adventure in the Smokies? Here are 3 Motorcycle Rides You Shouldn't Miss
The scenery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas are nothing short of spectacular. For those of you who love to ride, the Smoky Mountains are the perfect place, whether you prefer a touring bike, a sport-bike, or a cruiser. No matter where you ride in the mountains, you are sure to enjoy majestic mountain views, dense, luscious forests, and numerous cascading waterfalls. There are virtually hundreds of miles of road you might think have been built just for motorcyclists. If you are riding to the area or bringing your bike along on a trailer, here are three amazing rides you simply can’t afford to miss.
The Tail of the Dragon
The Tail of the Dragon is considered to be one of the most famous motorcycle rides in the country. The start is just a short ride from Gatlinburg to US-129. The road runs for 11 miles from the state line at Deal’s Gap and runs through some of the most incredible areas of the park. During your ride, you will encounter no less than 318 different curves, ranging from gentle swoops to twisting turns that will have you laying your bike over to almost horizontal. The speed limit of 30 mph is heavily enforced as this section of US-129, and its steep descents and twisting curves, make it almost impossible not to feel like twisting the throttle. While the scenery is fantastic, the nearest emergency room is in Maryville, TN, nearly an hour away. Take it easy, enjoy the ride and, of course, watch for other vehicles and changing road conditions.
The Cherohala Skyway
Looking for a long stretch of twisting highway with less traffic and law enforcement? The Cherohala Skyway offers you a lightly traveled twisting and turning ride that lasts for the 23 miles from Tellico Plains here in Tennessee all the way to Robbinsville in South Carolina. This ride will take you up to 5400 feet in elevation and offers spectacular views of the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests along the way. It will take you about 2 hours to get to the start of the ride from Gatlinburg, but this is one of the most spectacular motorcycle rides in the Smokies.
The Little River Gorge Road
While traffic on this road can be heavy, depending on the time of day, it does offer incredible views of the scenery along with several waterfalls along the way. The ride starts at Cades Coves in the park and takes you into the southwest corner of the park. Be sure you pay attention to the speed limits in the park as they are heavily enforced by the National Park Service. Your route will take you along the Little River Gorge Road running beside the river, a road which can be heavily congested depending on the time of day you choose to venture out.
This is only a sample of the countless fantastic motorcycle rides to be found in the Gatlinburg, TN area. Always wear your helmet and safety gear when you ride, keep a close eye out for other motorists in the area, and you will go home with some amazing photos, memories, and stories of your rides.
Make the Peaceful Side of the Smokies Your Home Base for Smoky Mountain Adventures
Ahh, the great Smoky Mountains! Unbeatable nature, crisp, clean air, lush forests, picture-perfect views, sitting in traffic, crowded streets, packed hotels, long lines… Wait a minute! Something’s not right here!
The Smokies are Getting Busy
Now that word has gotten out about the amazing recreation opportunities in the Smokies region, those who like a little more hustle and bustle in their vacation – and are willing to deal with all the related complications – feel right at home in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. However, a “go go go” environment, all day and on into the night, isn’t for everyone.
If you want to make sure your R&R includes both rest and relaxation, the peaceful side of the Smokies, in Blount County, Tennessee, could be just the place you’re looking for as a base for all your Smoky Mountain adventures.
There’s So Much to Do
While Blount County is conveniently located near all the sights, sounds, and attractions of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, as well as beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there’s plenty to do locally. Vacation highlights could include hiking at some of the famous trails in the region, including the Cades Cove trail, the Abrams Falls Trailhead, the Ace Gap Trail, and the Shadows of the Past hiking and biking trail. River runners can try out some tubing or kayaking on the Little River, and golfers can take advantage of any one (or more!) of the five golf courses within spitting distance.
Looking for arts and entertainment? Check out venues like Brackin’s Blues Club in Maryville, give yourself the classic American drive-in movie experience at the Parkway Drive-in Theater, or take in a performance from the Appalachian Ballet Company.
Blount County also plays host to a number of different festivals, including the Townsend Spring and Fall Festivals, the Smoky Mountain Classic — which many consider to be the nation’s premier softball tournament — Summer on Broadway, Hops in the Hills, and the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games, among others.
Lodging for Every Taste
It’s not a home-away-from-home unless it’s just the kind of relaxation that you’re looking for. Luckily, the peaceful side of the Smokies has something for every taste, from those who like to “rough it” at campgrounds, to the people who prefer the spa treatment at luxury resorts.
If you are a cabin enthusiast or a camper, you’re in luck! There are hundreds of great cabin rentals. If you’re looking for a river view, check out River Bluff Cabins, and Smoky Mountain Golden Cabins is perfect for those looking for secluded mountain vistas. Tent campers can go “glamping” at the Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, and there are many other tent and RV campgrounds throughout the region. Bed & breakfasts abound, as well!
For those that prefer hotels, the options are still limitless. Headrick’s River Breeze and the Highland Manor Inn are both family-owned hotels that offer great value for your money and classic Southern hospitality. Lots of big hotel chains are also represented in the area, as well. Places like Dancing Bear Lodge offer upscale relaxation, with cabin rentals, lofts, or villas, and an onsite farm-to-table restaurant. Blackberry Farm offers the high-end luxury resort experience, with spa treatments like facials and massages, activities like archery, paddle sports, and clay pigeon shooting, and lodging options from hotel rooms to rental homes.
Interested in Your Next Home Base? Check Out This Home Page
For more details on what to see and do on the peaceful side of the Smokies in Blount County, Tennessee, make sure to check out the official website. Packed with information on the possibilities available, it’s one-stop-shopping for anyone interested in the region. Check it out today!
Make the Peaceful Side of the Smokies Your Vacation Destination This Fall
Although summers in eastern Tennessee on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are spectacular, fall has its own beauty that continues to make it the perfect destination for your next vacation. Coming here in the fall brings with it cooler, drier weather, that makes going for hikes to see the incredible foliage very comfortable; the only thing you might need is a light jacket. The entire area has plenty to offer in terms of hikes, festivals, and more. Here are a few of them for you to consider.
The Townsend Heritage Festival
Held the 28th and 29th of September, the Townsend Heritage Festival is a celebration of Bluegrass music, food, arts & crafts, and offers a range of fall activities sure to be fun for everyone. Grab some lawn chairs, a picnic blanket, and the whole family. There will be dozens of local vendors, on-site demonstrations, and many other activities sponsored by local merchants and local craftsmen and women.
Why Not Go for a Hike?
The fall scenery on this side of the Smokies is nothing less than spectacular. The leaves are incredible with colors that cover every imaginable shade of green, gold, orange, yellow, and red. There are plenty of trails to check out in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bringing your pup along with you? Try the Gatlinburg Trail; it’s one of the only trails in the park that allows dogs. Just be sure to keep your pup on a leash and carry poop bags to clean up any messes they make.
Take a Hayride Tour
If you are looking for a family activity that everyone will enjoy, head over to the Cades Cove Riding Stables. Here you and the family can go on a hayride tour of the stunning scenery as you ride along the Cades Cove Loop. Along the way, your tour guide will talk to you about the history of the area along with some of the folklore; it’s a beautiful way to spend a little of your day and an excellent experience for the whole family.
It’s Spooky Time
Fall is “Spooky Time” for many across the country as Halloween rapidly approaches. If you like to feel the tingle of fear running up and down your spine, you should add a trip to the Elkmont Historic District in your plans. The vacation homes here were abandoned back in the 1900s and have been left sitting just as they were left. The homes are located inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park; they make a perfectly “safe” way to get your thrills and chills.
Up for a Challenge?
If you are up for the challenge, make the trek to the top of Clingmans Dome. The Dome is the tallest point in the entire park and offers a spectacular view of the mountains in all their fall splendor. It’s a bit of a challenge, but you will find it well worth the effort.
These are only a few of the countless reasons why you need to make the Peaceful Side of the Smokies your vacation destination this fall. There is so much to see and do here; you will find yourself coming back year after year just to make sure you haven’t missed anything!
Maryville’s Main Street Attracts New Businesses and Residents
Nestled in the foothills of the scenic Smoky Mountains with a quaint yet vibrant downtown, it’s no wonder Maryville, Tennessee, is recognized for its quality of life.
Situated in a prime locale, this East Tennessee city is just 30 miles from picturesque Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, providing hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, over 1,500 kinds of flora and diverse wildlife. Yet it still has the convenience of a regional airport less than five miles away and access to major interstates
The beauty of the area and convenience draws a wide range of businesses with an abundance of job opportunities. Headquartered in Maryville are companies like national restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday, women’s apparel chain Altar’d State, DENSO – a manufacturing company with 3500 employees, Clayton Homes and Newell Rubbermaid, just to name some.
Now is an exciting time for Downtown Maryville. At the end of 2016, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced Maryville’s achievement of a Main Street accreditation. The designation has opened the city up to grant opportunities that will aid in the downtown’s revitalization and economic development efforts—an initiative begun in 2007.
As the area grows and the development efforts gain traction, businesses are attracted to historic Downtown Maryville, with its charming character and bustling activity. The streets of downtown have a wealth of fantastic dining and shopping choices, providing residents and visitors alike with diverse options.
For those desiring fresh, made-from-scratch recipes and a fine dining experience, Sullivan’s Fine Food on West Broadway Avenue has delectable steaks and southern favorites like farm-raised, hand breaded catfish, shrimp and stone-ground grits and fried green tomatoes. Dinner can be polished off with light and creamy peanut butter pie or French vanilla bean banana pudding.
Winning the Blount Partnership New Business of the Year, Roost is a clever home furnishings store with interior design services on Broadway Avenue. The store is owned by Paula Osborn, a Maryville native since the age of three. It’s unique with a flair for timeless and causal style. Osborn finds many benefits in the Downtown Maryville location.
“I love being in the heart of my hometown and working in the upper level of my building and hearing the noises of our little city,” said Osborn. “By locating my business downtown, I have gotten to know so many wonderful people in our community. I have also had the opportunity to be a part of some committees that are working to promote and grow our downtown. I’m excited for the future of Maryville.”
One street over on East Church Avenue, the staff of Dandy Lions brings the best combination of gifts to the area. Their friendly, welcoming service, and unique, sought-after gifts and stationery provide an instant smile.
Downtown Maryville is often buzzing with activity and entertainment. Friday Night Lights, held the last Friday of every month from April through October, has something for everyone with family-friendly activities, music, food trucks and games. Local businesses often host mini-events within their businesses on the evenings of Friday Night Lights, attracting patrons.
Music enthusiasts will find many options. Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria, located on Broadway Avenue, offers bands most nights of the week, delicious pizza and a comprehensive craft beer selection.
For those seeking the best blues music in the region, Brackins Blues Club, also on Broadway, has live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. While kicking back to music at Brackins, customers can enjoy a menu of delicious pub-style food, craft beer and fine bourbon.
Brackins General Manager Christina O’Rourke finds there is something special in being a downtown business.
“We are in one of the oldest buildings in Downtown Maryville, and the history is pretty cool,” said O’Rourke. “We enjoy being at the center of it all and watching the downtown grow. We try to contribute to that growth, and it’s a pretty great feeling.”
The Main Street accreditation is in its infancy, but change will soon come. For downtown businesses, it’s a valuable title.
“Just having the recognition of being a Main Street can only do great things for all of us here in Downtown Maryville,” said O’Rourke. “Foot traffic has been picking up. We’re looking forward to the future.”
Blount Partnership Director of Tourism Kim Mitchell has been an integral part of the accreditation progress and was chosen as the program’s director.
“The accreditation was made possible by the wonderful downtown businesses and community events,” Mitchell said. “We’re excited to see the downtown become a thriving community, and to be part of Main Streets across the country. This is an honor and will aid in the revitalization and economic development efforts.”
The Main Street designation is an honor for the city, which will continue its efforts to attract business and tourism to the area, making it a vibrant place for residents to call home.
Museums and Heritage Centers Give History Buffs a Thrill on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
The Peaceful Side of the Smokies may be quite peaceful at the moment, but at different points in history it’s been a crossroads for conflicts, and played home to a raucous community of frontier loggers and businessmen. There are plenty of places in Blount County to learn about the region’s history, and here are a few that history buffs and their families are likely to love.
The Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum
Once upon a time (let’s say, oh, 1901), a man named W.B. Townsend founded the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company, which eventually operated for 38 years and sawed 560 million board feet of timber. Far from legend, the actions of W.B. Townsend and the loggers he employed shaped the region, and in 1982 the museum was created to explain their legacy.
Visitors can expect a restored Shay train engine, other vintage train cars, restored buildings, and ephemera, like photographs and tools, that tell the story of the Railroad & Lumber Company.
Cades Cove and The Cades Cove Museum
There’s plenty of history to be had in Cades Cove. The Cades Cove Loop Road offers both motorists and hikers a chance to experience history firsthand, as visitors can drive through the scenery or park and hike through historic structures, some of which, like the Cable Mill, are still in operation. There’s also a Cades Cove Visitors’ Center, offering ranger-led programs and a bookshop.
The Cades Cove Museum is run by the Cades Cove Preservation Association, a community of those dedicated to preserving the history of the pioneers who once settled Cades Cove, and who moved to make way for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The museum celebrating these frontier lives is free and open from 10 AM to 3 PM, Wednesday through Saturday, at the historic Thompson-Brown House at 1004 East Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville.
Blount County Historical Museum
Keeping those same hours and located in the very same historic home as the Cades Cove Museum, the Blount County Historical Museum also offers plenty to keep history buffs entertained. The Museum features Civil War artifacts, including uniforms and women’s clothing, as well as personal items and other equipment, a model railroad display, and information on Cherokee settlement in the region.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
This heritage center offers more than just a museum – their facilities play host to local concerts and other events, their grounds feature a veterans’ honor garden, and they also have a historic village with 13 buildings, including cabins, a chapel, a granary, two barns, a smokehouse, and buildings used by other historical businesses, like a wheelwright’s shop.
In the museum itself you can find permanent exhibits on the Native Americans who once lived in the region, as well as the European pioneers who settled in Eastern Tennessee and developed their own culture and way of life. Expect lots of real and replicated tools, utensils, and other equipment, plus the museum is also home to a collection of 19th and 20th century vehicles.
Next to Heaven Ranch Offers Horseback Rides and Zipline Adventures
If you are looking for a great family adventure or two while vacationing on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, look no further than the Next to Heaven Ranch. You can find this spectacular ranch between Pigeon Forge and Townsend on Wears Valley Rd. They have a nice big sign out front; you can’t miss it. Here you will find fun activities for everyone in the family from the youngest to the oldest!
Breathtaking Views
Perhaps one of the reasons so many visitors to the area visit the Next Heaven Ranch, is the breathtaking views as your horseback ride takes you up to the lookout point oat the top of the trail. You never know what you might see on your ride, people report seeing bears, deer, raccoons, and numerous other critters scurrying around in the woods.
What better way to take in all this beauty than from the back of a horse? An outfitter will match each member of your party with a horse and from this point on you’re in the hands of your equine companion for the one-hour long unguided tour. Not to worry, all the horses know exactly where they are going (they have built-in GPS) and won’t let you get lost.
Enjoy the gentle pace, the fresh air, and the chance to let everything go as you take in the beauty of the Smokies. Bring your camera and be sure you take lots of photos to put in your scrapbook or family photo album. When you get stressed-out at home, bring out the pictures and let them take you back to that feeling of complete relaxation!
Let’s Pick Up the Pace a Little
The horseback ride to the top of the mountain is relaxing and should leave you ready for something a little more adventurous. The Next to Heaven Ranch has not one, not two, but no less than nine ziplines for you to check out. Their trained staff will kit you out with all required safety gear, explain how it all works and send you on your way.
In no time at all, you will be soaring out through and over the trees as you fly along one of the longest ziplines in the Smoky Mountains. The views as you zoom along between mountains are spectacular. Depending on which line you take, you may see horseback riders as you cruise over the trail.
If there is one common thread in the comments made by those who have visited the Next Heaven Ranch, it has to be how much they love the staff here. Everyone who works here from the people in the office to the ranch hands helping with the ziplines and horses is very friendly and seems to have an endless supply of patience, especially when it comes to working with the younger guests.
While the horseback rides are unguided, a guide does check in on you during the ride to make sure everything is okay. This is one of the top-rated activities in the Pigeon Forge and Townsend area and somewhere you should plan to visit while you are here.
Ober Gatlinburg has Winter Fun for Everyone: Spend a Day Here on Your Next Smoky Mountains Vacation
If summer is the only time you ever come to the Gatlinburg area for a vacation, you are missing out on half the fun. Ober Gatlinburg, established in 1962, sits high in the Smoky Mountains overlooking Gatlinburg. It is both a ski area and an amusement park. The facility consists of a large indoor mall with an ice-skating rink, clothing stores, a restaurant, and indoor amusements. But the real fun is outside in the snow where you will find a lot more than a ski area.
The Chairlift
You can take the chairlift halfway to the top and then ride the Alpine slide back to the bottom or take it all the way to the top where there is a scenic overlook with majestic views of the mountains and live bluegrass music playing.
The Amusement Park
The amusement park at Ober Gatlinburg has a lot to offer including the Alpine slide, the Ski Mountain Coaster, a video arcade, a tramway stop, bumper cars, miniature golf, and so much more. There is something here that is guaranteed to keep everyone in the family happy for hours. There is also a rock wall to climb, and an old-fashioned carousel to ride.
The Tramway
The Tramway runs from its hub in downtown Gatlinburg and runs west all the way to Ober Gatlinburg. During the day, you have spectacular views of the mountains, and at night the lights of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the surrounding area offer an incredible sparkling carpet of light. The ride takes about 10 minutes each way at approximately 17 miles per hour.
The Wildlife Encounter
Formerly this area was a Black Bear Habitat, but it has been enlarged and turned into a Wildlife Encounter where you can now see many of the animals who call the Smoky Mountains their home. You can see bobcats, numerous birds of prey, North American otters, flying squirrels, snakes, turtles, raccoons, and many others. Oh, and the black bears are still there to see, as well.
The Ski Area
Ober Gatlinburg has no less than ten ski trails for you to enjoy, a terrain park, and three chair lifts to keep things moving along. It is the only ski resort in Tennessee and is just far south enough that it doesn’t always get enough snow. For this situation, they have installed enough snowmaking capacity to keep all ten slopes covered in a heavy layer of snow as long as the outside temperature is 28°F or lower.
For added fun, there is a multi-lane snow-tubing hill with lanes that measure approximately 400 feet long. You don’t even have to climb back to the top. You get to ride the “Magic Carpet,” an outdoor escalator that takes all the hard work out of tubing.
This Is Ober Gatlinburg
This is only a brief description of all that Ober Gatlinburg has to offer over the winter. From skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing, to a nice hot cup of cocoa to warm you up, this is the perfect place to spend a day out with your family. There is even a full-service lounge for those who like a hot spiced rum or maybe some hot cocoa with a peppermint schnapps kicker. Plan your visit to Ober Gatlinburg during your winter Smoky Mountains vacation!
Once Closed to Public, RT Lodge in Maryville Now Welcomes Guests
Gary Doyle didn’t want this treasure to remain hidden.
For 20 years, RT Lodge in Maryville, Tenn., hosted corporate retreats, weddings and other events in its elegant, secluded setting next to the Maryville College Woods. But by 2016, demand had climbed high enough to justify opening the Ruby Tuesday-owned deluxe hotel and restaurant to the public.
“It seemed to us that there was a great opportunity to provide a downtown Maryville option for hotel accommodations that provided quick access to the airport and surrounding business community for those needing a home base,” said Doyle, RT Lodge’s general manager.
The Lodge began welcoming personal diners and lodgers to its restored 1930’s-era campus last August, and so far the move has been a resounding success.
“It is extremely rewarding to provide a public restaurant and hotel to individuals without the restrictions of being part of a retreat or wedding event,” Doyle said. “This diversity of group and individual venues and services we provide might drive others batty, but we enjoy the mix.”
Those services include lush accommodations featuring custom-crafted furniture in a classic lodge environment, as well as a gourmet restaurant led by Executive Chef Trevor Stockton. RT Lodge also remains a prized local destination for special events and corporate retreats.
“Our isolated location adjacent to Maryville College Woods in the middle of Maryville gives the feeling of being at a remote, natural and elegantly rustic hotel and restaurant, while being only 30 minutes from downtown Knoxville and 10 minutes from the airport,” said Doyle.
All guest rooms at RT Lodge are furnished with a king or two single beds, each topped with down comforters and made up with the elegant, country-house comfort of Ralph Lauren linens. The 60-bed lodging space is divided into two buildings, both in close proximity to the main lodge.
The restaurant, which accepts reservations Tuesdays through Saturdays, offers a gourmet seasonal menu, extensive drink list and intimate atmosphere.
Events, weddings and group retreats remain RT Lodge’s specialty. Its campus offers formal boardrooms, a laid-back fire pit and everything in between, as well as customized dining menus and the technology to facilitate productive meetings.
“For retreats and weddings there is an intimacy provided by the small campus feel to this footprint,” Doyle said. “It provides privacy from the herd when desired while keeping quick accessibility to event activity and services.”
Doyle emphasizes that while RT Lodge may be a complex business to run, it all boils down to a simple philosophy: If you provide premium hospitality, guests will become friends.
“One of the goals is to leave no details unattended, from the aesthetics and lighting, outstanding meals, warm and comfortable living spaces and accommodations, to genuine, friendly, helpful interactions with a hospitality-driven service and culinary team,” Doyle said. “If every need is anticipated and provided in a way that is above expectations, then hopefully our guests will leave here feeling better than when they arrived.”
“I had a guest relay to me a couple of weeks ago that the Lodge team was providing mission work. Our interactions, smiles, and sincere display of warm hospitality had promoted an elevation of spirit in his group.
“That’s the kind of feedback we enjoy receiving.”
To book a stay, meal or event at RT Lodge, visit www.rtlodge.com.
Our Top 3 Favorite Fall Hikes for Viewing Fall Foliage in the Smokies
Fall in eastern Tennessee is the ideal time of year to go hiking in the Smokies. The fall foliage display, courtesy of Mother Nature, runs from September through November, but keep in mind the foliage starts changing color at the higher elevations first. By mid-October the mountains put their full splendor on display from midway to peak, making this time of year the best time to go hiking in the Smokies. Here are three of our favorite hikes for viewing the fall foliage.
1. The Rich Mountain Loop Trail
Located in Cades Cove, the trail is a delightful way to explore what many consider to be “one of the most picturesque valleys” anywhere in the country. Hiking along this trail takes you past several spectacular views of Cades Cove and through some incredible areas of forest. If you come here in late October, the fall colors are at their peak.
The trail itself is only mildly challenging and should be fine for all family members. You can also include hikes to the John Oliver Cabin and the Primitive Baptist Church located in the Cove while you are here. Since this is a very popular trail, you should park in the campground and walk to the trailhead; it’s not very far.
2. The Middle Prong Trail
The trailhead for the Middle Prong Trail is located near the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. The trail stays at a low level, making it perfect for the less experienced hiker and younger children. There are many other trails that take you higher into the mountains where you look out over the mountains. You won’t find views like that on the Middle Prong Trail. But what you will find is a delightful trail winding through glorious woods covered in a shroud of fall colors including golds, yellows, oranges, reds, and browns.
The trail also takes you past a number of waterfalls and cascades as it winds near and over the creeks that curve lazily down the mountainside. While you are here, why not take the one-mile trip on the Spruce Flats Falls Hiking Trail. The trailhead is located at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and offers mountain views and a 20-ft waterfall. Bring the family and make sure you grab your camera; both trails offer spectacular photo opportunities.
3. The Gregory Bald Trail
“I’m on top of the world, ma!” Well, at least it will feel that way by the time you get to the top of Gregory Bald. From here you have an uninterrupted view of the southeastern corner of the park, including Cades Cove. While the view from the top of the bald is incredible and a fantastic destination, the journey itself is worthy of comment. As you hike towards the top, your journey will take you past the stands of hardwood that make the mountains so glorious at this time of year. It’s a ten-mile hike, but more than worth the effort.
The Peaceful Side of the Smokies has dozens of trails for you to explore in the fall. One thing you can count on is that no matter which hike you take, you will never be disappointed by the scenery.
Photographers Love the Smoky Mountains for their Mystical Beauty
With so many national parks to choose from, you might be surprised to find that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular with both amateur and professional photographers alike. Make sure you bring your camera, along with plenty of batteries and memory cards when you’re here. There are so many different places to take photographs, it can be hard to know where to go first. Here are a few of the hottest places for you and your camera to visit.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is one of the most popular places in the entire park to visit. Be sure your camera is ready to go from the minute you start along the 11-mile loop. As you cruise along the loop, you are likely to encounter white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, groundhogs, and of course, black bears. Do be sure to use the many pull-offs to stop and take your pictures. If you do run across a bear, be sure to leave it alone and walk slowly away from it, after you get your pictures of course (only if it is safe to do so).
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is the tallest point in the park; you simply can’t visit the park without bringing your camera here. While standing here, you have access to some of the most incredible scenery in the entire mountain range. Although some of the other mountains in the park (the shorter ones) can be pretty tough to climb all the way to the top, Clingmans Dome is not hard to reach. There is a seven-mile-long road that you can use to drive to the trail that leads to the observation tower. The trek up to the top of the tower is quite steep in nature, but you will find the effort well worthwhile as the scenery opens up before you on every side.
Mount LeConte
Mount LeConte is the third highest peak in the Smoky Mountains range and offers some excellent hiking trails. There are several trails leading to the mountain peak; of these, the Alum Cave trail is one of the best for taking pictures. The trail winds its way to the top as it covers 5 miles and passes an eponymous cave. You will cross a concave bluff that runs for 80 feet and is 24 feet high. As you reach the peak of your journey, you will come across the LeConte Lodge, reputed to be the highest guest lodge in the country. You can stay here and enjoy a night in the lodge or continue winding your way along the trail enjoying some of the most spectacular Smoky Mountains scenery to be found anywhere.
Chimney Tops
If you are up for something a little more challenging, there is the Chimney Tops Trail. The trail climbs 1,400 feet in only 2 miles. The climb is quite steep and crosses a number of busy streams before the final scramble to the top where the “Chimney Top” gets its name — from the rocky peak waiting for you at the end of the trail. It’s a tough hike, but the view from here is nothing short of spectacular and the perfect place to take photos of Mount LeConte and the entire range.
Plan a Family Picnic in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Kids seem to grow up faster than ever, don’t they? Which is why spending time with them as they grow is even more important, despite the demands (and rewards!) of dance lessons, baseball practice, homework, music classes, and other activities that require serious time commitments. Sometimes you just want to steal your kids away for an afternoon – but where to?
How About a Picnic in the Park?
America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is so full of great picnic spots it could be called Great Picnic Mountain National Park. People picnic trailside, at peaks like Andrew’s Bald or the more challenging Gregory Bald, and in open fields throughout the park. Picnicking in the park is a great mini-vacation; you’re in a fun, different environment, breathing in tons of fresh air, eating your favorite foods, and relaxing without distractions. With any luck, you won’t have much cell phone reception!
Prefer Tables and Chairs?
In or closest to Blount County, there are four designated picnicking sites, including the Look Rock Picnic Area, the Cades Cove Picnic Shelter, Tremont Picnic Shelter, and Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Shelter. Picnicking sites generally come with picnic tables that include attached benches, a raised grill, and oftentimes a wooden overhang to protect from any sudden rainstorms. Cades Cove and Metcalf Bottoms are open year-round, too, so if an unseasonably warm day in late spring, fall (or even winter!) pops up, no need to worry about whether your picnic spot has been closed for the season.
Feed Your Wildlife, Not the Park’s
One of the great things about being in the wilderness with your kids is the sense of freedom they have to run, jump, and play, but there are still some necessary rules that everyone has to follow. Chief among them for picnickers is the rule that feeding bears and other wildlife is illegal – no matter how cute, charming, or experienced they are at making “hungry eyes”.
Animals that learn that humans are a source of food eventually leave their safe havens and find themselves getting hit by cars, injuring visitors, or even “panhandling” by the roadside in search of more of our favorite treats. Cleaning up all your trash, including biodegradable food trash, helps keeps all the park’s visitors and occupants safe.
Don’t Forget Your Camera
If anyone in your family can’t resist the possibility of getting something done while you’re all relaxing in park, there is something they can accomplish. A picnic in the mountains makes for a very scenic photo opportunity, whether you’re just looking for a shot for your fridge, or for this year’s holiday cards. So grab your picnic baskets, throw your camera strap over your shoulder, and head on out into Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
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