Author: dstech

The Best Winter Views in the Smokies

Posted on December 5, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

It is fair to say that one of the best winter views you can enjoy while visiting the Smokies during the colder weather is the sight of your crackling fire roaring happily away in your cabin’s fireplace. Tucked into a cozy chair, surrounded by family or friends, and gazing out at the majestic winter landscape is probably one of the finest ways to relax and recharge this winter.
However tempting it might be to spend your entire visit inside by the fire, you should also head out into the surroundings and enjoy the unprecedented beauty that is the Smokies in winter. There are frozen waterfalls that you can reach in your car, popular spots now free of summer crowds and blanketed in a peaceful drift of snow, and the mountains themselves, which look entirely different in the winter months.
And if the idea of heading out in a car makes you think you might miss something, think again. CNN picked the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as one of the finest winter drives in the entire United States. So, just opting to pay a visit to the park can provide you with plenty of photo opportunities and show-stopping views.

Holiday Lights in the Smokies

From late November and until the turn of the New Year, the entire region is full of holiday lights. Known formally as Winterfest, it is a celebration of the season and between Sevierville, Townsend, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, there are more than five million little twinkle lights glimmering. There are self-guided driving tours to enjoy, walks through towns, parades, and so much more. Booking a visit in this period can offer some of the most amazing views imaginable. If you prefer all-natural views, consider some of these options:

Newfound Gap Road

Running from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, NC, the road has a wide array of spots to pull over and snap photos. It is busier in the summer months, and so a winter drive is super enjoyable because you can spend longer stretches at each stop, drive a more comfortable pace and really savor the scenery. If you are particularly hardy, the parking area for the Appalachian Trail access offers truly stunning sunrise photos, and at the northern end of the road, you get great views of the Little Pigeon River, and the Oconaluftee River at the southern end.

Cades Cove in the winter

Long noted as the most popular part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is also a place where loads of local wildlife is frequently spotted – even in the winter months.
The 11-mile loop is one of the most scenic and there are lots of spots to pull over. With the leaves down for the season, you can see a lot of the old homes, mills, barns and churches normally concealed from sight!

Frozen Waterfalls in the Smokies

In the park and throughout the area, you can find many waterfalls reachable by car, including:

Meigs Falls
The Sinks
Place of a Thousand Drips

Frozen by winter’s chill, they can offer some of the most stunningly beautiful views you will ever see, and which are only possible thanks to the changing seasons.
You might also want to head to Ober Gatlinburg to go to the top of the mountain, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, or enjoy the views from your own private cabin. Wherever you look, it is sure that the Smokies offer something appealing and beautiful to behold.

The Fish are Biting in Blount County's Many Rivers, Streams and Lakes

Posted on August 10, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog

The quality of the fishing in Eastern Tennessee is famous. It’s not just good in the summer, either; people successfully dip their lines in the water all year round, in all weather conditions. Decide whether you’re a boat fisherman or a bank fisherman (or both!) and check out some of the hot spots below when you’re looking to feel a nibble on the end of your fishing rod or nab a new record.
Chilhowee Lake
If you haven’t heard the news yet, now is the time to get out on the water and make up for lost time. Chilhowee Lake was closed for 2 years so that repairs could be performed on the Chilhowee Dam, but as of summer 2017, the lake was reopened. In the past, it’s been stocked with crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, trout, and redear sunfish, as well as walleye and smallmouth bass.
The lake is bordered by both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee National Forest, so you’re guaranteed a beautiful view, one well worth appreciating the next time you find yourself with a day free of obligations and unbeatable weather.
The Little River
Once featured in a “Guide to America’s 100 Best Trout Streams,” published in Trout Unlimited magazine, the Little River is more than just a spot for great tubing. Expect tons of native brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout, as well as some small- and largemouth bass. The Little River is the most popular fishing destination in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and once you start fishing, you’ll see why!
There are three sections to the Little River: the East, Middle, and West Prongs. The West Prong of the Little River is famous for being a particularly successful spot.
Fort Loudon Dam Tailwaters
For area fishermen and women, much is owed to the effects of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s hydroelectric dams. They create lakes and “tailwaters,” or pools and fisheries, just downstream from wherever they operate, and this makes for some unique fishing opportunities. Anglers in the Fort Loudon Dam should be aware that catfishing is strictly catch-and-release, but other species, including crappie and sauger, are fair game for a dinner plate.
Don’t Miss These Creeks
A number of creeks in Blount County shouldn’t be ignored just because they’re smaller. Anglers have grabbed meals from Beard Cane Creek, Cane Creek, Hessee Creek, Laurel Creek, the Lynn Camp Prong, Marks Creek, Meigs Creek, Parson Branch, Sams Creek, and Thunderhead Prong, so make sure to include a few of those on your fishing bucket list.
Make Your Fishing Plans Now!
You may be able to fish in all weather conditions, but that doesn’t mean certain seasons aren’t better than others. Check to make sure you’ve got the right fishing licenses, put up the “Gone Fishin’” sign, and head out to the water in Blount County the next chance you get!

The Fish are Biting in the Smokies' Many Streams and Rivers

Posted on April 24, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Spring in the Smokies brings with it the opportunity to enjoy any number of adventures; there are hikes to take, whitewater to raft, zip lines to zip, and so much more. But, one of the most popular outdoor activities on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is grabbing a fishing pole and hitting the many streams and rivers in search of trout. Locals say that fishing in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered to be one of the most challenging adventures you are likely to have.
Over 2,100 Miles of Streams
What you may not know is that there are more than 2,100 miles of streams running through the park for your fishing pleasure. You can fish these streams from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Your limit is five rainbow, brown, or brook trout over 7 inches in length or any combination adding up to five. Along with this, you can keep 20 rock bass. Be sure you grab a fishing license if you don’t already have one. They are readily available at many of the local hardware stores.
While we certainly see many first timers looking for that perfect place to drop a line in the water, we see many who come here every year for spring fishing. They come to catch fish to be sure, but for many, it is more about the memories they are creating, memories that center around a fishing pole, a line in the water, and a few days of glorious spring weather on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
Fond Memories Start Here
Fishing is a skill that has been around for millennia, and for many families, it has become a fun activity they can all share in. One that creates amazing feasts while sitting around the campfire talking about the infamous, “One that got away!” Fishing isn’t just for the guys, it’s a pastime the entire family can enjoy, including mom.
Kids of all ages love to fish, the younger you start letting your kids start, the faster they will master the skills needed. Kids are amazing in how quickly they pick up and master new skills. Be sure you have the camera ready for the moment your child pulls their first fish out of the water. The look of awe, amazement, and joy will blow your mind and make a great photo to put in the family album.
You Don’t Need to Bring Your Gear
While you might be okay with bringing your fishing gear with you, it’s not necessary. Several outfitters in the area can help set you up with the right equipment and bait for this area. You can start out looking at their websites and choosing your gear before you go. Many have current fishing reports that let you know what’s biting and where they are biting. This way you have a little bit of an idea for a starting point to drop your lines. The rest is up to you, spring is here, the fish are biting, and the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is the place to be.

These 3 Driving Tours are the Best for Smoky Mountain Scenery

Posted on August 16, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

One of the best reasons to visit the Smoky Mountains is the chance to explore the gorgeous view up close and personal. You don’t have to be an athlete to get an amazing adventure in the Smokies. There are many beautiful places to drive, with loops that don’t have traffic passing through – so you can take your time cruising by the sights. Think of it as a hiking trail for your car. This is a great way to enjoy the Smokies if you have young children, older or disabled family members, or just want to stay in the air conditioned car while you explore!
Driving Tours in the Smokies: Foothills Parkway West
This is a 17-mile one-way trip that stretches between Townsend and Chilhowee Lake. You’ll drive through the Chilhowee Valley, seeing green stretches of mountain all along the drive. It’s a gorgeous part of the Foothills Parkway that shouldn’t be missed. You’ll also see Cumberland Mountains along the way, and if you want to walk part of the way, you can get out at the Lake and take a 15-minute hike up to Look Rock. This is a great place to get a scenic view of the whole area before you head back.
Drive Along the Appalachian Trail As Long as You’d Like
Another great way to get a view of the Smokies is to hit Newfound Gap Road. This trail starts in Gatlinburg, passes through Blount County, and stretches all the way into North Carolina. You can drive for as long as you like, and the trip will take you up to the highest point of the National park, at 5,046 feet. You’ll see everything from pine-covered forests to rolling hills, to beautiful mountain peaks along the way. There are stops for hiking and resting, as well.
Cades Cove: Famous Among Driving Tours in the Smokies
The most famous driving tour in the Smokies is Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop that is separated from the main road. You can really take your time driving through this area to see historic buildings, wildlife, and gorgeous scenery. You can stop and explore the old buildings, like the historic churches and working grist mill, as well as log cabins and barns. There are many stops that lead to hiking trails, such as the five-mile loop to Abrams Falls, if you want to stretch your legs. You’ll see things like fox, turkey, deer, and maybe even a distant black bear as you drive by.
Come Visit the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Here in Blount County, the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains defines the local lifestyle. After your wonderful drive through the view, come visit us to relax and unwind!

These Blount County Parks are the Perfect Spots to Relax in Tennessee

Posted on May 30, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog

The warmer seasons are upon us, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to get outside! Sometimes, though, just sitting out on the lawn won’t do. To really relax, you need to stretch your legs and spread your wings, but where should you go? Check out these local parks to experience some of the best free recreation Blount County has to offer.
A Park for Teams of All Sorts
Need to get the whole gang together? Pearson Springs Park could be just the place you need to meet up. The park includes 2 irrigated soccer fields, 2 Little League practice softball fields, a pavilion with 10 tables, and a large charcoal grill. The 8-acre park is connected to the Greenway, and can be found in Maryville, just off Montvale Station Road. Since the pavilion is such a pleasant place to spend a warm afternoon, it’s best if you check online to see if it’s been booked before you go. Or, better yet, just plan ahead and reserve it for yourself!
A Park for Anglers
Singleton Park, just off of Topside Road, may be small, but offers great fishing. Launch your boat from the boat ramp, or just use any one of the 4 fishing benches. There’s also a dock that will get you out over the water, and picnic tables, should you decide to break for lunch. It’s open from dawn until dusk, so you should have plenty of opportunities to see if the fish are biting.
A Park for Disc Golfers
The Clayton Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole disc golf course normally, though the front 9 holes will be out of commission until the fall of 2018. However, don’t let that deter you – the back 9 holes will still be in use all summer long. The entire course is 120 acres, and you can find it next to the Clayton Corporate Headquarters, as well as near Clayton Road. Signs are posted throughout the course to guide you, and green and blue baskets are available for long and short courses, respectively. Fore!
A Park for Dogs and Their Friends
Maryville’s first public dog park is the Petsafe Pistol Creek Dog Park, a park near McCammon Avenue that offers a pavilion and benches to those on two legs, and an acre and a half for those on four. The park is divided for safety reasons, with half an acre for smaller dogs, and a full acre for those larger breeds who need room to run. The park is also purpose-built, with waste stations, dogs-only water fountains, and an unleashing area. Parking is available nearby, with limited availability on McCammon, and a municipal lot and parking garage just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
A Park for Everyone
Sandy Springs Park has a little something to offer all kinds of park visitors. The 20-acre (linear) park in Maryville is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic outdoors, with a concession stand, 2 picnic areas with 14 tables, 5 charcoal grills, and a pavilion with 6 tables and a charcoal grill. Athletes can appreciate the 4 lit tennis courts, 2 lit basketball courts, 3 softball fields (2 are lit) as well as the fun of the Smoky Mountain Classic Softball Tournament, held there every July. There’s 1.7 miles of walking trails to stretch your legs, and 3 playgrounds kids can enjoy.
Whether you’ve found a great park to spend your summer or just an afternoon, don’t hesitate to visit the Blount County Parks & Rec website to check out even more parks and learn about how getting outside in Blount County can enrich your life!

Top 5 Things To Do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Spring

Posted on March 15, 2019 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park…just its name alone inspires all kinds of visions and thoughts. There are, of course, the mountains, but there are also the 100+ waterfalls, the miles of trails, the scenic drives, the historic buildings and settlement areas, the wildlife…there is so much to see and do!
Naturally, that is why more than nine million visitors pass through the park each year, and as you might guess, there are times when there are many more travelers than there are at other times. However, if you book a visit in the spring you may beat a lot of the crowds and enjoy experiences that you cannot at other times of the year.
Here are our top five things we think you should do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this spring:

Just Go!

It seems silly to make that one of the things to do in the park, but to put it plainly, you won’t enjoy the area if you don’t book the trip. That means finding accommodations, choosing the things you’ll do and making all of the other arrangements. Then, you can head out and get to the park!

The Trails

There are many hiking trails throughout the park, and they can be found in any level of skill or experience. Whether you want a trail safe for your toddler or a senior family member or you are eager to enjoy an advanced hike with stunning views from high up in the mountains, you’ll find plenty of options. Among the most popular in the spring are the Alum Cave Trail and the Chimney Tops Trail. You will also want to hike to Rainbow Falls and Mouse Creek.
And speaking of waterfalls, remember that the spring thaws mean lots of water and stunning waterfall action!

Cades Cove

It is fair to say that you haven’t experienced the park until you’ve paid a visit to famous Cades Cove, and because it is so popular, the spring is a great time to enjoy it without the traffic or high number of fellow visitors who will arrive in the summer. It is an 11 mile drive with lots of spots to stop, explore, walk, picnic and learn. The mountain scenery is staggering and you’ll probably see lots of park wildlife.
Don’t forget that spring is wildflower season, and while Cades Cove is great for them, they are bound to be almost everywhere you go!

Clingman’s Dome

Re-opening in the spring, it is the highest point in the mountains and along the entire Appalachian Trail! Obviously that means you get show-stopping views, and if you are eager to hike, you can carry on to Andrews Bald for even more stunning scenery.

Drive

Here’s a wonderful thing about the park – you don’t even have to exit the vehicle to enjoy it. If you are short on time or have limited mobility, the park is still a stunning spot to visit in the spring with all kinds of scenic parking spots, drives and roads to take in the views.
So, if you haven’t booked a spring getaway just yet, make sure you aim yourself towards the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and savor a truly beautiful experience.
Source
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/maps.htm

Townsend's Romantic Richmont Inn Provides Stunning Views of the Smokies

Posted on July 20, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Lodging, Townsend

It’s not obvious at first glance, but the stunning view the Richmont Inn offers is right there in the name. That’s right! The “Richmont” in Richmont Inn refers to Rich Mountain, which is the majestic, lush, and endlessly scenic mountain that the Inn overlooks. Read on to find out more about this Appalachian treasure!

A Family-Owned Property in the Smokies Since 1991

Jim and Susan Hind opened Richmont Inn in 1991 as their own escape from corporate life. The couple grew up in the region and wanted to build a different kind of business, and one that would honor the history and culture of Appalachia and its people. When you’re not looking at their incredible view, you might notice that the design of the Inn’s main building evokes a traditional Appalachian cantilever barn, and the décor and furnishings throughout the property are styled to honor and enhance the traditional aesthetics of the Smokies.

The Richmont Experience Is Elegant

Staying at the Richmont offers much more than just a place to hang your hat. Guests of the Inn enjoy a gourmet breakfast, and can choose from upscale offerings like French baked eggs, homemade seven-grain granola, ambrosia oatmeal, and French Toast l’Orange, as well as all the standards like yogurt and freshly-squeezed orange juice. They have a candlelight dessert and coffee service each evening as well, which includes treats like Crème Brulee Kahlua and Strawberry Cassis Soufflé.
No expense is spared on the rooms, either. Named after icons of the Smokies, the stylishly-appointed rooms feature amenities like wood-burning fireplaces, whirlpool tubs for two, mini-fridges, Bose satellite radio, private balconies, and even skylights in the top-floor rooms. Still have your mind on the views? The Nancy Ward room comes with a private sitting balcony with views of the forest and nearby waterfall, and the Stickley Suite features a striking view of Rich Mountain.

Looking for a Wedding Venue?

Anyone looking for a stylish wedding or special events venue on the Peaceful Side of Smokies is in luck – The Richmont Inn is ready to play host! For those planning nuptials, they offer both indoor and outdoor wedding venues, including their romantic Chapel in the Woods and their great room overlooking Rich Mountain. They can arrange everything from the photography to catering to in-room massages for the honeymooners, and, of course, they can provide lodging for the wedding party and guests. Ask them about their wedding packages!
Small- to medium-size groups can also take advantage of the Richmont Inn’s facilities, whether they’ve come for a family reunion or a corporate training seminar. The Richmont offers catered dinners, full A/V support, corporate suites, and access to some of the best hiking and fishing the Smokies has to offer.

Trains in Townsend: The History of The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company

Posted on July 29, 2015 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Groups, Townsend

Townsend, Tennessee is known as “the peaceful side of the Smokies,” and for good reason. As visitors drive toward this tranquil town on Highway 321, they are slowly enveloped by towering trees and embraced by the rising hills. A stay here isn’t complete without a blissful ride on the Little River or along the bicycle trails. Townsend is a world unto itself.
The people who live here know how special their town is, which is why, 33 years ago, a group of residents formed a non-profit to preserve Townsend’s heritage: The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company. Sandy Headrick, the board treasurer, explains, “The Lumber Company really started Townsend.”
Visitors to the museum learn how this area was brought into the industrial age by the efforts of a man named General Townsend. At the turn of the 20th century, Townsend was invited to open a lumber company here by the operators of a tannery in Walland. The two businesses benefitted from each other’s presence, but soon Townsend exhausted the supply of easily-obtained lumber. It became necessary to construct a railroad into the mountains to acquire more, and thus the Little River Railroad came to be.
Townsend was a well-loved entrepreneur. He provided area residents with their first steady paycheck. The Little River Lumber Company offered employee housing, ensured education and church for its families, and formed sports teams for recreation. Townsend even initiated a workers’ comp program, which was extremely novel at the time. When it came time to establish the national park, he was the first to sell his land for the cause.
This heritage and more is on exhibit in the museum, which is housed in the building that was once the Walland Depot–the original depot for the Little River Railroad. Most tourists visiting the museum come for the history, but the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company also has a following of train enthusiasts.
Dave Ezell, grandson of a former LRR postmaster and museum volunteer, highlights that one of the museum’s major attractions is its Shay engine locomotive. This train model is notable for its ability to pull heavy loads up the mountain and because there are so few left.
Interestingly, the Little River Railroad was arguably the beginning of tourism in Townsend, and now the museum continues the tradition. In the 1900s, affluent families from Knoxville would ride a train into Walland, then transfer to the Little River Railroad to make their way to the national park. The museum displays photographs of men and women wearing suits, white dresses, and hats for the holiday, despite the fact that they would get covered in soot.
Fortunately, no one has to dress up to visit the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company museum. Admission is always free; the museum operates solely on donations and souvenir sales. Hours are seasonal and can be found on the non-profit’s website.

Travel the Newly Completed Foothills Parkway for Gorgeous Smoky Mountain Views

Posted on January 2, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Although the United States Congress authorized the creation of the Foothills Parkway far back in 1944, it has remained incomplete for more than 50 years. Yet, a giant step forward has been made with the completion and opening of the 16-mile stretch running between Wears Valley, TN and Walland, TN, in November of 2018.
Though it is unclear if the original plans for a 72-mile stretch of highway will be complete, the segments that are finished can be accurately said to do as was intended, and “provide magnificent views into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from a road corridor that was outside the Park.”
The only incomplete of the seven Congressionally Mandated Parkways created at that time, it is intended to run from Cosby, TN to Chilhowee, TN. Though construction has been stop and go for years, and sees the Parkway divided into eight sections (known as 8A and 8H), it has been the 1.5 mile section known as the “missing link” that has been keeping the project from completion.
Obstacles and Challenges
For many years, travelers could drive eastern end’s 5.5-mile portion from Interstate 40 to Cosby. Additionally, many have traversed the 17-mile stretch in Blount County that runs from U.S. 129 to Walland.
However, the 16 mile stretch recently completed proved a real difficulty. According to a report from WBIR, “Crews spent a couple of decades working on a 16-mile segment from Walland to Wears Valley and nearly finished it. But right in the middle, the construction hit rugged peaks and valleys too tough to overcome. The walls they built crumbled and the soil was filled with minerals that caused environmental damage.” By the late 1980s, crews stopped work and a 1.65 mile gap – the missing link mentioned above – remained.
Around 2009, work began again and brand-new bridge building technologies were put to use in solving the challenges posed by the missing link. According to that report, this tech has allowed the gap to be closed through “several bridges that essentially float along the edge of the mountain and minimize the number of cuts that plow through the mountain.”
Using technologies similar to the Linn Cove Viaduct in North Carolina, they are actually cantilevered bridges that preserved the surrounding landscape and offered only a small amount of interference or environmental impact. A real bonus is that they also emphasize the scenery and give a sense of being out in the wilderness, above the treetops and flying above it all!
With minimal impact and unimpeded views, the solution could not have been more ideally designed. Expected to become one of the prettiest drives in the country, Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander said that the Foothills Parkway will be the “only way you can see the highest part of the mountains in the eastern United States” from such a viewpoint. So, when visiting Blount County, be sure you make a point to take a scenic drive along the newly-completed portion of the stunning Foothills Parkway.

Trek Out to Look Rock Tower in Maryville

Posted on May 14, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Maryville

It has often been said that the best gems are those found off the beaten path (no pun intended). Look Rock Tower trail isn’t as popular as many of the other trails in the area, mostly because it is outside of what is referred as the “Traditional Tourist Zone.” Yet, along this short, paved trail, you will find amazing scenery and incredible beauty.
The parking lot, right off from the Foothills Parkway, sits by a stone overlook with spectacular mountain vistas that provide camera buffs with incredible scenery for landscape photography. The overlook is easy to reach via a short staircase.

It’s a Short Hike to the Look Rock Tower in Maryville, TN

Although the hike is only a half hour round trip, it’s a great starter hike for the whole family. Along the way, there are sitting rocks with which to take a break or take some really great family photos. Unlike many other trails, this one is paved and wide enough for you to walk alongside your kids. The trail is exceptionally well-maintained, making it a pleasure for everyone in your family.
There aren’t any sharp drop-offs along the way for you to worry about the young ones falling down, and the trail offers only a mild climb from beginning to end. One thing for those with little ones, you may find the slope a bit much if you are planning to use a stroller. You might find that using a carrier sling or kid-backpack is a better option. Take all the time you want, let your little ones walk for a bit and explore, and enjoy the hike.

The Piece de Resistance

If you think the scenery as you walk up the trail is magnificent, “you ain’t seen nothing’ yet,” as the saying goes. The most spectacular views are those seen from the top of Look Rock Tower. To get to the top, you must go up three separate ramps. The good news is that these ramps have only a mild incline, so you shouldn’t need to rest on your way up.
Once you reach the top of Look Rock Tower, you are treated to a breathtaking 360-degree view of this part of eastern Tennessee. From the left side of the tower, you can see incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains, while from the right you have one of the most spectacular views of the seemingly endless Tennessee Valley. In fact, while you are at the top of Lookout Tower on a clear day, you can see all the way to Knoxville and then some.
The hike to Look Rock Tower may not be one of the most challenging you and your family have ever hiked, but it is perfect for those who are just getting started hiking. The trail measures 0.9 miles from the starting point to the tower and is accessible all year round. You can even bring Rover along for the walk as long as you keep him on a leash and pick up after him. Plan to hike here several times a year as the scenery changes dramatically with the seasons! You never know what you might see while you are here.

Unique Bridges in the Smokies Give Offer Day Trip Ideas

Posted on August 8, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Bridges are more than just practical objects that connect one place to another. Sometimes they live in literature, like in the Bridges of Madison County, where they serve as a jumping-off point for romance. Bridges also create an aesthetic beauty all their own, through their architecture and the specific details about a single bridge that can impart a sense of place. Bridges throughout the Smokies offer unique opportunities for rest, reflection, and proximity to calming waters that make them well worth a visit.
Check Out the Swinging Bridges
On Old State Highway 73, you’ll find a piece of Eastern Tennessee history. The Dark Island Swinging Bridge was once one of about 20 swinging bridges over the Little River, when it was used by lumber company and railroad workers at the turn of the 20th century to connect the land used for mills and manufacturing with homes on the other side of the banks.
Nowadays you can stand on the bridge and watch people tubing down the river. Some days the water is clear enough that fish can be spotted, just by looking down from the bridge. The bridge is also a romantic destination, too – couples hang padlocks with their initials carved on them onto the bridge, and throw away the key into the rushing river, as a gesture of eternal fidelity.
There’s reportedly another swinging bridge in the area, but the location is a closely guarded secret. You’ll have to make connections with an “old timer” of the Smokies to find it!
Another Secret Bridge
Just like the famed lost city of Atlantis, the Abrams Creek Underwater Bridge near old US Highway 129, in Chilhowee Lake (no, not on Chilhowee Lake) only appears when the water level in the lake is quite low. You can find it when the dam undergoes scheduled maintenance, and possibly in times of extreme drought. Despite its constant soaking, when the bridge does appear it’s apparently quite safe and walkable.
Cades Cove Bridges
The bridges of the famously scenic Cades Cove live up to the area’s picturesque reputation. Both built in 1948, the Laurel Creek Bridge on Cades Cove Road and the Middle and West Prong Little River Bridges are moss-covered stone bridges open to traffic. The water level below each of them varies with the seasons, but they’re all generally calm, charming places to step away from the Cades Cove Loop Road, relax, and take in the ambience.
Grab Your Camera, The Bridges Will Wait
Next time you’re looking for a unique way to spend the day out and about, grab your camera, hunt down these bridges, and snag a few shots for posterity (or maybe just for social media!). Don’t be afraid to take a selfie, either – you’ve got a great backdrop!

Vacationing on a Budget? Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Free to Enjoy

Posted on February 13, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Did you think that it was only the “Free Entrance Days” in the United States National Park system that let you get into the 400+ parks and enjoy it all for free? This year, National Park Week is April 20 through April 28th, when you can get into all of the parks entirely for free. There are a few other dates, too and you can find them at the National Park Service website, here.
Yet, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an entirely unique entity because, as the NPS explains, “Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free. The park is one of the few national parks where no entrance fees are charged.” Why? Well, it has to do with the stipulations that Tennessee insisted on when it transferred the land now known as the park to the federal government in the 1930s.
Back then, the state insisted that no toll or fee would be imposed on those who needed to travel the Newfound Gap Road, and so that is why everyone who wants to visit the park is welcome to do so entirely for free. There are some activities with fees attached (such as camping or hiring horses from the providers within the park), and donations are always welcome, but if you have almost no budget for a vacation, this gorgeous paradise is yours to enjoy for free!

What to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

And what sorts of things can you do in the park? Firstly, you should know that people of all ages and capabilities can enjoy the park because it has some truly amazing roadways. If you have a car, motorcycle or even a bicycle, you’ll love planning journeys on the following roads:

Roaring Fork Motor Trail – This is only six miles, is a loop road and promises amazing views of the mountains, the valleys and two stunning waterfalls. Pack a picnic and plan some hiking because the trails here are also remarkable and let you see the remains of old villages, a cemetery and more.
Newfound Gap Road – Be sure you drive the road that lets you get in for free! With an amazing number of notches and scenic vistas, it is worth a full day of your time. Stop and explore different points along the 31-mile stretch that takes you from Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Be sure to bring your camera!
Cades Cove – Described as one of the most famous spots in the park, it is surprisingly peaceful and often isolated. It is a gorgeous valley that was once a large settlement, and though you can drive it, you may want to give yourself the delights of a full day of exploration on foot. There are old churches, a grist mill, scores of cabins dating back to the 1700s and 1800s, and all kinds of wildlife to see. It is a loop road and is a real favorite of those who enjoy bicycling (you can rent a bike here, too!) Don’t miss the visitor center.

You can also enjoy a hike to Clingmans Dome, or hike different trails to waterfalls like Grotto Falls, Abrams Falls and Laurel Falls. If you are in good shape and experienced in hiking, a day trip up to Chimney Tops is also an amazing, free activity to enjoy!
Forget the “staycation” when you can head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoy days of free activities set in one of the most beautiful spots in the country.