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!
Category: Activities
Tips on Taking the Best Travel Photos
You always want to remember your vacation on the Peaceful Side of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Smokies are one of the most beautiful places in the world, so there will be no shortage of photo opportunities during your stay. We put together expert advice to ensure you take the best travel photos on your visit.
Travel Photo Tips
Plan Ahead
- Get to know your camera. Pull out your camera’s instruction booklet and get comfortable with the different buttons and settings. If you’ll catch most of your memories on your phone, play around and get comfortable with the various features, like portrait or panorama modes. Remember a tripod. Pro Tip: Use the camera on your phone, not one built into apps like Snapchat or Instagram. These apps can reduce the original image size, making them terrible for printing.
- Research the locations you’ll be visiting to find popular photo spots, the best times of day for lighting, and when is the best time to avoid crowds.
- Pick a theme or something to photograph each trip, like morning dew on a spring bloom or diverse wildlife. Another idea is to pick a handful of items you want to find: a trail sign, a creek, your favorite thing about your hotel or Airbnb, a chainsaw carving by Bubba Daniel, or your favorite mountain view. Those five items can tell the story of your day, ending with a selfie of yourself at Dancing Bear Bistro for dinner.
Use the Rule of Thirds
- Simply put, take pictures of your subject off-center. The Rule of Thirds states that the best place for your subject is where the horizontal and vertical lines cross. Place your subjects in the image’s righthand, lefthand, top, or bottom third. Some phones and cameras have grid settings to help you visually divide your image.
- You can also use your Rule of Thirds gridlines as a perfect guide for the horizon, allowing for straight photos.
- Pro Tip: Experiment with angles. Try shooting from different perspectives, using high or low angles, to add depth and dimension to your photos.
Simplify the Clutter
- Instead of photographing the whole forest in one frame, focus on one subject, like an Eastern Sweetshrub, and use the forest as a backdrop. The eye wants to land on something in the frame, then take in the rest of the photo. If an image is too cluttered, your audience will not know where to focus.
- Showing the subject in its environment tells a story by placing the subject in the environment without losing the subject in the entire scene. You can do this with a somewhat shallow depth of field, placing your daughter off to the side and in the foreground so that the background is identifiable but slightly blurry. It is the shock of cold you want to see on your daughter’s face but identifying the river as the source of emotion. The portrait mode of your phone’s camera can automatically create this effect. Pro Tip: If you can find a pattern, and something that breaks it, definitely take the shot.
Take Photographs of People
- Yes, Clingman’s Dome is breathtaking, but you can Google professional pictures of Clingman’s Dome anytime. The wonder on your child’s face when they see all the reds, blues, yellows, and greens of a Smoky Mountain sunset that’s an image worth more than any you could Google.
- Take a picture of that perfect sunset, but take the family pictures or goofy selfies first.
- Capture candid moments: Don’t just focus on posed photos; some of the most memorable vacation photos capture genuine, spontaneous moments.
- Incorporate people and local culture. Including people and elements of the local culture can help bring your vacation photos to life and make them more unique. Pro Tip: Be sure to ask for permission where necessary.
Follow the Light
- One of the biggest amateur mistakes in vacation photos is shooting into the light. Photos or videos with light behind the subject, rather than in front, expose the background but leaves faces darkened by shadows. Always let light hit the focus of your subject. Always look at the light.
- Focus on Golden and Blue Hours. The Golden Hour is that first hour, as the sun peaks over the horizon in the morning or the last hour before the sun sets. The light casts a warm, mystical glow on the world. The Blue Hour is when the sun has fallen behind the horizon, giving off a blue and violet hue. Remember to set your morning alarm depending on where you want to get photos on the Peaceful Side. Pro Tip: Stay around if sunrise or sunset could be more impressive. You never know when the clouds will break or the sky will burst into brilliant color.
- Pro Tip: Whatever you do, don’t use flash. Instead, look for ambient light around you, like street lights. Another approach is to find a pool of light and step into it, or as a last resort, use the “night mode” on your phone.
Forget About Social Media
- Don’t focus exclusively on the photos you think will get you the most “likes” on social media. The in-between moments will often capture the true nature of your family. If you are taking a video, these moments will make excellent b-roll content for editing. Keep it organic and loose by letting your vacation happen; capture those candid moments.
- Once you are on the plane or get back home and download all of your pictures, treat your social media as a highlight reel of your family’s best of the best.
- Pro Tip: Take time to enjoy your vacation instead of trying to one-up your frenemy from college.
See the blog posts below if you are looking for some fantastic places on the Peaceful Side to photograph:
Waterfalls in The Great Smoky Mountains
Best Views for Sunrises and Sunsets
The Smoky Mountains are Harley-Davidson Paradise
Top 5 Things To Do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Spring
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
Trains in Townsend: The History of The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company
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.
Trek Out to Look Rock Tower in 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.
Vee Hollow Mountain Bike Trails
Vee Hollow Mountain Bike Trails has become a valued addition to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. This mountain biking trail offers adventure for riders at every stage of learning and gives bikers the chance to immerse themselves in nature as they pedal through the Smoky Mountains. Trails are open 365 days of the year, weather and maintenance permitting, from sunrise to sundown.
How Do We Get To Vee Hollow?
Located in Townsend, TN, visitors can access Vee Hollow on the east end of town near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park entrance. Parking is in the gravel lots next to Burget Master at 8439 State Hwy 73. Cross the pedestrian bridge, exclusively built for bikers and hikers, over the Little River to access the Trails. Because Vee Hollow built the park to be a pedal park, no shuttles are available.
Drive Times within the Region
Knoxville – 45 minutes
Gatlinburg – 45 minutes
Asheville – 2 hours and 20 minutes
Atlanta – 4 hours
Nashville – 3 hours and 15 minutes
What does Vee Hollow offer?
14 miles of biking trails, varying from short rides and sessions or all-day rides on the multiple paths covering the West and East Mountains. Experience hand-cut singletrack ventures and long enduro-style descents to a range of flow-based trails that allow for maximum progression.
How much experience is needed?
The trails and forest playground offer experiences from the very advanced to those who have never ridden trails before. Vee Hollow consists of four riding zones: Skills Area, Demo Flow Trails, Jump Trails, and Mountain Trails (West and East Mountains). Each course is rated: Green for Beginners, Blue for Intermediate, Black for Advanced, and Double Black for Experts.
For another Vee Hollow Trail Overview and Ranking, check out this link at TRAILFORKS.com.
For more posts about activities in the Peaceful Side, see below:
Smoky Mountain Fly Fishing
Waterfalls in The Great Smoky Mountains
Visit Blount County's Farmers Markets and Experience the Flavors of the Region
Farmer’s markets are enjoying a resurgence, and there are very few communities in which at least one farmer’s market is not operating regularly. This allows farmers to access a much broader market and find buyers for an increasing amount of produce or food, but it is also even more beneficial to shoppers. After all, once you taste a locally-grown, vine fresh tomato or savor the potent flavors of fresh herbs, you may begin to change the way you look at your diet and food supplies.
If you are traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains area and want to explore options for farmers markets, be sure you block out a few hours on your Saturday morning schedule. This is the most common time for the markets to occur, though there are many that operate daily and also all year long. This includes the large Gatlinburg Farmers Market, among others. The Sevierville Farmers Market operates every Friday and is another popular option.
An Authentic Producer Only Market
Saturday morning is also when the amazing Maryville Farmers’ Market occurs. Emphasizing a “producer-only” model, they ensure that everything you buy is grown and/or made by the vendors themselves. This is not a market in which you have to worry about the authenticity of “local” goods. Instead, everything is baked from scratch, grown in the local soils, and transported from a farm nearby!
With a slogan that reads, “From East Tennessee Hands,” it is a fantastic way to enhance even the briefest visit to the area, and the market is active right through the winter. The Saturday markets run from April through November and hours are 9-12, rain or shine. Their November calendar also includes their “Holly Day Arts & Crafts Market,” making it the perfect way to pick up some truly amazing holiday gifts and goodies, while supporting local artisans and farmers. The dates for 2018 are 11/3 and 11/10 with hours from 9 AM to 1 PM.
With its quieter location and emphasis on local farm goods that “improve the freshness, taste, and nutritional value of produce available, encourage more social contact between the consumer and farmer, educate the public as to the agricultural traditions of East Tennessee, and celebrate and help preserve family farms,” it is the perfect win-win choice in terms of Saturday morning farmers markets.
What to Buy
If you do opt for the Maryville Farmers Market, their vendors include Turner Holler with its abundance of fresh eggs and homemade soaps and lotions that use their fresh goats’ milk as a main ingredient. The Holder Family Farm also appears regularly and sells only the finest fruits and vegetables from their generations-old family farm in the foothills of the Smokies. You can also grab delicious breads and baked goods from Marlow Bread Co. and enjoy goods from Bees’ Needs Art Farm, Smokey Ridge Apiaries, and more.
Waterfalls in The Great Smoky Mountains
There is no better outing during the summer than a trip to one of the many Waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains. Luckily, there are over 2,000 miles of rivers and streams in the national park, resulting in a series of over 100 cascades and falls. We have picked out a handful of beautiful hikes in the Peaceful Side of the park for every level of experience.
Meigs Falls
Meigs Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls to visit. In fact, you can drive your car up to within 500 feet of the falls. The drop is only 28 feet, but it is nestled into a breathtaking spot of the Smokies.
Directions
Only located 12.9 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near the Townsend “Wye”.
Ramsey Cascades
If you are looking for a more strenuous adventure, check out the Ramsey Cascades. The hike is 8 miles roundtrip, and as the tallest waterfall, it follows over 100 feet of tumbling cascades throughout the park. The trail to the waterfall gains over 2,000′ in elevation, passing through old-growth cove hardwood forest.
Direction
Take Highway 321 east of Gatlinburg to the Greenbrier entrance to the park. Follow the signs to the Ramsay Cascades trailhead.
Spruce Flat Falls
The hike to Spruce Flat Falls is only two miles roundtrip, but it can get significantly steep, making it a more challenging hike. Located in the Tremont section of the park, a still relatively unknown area, there is a chance for a more private experience. At the bottom of the 30-foot fall, dropping in four stages, you will find a pool of water perfect for a refreshing summer swim.
Directions
You will find this trail located on Tremont Road near Smokey Mountain Institute at Tremont, near Cades Cove.
Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is one of the “Waterfall Quartet”, a group of four waterfalls, including Abrams, Laurel, Grotto, and Rainbow Falls. Although the waterfall is only 20 feet high, it has the highest volume of water, making it the most voluminous falls in the park. It empties into a large, picturesque pool, but swimming is off-limits because of the strong currents and dangerous undertow.
Directions
From Townsend or Gatlinburg, follow signs to Cades Cove. The turnoff for Abrams Falls Trail is located past stop #10 (signed) along Cades Cove Loop Road.
Indian Creek Falls
The Indian Flats Falls is beyond Toms Branch Falls another half-mile, turning right onto Indian Creek Trail. The trail begins as a wide path as it traces Deep Creek upstream. After walking just one-tenth of a mile, there will be a short spur trail on your left that leads down to the 45-foot waterfall. If you were to climb back to the main trail and walk a short distance up, the Indian Flats Falls looks more like a water slide than an actual waterfall.
Directions
Located on Tremont Road near Smokey Mountain Institute at Tremont, near Cades Cove. Hike on Middle Prong Trail to Panther Creek Trail.
These are just a handful of the waterfall opportunities in the Great Smoky Mountain National Parks. Take the time to do a little more research and find yourself in a world of awe-inspiring waterscapes and hiking opportunities for the whole family.
For more summer adventures in the Peaceful Side, check out the blog links below.
Hidden Treasures in the Peaceful Side
Kid-Friendly Activities on the Peaceful Side
We Have Smoky Mountain Activities Even a Dog Will Love
Keeping busy in the Smokies region isn’t difficult – there are tons of things to do, all year ‘round – but finding activities the whole family, including canine members, can enjoy is a little more challenging. Here are 5 of our favorites.
Maryville-Alcoa Greenway and the PetSafe Pistol Creek Dog Park
There’s nothing like a day out in the park with your dog, is there? Especially when the parks are this nice. The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway is a 9-mile-long paved trail that connects the two cities, passing through a number of scenic areas and public parks, including the Bicentennial Park area, which also includes the PetSafe Pistol Creek Dog Park. Imagine hopping on your bike, riding down the trails with your dog running alongside, only to lounge in the dog park while your best friend burns off the rest of their four-legged energy. Pretty perfect, right?
Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing
Whether you’re squeezing in a trip downriver before summer disappears or planning one for the next time warmer months roll around, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to go tubing with your dog. They tube for free, so strap on their doggy life jacket, rent a $2 tether, hook up your own tube, and prepare for one of the most entertaining trips down the Little River you can imagine. It’s not every day that you get to go sailing with such a cute first mate, is it?
Fishing the Local Waterways
Bank fisherman have long known the virtues of recreation alongside a (relatively) silent best friend, but did they know that dogs can also be quite seaworthy? Whether you’ve rented, borrowed, or bought a boat and taken it out on Chilhowee Lake or any of Tennessee’s famous tailwaters, the right dog can keep you great company when your free time takes you offshore.
Brewster’s Bark & Bed
You may know that there are great spas in the Smokies region that cater to humans, but did you know that there’s one that’s fully gone to the dogs? Brewster’s Bark & Bed offers everything: coconut and aloe deep-conditioning wraps, skin-soothing mud treatments, “pawdicures” with paw massages, and, should the worst happen, a “smell-u-later” de-skunking treatment.
They also are planning to offer training classes in their private indoor training area, which is a great way to further bond with your pet and give everyone some refreshers when it comes to the basics.
Parkway Drive-In Theater
Interested in catching a movie? Unlike most movie theaters, the Parkway Drive-In in Maryville doesn’t have to follow the rules about not allowing dogs indoors, because, well, they’re not! Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome to join their human movie fans and catch a flick out under the stars, even if those canine family members might be more interested in the smells coming from the concession stand, where hamburgers and patty melts (as well as popcorn and the basics) are on offer.
Wildflowers of the Smokies
Anyone from this area knows that Spring is a vibrant and unique reminder of life and beauty. Not only has the frost given up its last gesture for the year, but the Wildflowers of the Smokies are finding their voices and demanding acknowledgment. Our friends and photographers, Randy Ratliff and Laura Matthews, have provided many of the beautiful images below.
There are over 1,600 different types of flowering plants covering the mountains in the Smokies. We’ve selected a few of the easiest-to-recognize flowers below, but we’d love to hear about or see pictures of your favorite Smoky Mountain Wildflower. Click here for a broader guide to the beauty found in our mountains.
However, today we encourage you to take the family hiking with a scavenger hunt in mind. Remind the kids how “April showers bring May flowers.” To find the best of Spring’s ensemble, you don’t have to look hard, but here are a few for your cheat sheet. See who can be the first to find each of these common wildflowers.
Wildflowers of the Smokies
Smoky Mountain Wildflower Trails
Gregory Bald – This fairly strenuous hike is 11.3 miles roundtrip and includes 3020 feet of elevation gain. At the summit, you will find Flame Azaleas in abundance. According to the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, the various hybrids of azaleas on Gregory Bald are so impressive and unique that the British Museum of Natural History has collected numerous samples. Folks come from all over the world to see the many acres of wildflowers of the Smokies showcasing colors of fire red, wine red, orange, yellow, salmon, pink, white, and multi-colored azaleas that reach peak season around June.
Chestnut Top Trail – This moderately strenuous hike is 8.6 miles roundtrip and includes 1486 feet of elevation gain. Wildflowers sprout early on this trail, where you can find a variety of blooms like white trillium, purple phacelia, and star chickweed in March and early April.
Rich Mountain Loop Trail – This moderately strenuous hike is 8.5 miles roundtrip and includes 1736 feet of elevation gain. Rich Mountain Loop is a beautiful hike of Cades Cove if you don’t feel like sitting in the hours of gridlock on the 11-mile loop accessible to cars. Get even better access on Wednesday and Saturday mornings during the summer months when the park closes the loop road for bicycles, as well. As you get further along the loop, you will find one of the most diverse amounts of wildflowers in the Smokies.
White Oak Sinks – The trail comes to life with a carpet of thousands of wildflowers. It’s located between the Townsend “Y” and Cades Cove.
Middle Prong Trail – The trailhead for the Middle Prong Trail is at the end of Tremont Road close to the Townsend “Y.” As you hike along this old dirt road, you should see toothwort, foamflower, violets, trilliums, and wood sorrel. Along with the fantastic wildflowers, there are waterfalls to discover and cool off in, as well.
We hope your scavenger hunt is a success and you are able to explore places in the park you haven’t ventured into yet.
Wildflower season is here and will continue to bloom throughout the summer. Come visit soon, and make sure to bring your camera, so you can become as amazing an amateur photographer as our friends Randy and Laura!
All the parts of the plant, except the fruit, contain podophyllotoxin, which is highly toxic if consumed but was used by Native Americans for a variety of medicinal purposes- and is used today in prescription drugs.
The sepals of its blue-violet flowers are distinctly marked with a central yellow or white, purple striped band.
They are born in showy clusters and have a pleasant honey-like fragrance
The fire pink is a member of the carnation family. The brilliant flowers attract the ruby-throated hummingbirds, one of the species’ primary pollinators.
This attractive wildflower is a sure sign that spring has arrived and that the local woodlands are full of wildflowers.
Look for the beautiful purple flower blooming in clusters on slopes and rocks.
For more ideas to enjoy springtime in the Great Smoky Mountains, check out these posts:
Vee Hollow Mountain Bike Trails
Springtime in the Smoky Mountains
Winter Activities Abound in the Smokies: Here are Our Top 5 Favorites
Are you eager to experience The Smokies in every season? While the springtime is truly glorious and full of beautiful blooming trees, wildlife and lovely weather, the summer is tough to beat with its seemingly endless days of great conditions and nights of twinkling stars. Many would argue that the autumn is the best because of the weeks and weeks of foliage and the different harvest events.
What about winter? There is actually just as much to see and do in the winter months as there is at any other time of year. We’ve listed our five favorite activities, and maybe a few extras!
#1 Skiing
Lots of people don’t realize that The Smokies are home to great skiing, particularly that at the Ober Gatlinburg. Close to the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, it is a year-round attraction with an alpine slide, ice skating, lots of restaurants, and activities for kids. Yet, the winter is when it really shines, offering skiing, snowboarding and tubing. You can even learn to ski here!
#2 Hiking
While most of us don’t like to head outside and into the wilderness during the cold of the winter months, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has some amazing hiking options open and available. In fact, it is one of the few times the park is nearly crowd-free so you can enjoy some stunning views and even trek into some of the waterfalls, frozen over for the season. Check with the park’s website for information about open trails and roads. NOTE: Cades Cove is usually open and winter is a great time to spot some local wildlife.
#3 A Train Ride
This sounds unusual, but the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad operates all of the way to January 1st and provides a lovely ride along the river and through the woods. In fact, you can even hop aboard the “Polar Express” and savor a holiday stop at the North Pole! Visit the railroad’s website for a full schedule.
#4 Big Events
From the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights to the Pigeon Forge Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights, there is a tone of Christmas activity beginning in November and lasting through the end of the year. Townsend has a Christmas Parade, a Reindeer Run and more.
#5 The Peace
It is impossible to argue that the area has an entirely different sort of peacefulness that settles over it along with winter’s snows. There are a lot of cozy cabins and chalets available in the mountain areas and down in the towns, and a stay booked at one of them can be an unforgettable experience. Imagine cozying up by your fireplace, gazing out at the snow-covered mountains and enjoying time with family, friends or just on your own during this remarkably peaceful time of the year.
Of course, the many amazing restaurants, shows, parks and museums of the area remain open year-round, and are a reason to head here for the winter months. You can also warm up with a wine or whiskey sampling tour or spend your day shopping in the Arts and Crafts Community over at Gatlinburg or the different areas of the towns. There’s much to see and do, and winter is a great time of year in the Smokies.
Winter in the Smoky Mountains: Advantages & Hiking Tips
When people think of hiking in the Smoky Mountains, the most popular times of year are generally Spring through Fall. But the Smoky Mountain National Park is open year-round, and winter brings a unique beauty. We’ve put together some of the best reasons you need to get out and enjoy the Smokies this time of year, along with some valuable Winter Hiking Tips.
Exploring The Smoky Mountains in Winter
Are you in the mood for a more challenging hike, like Thunderhead Mountain (elevation: 5527 feet) and Gregory Bald (elevation: 4949)? Or would you prefer a short, invigorating trek to Look Rock Fire Tower on Chilhowee Mountain, off the Foothills Parkway? If you haven’t already explored, here are several reasons to take that journey in winter. First of all, the most apparent difference while hiking in the cold months is the lack of foliage on the trees. Some trails become very narrow during the summer, so hiking when there is less vegetation can be a relief for the more claustrophobic traveler. And can we talk about the views during the winter? Once the trees shed their leaves, a more pristine view of the magnitude and breadth of our lovely mountains reveals itself.
In the winter months, you will also find that you often have the trails all to yourself. Not only will you see fewer people on your journey, but there will also be a fraction of insects and bugs. There is a special kind of peace when the forest blanketed with silence, your only companion the sound of crunching leaves and falling snow. Another welcome absence on a winter hike is the sometimes stifling summer humidity. Winter in the Smokies is a definite case of less is often more.
Tips for Hiking the Smokies in the Cold
- Always check the weather and be prepared for it to change.
- Snow/ice spikes and trekking poles will help with traction and stability.
- Don’t be afraid to spend the extra money to get top quality winter gear. Waterproof and windproof gear can be lifesavers when the windchill at the higher elevations create dramatic temperature drops.
- Layering is essential. Choose wet-wicking material and a light but warm coat, such as a down jacket. Be prepared to layer up or down depending on changing altitudes and surprise weather. Wool socks and appropriate hiking boots will keep your feet warm and a toboggan will prevent body heat from escaping through your head.
- Extras. Pack extra socks and gloves in case the ones you are wearing get wet. Extra HotHands or hand warmers are great for putting in your sleeping back for overnight hikes. Remember, it is better to have a heavier pack, with everything you need, than finding yourself hurt or in danger.
Don’t Forget Your Camera
Take advantage of the season to find those distinctive winter shots. You may discover animal prints in the snow or icy rivers. Look for the way the sun reflects on the frosted mountains and expect to see a whole new side of the Smoky Mountains’ personality.
Feature Image by Nikki Adam Jenkins
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Best Views for Sunrises and Sunsets
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