Category: Blog

Wildlife Viewing and Safety Tips

Posted on October 2, 2020 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Black Bear Cub Climbing Tree in Smoky Mountain National Park

One of the best parts of visiting the Great Smoky Mountains is all of the wildlife unique to this region of the world. In fact, there are 65 mammal species alone. Animals like elk, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and black bears are essential parts of the park’s ecology. But there are also smaller inhabitants with valuable functions, like fireflies, turtles, bats, chipmunks, and salamanders. To make your adventure the best, here are some wildlife viewing and safety tips for the Smokies.

Best Locations for Wildlife Viewing

  • Bears

    Just under 2,000 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains, so the probability of seeing a bear is high. But, if you want to increase your odds, check out the Cades Cove area in the park’s western region.

Black Bear in the Great Smoky Mountains

Photograph by Randy Ratliff

  • Bobcats

    These nocturnal and reclusive animals are the only feline that lives in the park. Because of their solitary lifestyle, you can count yourself lucky if you spot one of these beautiful cats.

  • Elk

    In 2001, the park officials reintroduced 25 elk into the Great Smoky Mountain National park, and the following year they reintroduced 27 more. After 200 years, elk are being spotted in Tennessee again. Elk are most active in the mornings and are most readily spotted in the park’s Cataloochee section.

Large Elk calling into the Great Smoky Mountains

Photograph by Randy Ratliff

  • White-Tailed Deer

     – The white-tailed deer is the smallest of the deer species and is a common sight in open areas like Cades Cove.

  • Fireflies

    There are 19 firefly species in the park, but one of the most unique is the synchronous fireflies. Each year, these beautiful creatures put on a spectacular show in the Elkmont area of the park during their mating season.

For some more information on some of your favorite wildlife in the Smokies, check out our friends at www.wildlifeinformer.com and www.smokymountains.com.

Duckling siblings in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Photograph by Randy Ratliff

Wildlife Safety Tips

Often when we first discuss wildlife safety tips, many people assume we are giving directions to keep humans safe. And while human safety is essential, much of this information is in place to maintain our wildlife’s safety. 

  • Never Approach

    The national park’s Code of Federal Regulations states no one can willfully approach wildlife within 150 feet or any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal. This rule also includes letting animals approach you. We do this to maintain our safety, but this also respects the wildlife’s natural habitat. Instead of coming closer, use binoculars, spotting scopes, or cameras with telephoto lenses to enjoy the animals.

Black Bird in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Photograph by Randy Ratliff

  • Never Feed

    You may think feeding the animals could cause no harm, but you are very wrong. Nearly 10,000,000 people visit the park each year, so if only 1% of our visitors fed the wildlife, that would be 100,000 people a year. This interaction teaches the animals to associate humans with food, and if the animals lose their fear of humans, they become dangerous and unpredictable. Dangerous and unpredictable animals aren’t safe for visitors and often end up being euthanized. So, next time you feel inclined to feed the precious, hungry bear cub, keep in mind, you may be signing its death warrant. We also want to emphasize the importance of properly storing food and trash disposal while picnicking, camping, or staying in the park because it has the same consequences.

  • Do Not Disturb Natural Habitat

    The park is our wildlife’s homes. How would you feel if your guests came into your house and started reorganizing your cabinets or moving around your furniture? You would be frustrated and feel disrespected. Animals feel the same about their homes. But there is another danger level when you move vegetation in the forest or change the rock formations in a creek, etc. These activities can potentially change the environmental impact within the park entirely, which will significantly affect the wildlife.

Frog in water in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Photograph by Randy Ratliff

 
Whether you are visiting the park for the day or spending a week camping off-trail, your actions play into the wildlife’s ability to thrive in their natural habitats. Keep these wildlife viewing and safety tips at the front of your mind on your next visit to the Smokies.
I would also like to thank visual storyteller Randy Ratliff for most of the beautiful photography in this post.

Beaver in the Smokies

Photograph by Randy Ratliff

 

For more Smoky Mountain fun, check out these blog posts:

Here are 7 Reasons You’ll Be Glad You’re Visiting the Smokies this Fall

Our Top 3 Favorite Fall Hikes for Viewing Fall Foliage in the Smokies

Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries in the Smokies: Create Your Own Tour in Blount County

Posted on September 19, 2018 by - Blog, Drinking

For those of you who are over 21 and looking for something a little more “adult” to do while you are touring the Smokies, why not follow a local tradition and check out some of the fabulous local breweries, distilleries, and wineries to be found in the area. From a frosty glass mug of Windy Gap Wheat Beer to Moonshine Cherries and Blackberry wine, the local beverages truly showcase this area’s history of making alcoholic beverages. One thing to keep in mind as you go along on your tour, someone has to be the designated driver, or you might need a taxi. Consider these fantastic watering holes as part of your journey to taste the best of the best in the Gatlinburg area.
Start at the Sugarland Cellars Working Winery
For the wine connoisseur, the Sugarland Cellars Winery offers tours through this working winery complete with live music playing on the Spirit Stage, a stop in the gift shop for a few souvenirs, and then on to the tasting room. All of the wines made here are crafted from local grapes grown in the shadow of the Smokies by families who have been producing these incredible grapes for many generations. Don’t forget to take a bottle or two of their delicious wine home with you.
Time for a Microbrew at the Smoky Mountain Brewery
This area of Tennessee may have earned a reputation for making moonshine, but in recent years the number of microbrews made locally might surprise you. When you drop in for a visit at the Smoky Mountain Brewery, you can order any one of several local microbrews to sample, or better yet, order a “flight,” and your server will bring you a sample of four different local beers. They also offer pizza, burgers, and more for when you need a little food to absorb the beer.
Sample Genuine Tennessee Moonshine at the Sugarlands Distilling Company
You can’t vacation in Tennessee without sampling the alcoholic beverage that helped to make the area famous. Of course, we are talking about moonshine, and if you want to sample some the best in the area, you need to stop in at the Sugarlands Distilling Company and taste their unique flavors. One of the most popular is the apple pie flavor, made using caramel and Granny Smith apples. While you are sampling the many flavors, take a moment to listen to stories about the Appalachians, take the tour, check out the live music and stock up on your favorite flavors.
The First Licensed Distillery in East Tennessee – The Ole Smoky Distillery
The Ole Smoky Distillery enjoys the distinction of being the first distillery making moonshine in East Tennessee to receive a federal license allowing them to produce their own moonshine and sell it to the public. It’s also come a long way from the days of “running shine” in a 1940 Ford with a flathead V8 and a trunk load of “white lightning” while trying not to get pulled over by the “man.” Today, the distillery produces a selection of superb moonshine in assorted flavors for you to sample. Take the tour, try the moonshine infused foods, and take a look back at where NASCAR got its start.
Come to East Tennessee for the fun, the family-friendly atmosphere, and the many things to do in the Gatlinburg area, but whatever else you do, make sure you leave plenty of time to tour the local breweries, distilleries, and wineries along the way.

Winter Activities Abound in the Smokies: Here are Our Top 5 Favorites

Posted on November 9, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

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 Date Ideas on the Peaceful Side 

Posted on February 6, 2026 by - Blog, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler 

On the Peaceful Side, winter date night doesn’t have to mean staying cooped up at home. From downtown dinner and cocktails to a heated sauna workout, these ideas make it easy to spend quality time together, no matter the forecast. 

Classic Romantics – Downtown Maryville 

Photo: Raven Steakhouse and Lounge

Start with dinner at Bella, a downtown spot with Italian-inspired house pastas and elevated entrees. If you want something memorable, order Pasta in the Wheel, tableside fettuccine flambéed in a Grana Padano cheese wheel. 

Afterward, head to The Raven for a nightcap in the lounge. Order The Chosen Stave for a tableside cocktail, the Bottled Old Fashioned for a classic or Black Velvet Veil for an espresso boost. 

Lodge Lovers – Townsend 

Photo: Dancing Bear Lodge

Have a cozy overnight stay at Dancing Bear Lodge. Their Hibernation Special runs Jan. 4 through March 19 with reduced winter rates, complimentary breakfast from the Dancing Bean Coffee House or Apple Valley Cafe, and a custom gift for two. 

During the day, bundle up for a walk on the Townsend Historical Trail. It’s paved and mostly flat, and you can turn around whenever you’re ready. 

Bookworms – Downtown Maryville 

Photo: Neighborly Books

Browse Neighborly Books and pick out a book for each other. Bring them along to Vienna Coffee Company and settle in with one of their February specials. 

Bee Mine is sweet and floral with honey, brown sugar and lavender alongside espresso and milk. Cupid’s Crush is a strawberry smoothie with vanilla, mocha and a splash of cream, and Strawberry Snowflake is a strawberry and vanilla latte topped with cold foam or whipped cream. 

Workout Partners – Alcoa 

Photo: HOTWORX Alcoa, TN (Springbrook Farms)

Crank up the heat at HOTWORX, an infrared fitness studio with guided workouts inside a heated sauna. Book a session and follow the on-screen class, with options ranging from yoga and Pilates to strength-focused and cycling-style workouts. 

Cool down with a vitamin-infused energy or protein drink from Louisville Nutrition.

History Buffs – Townsend 

Photo: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

Spend the morning at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and take your time exploring the exhibits and historic structures. 

Once you’ve wrapped up, have lunch at The Abbey. The restaurant is set inside a historic chapel, with a warm, old-world atmosphere. Then, go antiquing for the afternoon. 

Related read: “10 Antique Shops on the Peaceful Side: Walland, Maryville, Rockford, Louisville, TN”

Movie Lovers – Downtown Maryville 

Photo: The Capitol Theatre

Start with dessert at the Capitol Theatre Ice Cream Parlor. Their menu leans into classics like sundaes and floats, with movie-themed touches. 

Make a pit stop at Bigfoot Popcorn and pick out a couple flavors to share. Bigfoot Poop is their signature, made with chocolate and caramel. Ranch and Garlic Parmesan are popular savory options. Then, head home for a movie night. 

Crafty Couples – Maryville 

Photo: Creative Spark Studio

Take a class together at Creative Spark Studio. On Feb. 14, Blacksmithing Basics with Bryan covers beginner techniques like heating, hammering and bending metal while you shape a heart. All materials are provided, and the finished piece can be used as a pendant, keychain or ornament. Alternatively, on Feb. 19, create a heart-shaped gemstone pendant. 

Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region. 

Winter Flora and Fauna of the Smokies: A Field Guide 

Posted on January 17, 2025 by - Blog

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) offers a unique perspective on the region’s rich biodiversity. While many visitors associate the park with its vibrant spring and summer blooms, the winter months reveal a quieter, more serene side, with a surprising amount of flora and fauna still thriving in the colder weather.

Flora 

The GSMNP is home to over 1,500 species of flowering plants, earning its nickname as the “Wildflower National Park.” During the winter months, a few of these species can still be spotted, including the early-blooming ephemeral flowers. 

These delicate blooms, such as hepaticas (liverworts), begin to flower as early as February, taking advantage of the abundant sunlight that reaches the forest floor through the leafless trees. Their blue, white, purple and pink shades are some of the few bursts of color in the winter landscape. To find them, explore the park’s recommended wildflower walks. 

While Mountain Laurels don’t bloom until late May or early June, their glossy evergreen leaves provide year-round beauty. The Laurel Falls Trail, the most popular hike in the Smokies, offers views of this iconic shrub. This paved 2.6-mile roundtrip trail leads to an 80-foot waterfall. 

The Smokies also has an abundance of evergreen trees, including red spruce and Fraser firs. Spruce-fir forests are found exclusively at the park’s highest elevations. 

While red spruce are common across North America, Fraser firs are unique to southern Appalachia. Roughly 80% of the park’s Fraser firs were lost to a European parasite introduced in 1900, but a recent study shows their population has rebounded in recent decades, with numbers tripling on Kuwohi, Tennessee’s highest peak. You can appreciate these resilient trees on the Spruce-Fir Nature Trail, a short and scenic 0.35-mile loop. 

Fauna 

Winter in the Smokies is an excellent time for wildlife observation, as the lack of foliage provides clearer views. Cades Cove, with its open meadows and forests, is a prime spot for animal sightings. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road offers easy access to the area, open from sunrise to sunset. 

There, it’s quite common to see white-tailed deer prancing across the meadows. They may also venture deeper into the forest, as food is scarcer. 

Wild turkeys, the biggest birds in Cades Cove, are also hard to miss, as their population is at a historic high. 

Although black bears spend most of the winter hibernating, warmer days might bring them out to search for food. 

If you visit the creek, you may see otters, even in colder months. The Cherokee name for Cades Cove, Tsiyahi, translates to “Otter Place.” Once nearly hunted to extinction in the 1920s, otters were reintroduced to the area in the 1980s and have made an impressive comeback. Abrams Falls, a 5-mile roundtrip hike near Cades Cove, is known for frequent otter sightings. 

Will you venture to the Smokies this winter? Share your favorite flora and fauna photos with us on social media (@peacefulsmokies). 

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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.

Winter in the Smoky Mountains: Advantages & Hiking Tips

Posted on December 30, 2022 by - Activities, Blog

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.
Group of friends winter hiking in the snow

 

Tips for Hiking the Smokies in the Cold

  1. Always check the weather and be prepared for it to change.
  2. Snow/ice spikes and trekking poles will help with traction and stability.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Family goes winter hiking in the snow covered mountains

 
Feature Image by Nikki Adam Jenkins

Check Out These Fun Activities on the Peaceful Side:

Best Views for Sunrises and Sunsets

Hidden Treasures in the Peaceful Side

Your Group will Love the Campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Posted on August 14, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

With the summer coming to a close faster than you expected, there’s never been a better time to get in that last-minute camping trip to the Smokies! Here on the peaceful side of the Smokies, you’ll find plenty of camping opportunities that you and your family will love. Easy access to the Little Pigeon River, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and many other natural attractions make camping in the Smokies perfect for your summer getaway.
Where to Go Camping in the Smokies
Blount County is perfect for camping in the Smokies, for many reasons. Here on the peaceful side of the mountains, we have many family-friendly attractions that are ideal for a relaxing, leisurely vacation. Bring your RV to Whispering River RV Resort, or try staying at Carpenter Campground in Maryville. Many of the local campgrounds have park-like settings with playground equipment, access to streams where you can fish, and other activities right there in the campground.
Glamping, Cabin Rentals, and Other Camping Alternatives
If you prefer something a little more stylish for your camping adventure, Blount County campgrounds do also offer “Glamping” tents and cabin rentals. You can stay in luxury and enjoy a unique camping experience, while still getting to be close to all the beautiful natural sights in the area. The Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is the prime location to check out glamping tents, tiny homes, and luxury cabins. The area also has a dog park, so you can bring the whole family along for the fun.
Easy Access to the Exciting Fun All Around the Smokies
One way that camping in Blount County will excite your entire group of campers is the easy access to the nearby fun of places such as Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. You can enjoy the beauty of the mountains, the small-town atmosphere, and the peaceful pace of Blount County – and they can check out Dollywood, or many of the other fun activities just a short drive away. Don’t forget to take a hike through the many walking trails in Blount County that lead you through the beautiful mountains.
Leisure and Wanderlust Come Together When You Go Camping in the Smokies
This area is perfect for scratching your itch to travel, while still having a very pampered vacation. You can absolutely get close to nature with camping fun, and still have plenty of luxury. From delicious local fine dining, luxury amenities in many of the campgrounds, to nearby spas and resorts, and lots of other relaxing or romantic things to do all around, you won’t find a better place to combine your sense of adventure with your desire to relax.
Pack up your family today and head to the Smokies for a fun camping adventure that will please everyone!