Category: Smoky Mountains

5 Smoky Mountain Fall Hikes Suitable for the Whole Family

Posted on October 23, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Changing Fall Foliage in the Smokies dirt road

Finding hikes that can give you a great close-up look at Smoky Mountain fall colors and are also accessible to your youngest and oldest family members isn’t always easy, but there are actually quite a few. Here are some of our favorites!
The Laurel Falls Trail
Looking for a great all-around hike that offers the kind of sightseeing you’ll find only out in nature, a dirt trail under your feet, and a cool destination? The Laurel Falls hike is a 2.3 mile round-trip hike that begins at a parking lot near the top of Fighting Creek Gap. It is accessible to families with children, though everyone should stay close to the trail as it approaches the Falls (there are some steep drop-offs off-trail). The Falls themselves provide plenty of great photo opportunities, so bring your camera!
Clingmans Dome
Do your kids love when something is “the most?” Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies, and it’s accessible via a ½-mile-long paved trail. The trail can be managed with strollers, though all should be prepared that it can be quite steep and is generally too steep for wheelchairs. Hikers can look forward to an unbelievable panoramic view at the top; on a clear day, people can see nearly 100 miles in any direction. Pack a jacket – it can be up to 20 degrees cooler at the summit.
The Look Rock Tower Trail
Clingmans Dome is a lot of great things, but it isn’t dog-friendly. Luckily, dogs and their human companions don’t have to miss out on a great Smokies view, thanks to the Look Rock Tower Trail. The trail includes a view of Maryville and Alcoa, as well as the western side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dogs must be leashed, but the trail is paved and it’s just under a mile. A perfect first hike!
The Gatlinburg Trail
The Gatlinburg Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a dog-friendly 1.9 mile trail through a forest near the Little Prong River, and features the remnants of former Tennessee frontier homes (notably their foundations and chimneys). The trail begins at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and is only one of two dog-friendly trails in the national park. Make sure to observe the rules requiring leash use in the park while on the trail.
The Abrams Falls Trailhead
If the youngest members of your family are in middle school or older, you may want to try a 5-mile hike (round trip) with a few rocks on the path, and the Abrams Falls Trailhead is a great place to start increasing your hiking challenges. There are even more challenging hikes at Abrams Falls, but the 5-mile hike begins at the trailhead exit at Cades Cove Loop Road. Everyone should pack some extra socks if they’re in sneakers (or wear hiking boots), bring a rain jacket or poncho, and watch out for slippery rocks by the falls.

5 Tips for Planning the Perfect Smoky Mountains Vacation

Posted on April 8, 2019 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

If you are craving a little time to commune with nature, there is no better place to scratch the itch than the Smoky Mountains. East Tennessee is a popular mountain destination because of the sheer beauty of the area. You can stay in a rustic cabin staring out across the peaks. It is the perfect way to leave the stress of the urban world behind.
While there is plenty of mountain vistas to enjoy, don’t think your trip to the Smokies will be boring! There is so much to do in the various towns dotting the area, you will never have a moment to be bored. You will find world-class dining options, adventure activities, museums, and even roller coasters. To help you create the perfect vacation, we have put together these five tips.

1. Rent a Cabin

While there are plenty of different types of accommodations available in the Smoky Mountains, one of the best ways to get the full experience is by renting a cabin. It will make you feel more at home in the mountains. Plus, it will come with an absolutely incredible view. You can find cabins to suit all sizes of groups from one to thirty, and you can get all the amenities that you desire. There are pet-friendly options for those with four-legged family members.

2. Don’t Think Gatlinburg is All There Is

Some people make the mistake of thinking the only destination in the Smokies is Gatlinburg. While the town is lovely and full of things to do, there is more to the Smoky Mountains than G-Town. Make sure you check out some of the other amazing spots in the area including Maryville, Townsend, Rockford, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cades Cove. You will find that each spot has its own unique flavor to add to your trip.

3. Make Time for Dollywood

You don’t want to miss a chance to visit this world-class theme park. There are plenty of rides for the thrill seekers including roller coasters and water slides. Plus, there are amazing live performances featuring Appalachian style music, among others. The artisans will demonstrate things like glass-blowing and blacksmithing. Plus, you can catch one of the fantastic dinner shows. Make sure you take a ride on the Lightning Rod. It is the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster.

4. Go to the Park

No matter where you are staying in East Tennessee, you need to plan to spend some time in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There is no admission fee to get into the park, and there are plenty of things to do. You can hike, bicycle, check out waterfalls, camp, and look for wildlife. Keep your eyes open, and you may see a black bear or two, but no matter what, you are guaranteed to see the beauty of nature. Wildflowers bloom the majority of the year, and the gorgeous mountain scenery is worthy of a million Instagram pictures.

5. Check Out a Festival

When picking your vacation dates, make sure to check for festivals! There are plenty of weekends per year where you will find a fun festival to attend. You never know what you might get to experience. Hot air balloons, bluegrass, craft beer, and Scottish games are just a few of the festivals that happen in the Great Smoky Mountains.
As you can see, there is plenty to see and do. What are you waiting for? Get to planning!

Add Bicycling in the Smokies to Your Bucket List This Fall

Posted on October 17, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

Fall is the perfect time for you and your family to bring your bikes to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. There is a vast selection of cyclist-friendly roads and bike trails that range in difficulty from family-friendly to those just for the experts. They range in distance from under a mile up to many miles long. If you are looking for something you can add to your bucket list and mark it complete, biking the Smokies is a great choice.
In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Keep in mind that bicycling inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is very limited. You can ride on any paved road, (the only exception is the Roaring Fork Motor Trail), and on three trails. These trails include the Oconaluftee River Trail, the Lower Deep Creek Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail. All other trails and the backcountry are off limits to any type of bicycle or motorized off-road vehicle. Again, you can cycle on the paved roads, but the amount of vehicular traffic can make this a less-than-pleasant experience.
This being said, from the first part of May to the last part of September, the park closes the Cades Cove Loop to vehicular traffic on Wednesdays and Saturdays from sunup until 10:00 a.m. The loop runs for 11 miles and can be completed in less than 2 hours by most people. Along the way, you might see numerous members of the local native inhabitants (fox, deer, rabbits, numerous birds…Oh! And maybe even a bear). The road does have a few steep grades to deal with, but there are cross-trails you can use to cut the ride short if you are getting tired.
Bike Ride for the Whole Family
If you have younger children in your family, the Gatlinburg Trail in the Park could be just the trail to match their skill levels. The trail is one of the two trails in the park that allow bicycle traffic. The trail starts at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and runs for two miles until you reach the outer edge of Gatlinburg. One reason this is a good trail for kids is that it is flat. Unlike many of the trails in the area outside of the park that include steep climbs and drops, this one is quite level all the way into town.
The other trail in the park, the Oconaluftee Trail, is only 1.5 miles long. The trail runs along the Oconaluftee River. The trailhead starts at the Oconaluftee Visitor center and drops into Cherokee, NC. The trail offers superb views as it passes through the forest on your way into town. Like the Gatlinburg Trail, this one is open to joggers, hikers, pets, and of course, cyclists, so it tends to become crowded later in the day. If you want to cycle in more complete peace and quiet, you need to get here early and get out ahead of the crowd.
This is only a small sampling of why bringing your bikes to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies this fall can be so much fun. The fall foliage is breathtaking, the trails are family-friendly, and the weather is perfect for taking those longer rides. Bring your family and your bikes out to our neck of the woods this fall; we promise you won’t be sorry.

Appalachian Love Spells

Posted on February 14, 2021 by Rachel Coffman - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Valentine’s Day is here, so what better time to give you a little history of Appalachian Folk Magic? Who hasn’t wished they could conjure up a couple of love spells this time of year? Well, luckily for you, many of our Appalachian ancestors didn’t have the mainstream disdain for a little practical magic.

History

Appalachian Folk Magic, sometimes referred to as Granny Magic, dates back to the 1700s when many Scotts and Irish immigrants settled into our wise old Appalachian mountains. When these two old-world traditions blended with existing Cherokee traditions, a new recipe of magic was born. Folk magic evolved to let mountain people utilize the earth’s energy for healing when doctors weren’t available, and justice was necessary to maintain a peaceful community.

Practical Magic

Granny Magic, like many of the older magical practices, were passed on within families through generations. Because of the rural and secluded nature of the mountains, Appalachian families relied on Mother Nature in a way unfamiliar to most city folk. The fertility of crops, the weather, livestock, and even hunting conditions drew on various polytheism deities’ faith, as well as monolithic religions (even Christianity). Witchcraft was not the taboo it became in urban regions.
Our ancestors often reached out to Witch Doctors for all variety of healing, Water Witches who doused for water or energy vortexes, Power Doctors who worked magic through breath, or Goomer Doctors who could remove hexes. With that said, we offer a couple of love spells to make your Valentine’s Day one to be remembered.

Although, according to Byron Ballard, from www.myvillagewitch.com, she refuses to do love spells. “The problem is that they work. And sometimes the person asking for the spell ends up not being as interested as they thought they were, or they draw a person to them in an unhealthy way, such as stalking.”
But for the brave, or possibly irresponsible, we’ve tracked down a couple of Appalacian love spells and charms for you to try. NOTE: we do not recommend any illegal activities to obtain materials for this spell and are not responsible for any magical outcome.

Love Spells and Charms

Collect a handful of violet buds, think romantic thoughts, and then toss them in front of you. Look at the patterns they form on the ground. They should suggest a name or the initials of your future mate. If you get better results with white blossoms, then your mate will always be faithful. If you get better results with purple blossoms, your marriage will be passionate.
Tossing myrtle into a fire is said to cause the face of your future mate to appear.
A white dove flying over your house is an omen that there will be a marriage in your family within a year.
For love, take a pair of scissors and inscribe your name on the inside of one blade and his name on the inside of the other, then bury the scissors.

We hope you have a memorable Valentine’s Day this year, but be sure to act with caution when reading or influencing your fate. Maybe consider a bouquet of roses instead.

For other Valentine ideas in the Smoky Mountains, check out these posts:

Valentine’s Day in the Smoky Mountains: The Most Romantic Restaurants in Blount County

Visiting the Smokies with Your Sweetheart? Snuggle Up for a Carriage Ride through Cades Cove

Best Views for Sunrises and Sunsets

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Rachel Coffman - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Some of us live to wake before dawn to witness the promise of a new day as the sun crests the horizon, sending away the navy and blue with its crimson and yellow joy. Others, however, relish as life begins to slow down, pulling the sun through cotton candy skies until it gracefully slides behind the horizon. There is a profound sense of peace when the sun and horizon meet. A Smoky Mountain sunrise refreshes the soul and offers a never-ending opportunity for change. At the same time, a Smoky Mountain sunset leaves us in awe at the majestic expanse of the endless night sky.

We’ve put together a few of our favorite spots to catch the sweeping shades of nature’s glory as the sun sets and rises in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.

Smoky Mountain Sunrise by Up N Adam Adventures — Photo Courtesy of Up ‘N Adam Adventures

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet. Once you’ve parked at the lot area along Newfound Gap Rd, follow the half-mile paved path to the observation tower. Here you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Smokies, perfect for viewing sunrises and sunsets.

Cades Cove

Voted amongst the “45 Most Beautiful Places in America” by the magazine Country Living, Cades Cove is America’s most beautiful valley. It offers a small valley full of meadows, rolling hills, a variety of wildlife, and historic sites. When the sun transitions here, a unique glow envelopes the area and carries you to an ethereal moment in time.

Look Rock Observation Tower

Look Rock Observation Tower offers a 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains. It is a kid-friendly location with an easy, paved hike that even offers several sitting rocks, which make for great family photo opportunities. You can start your family’s day with a short, glorious sunrise hike or end the day hiking into twilight and star gazing after sunset.

Sunset in the Smokies by Adam Williamson — Photo by Adam Williamson

Tips for Watching Smoky Mountain Sunsets or Sunrises

You snooze, you lose. If you want a great spot, get there early. Some of these spots are popular, and you want to beat the crowd. Check for scheduled sunrise/sunset times and make the arrangements to get there early.
Don’t forget your camera. These views are legendary and have seen more than we mere humans can imagine. Besides, you don’t want to miss the chance to get that perfect Christmas Card picture.
Be Present. Let kids be kids and let go of any expectation of perfect; imperfection = fun! As mentioned above, sunrises and sunsets are great photo opportunities, but they are much better memories.

“Dusk is just an illusion because the sun is either above the horizon or below it. And that means that day and night are linked in a way that few things are. There cannot be one without the other, yet they cannot exist at the same time. How would it feel, I remember wondering, to be always together, yet forever apart?”
Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

Sunset in Smokies by Iris Vanessa Delgado — Photo by Iris Vanessa Delgado

For Similar Posts, See Below:

Vee Hollow Mountain Bike Trails

Wildflowers of the Smokies

Blount County is Breaking Records — Come See Why

Posted on February 22, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

When you look at the numbers for tourism in Blount County, TN, they have hit record highs recently, with yearly revenues of $378 million. What is it that brings so many tourists to Tennessee and Blount County in particular? Blount County has so much to offer that you truly have to come see for yourself, but here are some of the highlights and the biggest reasons why so many come here for their vacations year after year.

Blount County is the Gateway to the Smokies

Here in Blount County and, in particular the Townsend area, you will find the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are plenty of trails to hike, or you can have a zipline adventure or take a driving tour of places like Cades Cove. The park offers several breathtaking waterfalls you can hike to, and exceptional locations to have picnics or even host a wedding.
There are several places here where you can rent horses to go horseback riding in the park and outside of it. This is a fantastic family adventure and is safe for kids of all ages. You can go for a half day ride, a whole day, or some providers offer picnic rides. Be sure you book your rides far in advance as the stables all tend to book up early.

Amazing Places to Stay in Blount County

Many tourist towns offer nothing more than standard hotels and motels to stay in on your vacation. While there is nothing wrong with them and you are sure to find plenty here in Blount County staffed by some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, we have plenty of lodges and private cabins hidden away in the woods and up in the mountains that offer an incredibly peaceful place to get away from it all.
Many of the lodges offer venues for weddings and make the perfect place for a honeymoon. They offer a wooded, romantic place with breakfast served in the morning and a very limited number of guests at any one time to help ensure you can enjoy a little privacy. Be sure to book early; it’s the only way you are likely to get the dates you want.

So Much to Do Outdoors

Horseback riding is only one of the many things to do in the great outdoors in Blount County. There are miles of trails running high up into the mountains and deep into the woods for you and your family to hike. The trails range from easy/beginner level all the way to extremely challenging for experienced hikers only.
The rivers here are teeming with fish; catch your dinner and cook it over an open campfire. Some of the rivers here offer whitewater rafting and tubing depending on the time of year and the amount of water flowing. It flows much faster during the spring when the snow on the mountains is melting off.
These are only some of the reasons why tourism continues to grow here in Blount County and why you should visit our beautiful part of Tennessee. We invite you to enjoy the spectacular scenery, enjoy all we have to offer, and see what Southern hospitality is all about.

Bring Fido: Pet-Friendly Activities and Lodging in the Smoky Mountains

Posted on April 19, 2019 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Lodging, Smoky Mountains

If you plan to bring your furry family friend with you on vacation to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, wouldn’t it be nice to know where you can stay and what local activities are dog-friendly? What might surprise you is the number of pet-friendly activities in the area. The other thing that might surprise you, even more, is the dozens of hotels throughout Blount County that welcome your pet as another member of your family.

Pet-Friendly Activities in the Smoky Mountains

Doggywood – You can’t take your family dog into Dollywood with you, and let’s face why would you? But located just outside the gates to the park is Doggywood, a doggy daycare where your dog can spend the day in comfort and playing with the other dogs while you go play in the park. Doggywood opens half an hour before the gates open and stays open for half an hour after they close.
The Smoky River Rat – if your furry friend likes the great outdoors – why not take a trip out here and enjoy a lazy float down the river together on a tube or two. What a great way to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine together.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park – you can take your dog for hikes on the 1.5-mile long Gatlinburg Trail or the Oconaluftee River Trail. These are the only two trails in the park where dogs are allowed. However, your dog must be on a leash, and you must pick up any messes he leaves behind.
Cades Cove – Okay so your pup can’t get out of the car inside the park, but he is sure to enjoy the ride with his head stuck out of the window sampling the many amazing new odors here. The loop road measures 11 miles long and passes historic cabins and churches, along with numerous other buildings.

What About Pet-Friendly Places to Stay?

One of the more important details you should be concerned with if you plan to bring the family dog with you is finding a place to stay that allows dogs. More importantly, if you have a large breed dog, one that does not have a size restriction. Here are three of the top places to stay in the area.
The Luxbury Inn & Suites – This hotel in Maryville allows all sizes of dog, but there is a $25 fee for small dogs and a $50 fee for large dogs. They do not allow cats.
Dancing Bear Lodge – this lodge in Townsend offers “Pet-Friendly” rooms for an additional $50 per night. According to the reviews at BringFido, Dancing Bear Lodge scores a perfect 5 out of five “Bones.”
Townsend/Great Smokies KOA – one of the best ways to experience the peace and beauty of the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is to go camping. The KOA is like most, pet-friendly and has a dog park where your pooch can run around off-leash. There are some breed restrictions so be sure to call ahead to make sure your pup will be allowed to go camping with you.

Capture Photos of Spring Wildflowers at These Smoky Mountain Spots

Posted on April 22, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Spring is the perfect time of year to visit the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. The mountains are alive with a riot of color created by the millions of wildflowers that bloom here every year. According to botanists, the Smokies are home to one of the most diverse ecologies in the world. Over 1,600 different types of flowering plants covering the mountains throughout the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. If you are looking for great places to take pictures of springtime in the Smokies, here are a few of the most popular spots.
The Chestnut Top Trail
The trailhead for the Chestnut Top Trail starts at the Townsend “Y” just inside the park. The trail takes you to what is arguably the best place to see early spring flowers in the park. You should see Bloodroot, one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. It has a white flower wrapped tightly around bright yellow stamen and a blood red stem (hence its name). You might early-blooming violets, trailing arbutus creeping out from under a rock, or many other early blooms that make spectacular photographs.
The Bradley Fork Trail
The trailhead for the Bradley Fork Trail can be found at the back of the Smokemont Campground. Don’t be confused as the trail begins life as an old dirt road before shrinking down in size. It’s a great place to capture images of hepatica, violets, wood anemones, and rue anemone.
The Porter Creek Trail
While Chestnut Top Trail might be one of the most popular places to take photos of the wildflowers blooming in March, the Porter Creek Trail is nothing short of spectacular in April. In fact, on any given day you are likely to come across plenty of photographers and more than a few painters with their easels set up and brushes in hand. Here you will find a white carpet of fringed phacelia, violets in purple, yellow, and white, foam flowers, bluets, and others.
The Core Hardwood Nature Trail
You can find the trailhead for the Core Hardwood Nature Trail at the Chimneys Picnic Area. This trail is only 3/4 of a mile long yet is rated as offering some of the most spectacular wildflower viewings and photographing spots in the park. The trail is rated as easy for everyone and makes a great place to take your family for a hike while you snap a few hundred photos of the local flora.
The 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 flowers to photograph, there are waterfalls to discover and add in with the rest of your photos.
These are just a few of the most popular place to take photographs of the incredible array of spring wildflowers for you to check out. There are many other trails to hike and meadows filled with a virtual cornucopia of flowers in every color imaginable. Make sure you bring plenty of memory cards with you, you’re going to need them here!

Celebrate Fall with Hard Apple Cider: Here's Where to Find It in the Smokies

Posted on October 29, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Drinking, Smoky Mountains

Autumn is upon us, and that means it’s time to break out everybody’s favorite fall traditions. Whether you’re in the mood for corn mazes, haunted houses, apple picking, or any of the rest of the season’s highlights, if you’d typically enjoy them with a beer or a glass of wine, consider trying a hard apple cider to really capture autumn’s spirit.
There are plenty of locally-made hard apple ciders to choose from, and they’ve got all the flavors of the season, brewed, bottled, and available to people in Blount County.

Wyile Cider in Sevierville

You’ll find plenty of varieties to choose from at Wyile Cider in nearby Sevierville. Made in small batches since 1998, this cidery offers both sparkling sweet and sparkling dry hard apple cider, as well as 16 other flavors of hard apple cider.
Featuring everything from blueberry to mango to blackberry to mulled cider, this cidery’s ciders all have an apple base and natural fruit concentrates or extracts, and all the apples are sourced exclusively from Appalachian orchards. Ciders are aged from 3 to 12 months and are made without any added sugars or chemicals. You can visit the Wyile Cidery for tastings by going to the Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park at 3757 Thomas Lane in Sevierville.

Mill Bridge Winery in Pigeon Forge

If you’ve got a mix of wine and cider lovers heading out for an afternoon or evening’s tasting, you won’t want to miss the Mill Bridge Winery over in Pigeon Forge. They offer four different hard apple ciders, including the South Cider, a blend of different kinds of apples, the Cider House Blues, featuring sweet apples and blueberries, their Farmhouse Cider, an English-style dry apple cider, and finally their Iconic Tonic, with a fresh honey taste and crisp lemon finish.
Unbeatable wines are also available, of course, and you’ll find the Mill Bridge Winery at 3331 South River Road in Pigeon Forge, just off the Parkway and Old Mill Avenue. Mill Bridge Winery is also a member of the Rocky Top Wine Trail, so be sure to visit them if you’re on a tasting trip!

Round 6 Brewing in Maryville

Craft beer enthusiasts who want to mix it up with a little cider are in luck. They can stay in Blount County and visit Round 6 Brewing, where they offer a hard pear cider on tap from Bold Rock Hard Cider that’s a blend of New Zealand pears and apples from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Considered “refreshingly delicious” and “superbly drinkable,” this pear cider is sure to satisfy even the “apple-only” purists among cider drinkers.
Family owned by Will and Kathy Wesselman, Round 6 also offers beers from around the United States and Europe, and can be visited at 427 Whitecrest Drive in Maryville.

Considering Spring Break in the Smokies? Here are 5 Great Reasons to Make Reservations on the Peaceful Side

Posted on February 11, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Ask travel experts and they’ll tell you that “spring break” is a season that can start as early as late in February and run into the middle of April. Typically, March is the peak of the season, and while it is often seen as a time of crazy parties for college kids, a lot of families book getaways while kids enjoy a short holiday from the regular school schedule. Lasting around a week, it is the perfect amount of time to visit a place of natural beauty. If you are considering a spring break vacation this year, you would be hard pressed to find something as ideal as the “Peaceful Side” of the Smokies.
Why a Visit to the Smokies is Ideal in Spring
If you are not sure just where in the Smokies, we suggest you opt for the “Peaceful Side” in the area around Blount County. Why? Well, here are 5 very good reasons to do so:

Fewer People – If you have never visited the Smokies, you may not know that it is an area that sees millions of visitors, and the peak of travel is in the summer season. This means that roads, restaurants, shops and even accommodations can be quite full, and if you are eager to really savor your time in places like the National Park, you’ll see a lot of fellow travelers. The spring is also popular, but there are markedly fewer visitors, and this can allow you to experience a sense of having many places all to yourself! Plus, as its name indicates, the Peaceful Side is less crowded and more peaceful than other areas in the Smokies like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Nature – There is little that can compare to the beauty of the Smoky Mountain area during the spring months. All of the different colors of green that spring to life from the trees and plants combine with the first blossoms and blooms, the return of migratory birds and the gentle babble of the streams (and even the waterfalls) to make an unforgettable experience.
Outdoor experiences and attractions – The return of the warmer weather (daytime highs never reach 80 and night time lows average around 40) means that you can bike, hike, walk, jog, ride your motorcycle, book time at one of the canopy tours, take a brisk ride down the Little River or another body of water, and generally enjoy all of the summer activities with fewer lines and crowds.
Budget friendliness – It makes good sense to travel outside of the peak season anywhere in the world, and this applies to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, too. Traveling in the spring means you don’t pay the higher seasonal rates, saving money and yet giving you access to exactly the same activities.
The Cabins and accommodations – One of the most unique things about a visit to the region is the abundance of mountain cabins available to rent. Many are little destinations all on their own with everything from fireplaces to outdoor hot tubs. A spring break at one of these cabins could become your newest and most favorite way to celebrate the arrival of the season.

Whether traveling on your own, with a sweetheart or the whole family, you’ll want to give serious consideration to a visit to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies and its many appealing activities, beautiful scenery, great restaurants and excellent accommodations.

Enjoy a Picnic Lunch at Spruce Flats Falls

Posted on June 18, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

Looking for a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch while you are in the Townsend, TN area? The 1.9-mile hike to the Spruce Flats Falls may be just what you are looking for. The trail is moderate and may be challenging for smaller children, but older kids and adults should have no problem. Along the way, you will encounter some steep, rocky sections of trail, especially as you reach the end of the trail at the falls.

What to Expect on Your Trip to the Spruce Flats Falls

While this is one of the less commonly hiked trails, the journey is more than worth the effort. The trailhead begins as the Great Smoky Mountain Institute. You need to park on the right side to find the trailhead. The trail to Spruce Flats Falls branches off of the Buckeye Trail, but your journey starts on the Lumber Ridge Trail. You have to look for the sign that says “Falls Trail” as you won’t find the trail listed on any maps.
The trail to the Falls tends to be like most in the area with more than its fair share of roots, rocks, and foot traps. You must keep an eye out as you go unless, of course, you want to twist an ankle. At one point, you have to cross Bull Branch and then do your best log walking trick across a log with steps cut into it. Once you cross the log, it’s just a short trip down to the bottom of the Spruce Flats Falls.
Although the trail might not show up on maps, the falls are relatively popular among waterfall enthusiasts and nature photographers. Not only is the early morning light the perfect time to view the falls, it is also the perfect time to take awe-inspiring photographs.

The Spruce Flats Falls

The Spruce Flats Falls drop 30 feet over four stages into the pond below. The pool is the perfect place for a cool refreshing swim after the hike down to it on a hot summer day. This is also the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing family picnic. There is plenty of shade in which to relax and then take an afternoon dip in the pool below the falls before heading back out. Just remember, if you pack it in, pack it out: don’t leave your mess behind, including your kids!
While the trail to the falls may be a little steep in places for some families, those of you who like to “backpack” your littlest ones should have no problem. With so much shade and a good sunblock, your kids can hang out and play to their heart’s content. There are a number of smaller pools that are perfect for letting the kids wade in and chase salamanders under a watchful eye.
Although Spruce Flats Falls is not one of the better-known waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains, it is quite beautiful and well worth making a day hike out of your journey. Pack a tasty picnic, take the family, and make the most out of getting back to nature.

Enjoy the Quiet and Visit the Smokies in the Off-Season for a Stress-Free Vacation

Posted on January 4, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

In all honesty, it can be said that there is not a bad or wrong time to visit the Smokies. You can find a long list of indoor and outdoor activities at any time of year, and just paying a visit to a woodland cabin and enjoying a crackling fire may be all you need for the best experience. Yet, if you are eager to see and do the many things available in the region, it might be wise to book your visit in what might be called the “off-season.”

The Off-Season in the Smokies

As a year-round destination, the Smokies don’t have an official off-season, but do have times of peak travel and quieter, less busy times. Once the winter holidays have come and gone and true winter settles over the mountains, the region seems to quiet down a bit. While you won’t be able to enjoy the amazingly verdant rolling hills, or the saturated hues of autumn, there is still an amazing amount of natural beauty during the winter season in the Smokies.
Keep in mind that even during the wintery off-season there will be times when visitation spikes and peaks again. Holidays like Valentine’s Day or any winter breaks from school may lead to a revival of heavier visitation, and many weekends remain quite busy all year.
Technically, the lowest level of visitation comes from later January and throughout February, and that would be a great time to go ahead and book your stay. You’ll find vacancies in the different cabins or cottages as well as the resorts and hotels, along with all of the B&Bs or even home rentals.

Is It Worth an Off-Season Visit?

Naturally, you will want to know if you can still experience the major attractions if it is the off season, and the answer is a resounding “yes.” The larger towns like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have all of the usual activities and options (with the exception of Dollywood, which shuts down for January and February). Some stores or restaurants may shorten their hours, but still remain active, and the different stage shows may limit their numbers of performances, but still do their popular shows.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open, though some roads and trails have to shut down due to inclement weather. Yet, you can enjoy an amazingly unrestricted, peaceful and stress-free drive through Cades Cove or wonderful Newfound Gap, and if you hit the trails, you’ll find frozen waterfalls and wonderfully peaceful conditions.
And, on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, in towns like Maryville, Townsend and Alcoa, the winter is a wonderful time to visit. You can enjoy special events like the Winter Heritage Festival in late January in Townsend, and many of the breweries, distilleries and antique shops are the perfect indoor remedy for for cold weather (including this Tennessee Winter Beer Fest on February 16th).

Benefits of Off-Season Visits

If you need any further reasons to consider the Smokies as an ideal off-season destination, just consider that you’ll enjoy fewer crowds wherever you go, no lines or waiting at restaurants and popular attractions, better rates on rentals and cabins, and scenery that you will not enjoy at any other time of year.
Every season is a good season to visit the Smokies, but if stress-free and ultimately peaceful is your goal, go during the tranquil off-season this winter!