Category: Smoky Mountains

Learn About the History of the Region with a Tour of Cades Cove

Posted on March 1, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

If you are coming to the Townsend, TN area for a vacation, a trip into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must. And if you really want to learn all about the history of the region, then the best place to do so is by taking a tour of Cades Cove.

A First-Hand View of Cades Cove

If you are looking for a first-hand experience of what it must have been like to live here “back in the day,” then you have only to go inside the park and visit Cades Cove. From long walks through the grassy valleys, hikes in the mountains, a chance to see some of the local wildlife, or a walk through the historic buildings, this is the place to be. You and your family can get a taste of what it was like to live here in the early days.
The Cades Cove Loop Road typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to drive, but if you go this fast, you might miss out on a lot. Most of those who come here tend to be here all day since there is so much to see and do.

Things You Might Not Know About Cades Cove

Many of the buildings on display here in Cades Cove have been moved here from elsewhere or were built here after the park opened. For example, the Gregg-Cable House was built out on Forge Creek Road in 1879 by Leason Gregg. Many of the buildings around the John P. Cable Mill have been moved from their original location.
Did you know that the Cades Cove area is the most popular spot in the entire park, bringing in 2 million visitors every year? They come for the hiking trails, the biking opportunities, the spectacular scenery, and the deep history the area has to share with everyone who visits here.

Just Like It Used to Look

Perhaps the one thing that makes Cades Cove the perfect place to learn about the history of the area is the number of historic buildings and structures you get to see as you drive or walk along the route. There are churches, barns, a working grist mill that just got a new waterwheel, plenty of log houses, and many others to see. Make sure you pick up one of the Tour Guide Booklets at the entrance to the loop.
The guide can provide you with a vast amount of information on the various buildings, the park, and the history of the entire region. Be sure you stop by the Cades Cove Visitors Center to learn about the many Park Ranger-led tours scheduled for the day you plan to be here. Between the knowledgeable and friendly staff in the visitors’ center and your tour guide, you can learn all about the history of Cades Cove, the park, and the surrounding area.
When you are all done for the day, be sure you stop back in at the visitors’ center and pick out a few souvenirs to take home with you. No matter what else you do, be sure you take lots of pictures so you can show the folks back home how beautiful the Peaceful Side of the Smokies truly is!

Learn About the Peaceful Side's Native American Heritage

Posted on January 14, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

A recent article out of Maryville, TN asks a very simple question: “Do you know who lived in your house before you did? How about what stood a century ago on the land where your house now sits?” And it is a good question to ask anyone since few of us could explain who may have lived in our family home or on our family’s land. We might guess that Native Americans may have lived in certain areas, but few of us are certain of the facts.
If you are eager to discover the facts about the Native American history of the Great Smoky Mountains region, you have a rare chance to do so thanks to a permanent display created by the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
Asking just that same question as the one above (Do you know who lived on your land before you?), but increasing the time to ten thousand years, the museum offers a great deal of information as an answer to it.

Looking Back Thousands of Years in the Smokies’ History

The modern city of Townsend, Tenn. was once the home of the Cherokee people. They lived in the region more than ten thousand years ago and inhabited the area today known as the Tuckaleechee Cove area. The Heritage Center has a collection of more than one thousand artifacts by this ancient people, and even had the Townsend Archaeology Project from 1999 to 2001 in order to gather and curate the collection on display.
Because so many people envision pioneers as settling the area, they overlook that there is a great deal more history to discover prior to the pioneer days. Today, there are still Cherokee people in the area, but there is a difference between those who live today and the ancient Cherokee. Historians and archaeologists even have a specific way to describe them, calling them historic Cherokee since their land holdings actually ran from modern day Cincinnati over to Atlanta and eastward to Asheville, NC as well as westward towards Birmingham, AL. They lived through three different periods, known as the Archaic, Woodland and Mississippian, and visitors can see artifacts dating from all three eras of the historic Cherokee peoples.
It is difficult to imagine a time of hunters and gatherers in modern North America, but this is precisely what the historic Cherokee of the Smokies area were. They followed their animal game and foraged for wild foods. Artifacts include some of the actual arrowheads used in hunting, and even fishing tools and household tools like axes. They were also adept with clay pottery and built wooden structures in which to live.
If you want to learn all that you can about these historic people, the Center’s Native Americans of East Tennessee Collection is on permanent display at the Heritage Center and can be viewed whenever you pay a visit to this fascinating destination.

Learn Why Appalachian Folk Music is Still Being Played in the Smokies

Posted on September 21, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

No matter where you go in the Smoky Mountains, you are sure to hear someone playing Appalachian folk music. It might be coming from one of the many bars, clubs, restaurants, venues, or even on the street corners. What’s funny about this particular genre of music is that no matter what your personal preference in music might be, you can’t help but stop to listen to the banjo and fiddle combinations (along with a vocalist in some instances). Before long, you will likely find your foot tapping along with the tune as the music swells in your soul.
Multiple Influences
The music favored for decades in Appalachia is thought to have its roots in English, Irish, and Scottish ballads and hymns, and later in African-American blues. Over time, this unique blend of vocals, fiddles, and banjos led to the development of other forms of music, including blues and country. Along with the fiddles and banjos, you might also find guitars and the fretted dulcimer being played.
Among the many well-known artists who are known to have been influenced by or played Appalachian music are country stars like Earl Scruggs, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn. But country music artists are not the only ones to be influenced by this form of music. Legends like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, The Statler Brothers, even Jerry Garcia (The Grateful Dead) have all play songs from Appalachian music or have rewritten them to suit their musical style.
Appalachian Music Will Never Die
There is an old saying that goes “Rock and roll will never die,” but the same can be said of Appalachian music. With a history dating back centuries, instead of waning in popularity, this beautiful music seems to be growing in popularity. Maybe this simply represents a change in tastes, or perhaps more people have become interested in the roots of the music they prefer and suddenly find themselves lost in the sound of the banjo and fiddle together.
Like many other popular forms of “old-school” music, there are numerous Appalachian music festivals all along the Appalachian mountain range from the Appalachian String Band Music Festival held annually in Clifftop, WV to the Museum of Appalachia’s Tennessee Fall Homecoming that takes place in Clinton, TN every year.
Why do people still love this form of music? There are millions of reasons, but for many, it is the simplicity of the music, the stories told, and the ability to sit back and relax while you take in the melodies. For others, listening to Appalachian music is a great way to get back to the roots of so many different varieties of music being played today.
In the early days, Appalachian folk music was considered to be a great way to bring the entire community together. People would sit on the front porch or stoop, in the town square, or around a big fire just to listen to the music, dance to it, and enjoy the spirit of camaraderie that came with it. Today, it has a similar effect on anyone listening to it; they want to get together to celebrate the music with others, share in the stories, and be washed clean of their normal lives, if only for a few minutes.

Take a few minutes out of your busy day to stop and listen to the many wonderful local musicians on “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” in Blount County, who truly love the music they play.

Lodging Options to Suit Every Need on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Posted on December 19, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Lodging, Smoky Mountains

So, you have decided to book a holiday to the Smokies, and whether it is for the autumn season, the upcoming Christmas holidays or as a winter retreat, you need to have a place to stay. Fortunately, the beauty and the popularity of this region make it necessary for there to be every possible type of accommodation. That means you can find whatever type of lodging you desire.
If you’re traveling to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, and if you are traveling alone or with a large group of family or friends, there are places to book that can fit any number of guests—and even some with pet-friendly policies, too.

Types of Lodging in the Smokies

Though you might think that your options might be limited to large hotels or resort-like properties, you can actually choose from:

Bed and Breakfasts
Cabins
Cottages
Hotels
Motels
Campgrounds, and more

The best way to begin narrowing down the options is to start with the general location you hope to spend most of your time. For example, you may be planning a visit at Christmas and eager to spend time in the charmingly decorated and cheerful downtown areas of Maryville or Townsend, perhaps even enjoying one of the Santa Calls visits or an official tree lighting! You’ll have several family members and want to stay in one spot together. Did you know there are cabins that can accommodate groups of ten or more? There are many options of that kind in Blount County as well as the entire region. You can gather together around a fireplace, enjoy time spent playing pool or cooking meals together, and you might even find a hot tub on the deck!
Naturally, you may prefer something like a stay at a traditional hotel, and there are scores of options. Just begin with your location.

Think Group Size

As just noted, the many cabins and lodges of the region are a great choice if you are part of a large group. They can allow everyone to stay under a single roof and relax together in shared spaces while also having private bedrooms, and often private baths. The cabins are also a great way to really experience the scenery and natural surroundings since many are situated outside of town and in wooded areas or ridges with amazing views.
This is not to say that the hotels or motels are a less favorable option, it is simply that memories are often made around dinner tables, game boards, or when sprawled out on sofas in a living room, and this is something cabins offer.
Keep in mind that some of the best resort-style properties also have group packages to ensure a similar opportunity, with everyone just a single door apart! If you are traveling in the winter, some of the resorts will have special offers, too!
Also think about the needs of your group. Will you require handicap accessibility? Perhaps you want to bring your dogs along on vacation? Maybe you would like year-round amenities like a pool or gym. Perhaps camping is more your style and you’d prefer a campground that’s near a stream or has a playground?
The good news is that whatever sort of need or wish you have for lodging on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, you will have many great options! Just book early since this is one of the most popular year-round destinations.

Looking for a Place for Your Destination Wedding in the Smokies? These Venues Are Perfect

Posted on September 26, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Events, Smoky Mountains

Have you ever dreamed of having your wedding in a destination where the view is so stunning, you don’t even need decorations? The Smoky Mountains are ideal for a lovely ceremony. The beautiful weather, the peaceful scenery, and the gorgeous venues make a destination wedding in the Smokies wonderful for any couple. Your guests will love visiting the area and having fun in nearby Pigeon Forge as well! Make your destination wedding dreams come true without worrying about breaking the bank – the Smokies are an affordable place to enjoy true beauty. Here are some of the best venues in the area.
Rustic Beauty at The Lily Barn
Townsend’s Lily Barn is a beautiful place to have a rustic chic wedding. From the covered bridge to the cabins where the groom and bride can get ready, this location has everything you need. They do catering for your reception, so there is no need to worry about getting another vendor. And your photos will be absolutely gorgeous as you explore the many quaint spots all around the property.
Southern Elegance at Colonial Estate
Maybe, rather than a rustic barn, you want the stunning view of the mountains to be all the backdrop you need. Maryville’s Colonial Estate offers an elegant setting for a ceremony. Walk down the aisle at this destination wedding location in the Smokies with the mountains framing the gazebo where you’ll exchange vows in front of your intimate wedding party.
Contemporary Meets Traditional Charm at Sampson’s Hollow
Located in Walland, Sampson’s Hollow is a property that allows for whatever kind of mountain wedding you want. Enjoy a barn ceremony, an outdoor ceremony at the Foundry, and more. The private space is perfect for having an all-day affair to celebrate your new life together. There is even a honeymoon cabin on the property for the wedding night.
Tying the Knot in the Smokies
There are many other places to host a lovely destination wedding in the Smokies. From the Townsend Hill Vineyard to the Heartland Wedding Chapel, there is something to suit any kind of couple. Getting hitched here in the mountains is a tradition for people from around the world. The area offers tons of options for vendors and wedding planners, as well as luxury cabin rentals for the honeymoon. Imagine starting your new life together by waking up to the stunning view of the sun rising over mountain peaks right outside the bedroom window.
Blount County is one of the most romantic areas in the Smokies, and is just a short drive away from lots of fun in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas as well!

Looking for Adventure in the Smokies? Here are 3 Motorcycle Rides You Shouldn't Miss

Posted on September 14, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

The scenery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas are nothing short of spectacular. For those of you who love to ride, the Smoky Mountains are the perfect place, whether you prefer a touring bike, a sport-bike, or a cruiser. No matter where you ride in the mountains, you are sure to enjoy majestic mountain views, dense, luscious forests, and numerous cascading waterfalls. There are virtually hundreds of miles of road you might think have been built just for motorcyclists. If you are riding to the area or bringing your bike along on a trailer, here are three amazing rides you simply can’t afford to miss.
The Tail of the Dragon
The Tail of the Dragon is considered to be one of the most famous motorcycle rides in the country. The start is just a short ride from Gatlinburg to US-129. The road runs for 11 miles from the state line at Deal’s Gap and runs through some of the most incredible areas of the park. During your ride, you will encounter no less than 318 different curves, ranging from gentle swoops to twisting turns that will have you laying your bike over to almost horizontal. The speed limit of 30 mph is heavily enforced as this section of US-129, and its steep descents and twisting curves, make it almost impossible not to feel like twisting the throttle. While the scenery is fantastic, the nearest emergency room is in Maryville, TN, nearly an hour away. Take it easy, enjoy the ride and, of course, watch for other vehicles and changing road conditions.
The Cherohala Skyway
Looking for a long stretch of twisting highway with less traffic and law enforcement? The Cherohala Skyway offers you a lightly traveled twisting and turning ride that lasts for the 23 miles from Tellico Plains here in Tennessee all the way to Robbinsville in South Carolina. This ride will take you up to 5400 feet in elevation and offers spectacular views of the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests along the way. It will take you about 2 hours to get to the start of the ride from Gatlinburg, but this is one of the most spectacular motorcycle rides in the Smokies.
The Little River Gorge Road
While traffic on this road can be heavy, depending on the time of day, it does offer incredible views of the scenery along with several waterfalls along the way. The ride starts at Cades Coves in the park and takes you into the southwest corner of the park. Be sure you pay attention to the speed limits in the park as they are heavily enforced by the National Park Service. Your route will take you along the Little River Gorge Road running beside the river, a road which can be heavily congested depending on the time of day you choose to venture out.
This is only a sample of the countless fantastic motorcycle rides to be found in the Gatlinburg, TN area. Always wear your helmet and safety gear when you ride, keep a close eye out for other motorists in the area, and you will go home with some amazing photos, memories, and stories of your rides.

Make the Peaceful Side of the Smokies Your Vacation Destination This Fall

Posted on October 11, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Although summers in eastern Tennessee on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are spectacular, fall has its own beauty that continues to make it the perfect destination for your next vacation. Coming here in the fall brings with it cooler, drier weather, that makes going for hikes to see the incredible foliage very comfortable; the only thing you might need is a light jacket. The entire area has plenty to offer in terms of hikes, festivals, and more. Here are a few of them for you to consider.
The Townsend Heritage Festival
Held the 28th and 29th of September, the Townsend Heritage Festival is a celebration of Bluegrass music, food, arts & crafts, and offers a range of fall activities sure to be fun for everyone. Grab some lawn chairs, a picnic blanket, and the whole family. There will be dozens of local vendors, on-site demonstrations, and many other activities sponsored by local merchants and local craftsmen and women.
Why Not Go for a Hike?
The fall scenery on this side of the Smokies is nothing less than spectacular. The leaves are incredible with colors that cover every imaginable shade of green, gold, orange, yellow, and red. There are plenty of trails to check out in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bringing your pup along with you? Try the Gatlinburg Trail; it’s one of the only trails in the park that allows dogs. Just be sure to keep your pup on a leash and carry poop bags to clean up any messes they make.
Take a Hayride Tour
If you are looking for a family activity that everyone will enjoy, head over to the Cades Cove Riding Stables. Here you and the family can go on a hayride tour of the stunning scenery as you ride along the Cades Cove Loop. Along the way, your tour guide will talk to you about the history of the area along with some of the folklore; it’s a beautiful way to spend a little of your day and an excellent experience for the whole family.
It’s Spooky Time
Fall is “Spooky Time” for many across the country as Halloween rapidly approaches. If you like to feel the tingle of fear running up and down your spine, you should add a trip to the Elkmont Historic District in your plans. The vacation homes here were abandoned back in the 1900s and have been left sitting just as they were left. The homes are located inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park; they make a perfectly “safe” way to get your thrills and chills.
Up for a Challenge?
If you are up for the challenge, make the trek to the top of Clingmans Dome. The Dome is the tallest point in the entire park and offers a spectacular view of the mountains in all their fall splendor. It’s a bit of a challenge, but you will find it well worth the effort.
These are only a few of the countless reasons why you need to make the Peaceful Side of the Smokies your vacation destination this fall. There is so much to see and do here; you will find yourself coming back year after year just to make sure you haven’t missed anything!

Ober Gatlinburg has Winter Fun for Everyone: Spend a Day Here on Your Next Smoky Mountains Vacation

Posted on December 26, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

If summer is the only time you ever come to the Gatlinburg area for a vacation, you are missing out on half the fun. Ober Gatlinburg, established in 1962, sits high in the Smoky Mountains overlooking Gatlinburg. It is both a ski area and an amusement park. The facility consists of a large indoor mall with an ice-skating rink, clothing stores, a restaurant, and indoor amusements. But the real fun is outside in the snow where you will find a lot more than a ski area.
The Chairlift
You can take the chairlift halfway to the top and then ride the Alpine slide back to the bottom or take it all the way to the top where there is a scenic overlook with majestic views of the mountains and live bluegrass music playing.
The Amusement Park
The amusement park at Ober Gatlinburg has a lot to offer including the Alpine slide, the Ski Mountain Coaster, a video arcade, a tramway stop, bumper cars, miniature golf, and so much more. There is something here that is guaranteed to keep everyone in the family happy for hours. There is also a rock wall to climb, and an old-fashioned carousel to ride.
The Tramway
The Tramway runs from its hub in downtown Gatlinburg and runs west all the way to Ober Gatlinburg. During the day, you have spectacular views of the mountains, and at night the lights of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the surrounding area offer an incredible sparkling carpet of light. The ride takes about 10 minutes each way at approximately 17 miles per hour.
The Wildlife Encounter
Formerly this area was a Black Bear Habitat, but it has been enlarged and turned into a Wildlife Encounter where you can now see many of the animals who call the Smoky Mountains their home. You can see bobcats, numerous birds of prey, North American otters, flying squirrels, snakes, turtles, raccoons, and many others. Oh, and the black bears are still there to see, as well.
The Ski Area
Ober Gatlinburg has no less than ten ski trails for you to enjoy, a terrain park, and three chair lifts to keep things moving along. It is the only ski resort in Tennessee and is just far south enough that it doesn’t always get enough snow. For this situation, they have installed enough snowmaking capacity to keep all ten slopes covered in a heavy layer of snow as long as the outside temperature is 28°F or lower.
For added fun, there is a multi-lane snow-tubing hill with lanes that measure approximately 400 feet long. You don’t even have to climb back to the top. You get to ride the “Magic Carpet,” an outdoor escalator that takes all the hard work out of tubing.
This Is Ober Gatlinburg
This is only a brief description of all that Ober Gatlinburg has to offer over the winter. From skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing, to a nice hot cup of cocoa to warm you up, this is the perfect place to spend a day out with your family. There is even a full-service lounge for those who like a hot spiced rum or maybe some hot cocoa with a peppermint schnapps kicker. Plan your visit to Ober Gatlinburg during your winter Smoky Mountains vacation!

Our Majestic Black Bears

Posted on July 24, 2021 by Rachel Coffman - Blog, Smoky Mountains

One of the prominent tourist intrigues of the Great Smoky Mountains is our majestic black bears. It is not an uncommon sight to see a mama bear and her cubs playing in the park during spring, and it is a precious sight indeed. But don’t be fooled by the innocence of this fun-natured scene or the excitement of seeing your first bear because these creatures can be dangerous when threatened.

A typical adult male bear weighs approximately 250 pounds, and while the adult females are smaller, there have been females documented weighing over 100 pounds. The black bear’s weight can double in the fall, growing to 500+ pounds. They have a keen sense of smell, see in color, are good climbers and swimmers, and run up to 30 miles per hour.

What to Know About Black Bears

Bears are most active early in the morning and late in the evening hours during spring and summer.
Mating usually takes place in July.
During the winter, they chose to den in hollow stumps high above the ground in the Smokies. They enter extended periods of sleep but will leave the den if disturbed or on unusually warm days.
Cubs are born during the mother’s winter sleep around late January or early February.
Females and newly born cubs begin to venture from their dens around late March and early April.
Cubs are often born in pairs and will remail with their mother for about eighteen months.
Bears are omnivores. Plants, nuts, and berries make up around 85% of their diets, and the remaining is protein gained from insects and animals.

Black Bear lounging in a tree — Black Bear resting after a hard day.

Garbage Kills Bears

When bears have constant exposure to human food, it changes their behaviors and causes them to lose their natural fear of humans. This exposure can lead to unpredictable and dangerous behavior.
Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia.
Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers.
When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. Never leave food scraps or containers unattended. If camping in the backcountry, hang your food and garbage on the provided food storage cable systems.
If you bring it into the park, make sure you take it out with you.
NEVER feed bears; that is a sure way to ensure their demise.

Black Bear in the Great Smoky Mountains — Photo by Randy Ratliff

What To Do if You See a Bear

Check the “Bear Closures” and “Bear Warnings” section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park.
Remain aware, do not approach the bear, or let the bear approach you.
Approaching a bear within 50 yards (150 feet) or any distance that disturbs or distracts the bear is illegal in the park.
If a bear gets aggressive (running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting at the ground), he demands more space.
Throw rocks or non-food objects at the bear or use a large stick as a deterrent.
Please DO NOT RUN, instead slowly back away, watching the bear, and shout to intimidate it. If it does attack – fight back with any available object; do not play dead.

Black Bear in the Smokies — Photo by Randy Ratliff

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States where black bears can live wild and free. Biologists estimate roughly 1500 bears live in the park and inhabit all elevations of the park. Their instinctive behavior is shy, elusive, and solitary by nature unless in family units. Our community mourns the euthanization of any single black bear, especially when it is because of behaviors created by careless humans. Please do your part to keep our majestic black bears safe and their habitats and instincts wild.

Black Bear Cub in a tree — Black bear cub climbing tree.

For more information on wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains, check out these posts:

Wildlife Viewing and Safety Tips

Springtime in the Smoky Mountains

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

Posted on October 15, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

Fall in eastern Tennessee is the ideal time of year to go hiking in the Smokies. The fall foliage display, courtesy of Mother Nature, runs from September through November, but keep in mind the foliage starts changing color at the higher elevations first. By mid-October the mountains put their full splendor on display from midway to peak, making this time of year the best time to go hiking in the Smokies. Here are three of our favorite hikes for viewing the fall foliage.

1. The Rich Mountain Loop Trail

Located in Cades Cove, the trail is a delightful way to explore what many consider to be “one of the most picturesque valleys” anywhere in the country. Hiking along this trail takes you past several spectacular views of Cades Cove and through some incredible areas of forest. If you come here in late October, the fall colors are at their peak.

The trail itself is only mildly challenging and should be fine for all family members. You can also include hikes to the John Oliver Cabin and the Primitive Baptist Church located in the Cove while you are here. Since this is a very popular trail, you should park in the campground and walk to the trailhead; it’s not very far.

2. The Middle Prong Trail

The trailhead for the Middle Prong Trail is located near the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. The trail stays at a low level, making it perfect for the less experienced hiker and younger children. There are many other trails that take you higher into the mountains where you look out over the mountains. You won’t find views like that on the Middle Prong Trail. But what you will find is a delightful trail winding through glorious woods covered in a shroud of fall colors including golds, yellows, oranges, reds, and browns.

The trail also takes you past a number of waterfalls and cascades as it winds near and over the creeks that curve lazily down the mountainside. While you are here, why not take the one-mile trip on the Spruce Flats Falls Hiking Trail. The trailhead is located at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and offers mountain views and a 20-ft waterfall. Bring the family and make sure you grab your camera; both trails offer spectacular photo opportunities.

3. The Gregory Bald Trail

“I’m on top of the world, ma!” Well, at least it will feel that way by the time you get to the top of Gregory Bald. From here you have an uninterrupted view of the southeastern corner of the park, including Cades Cove. While the view from the top of the bald is incredible and a fantastic destination, the journey itself is worthy of comment. As you hike towards the top, your journey will take you past the stands of hardwood that make the mountains so glorious at this time of year. It’s a ten-mile hike, but more than worth the effort.

The Peaceful Side of the Smokies has dozens of trails for you to explore in the fall. One thing you can count on is that no matter which hike you take, you will never be disappointed by the scenery.

Photographers Love the Smoky Mountains for their Mystical Beauty

Posted on November 28, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

With so many national parks to choose from, you might be surprised to find that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular with both amateur and professional photographers alike. Make sure you bring your camera, along with plenty of batteries and memory cards when you’re here. There are so many different places to take photographs, it can be hard to know where to go first. Here are a few of the hottest places for you and your camera to visit.

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is one of the most popular places in the entire park to visit. Be sure your camera is ready to go from the minute you start along the 11-mile loop. As you cruise along the loop, you are likely to encounter white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, groundhogs, and of course, black bears. Do be sure to use the many pull-offs to stop and take your pictures. If you do run across a bear, be sure to leave it alone and walk slowly away from it, after you get your pictures of course (only if it is safe to do so).

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the tallest point in the park; you simply can’t visit the park without bringing your camera here. While standing here, you have access to some of the most incredible scenery in the entire mountain range. Although some of the other mountains in the park (the shorter ones) can be pretty tough to climb all the way to the top, Clingmans Dome is not hard to reach. There is a seven-mile-long road that you can use to drive to the trail that leads to the observation tower. The trek up to the top of the tower is quite steep in nature, but you will find the effort well worthwhile as the scenery opens up before you on every side.

Mount LeConte

Mount LeConte is the third highest peak in the Smoky Mountains range and offers some excellent hiking trails. There are several trails leading to the mountain peak; of these, the Alum Cave trail is one of the best for taking pictures. The trail winds its way to the top as it covers 5 miles and passes an eponymous cave. You will cross a concave bluff that runs for 80 feet and is 24 feet high. As you reach the peak of your journey, you will come across the LeConte Lodge, reputed to be the highest guest lodge in the country. You can stay here and enjoy a night in the lodge or continue winding your way along the trail enjoying some of the most spectacular Smoky Mountains scenery to be found anywhere.

Chimney Tops

If you are up for something a little more challenging, there is the Chimney Tops Trail. The trail climbs 1,400 feet in only 2 miles. The climb is quite steep and crosses a number of busy streams before the final scramble to the top where the “Chimney Top” gets its name — from the rocky peak waiting for you at the end of the trail. It’s a tough hike, but the view from here is nothing short of spectacular and the perfect place to take photos of Mount LeConte and the entire range.

Plan a Family Picnic in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Posted on October 19, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Kids seem to grow up faster than ever, don’t they? Which is why spending time with them as they grow is even more important, despite the demands (and rewards!) of dance lessons, baseball practice, homework, music classes, and other activities that require serious time commitments. Sometimes you just want to steal your kids away for an afternoon – but where to?
How About a Picnic in the Park?
America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is so full of great picnic spots it could be called Great Picnic Mountain National Park. People picnic trailside, at peaks like Andrew’s Bald or the more challenging Gregory Bald, and in open fields throughout the park. Picnicking in the park is a great mini-vacation; you’re in a fun, different environment, breathing in tons of fresh air, eating your favorite foods, and relaxing without distractions. With any luck, you won’t have much cell phone reception!
Prefer Tables and Chairs?
In or closest to Blount County, there are four designated picnicking sites, including the Look Rock Picnic Area, the Cades Cove Picnic Shelter, Tremont Picnic Shelter, and Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Shelter. Picnicking sites generally come with picnic tables that include attached benches, a raised grill, and oftentimes a wooden overhang to protect from any sudden rainstorms. Cades Cove and Metcalf Bottoms are open year-round, too, so if an unseasonably warm day in late spring, fall (or even winter!) pops up, no need to worry about whether your picnic spot has been closed for the season.
Feed Your Wildlife, Not the Park’s
One of the great things about being in the wilderness with your kids is the sense of freedom they have to run, jump, and play, but there are still some necessary rules that everyone has to follow. Chief among them for picnickers is the rule that feeding bears and other wildlife is illegal – no matter how cute, charming, or experienced they are at making “hungry eyes”.
Animals that learn that humans are a source of food eventually leave their safe havens and find themselves getting hit by cars, injuring visitors, or even “panhandling” by the roadside in search of more of our favorite treats. Cleaning up all your trash, including biodegradable food trash, helps keeps all the park’s visitors and occupants safe.
Don’t Forget Your Camera
If anyone in your family can’t resist the possibility of getting something done while you’re all relaxing in park, there is something they can accomplish. A picnic in the mountains makes for a very scenic photo opportunity, whether you’re just looking for a shot for your fridge, or for this year’s holiday cards. So grab your picnic baskets, throw your camera strap over your shoulder, and head on out into Great Smoky Mountains National Park!