Whether you are a casual stargazer, an amateur, or a professional astronomer, the one thing you need more than anything else is a clear sky and minimal light pollution. Living in a big town or city makes it almost impossible to see the stars, let alone truly enjoy them.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers you a peaceful place to stargaze without the interference of light pollution. Once the crowds have gone for the day, the traffic dies down, most of the local wildlife have tucked themselves in for the night, and the park becomes an entirely different world.
There Is More Than Earthly Wildlife Here
You might think that once the sun goes down and the wildlife goes to bed, there isn’t much to see here. But this would be a huge mistake, as once the sun goes down, the light show in the sky starts. What could be better than laying back on a blanket and staring up constellations like Orion, or Ursa Major and Ursa Minor?
There are many fabulous spots in the Smokies from which to view the heavens but coming into the park through Townsend offers you the chance to hike to several of the most popular spots. The Newfound Gap Trailhead is a favorite spot for stargazers. The parking lot at the trailhead is 6,000 feet above sea level and has no street lights to ruin your night vision. One thing to keep in mind, at this altitude it can be chilly at night, especially if you come in the spring or fall.
Phases of the Moon
The full moon is so bright here in the Smokies that it blots out the stars in the sky. So, if you plan to come here to see the stars, the new moon is the best time to see them as it offers minimal light interference. This unobstructed view of the stars and lack of light make it possible for you to take photographs of the stars. Be sure you turn off the flash and use a prolonged exposure. If you set the exposure to 1.5 to 2.0 minutes, your pictures will have star streaks on them caused by the earth’s rotation. Be sure to mount your camera on a tripod as it needs to be perfectly still to avoid blurred images.
So, if you are looking for something to do with your family after the sun goes down, consider taking a drive or hike up into the Smokies. Grab some cool weather clothes, a blanket or two, even a thermos of hot cocoa and a snack, and cruise up to the trailhead or into Cades Cove. Put the blankets on the hood of your car or the ground, lay back and stare upwards at the heavens where you will behold one of the most spectacular views of the stars you are likely to have ever seen anywhere, especially if you live in a city.
Category: Smoky Mountains
Take One Last Family Vacation to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before School Starts
If you’ve never been to a national park, you may be surprised to learn that there is far more to do inside than just walk around enjoying the view. Although there are tons of hiking trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does have plenty to thrill every member of the family. If you want to sneak in one more getaway with the kids before school, here are some attractions to check out.
Animal Lovers Should Take a Cruise Through Cades Cove
There is one part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is a must-see for any first-time visitor. Cades Cove is a driving loop that allows you to tour the park without leaving your car. Perfect for young children who can’t hike, this loop is separated from other roads, so you can take your time. Along the way, you’re sure to see turkey, deer, and maybe even black bear or elk. There are also historic buildings and stunning views of the mountains along the way, as well as places to stop and stretch your legs.
Adventure Seekers Can Fly Through the Trees
Does your crew like the adrenaline rush of roller coasters? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers one of the most exciting adventures you can get – zip lining! Check out the many zip line courses across the park, like Climbworks, where you can not only zip line, but also go through an aerial obstacle course with swaying rope bridges and more. Perfect for teens and families that can’t pass up a chance to have a blast, you’ll get a great view of the park up there!
Get a Unique View of the Park from Horseback
Another unique way to explore the park, especially if you want to see some of the beautiful waterfalls, is to take a guided horseback tour. Your kids will get the thrill of being led around on their very own horse, and the guide can lead you to some of the most beautiful spots in the region. Not interested in riding a horse? There are many other guided tours of the park you can take advantage of on foot, such as bird watching tours.
White Water Rafting and More
The park is a huge area, and adventure waits around every corner. From exploring caves to going white water rafting, you’ll find tons of activities that you and the kids will adore. Make a weekend out of trying as many as you can, or come back for more during spring break! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to make memories that will last forever.
Take the Kids on an Old-Fashioned Hayride in Cades Cove This Fall
Often described as one of the most appealing and picturesque settings in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is a lush and beautiful valley framed on all sides by the majestic mountains. Noted for its amazing amounts of native wildlife, it is the spot where millions of travelers have seen such well-loved animals as black bears, flocks of turkeys, and even small groups of coyotes.
Cades Cove Is a Must-See Destination Year-Round
Whether you are traveling in the warm weather of spring and summer or the cooler seasons of winter and fall, Cades Cove is a must-see area in the region. It offers an easy-to-navigate, 11-mile loop drive that includes plenty of places to stop, take in a hike, a picnic and more.
Busiest during the summer and autumn seasons, and especially during the weekends, it is a very enjoyable self-guided tour that can serve as the focal point for your entire day.
However, if you are visiting in the months of March through October, you can see the sights of Cades Cove in a much more relaxed and low-key manner – in one of the old-fashioned hayrides. Offered by Cades Cove Riding Stables, trips range from 1.5 to 3 hours (depending upon traffic in the park) and are usually in the company of a guide or Park Ranger. They are truck or wagon-pulled rides and easily one of the most exciting things for kids to experience.
What to Expect on a Cades Cove Hayride
What will a classic hayride through Cades Cove include? The area is dotted with 19th and 20th century farming communities, or what remains of them. During the autumn season, the late afternoon rides allow you to slowly take in those sites, but also the radiant foliage that frames every view or scene. You get to learn what life was like during the earliest days of the settlers and even discover a bit about their home lives, farming methods, and much more.
You can book an autumn season hayride for the hours of 10AM, 12PM or 3PM. The rides will occur unless weather conditions force a cancellation. Because it is autumn, you will want to be sure everyone is dressed comfortably and warmly, and it is perfectly acceptable to bring a few blankets along for the ride.
If you wish to introduce your kids to the history of the people who settled in the Great Smoky Mountains in the last few centuries and do it in a way that is amazingly scenic and fun, hayrides are the way to go.
Hayrides in the region are a popular autumn activity and you can also find them outside of the park including hayrides in downtown Gatlinburg!
The Best Breakfast Spots in the Smoky Mountains to Get You Going
Any visit to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is a good time to explore the many amazing dining options. But, if you are paying a visit in the winter months, you have every excuse imaginable to indulge in a hearty breakfast. Known as the most important meal of the day, this is particularly true when you are going up against the chilly weather of the winter season. Even if you intend to do little more than cozy up to a crackling fire in your rental cabin, or especially if you are going to head out for a serious day of snowshoeing, skiing, shopping or sightseeing… a good breakfast is a must.
The good news is that you have some truly astonishing choices and may want to just decide to eat breakfast “out” each day of the visit – and maybe book a stop in any of the “all day breakfast” joints to ensure you sample every single option available!
Breakfast on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Gracie’s Restaurant
A Maryville classic, this restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients for all three meals a day! If you want a home-style breakfast in a friendly and appealing setting, this is one to try.
Country Steak n’ Eggs
A newcomer to the area, it is a destination for fans of all things breakfast. Offering their namesake dish along with country classics like biscuits and gravy or country ham and eggs, it is tucked along the river in Townsend and provides scenery with its tasty foods.
Midland
Located in Alcoa, it is a “just like Grandma’s” sort of spot that offers amazing breakfast platters that cannot leave you hungry!
Snoring Bear Diner
Serving all meals, and noted for its peanut butter pie or grilled mac and cheese, it offers stick-to-ribs breakfasts for those with a serious appetite in the Walland area.
Savory Rootz
With a motto that says if it “ain’t made with love, it ain’t fit eat’n”, this Alcoa restaurant specializes in casual dining and local foods, and promises a creative menu with a twist on traditional breakfast dishes (like their fried chicken biscuit with sausage gravy!)
Great Choices Further Afield
If you are willing to head anywhere in the Blount County area, you’ll find that some of the best options include:
Crockett’s 1875 Breakfast
Skillet cinnamon rolls as big as your head and all of the breakfast favorites make this the perfect place to start the day. Everything has a wonderful twist, such as pecan smoked bacon or cathead stackers, and so much more.
Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast
The name says it all and you can expect enormous portions, farm fresh ingredients and more than enough in the way of choices. You may find yourself heading back just so you can sample a few more items on the huge menu.
Lil Black Bear Café
Located in Pigeon Forge, it is popular for family breakfasts and meals, and offers up healthy, hearty and fresh fare throughout the day.
Elvira’s Café
Save this Sevierville establishment for a brunch experience as it is noted for this particular specialty. An all day eatery, you can get lots of local dishes along with hearty breakfasts.
Don’t forget other highly-rated area eateries such as the Black Bear Café, Misty Morning Café, Rosy’s Café, TC’s Grill, The Iron Skillet, Farmacy, OliBea and so many others.
The Best Spring Trails in the Smoky Mountains
Springtime in the Smokies offers locals and visitors alike a majestic view not only of the mountains but of the hundreds of different colored wildflowers that bloom starting in spring and staying in bloom into the summer months. This time of year, not only are the millions of flowers a sight to behold, but you have a good chance of seeing new baby bear cubs, newborn fawns, baby birds, and so much more.
The snow line is slowly creeping higher up into the mountains the trees begin to burst out in their canopy of color, and with all this comes a serious case of cabin fever. It’s not unusual for anyone who has been cooped up all winter to feel the need to get outside and enjoy a little warm spring sunshine and fresh air. If you are coming to the Peaceful Side of Smokies to visit, make sure you bring your camera. Here are five of our favorite spots to take photographs.
Abrams Falls – It’s a five-mile round trip to Abrams Falls from Cades Cove. Your hike will take you through dense forest and rhododendrons that are blooming in a riot of color. The falls are one of the most popular spots to hike to and offer amazing photo opportunities.
Little River Trail – The Little River Trail is over in Elkmont and offers a 5-mile trek along the riverside where you will see an incredible selection of wildflowers blooming in a riot of color. Among them are hepaticas, rhododendron, and yellow trillium. Make sure you have plenty of room on your memory card, the photo ops are almost endless.
Laurel Falls Trail – The Laurel Falls Trail is considered by most to be the easiest trail in the Smokies to hike. It’s only 2.6 miles to the falls and back, but the walk will take you to the picture-perfect Laurel Falls. The trail leads you between the upper and lower falls and offers several fabulous photo opportunities.
Mount LeConte – For those of you who are up for a challenging hike, the Mount LeConte is third tallest peak inside the boundaries of the national park. The hike might be a bit tough, but the view from the summit is breathtaking, and you can capture some amazing photos here, making the trip well worth the effort.
Potters Creek Trail – If you want pictures of flowers, historical buildings, and a four-mile hike that is sure to create great memories, then Potters Creek Trail is for. Along the trek, you will go past the site of the John Messer farm along with a spectacular array of wildflowers including yellow trillium, foamflower, baneberry, wild geranium, dwarf ginseng, toothwort, and many, many more.
These are just a few of our favorite places to hike for photos. No matter who you talk to here, everyone is going to have their list of places they like to go to take pictures. The most important thing is for you to come to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies and find your own favorite places!
The Best Winter Views in the Smokies
It is fair to say that one of the best winter views you can enjoy while visiting the Smokies during the colder weather is the sight of your crackling fire roaring happily away in your cabin’s fireplace. Tucked into a cozy chair, surrounded by family or friends, and gazing out at the majestic winter landscape is probably one of the finest ways to relax and recharge this winter.
However tempting it might be to spend your entire visit inside by the fire, you should also head out into the surroundings and enjoy the unprecedented beauty that is the Smokies in winter. There are frozen waterfalls that you can reach in your car, popular spots now free of summer crowds and blanketed in a peaceful drift of snow, and the mountains themselves, which look entirely different in the winter months.
And if the idea of heading out in a car makes you think you might miss something, think again. CNN picked the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as one of the finest winter drives in the entire United States. So, just opting to pay a visit to the park can provide you with plenty of photo opportunities and show-stopping views.
Holiday Lights in the Smokies
From late November and until the turn of the New Year, the entire region is full of holiday lights. Known formally as Winterfest, it is a celebration of the season and between Sevierville, Townsend, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, there are more than five million little twinkle lights glimmering. There are self-guided driving tours to enjoy, walks through towns, parades, and so much more. Booking a visit in this period can offer some of the most amazing views imaginable. If you prefer all-natural views, consider some of these options:
Newfound Gap Road
Running from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, NC, the road has a wide array of spots to pull over and snap photos. It is busier in the summer months, and so a winter drive is super enjoyable because you can spend longer stretches at each stop, drive a more comfortable pace and really savor the scenery. If you are particularly hardy, the parking area for the Appalachian Trail access offers truly stunning sunrise photos, and at the northern end of the road, you get great views of the Little Pigeon River, and the Oconaluftee River at the southern end.
Cades Cove in the winter
Long noted as the most popular part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is also a place where loads of local wildlife is frequently spotted – even in the winter months.
The 11-mile loop is one of the most scenic and there are lots of spots to pull over. With the leaves down for the season, you can see a lot of the old homes, mills, barns and churches normally concealed from sight!
Frozen Waterfalls in the Smokies
In the park and throughout the area, you can find many waterfalls reachable by car, including:
- Meigs Falls
- The Sinks
- Place of a Thousand Drips
Frozen by winter’s chill, they can offer some of the most stunningly beautiful views you will ever see, and which are only possible thanks to the changing seasons.
You might also want to head to Ober Gatlinburg to go to the top of the mountain, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, or enjoy the views from your own private cabin. Wherever you look, it is sure that the Smokies offer something appealing and beautiful to behold.
The Fish are Biting in the Smokies' Many Streams and Rivers
Spring in the Smokies brings with it the opportunity to enjoy any number of adventures; there are hikes to take, whitewater to raft, zip lines to zip, and so much more. But, one of the most popular outdoor activities on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is grabbing a fishing pole and hitting the many streams and rivers in search of trout. Locals say that fishing in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered to be one of the most challenging adventures you are likely to have.
Over 2,100 Miles of Streams
What you may not know is that there are more than 2,100 miles of streams running through the park for your fishing pleasure. You can fish these streams from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Your limit is five rainbow, brown, or brook trout over 7 inches in length or any combination adding up to five. Along with this, you can keep 20 rock bass. Be sure you grab a fishing license if you don’t already have one. They are readily available at many of the local hardware stores.
While we certainly see many first timers looking for that perfect place to drop a line in the water, we see many who come here every year for spring fishing. They come to catch fish to be sure, but for many, it is more about the memories they are creating, memories that center around a fishing pole, a line in the water, and a few days of glorious spring weather on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
Fond Memories Start Here
Fishing is a skill that has been around for millennia, and for many families, it has become a fun activity they can all share in. One that creates amazing feasts while sitting around the campfire talking about the infamous, “One that got away!” Fishing isn’t just for the guys, it’s a pastime the entire family can enjoy, including mom.
Kids of all ages love to fish, the younger you start letting your kids start, the faster they will master the skills needed. Kids are amazing in how quickly they pick up and master new skills. Be sure you have the camera ready for the moment your child pulls their first fish out of the water. The look of awe, amazement, and joy will blow your mind and make a great photo to put in the family album.
You Don’t Need to Bring Your Gear
While you might be okay with bringing your fishing gear with you, it’s not necessary. Several outfitters in the area can help set you up with the right equipment and bait for this area. You can start out looking at their websites and choosing your gear before you go. Many have current fishing reports that let you know what’s biting and where they are biting. This way you have a little bit of an idea for a starting point to drop your lines. The rest is up to you, spring is here, the fish are biting, and the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is the place to be.
The Smoky Mountains are Harley-Davidson Paradise
Would a ride through the Tail of the Dragon, with its 318 consecutive banked curves in 11 miles, get your blood pumping? Or maybe a trip on the Cherohala Skyway, a road featured as one of Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America, is more your style. Why not plan the ultimate ride and add the Blue Ridge Parkway and a stop to admire the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountain National Park to your trip? Riders from all over the world have said there is no better place to ride than the Smoky Mountains. So, when owner Scott Maddox decided to turn his love of music and motorcycles into a full-on destination experience, he knew Maryville, Tennessee would be the perfect hub for his Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson Dealership. As the #1 Harley-Davidson Dealership in the world in 2017, it is safe to say the experience they have created is second to none.
Nestled in the valley of the Smokies, this is not your typical Harley dealership. The Retail Showroom stuns with its locally sourced building materials, a massive inventory of bikes, and all the motor clothes a biker’s heart can imagine. The extensive Parts Department carries everything from engine kits, audio, and electronics to bags, luggage, racks, helmets, and more. With worldwide visitors, the Service Team understands the importance of getting travelers back on the road in a hurry. Whether you run into technical problems, tire issues, need simple maintenance, or want to upgrade accessories, they are available seven days a week. (Appointments are preferable, but they understand unexpected needs arise for travelers.) To learn your way around a bike and take a full course to get your motorcycle license, they also offer a Riders Academy. Check out their website at www.smh-d.com for more dealership information.
For those coming from long distances, who want to ride, but can’t bring their bikes, they also partner with Eagle Rider, making bike rental an easy process. Project Ride More is a program where they have staff on board to lead group rides several times a week. The rides are open to anyone who wants to join; just show up the day of the journey with a bike and a sense of adventure. Ride sizes vary, from groups as small as 5-6 bikes up to larger groups of 30-50 bikes. Scheduled rides generally stay within a 100-mile radius, with a variety of shorter or full-day ventures. Find a complete ride schedule at www.smh-d.com.
In conjunction with the dealership side of Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, they also have an award-winning restaurant and concert venue called The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint. The restaurant offers delicious East Tennessee BBQ smoked on the premise, freshly prepared sides, cocktails, and cold beer, for lunch and early dinner, seven days a week. Not to be outdone by the showroom and smokehouse, the concert venue has a huge stage, state of the art sound rig and lighting, and holds a sold-out crowd of 2000 concert goers. They pride themselves in booking shows with artists on the verge of stardom like Brent Cobb, or top acts like Old Crow Medicine Show and Jamey Johnson. The Shed introduced artists like Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell to East Tennessee well before they were household names. Concerts are scheduled every Saturday, from April through September, with encore shows and local/regional artists playing on Thursdays and Fridays. For concert schedules and ticket information, please go to www.theshedtickets.com.
On your next trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, be sure to stop in at SMOKY MOUNTAIN HARLEY-DAVIDSON – 1820 W. LAMAR ALEXANDER PKWY, MARYVILLE, TN 37801 and immerse yourself into a little slice of Harley-Davidson Paradise!
These 3 Driving Tours are the Best for Smoky Mountain Scenery
One of the best reasons to visit the Smoky Mountains is the chance to explore the gorgeous view up close and personal. You don’t have to be an athlete to get an amazing adventure in the Smokies. There are many beautiful places to drive, with loops that don’t have traffic passing through – so you can take your time cruising by the sights. Think of it as a hiking trail for your car. This is a great way to enjoy the Smokies if you have young children, older or disabled family members, or just want to stay in the air conditioned car while you explore!
Driving Tours in the Smokies: Foothills Parkway West
This is a 17-mile one-way trip that stretches between Townsend and Chilhowee Lake. You’ll drive through the Chilhowee Valley, seeing green stretches of mountain all along the drive. It’s a gorgeous part of the Foothills Parkway that shouldn’t be missed. You’ll also see Cumberland Mountains along the way, and if you want to walk part of the way, you can get out at the Lake and take a 15-minute hike up to Look Rock. This is a great place to get a scenic view of the whole area before you head back.
Drive Along the Appalachian Trail As Long as You’d Like
Another great way to get a view of the Smokies is to hit Newfound Gap Road. This trail starts in Gatlinburg, passes through Blount County, and stretches all the way into North Carolina. You can drive for as long as you like, and the trip will take you up to the highest point of the National park, at 5,046 feet. You’ll see everything from pine-covered forests to rolling hills, to beautiful mountain peaks along the way. There are stops for hiking and resting, as well.
Cades Cove: Famous Among Driving Tours in the Smokies
The most famous driving tour in the Smokies is Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop that is separated from the main road. You can really take your time driving through this area to see historic buildings, wildlife, and gorgeous scenery. You can stop and explore the old buildings, like the historic churches and working grist mill, as well as log cabins and barns. There are many stops that lead to hiking trails, such as the five-mile loop to Abrams Falls, if you want to stretch your legs. You’ll see things like fox, turkey, deer, and maybe even a distant black bear as you drive by.
Come Visit the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Here in Blount County, the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains defines the local lifestyle. After your wonderful drive through the view, come visit us to relax and unwind!
Top 5 Things To Do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Spring
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park…just its name alone inspires all kinds of visions and thoughts. There are, of course, the mountains, but there are also the 100+ waterfalls, the miles of trails, the scenic drives, the historic buildings and settlement areas, the wildlife…there is so much to see and do!
Naturally, that is why more than nine million visitors pass through the park each year, and as you might guess, there are times when there are many more travelers than there are at other times. However, if you book a visit in the spring you may beat a lot of the crowds and enjoy experiences that you cannot at other times of the year.
Here are our top five things we think you should do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this spring:
- Just Go!
It seems silly to make that one of the things to do in the park, but to put it plainly, you won’t enjoy the area if you don’t book the trip. That means finding accommodations, choosing the things you’ll do and making all of the other arrangements. Then, you can head out and get to the park!
- The Trails
There are many hiking trails throughout the park, and they can be found in any level of skill or experience. Whether you want a trail safe for your toddler or a senior family member or you are eager to enjoy an advanced hike with stunning views from high up in the mountains, you’ll find plenty of options. Among the most popular in the spring are the Alum Cave Trail and the Chimney Tops Trail. You will also want to hike to Rainbow Falls and Mouse Creek.
And speaking of waterfalls, remember that the spring thaws mean lots of water and stunning waterfall action!
- Cades Cove
It is fair to say that you haven’t experienced the park until you’ve paid a visit to famous Cades Cove, and because it is so popular, the spring is a great time to enjoy it without the traffic or high number of fellow visitors who will arrive in the summer. It is an 11 mile drive with lots of spots to stop, explore, walk, picnic and learn. The mountain scenery is staggering and you’ll probably see lots of park wildlife.
Don’t forget that spring is wildflower season, and while Cades Cove is great for them, they are bound to be almost everywhere you go!
- Clingman’s Dome
Re-opening in the spring, it is the highest point in the mountains and along the entire Appalachian Trail! Obviously that means you get show-stopping views, and if you are eager to hike, you can carry on to Andrews Bald for even more stunning scenery.
- Drive
Here’s a wonderful thing about the park – you don’t even have to exit the vehicle to enjoy it. If you are short on time or have limited mobility, the park is still a stunning spot to visit in the spring with all kinds of scenic parking spots, drives and roads to take in the views.
So, if you haven’t booked a spring getaway just yet, make sure you aim yourself towards the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and savor a truly beautiful experience.
Source
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Travel the Newly Completed Foothills Parkway for Gorgeous Smoky Mountain Views
Although the United States Congress authorized the creation of the Foothills Parkway far back in 1944, it has remained incomplete for more than 50 years. Yet, a giant step forward has been made with the completion and opening of the 16-mile stretch running between Wears Valley, TN and Walland, TN, in November of 2018.
Though it is unclear if the original plans for a 72-mile stretch of highway will be complete, the segments that are finished can be accurately said to do as was intended, and “provide magnificent views into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from a road corridor that was outside the Park.”
The only incomplete of the seven Congressionally Mandated Parkways created at that time, it is intended to run from Cosby, TN to Chilhowee, TN. Though construction has been stop and go for years, and sees the Parkway divided into eight sections (known as 8A and 8H), it has been the 1.5 mile section known as the “missing link” that has been keeping the project from completion.
Obstacles and Challenges
For many years, travelers could drive eastern end’s 5.5-mile portion from Interstate 40 to Cosby. Additionally, many have traversed the 17-mile stretch in Blount County that runs from U.S. 129 to Walland.
However, the 16 mile stretch recently completed proved a real difficulty. According to a report from WBIR, “Crews spent a couple of decades working on a 16-mile segment from Walland to Wears Valley and nearly finished it. But right in the middle, the construction hit rugged peaks and valleys too tough to overcome. The walls they built crumbled and the soil was filled with minerals that caused environmental damage.” By the late 1980s, crews stopped work and a 1.65 mile gap – the missing link mentioned above – remained.
Around 2009, work began again and brand-new bridge building technologies were put to use in solving the challenges posed by the missing link. According to that report, this tech has allowed the gap to be closed through “several bridges that essentially float along the edge of the mountain and minimize the number of cuts that plow through the mountain.”
Using technologies similar to the Linn Cove Viaduct in North Carolina, they are actually cantilevered bridges that preserved the surrounding landscape and offered only a small amount of interference or environmental impact. A real bonus is that they also emphasize the scenery and give a sense of being out in the wilderness, above the treetops and flying above it all!
With minimal impact and unimpeded views, the solution could not have been more ideally designed. Expected to become one of the prettiest drives in the country, Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander said that the Foothills Parkway will be the “only way you can see the highest part of the mountains in the eastern United States” from such a viewpoint. So, when visiting Blount County, be sure you make a point to take a scenic drive along the newly-completed portion of the stunning Foothills Parkway.
Unique Bridges in the Smokies Give Offer Day Trip Ideas
Bridges are more than just practical objects that connect one place to another. Sometimes they live in literature, like in the Bridges of Madison County, where they serve as a jumping-off point for romance. Bridges also create an aesthetic beauty all their own, through their architecture and the specific details about a single bridge that can impart a sense of place. Bridges throughout the Smokies offer unique opportunities for rest, reflection, and proximity to calming waters that make them well worth a visit.
Check Out the Swinging Bridges
On Old State Highway 73, you’ll find a piece of Eastern Tennessee history. The Dark Island Swinging Bridge was once one of about 20 swinging bridges over the Little River, when it was used by lumber company and railroad workers at the turn of the 20th century to connect the land used for mills and manufacturing with homes on the other side of the banks.
Nowadays you can stand on the bridge and watch people tubing down the river. Some days the water is clear enough that fish can be spotted, just by looking down from the bridge. The bridge is also a romantic destination, too – couples hang padlocks with their initials carved on them onto the bridge, and throw away the key into the rushing river, as a gesture of eternal fidelity.
There’s reportedly another swinging bridge in the area, but the location is a closely guarded secret. You’ll have to make connections with an “old timer” of the Smokies to find it!
Another Secret Bridge
Just like the famed lost city of Atlantis, the Abrams Creek Underwater Bridge near old US Highway 129, in Chilhowee Lake (no, not on Chilhowee Lake) only appears when the water level in the lake is quite low. You can find it when the dam undergoes scheduled maintenance, and possibly in times of extreme drought. Despite its constant soaking, when the bridge does appear it’s apparently quite safe and walkable.
Cades Cove Bridges
The bridges of the famously scenic Cades Cove live up to the area’s picturesque reputation. Both built in 1948, the Laurel Creek Bridge on Cades Cove Road and the Middle and West Prong Little River Bridges are moss-covered stone bridges open to traffic. The water level below each of them varies with the seasons, but they’re all generally calm, charming places to step away from the Cades Cove Loop Road, relax, and take in the ambience.
Grab Your Camera, The Bridges Will Wait
Next time you’re looking for a unique way to spend the day out and about, grab your camera, hunt down these bridges, and snag a few shots for posterity (or maybe just for social media!). Don’t be afraid to take a selfie, either – you’ve got a great backdrop!
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