Category: Smoky Mountains

Springtime in the Smokies Photography Workshop

Posted on March 14, 2020 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

Photography Classes at Great Smoky Mountain Tremont Institute: Townsend, Tennessee

Life sure has thrown us some curveballs over the past couple of weeks. With the constant stream of worst-case scenarios finding their way into our newsfeed, sometimes you need to slow down and let the power of nature heal your soul. Join us at the Spring Photography Workshop at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and accomplish both. Unlike many photography workshops, their price includes meals, lodging, and instruction by one of the finest teams of photography instructors anywhere in the country. Celebrate the beauty of life while improving your nature photography skills this spring. Our instructors will teach you new methods, help you discover a new side of the Smoky Mountains. Capture the beauty of the mountains, while meandering through the forests looking for wildflowers, and streams.

Photography Workshop at Great Smoky Mountain Tremont Institute instructed by Bill Lea: Townsend, Tennessee

Photo by Bud Snihall

Smoky Mountain Photography Workshop Details

Who: Calling All Photographers
What: Spring Photography Workshop
Where: Tremont Institute, 9275 Tremont Rd., Townsend, TN 37882
When: April 24, 2020 – April 27, 2020. Plan to arrive on Friday between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm for Check-In. Dinner begins at 6:00 pm. Beginning at 3:00, there will be an optional early session for those who arrive early. After the weekend workshop, the program ends on Monday following an optional late morning presentation.
Cost: $708
Equipment Needed: Participants should bring their own cameras, but laptop computers (installed with Adobe Photoshop CS6) are available for $50 (payable to GSMIT). Requests for laptops must be made no later than two weeks before the start of the workshop.
How to Register: Anyone interested in participating in the workshop can click on the Spring Photography Workshop link above or call their office at 865-4498-6709.

Photography Workshop at Great Smoky Mountain Tremont Institute instructed by Bill Lea: Townsend, Tennessee

Photo by Susan Milinkovich

Instructors

Lead Instructor

Bill Lea is a nationally recognized nature photographer, most known for his artistic documentation of various deer and bear behavior in the Great Smoky Mountains and southern ecosystems. He has written several photography books, and over 7000 of his photos have appeared in a variety of publications, including Audobon calendars, BBC Wildlife,  Defenders of Wildlife, National Geographic, Nature Conservancy, and National Wildlife. His latest book, Cades Cove: Window to a Secret World, is in its fourth printing.

Assistant Photographers

Tom Vadnais 
Todd Moore – www.naturephotog.com
Jeff Miller – www.mountainlens.com
Susan Milinkovich – www.susanmilinkovich.com
Steve Zigler – www.stevezigler.com

Photography Workshop at Great Smoky Mountain Tremont Institute instructed by Bill Lea: Townsend, Tennessee

Photo by Susan Milinkovich

Photography Workshop Overview

Bill has taught this annual workshop since 1992, which emphasizes wildlife, landscape, and macro photography. His team of instructors helps tailor each program to meet individual interests and skill levels with plenty of one-on-one instruction. Field sessions and lectures will cover the use of light, composition, and equipment. The workshop includes lodging at the Tremont Institute and meals throughout the event.

Photography Workshop at Great Smoky Mountain Tremont Institute instructed by Bill Lea: Townsend, Tennessee: Val Westong

Photo by Val Weston

Note: Feature Photo by Jane Palmer

For more exciting ways to experience the Spring in the Smokies, start here:

Springtime in the Smoky Mountains

Posted on March 20, 2021 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

It is officially springtime in the Smoky Mountains. Today, Saturday, March 20, at 5:37 A.M. EDT began the first day of spring and the vernal equinox. The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”—aequus (equal) and nox (night). So on this first day of Spring 2021, it brings a nearly perfect balance of daytime and nighttime across the world. Equinoxes are the only two times a year that the Sun rises due east and sets due west for all of us on Earth.

Spring Has Sprung

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, many ancient sites mark the equinoxes (and solstices). One of the most famous ancient Spring equinox celebrations was at Chichen Itza in Mexico. The Mayans built a giant pyramid around the year A.D. 1000. The play of the Sun’s light on it signals the beginning of the seasons, and during the spring equinox, it looks like a majestic snake is slithering down the steps. Mayans called this day “the return of the Sun serpent.” 

Black snake in the Great Smoky Mountains

Photo by Randy Ratliff

Lodging

One of the best parts of visiting the Smokies during early spring (March to May), you will also get the benefits of fewer crowds and lower lodging rates. Reserve a glamping tent at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort or park your R.V. at Big Meadow Family Campground. Or if you aren’t really into camping, check into something a little cozier at Dancing Bear Lodge, Highland Manor Inn, or Tremont Lodge and Resort.

Spring Waterfall in the Smokies

Photo by Randy Ratliff

Springtime in the Smoky Mountains

Because of our great friend (and hidden gem) Randy Ratliff, whom I met in the Facebook group Hiking The Smokies, we have some gorgeous spring photos. It was so hard to decide which to feature; I’ve decided to cut back the words, add some springtime quotes and let the spring pictures show you the magic. Hiking The Smokies, an open group for those who love to hike in and around our beloved Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Burrow into the Smokies

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“But only a person in the depths of despair neglected to look beyond winter to the spring that inevitably followed, bringing back color and life and hope.”― Mary Balogh

fungi in the smoky mountains

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“Had I known that you would be my first glimpse of spring, I would’ve kissed every fallen petal of my hope along the way.” ― Sai Pradeep

spring blooms in the Smokies

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“In spring, the dead trees, roots, and animals come to life again exactly as they were, thus providing hundreds of thousands of examples, specimens, and proofs of the supreme resurrection.” ― Master Nursi

Amphibian frog toad Smokies

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“Animate or inanimate, all bodies under the sun give expression to their vitality. Especially on a fine day in spring!” ― Henry Miller

skunk in the great smoky mountains

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit.” ― Toni Sorenson

daffodils in the smoky mountains

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.” – Henry Van Dyke

turkey in the great smoky mountains

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“The point is that the pleasures of spring are available to everybody, and cost nothing.” ― George Orwell

wildflowers in the smoky mountains

Photo by Randy Ratliff

For more fun Springtime in the Smoky Mountain options, check out these posts:

The Best Spring Trails in the Smoky Mountains

Enjoy These Spring Break Ideas in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Stargazing in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Posted on February 25, 2019 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

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.
 

Take One Last Family Vacation to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before School Starts

Posted on September 28, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

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.

The Best Breakfast Spots in the Smoky Mountains to Get You Going

Posted on January 16, 2019 by - Blog, Dining, Smoky Mountains

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

Posted on March 27, 2019 by - Blog, 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

Posted on December 5, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

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

Posted on April 24, 2019 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

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 Peaceful Side in 1926: 100 Years Ago in the Smokies 

Posted on September 17, 2026 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler 

Proposed Great Smoky Mountains National Park map, 1926. Courtesy of Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division.

This year marks 100 years since President Calvin Coolidge signed legislation authorizing the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.1

By then, families had long lived in Cades Cove, logging crews worked around Tremont, Girl Scouts spent summers in Walker Valley and visitors came to the mountains to hike and swim. 

A National Park Was Authorized 

The May 22, 1926, act authorized both Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah national parks, but there were still years of land acquisition ahead. Congress did not authorize full development of the Smokies until 1934.1,2 

Even so, local boosters were already promoting the proposed park. A full-page advertisement in Maryville College’s 1926 Chilhowean yearbook declared: “Maryville is the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.”3 

Advertisement for the proposed Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Maryville College’s 1926 Chilhowean yearbook. Courtesy of Maryville College.

Much of the proposed park remained privately owned, and people continued to live and work throughout the mountains.2 

Related read: “From Great Depression to Great Smokies: The CCC’s Legacy in East TN”

The Hiking Club Organized Trips 

Cover of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club’s 1926 season brochure. Courtesy of University of Tennessee, Knoxville Libraries.
Page from the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club’s 1926 season brochure. Courtesy of University of Tennessee, Knoxville Libraries.

The Smoky Mountains Hiking Club grew out of an October 1924 hike to Mount Le Conte. By 1926, the club had a regular schedule of hikes and social events, along with practical guidance on what hikers should wear and bring.4,5 

Club members also supported efforts to establish the national park.4 

Kinzel Springs Drew Visitors 

“Bathing at Kinzel Springs, Tenn.,” postcard mailed in 1926. Courtesy of University of Tennessee Libraries, Postcards from the Great Smoky Mountains Collection.

Kinzel Springs developed into a resort community near the western end of Tuckaleechee Cove. E.J. Kinzel acquired property there in 1894, and railroad service beginning in 1902 brought more visitors to the area. By 1914, the Kinzels had added a 28-room hotel and 10 cottages; a post office followed in 1925.6 

By 1926, visitors were coming to Kinzel Springs to stay near the mountains and swim.6,7 

Related read: “The Early 20th Century on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, Through Postcards”

Girl Scouts Camped in Walker Valley 

Girl Scouts at summer camp in Virginia, 1926. Courtesy of Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries.

Camp Margaret Townsend was a Girl Scout summer camp in Walker Valley, on land that is now home to Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. 

The camp opened in 1925 and held four two-week sessions each summer, making 1926 its second season. Camp life was rustic: there was no electricity, and the girls bathed in the Little River in the early years.8

Tremont Became a Logging Town 

Little River Railroad during the logging era in the Smokies. Courtesy of University of Tennessee, Knoxville Special Collections.

Little River Lumber Company laid railroad tracks into Walker Valley and began logging there in 1924. By 1926, Tremont was a company logging town at the confluence of Lynn Camp and Thunderhead prongs.9 

The community housed workers and supported logging operations in the Middle Prong watershed. A hotel also opened that year, providing lodging for logging workers and visitors.10 

Logging continued in Walker Valley until 1938.9 

Related read: “How Townsend Got Its Name: History of the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company”

Automobile Travel Expanded 

The first automobile in Elkmont. Courtesy of Hunter Library Special Collections, Western Carolina University.

Little River Lumber Company ended train service to Elkmont in 1925 and removed the tracks. In 1926, the former railroad bed from Townsend to Elkmont was converted into a gravel automobile road.11 

Cars also played a role in the national park campaign. In 1923, members of the Knoxville Automobile Club helped organize the group that became the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association to promote the proposed park.12 

Families Lived in Cades Cove

A boy takes corn to the mill in Cades Cove, 1920. Courtesy of National Park Service.

Families still lived, farmed, attended church and school and worked alongside their neighbors in Cades Cove in 1926. Neighbors also came together for corn huskings, molasses making and chestnut gathering.13 

Tourists were already visiting the Cove. By 1924, resident John W. Oliver was renting cabins to visitors. He built a tourist lodge in 1928.14 

A major park-related purchase in 1927 included most of the mountains north of Cades Cove.13 

Related read: “Courtship in Cades Cove: Corn Husking, ‘Sparking’ and Weaner Cabins”

Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region. She holds a Master of Science in Conservation Education from Mississippi State University.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 U.S. Statutes at Large — May 22, 1926 Act

2 National Park Service — “Stories: Creating a National Park”

3 Maryville College — The Chilhowean, 1926

4 Smoky Mountains Hiking Club — “Club History”

5 University of Tennessee Libraries — Smoky Mountains Hiking Club Knoxville, Tennessee Season 1926

6 National Park Service / National Register — Historic and Architectural Resources of Blount County

7 University of Tennessee Libraries — “Bathing at Kinzel Springs, Tenn.”

8 Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont — “Girl Scout Days”

9 Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont — “Mission and History”

10 Western Carolina University — “Tremont Hotel”

11 National Park Service — Elkmont Historic District GMP Amendment and EIS

12 Library of Congress / Historic American Engineering Record — Great Smoky Mountains National Park Roads & Bridges

13 National Park Service — “History of Cades Cove”

14 National Park Service — Cades Cove Opportunities Plan: Cultural Resources Summary Report

The Smoky Mountains are Harley-Davidson Paradise

Posted on July 22, 2019 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson

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.

Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson

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

Posted on August 16, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

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

Posted on March 15, 2019 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

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.

  1. 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