Finding hikes that can give you a great close-up look at Smoky Mountain fall colors and are also accessible to your youngest and oldest family members isn’t always easy, but there are actually quite a few. Here are some of our favorites! The Laurel Falls Trail Looking for a great all-around hike that offers the kind of sightseeing you’ll find only out in nature, a dirt trail under your feet, and a cool destination? The Laurel Falls hike is a 2.3 mile round-trip hike that begins at a parking lot near the top of Fighting Creek Gap. It is accessible to families with children, though everyone should stay close to the trail as it approaches the Falls (there are some steep drop-offs off-trail). The Falls themselves provide plenty of great photo opportunities, so bring your camera! Clingmans Dome Do your kids love when something is “the most?” Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies, and it’s accessible via a ½-mile-long paved trail. The trail can be managed with strollers, though all should be prepared that it can be quite steep and is generally too steep for wheelchairs. Hikers can look forward to an unbelievable panoramic view at the top; on a clear day, people can see nearly 100 miles in any direction. Pack a jacket – it can be up to 20 degrees cooler at the summit. The Look Rock Tower Trail Clingmans Dome is a lot of great things, but it isn’t dog-friendly. Luckily, dogs and their human companions don’t have to miss out on a great Smokies view, thanks to the Look Rock Tower Trail. The trail includes a view of Maryville and Alcoa, as well as the western side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dogs must be leashed, but the trail is paved and it’s just under a mile. A perfect first hike! The Gatlinburg Trail The Gatlinburg Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a dog-friendly 1.9 mile trail through a forest near the Little Prong River, and features the remnants of former Tennessee frontier homes (notably their foundations and chimneys). The trail begins at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and is only one of two dog-friendly trails in the national park. Make sure to observe the rules requiring leash use in the park while on the trail. The Abrams Falls Trailhead If the youngest members of your family are in middle school or older, you may want to try a 5-mile hike (round trip) with a few rocks on the path, and the Abrams Falls Trailhead is a great place to start increasing your hiking challenges. There are even more challenging hikes at Abrams Falls, but the 5-mile hike begins at the trailhead exit at Cades Cove Loop Road. Everyone should pack some extra socks if they’re in sneakers (or wear hiking boots), bring a rain jacket or poncho, and watch out for slippery rocks by the falls.
Autumn is upon us, and that means it’s time to break out everybody’s favorite fall traditions. Whether you’re in the mood for corn mazes, haunted houses, apple picking, or any of the rest of the season’s highlights, if you’d typically enjoy them with a beer or a glass of wine, consider trying a hard apple cider to really capture autumn’s spirit. There are plenty of locally-made hard apple ciders to choose from, and they’ve got all the flavors of the season, brewed, bottled, and available to people in Blount County.
Wyile Cider in Sevierville
You’ll find plenty of varieties to choose from at Wyile Cider in nearby Sevierville. Made in small batches since 1998, this cidery offers both sparkling sweet and sparkling dry hard apple cider, as well as 16 other flavors of hard apple cider. Featuring everything from blueberry to mango to blackberry to mulled cider, this cidery’s ciders all have an apple base and natural fruit concentrates or extracts, and all the apples are sourced exclusively from Appalachian orchards. Ciders are aged from 3 to 12 months and are made without any added sugars or chemicals. You can visit the Wyile Cidery for tastings by going to the Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park at 3757 Thomas Lane in Sevierville.
Mill Bridge Winery in Pigeon Forge
If you’ve got a mix of wine and cider lovers heading out for an afternoon or evening’s tasting, you won’t want to miss the Mill Bridge Winery over in Pigeon Forge. They offer four different hard apple ciders, including the South Cider, a blend of different kinds of apples, the Cider House Blues, featuring sweet apples and blueberries, their Farmhouse Cider, an English-style dry apple cider, and finally their Iconic Tonic, with a fresh honey taste and crisp lemon finish. Unbeatable wines are also available, of course, and you’ll find the Mill Bridge Winery at 3331 South River Road in Pigeon Forge, just off the Parkway and Old Mill Avenue. Mill Bridge Winery is also a member of the Rocky Top Wine Trail, so be sure to visit them if you’re on a tasting trip!
Round 6 Brewing in Maryville
Craft beer enthusiasts who want to mix it up with a little cider are in luck. They can stay in Blount County and visit Round 6 Brewing, where they offer a hard pear cider on tap from Bold Rock Hard Cider that’s a blend of New Zealand pears and apples from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Considered “refreshingly delicious” and “superbly drinkable,” this pear cider is sure to satisfy even the “apple-only” purists among cider drinkers. Family owned by Will and Kathy Wesselman, Round 6 also offers beers from around the United States and Europe, and can be visited at 427 Whitecrest Drive in Maryville.
Fall foliage season in the Smoky Mountains is nearly upon us, as mountain vistas across East Tennessee don a stunning array of reds, oranges, yellows and deep earthy tones.
Blount County, Tennessee, the “Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains,” offers some of the best views during this season, and the opportunity for a quiet escape against a breathtaking backdrop.
Foothills Parkway, located off US Highway 321 in Walland, is a not-to-miss destination for those looking to experience vibrant fall foliage in the Smokies. This parkway is less busy than other roads in the park, making it a great place to get away from crowds and traffic.
The 16.9 miles of parkway traverses the western flank of Chilhowee Mountain in Blount County, intersecting with US 129 at Chilhowee Lake. Along the way, the road meanders up the mountain beneath a canopy of trees, with scenic pull-offs and overlooks interspersed throughout.
Each scenic overlook offers a unique panoramic view of the mountains with grassy areas ideal for picnicking, relaxing or photography.
One of the most popular destinations along Foothills Parkway is Look Rock, a natural observation ledge overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An easy half-mile hike leads to the observation tower that provides a spectacular 360-degree view.
Car and motorcycle enthusiasts will find Foothills Parkway to be of particular interest: where US 129 intersects with the Parkway, the road becomes the world-renowned section of highway to the south known as “The Dragon” for its 318 curves in 11 miles. “The Dragon” is an exhilarating experience as sports cars and motorcycles navigate the twisting road.
While the Parkway is a wonderful experience for motorists, it’s also a prime target for bicyclists. The crisp mountain air and beautiful scenery attract road bikers who enjoy the challenging uphill climb followed by a downhill decent through the mountains.
Blount County and the Foothills Parkway are easily accessible to those traveling to the area. The McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is less than 20 minutes away with easy access to major highways like I-40 and I-140.
The area also boasts a plethora of options for accommodations with fall foliage views. Dancing Bear Lodge, a resort located in Townsend and just 10 minutes from Foothills Parkway, offers luxury cabins with comfortable places to lounge and enjoy the scenery like rocking chairs, porch swings or their fire pit. Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, located at the Lodge, serves regionally inspired cuisine with fresh, quality sourced ingredients for an exceptional dining experience.
Situated just one mile from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tally Ho Inn is another great option providing mountain beauty with their private balconies and terraces.
While staying in the Blount County area to ride or drive Foothills Parkway, visitors can also take advantage of other activities like the numerous hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or walking or biking the Alcoa or Maryville Greenways. Cades Cove, a valley surrounded by mountains, has an 11-mile paved road with historic buildings and an abundance of wildlife that can be experienced by car, on foot or by bike.
Those looking to experience the “Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains,” and Foothills Parkway, are encouraged to visit www.smokymountains.org or contact the Blount County Chamber of Commerce at (865) 983-2241 for more information on accommodations, travel and dining and entertainment options.
Whether on a weekend getaway or a lengthy vacation with family or friends, a visit to the Smoky Mountains area is always sure to please. A year-round destination for millions of travelers, it is home to a seemingly endless number of outdoor activities. From hiking and horseback riding to skiing and fishing, if you enjoy spending time in pristine wilderness, this part of the world is for you. The fall season brings cooler weather and stunning natural color to the region, with autumn’s gold and red hues first appearing high in the mountains and gradually making their way to the valleys below. From late August until the end of October, travelers can savor a constantly changing panorama of stunning views, intense foliage and crisp, cool air. While driving and hiking are ideal ways to experience the region, the opportunity for a zipline should not be ignored. Ziplines and The Smokies While many parts of the world are ideal areas for zipline experiences, the woods of the Great Smoky Mountains are probably among the very best. After all, the spring and summer bring with it an amazing amount of beauty and lush greenery, but in the fall, it all changes to a nearly magical vista of brilliant and saturated hues. Imagine soaring through the treetops, gazing out at the blue peaks of the mountains, all while immersed in a wonderland of gold, scarlet, saffron and more. If you are unfamiliar with the activity known as ziplining, you should know that it is a safe and exciting activity, with options suited to people of all ages. In the Smokies, it is amongst the most popular activities, and some of the best sites feature other options on their premises, including hiking, climbing and more. Some of the most family-friendly and scenic companies even make horseback riding options available. Highly Recommended Zipline Experiences in The Smokies To ensure you savor the most amazing autumn foliage views on your upcoming visit to the Smoky Mountains area of Tennessee, we recommend the following zipline companies: Next to Heaven Zipline – One component of Next to Heaven Mountain Adventures, their highly rated zipline experience is noted as one of the most scenic in the entire region. With experts to guide you every step of the way, they are located at 1239 Wears Valley Rd, in Townsend. You can also enjoy unguided horse rides from their premises and explore their 45 acres of scenery over the two-mile trail! CLIMB Works Canopy – In the busy Gatlinburg area, you can enjoy a long list of activities, including this popular climbing and ziplining site. With nine different ziplines, and three sky bridges, it ensures you see a lot of the amazing autumn color while enjoying a visit. They are found at 155 Branam Hollow Rd, in Gatlinburg. There are many other options and sites, but the two above stand apart as some of the most highly rated and reviewed. Surrounded by nature, ziplining is a wonderful way to get a unique perspective of the area and savor the colors of fall.
Are you planning an autumn visit to the Smokies? If so, you’ll love the peacefulness of the season. The summer crowds have departed, and colors of fall are settling into the region. Look up at the peaks and you’ll see the first hints of red, gold and orange, and along with those colors comes a wonderful change in the weather. Cool and sunny days make it easier than ever to spend most of your time outdoors in the amazing landscape. And while there are many amazing trails, drives and attractions to visit, you don’t have to walk or drive to all of them. In fact, one of the best ways to take in the views of the autumn season are from the back of a horse!
Smoky Mountains Activities
A lot of travelers think of spending their time in the area in their cars, on foot, on bicycles or even floating in a boat or inner tube, yet the beauty of the autumn season can also be experienced via horseback riding. There are many different stables available, and all of the horses are well-accustomed to first-time riders as well as experienced travelers. There are not many options for unguided journeys, but if you wish to go on your own along the trails, it is possible. Either way, whether as part of a group and guided ride or on your own, you’ll find the woods remarkably quiet and peaceful and the experience unforgettable.
Horseback Riding Stables in the Smokies
For those eager to see for themselves just how wonderful a visit to the Smokies might be when a horseback riding adventure is included, we suggest the following stables:
This is for those who want an unguided experience. You are carefully matched with your horse and you can then follow the existing trail that leads into the mountains surrounding the stables. The horses are so clever that you just cannot possibly get lost, and even if you get confused, they’ll take you right back home! The site also makes ziplining available in the canopy of trees overhead.
This is one of the most familiar and famous because it is the only option within the actual Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are fully guided trails, and riders can rest assured that the horses are incredibly gentle and patient. You can also book a hayride or a carriage ride.
Another of the stables open to people of all riding levels or skill is Davy Crockett Stables. You can take half day rides or shorter adventures, and most of the tours lead into the woodlands and beautiful, natural areas. You can also book your accommodations at a ranch, the Twin Valley Horse Ranch and enjoy full or half day rides, and if you don’t yet know how to ride, why not enjoy a day spent in the autumn landscape at the Rolling Hills Farm Equestrian Center or the Mountain Meadow Equestrian Center? The fall colors come and go quickly, and you can really make the most of them when you enjoy them from the comfort of a calm, friendly horse’s back!
With Halloween right around the corner, we’ve put together a great list of Haunted Blount County Attractions beyond the traditional trunk-or-treat for all age groups. Enjoy the gorgeous fall weather with us in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
October – Maple Lane Corn Maze
Open Friday 6:00 – 10:00 pm
Open Saturday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Open Sunday 12:00 – 6:00 pm
Corn Maze Tickets – $10 for 12 & older, $8 for kids 5 -11, kids four and under get in free.
In 1999 Maple Lane Farms began the first mega corn maze in Tennessee and is the oldest in the Southeast.
A provided corn compass keeps you on track, keeping you from weathering the maze in vain. It will help you navigate your way around, so have NO fear in the Ear!
Enjoy the tractor-pulled hay wagons to the pumpkin patch, the Corn Maze, Kiddie Maze, Food Vendors, Campfire, Private Party Tents, Fun Photo Ops, Jumping/Slide Inflatables, and Corn Hole.
Visit the Country Barn Store selling a variety of fall decorations such as cornstalks, mums, orange bows, straw bales, and lots of Halloween decorations, knick-knacks, and candy treats for the kids. The barn store also offers farm antiques and a visual bulletin board of the previous corn mazes, including the history of the oldest corn maze in the Southeast.
Oct. 22 – The Rock and Metal Academy Halloween Concert
Hosted by The Bird and The Book
Friday at 6:00 pm
1509 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN
The concert is free, but bring a big appetite to enjoy the great food and drinks served by The Bird and The Book.
The Rock and Metal Academy strongly feels that music provides a healthy outlet of expression for ALL emotions and is proud to help these promote these voices.
Oct. 21 – Oct. 24 – Knoxville Horror Film Festival
This year they’ve split events between Maryville, Tennessee’s Parkway Drive-In, and Knoxville Horror Film Festival’s base at Central Cinema in Knoxville.
Admission is $25/person for a single-night pass or $45/person for a two-night pass to Thursday and Friday’s Parkway Drive-In programming and will also be offered admission at the gate.
Thursday night starts things outright with a triple feature at the Parkway, featuring John Carpenter’s The Fog (7:45 pm), followed by Studiocanal/VDM’s 40th-anniversary restoration of The Howling (9:30 pm). Then we wrap up the night with the rock and rock & roll cult obsession Trick Or Treat (11:15 pm),each accompanied by a hand-picked short film.
Friday night’s festivities at the Parkway includes two short films (7:30 pm), the trailers of the 2021 Grindhouse Grind-out filmmaking competition (8:15 pm), an obligatory visit to Crystal Lake with the dubiously-titled fan favorite Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (9:30 pm), and a second night of lycanthrope madness with An American Werewolf in London (11:15 pm).
Admission is either donated animal food, litter/bedding, or animal toys. They will also be collecting non-perishable food for food pantry donations.
This presentation will be a wild, racy, and audience-involved ride!
Wednesday’s event is unique. It is a full-dress rehearsal open to the public to collect cash donations to benefit a cast member’s family who needs a new heart.
DUE TO THE EVENT SPACES NEW COVID REGULATIONS, YOU MUST PROVIDE A VACCINE CARD OR A NEGATIVE COVID TEST TO ENTER.
Are you already thinking about the autumn season and all of the fun and beauty it brings? If so, you might also be thinking of a visit to The Smokies. The autumn months are an amazing time of year, with the first colors showing up high in the mountains and slowly moving to the valleys below. The changing tree colors last for weeks and is the #1 reason to pay an autumn visit to the area. Yet, there are many other reasons that millions of people visit the region, during the fall and all year long, but we’d like to remind you of seven great reasons you’ll be glad you made the choice to pay a visit this fall. #2 The Weather While the weather is cooling down quite quickly in the northern parts of the country, the fall months remain remarkably comfortable well into October. That means you can get outdoors without worrying about bundling up, wearing all kinds of rain gear or freezing your way through a day of hiking. In fact, the weather is so pleasant that you can spend days and days outdoors, enjoying the National Park, visiting the attractions of the region or sitting back on a porch (cabin rentals are a great option for accommodations in the region) and savoring the scenery. Because many people associate October and November with cold weather, it is a time without crowds, but also a time of great conditions in the woods and town. #3 The Food Harvest season is always great no matter where you live, but in The Smokies, it is simply unforgettable. Apples, cider, any number of fruits and veggies, pies, different meats and, of course, the delicious spirits that are such a part of the history of the region all appear in food festivals and shops. #4 And About Those Fairs and Festivals… The autumn season is a great time for different festivals and events. While the farmers markets and other ongoing activities are still around, you can also enjoy the region’s Oktoberfest – which is a five-week event – as well as the street festivals of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. #5 The Wildlife With fewer crowds arriving in October, you’ll have a much greater chance at spotting wildlife whether from a car or on foot. This is the time of year when lots of visitors see everything from wild turkeys to full-grown bears fattened up for the winter. In Blount County, you’ll find that a stroll along the rivers and fields often means lots of rabbits nibbling up the last of the year’s greens. #6 The Scenery Not only do fewer crowds mean better chances at spotting wildlife, but the natural setting is also less crowded. You’ll enjoy lots of peace and quiet when you do any hiking, and this is most definitely the time of year to visit the different waterfalls and scenic overlooks, all set against the backdrop of beautiful, autumnal yellows, oranges, and reds. #7 The Foothills Parkway, Clingmans Dome, and the Rest There is little that will compare to the views of fall foliage and the beauty of the season than your visits to the many scenic spots. The drive along the Foothills Parkway, through Cades Cove, up to the top of Clingmans Dome, and even places like the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel or the Ober Gatlinburg, are all fantastic places to savor the scenery at this majestic time of year.
With cooler temperatures and the emergence of vibrant red and orange hues, fall is upon us, which means camping season is here. Bundle up! These are the top places to camp in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
It’s no surprise the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds named this RV park its National Small Park of the Year in 2013 and 2019. They offer easy in, easy out pull-through campsites on concrete pads and patios, protected by 24/7 security. Their full hook up sites include water, sewer, major cable, Wi-Fi and 30/50 AMPs. And with a dog park, workout room, splash pad, basketball court and corn hole, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
With recreational activities abounding, including an outdoor cinema, a playground, a basketball court, wagon rides, a pool, bike and tube rentals, tie-dyed t-shirts and more, Townsend Great Smokies KOA is a great family vacation destination. Rough it in a tent, park an RV and plug into 50 AMPs, or book a cabin. Deluxe cabins feature private bedroom(s), bathroom, patio with a grill, and full linens. You can even stay right on the Little River.
Little River Campground is a great place to make memories with your family. Go tubing in the Little River, swim in the pool, or play in the game room. There are arts/crafts to do on Fridays, including souvenir t-shirt decorating, and there are hayrides on Saturdays. The campsite has 30/50 AMPs, Wi-Fi and Direct TV.
If you’re down for an adventure, consider camping at Twin Valley B&B Horse Ranch. They offer horseback trail riding and miniature horse hiking, and you can swim and fish in a spring fed pond on your own time. Lodge in a fully furnished cabin, or backwoods “rough it” in a one-room, four-sided primitive shelter. To make things easy, they can even pick you up and drop you off at the airport.
Perhaps, you aren’t about the razzle dazzle of most campgrounds. Riverstone Campground offers a more rustic experience. It has shaded and riverfront campsites, which come with a fire pit a picnic table and a nearby bathhouse, It also has places to park your RV. Tent sites start as low as $25 a night, with discounts available for extended stay.
If you like glamping, you’ll like Little Arrow. You can bring your tent or RV, or you can stay in a heated platform tent, Airstream trailer, cabin or tiny home. The resort has a full calendar of activities for everyone in the family to enjoy, as well as a Spa, community garden, pool/hot tub, cabana, dog park, food truck area and gift shop.
If glamping is still too rustic for you, Dancing Bear Lodge provides the “in nature” experience, without the hassle. Dancing Bear is a full-service Lodge with hotel-like amenities, like daily housekeeping and complimentary snacks. Their cabins and cottages have access to two miles of hiking trails, so you’ll never be too far away from outdoor exploration.
If you’re looking for the full Smokies experience, Mountaineer Campground is just a half mile from the entrance to the national park. There are a variety of sites to choose from, including ones right on the trout stocked river, with 30/50 amp service. If glamping’s more your speed, there are also cabins with kitchen and bath. In your downtime, enjoy the wildlife photo gallery, playground, pool, pavilion, cable TV and Wi-Fi.
Whispering River Resort has more direct river access than any other resort or campground in the area—and it’s yours to enjoy. Go kayaking, enjoy the swimming beach or simply walk the trails. Then, kick back at the bonfire area or pool. Tent and 30/50 AMP RV sites, as well as cabins, are available. There’s even a meeting room and an event center.
This family-owned and operated campground has a mix of cabins and campsites—including ones right on the river. Take a splash in the pool, or let your kids get their wiggles out on the playground. Wind down with complementary cable and Wi-Fi. With 24/7 laundry, bathhouses and 30/50 AMPs, this Lazy Daze has all the essentials.
For some fun camping ideas, check out the blog posts below:
We’ve finally made it to that much-awaited time of year when the weather cools down and the fall foliage hits its climactic changes. Peak leaf peeping season is in full effect. The Smoky Mountains are bursting into wondrous red, orange and yellow hues – a must-see for locals and visitors alike.
Fall color changes begin as early as mid-September at higher elevations, maintaining their beauty through mid-November. In the Smokies, you can expect peak fall foliage to occur in late October.
The Smoky Mountains’ long colorful season exists because of the different weather patterns found in the region’s various altitudes. Things cool down much more quickly at higher elevations, causing the leaves to transform earlier, like at Clingman’s Dome. Meanwhile, places at lower el
Fall is one of the park’s busiest times of the year, so we suggest making a game plan ahead of time. Here are several family-friendly trails we recommend hiking.
Laurel Falls Trail, which is a 2.3-mile round-trip hike that begins at a parking lot near the top of Fighting Creek Gap.
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies, and it’s accessible via a ½-mile-long paved trail. It is a reasonably steep climb, but the panoramic views at the top that extend nearly 100 miles are worth the effort.
Rich Mountain Loop Trail is located in Cades Cove and is only mildly challenging, so it should be acceptable for all family members. Because it is a very popular trail, you should park in the campground and make the short walk to the trailhead.
If a country drive is more your speed, enjoy the changing foliage from your car by cruising the Cades Cove Loop, the Foothills Parkway or Balsam Mountain Road.evations, like Cades Cove, take a bit longer to kick into gear. For a unique peek into fall in the Smoky Mountains, check out this video by our good friends at Visit My Smokies.
Planning Your Leaf Peeping Adventure
Fall is one of the park’s busiest times of the year, so we suggest making a game plan ahead of time. Here are several family-friendly trails we recommend hiking.
Laurel Falls Trail, which is a 2.3-mile round-trip hike that begins at a parking lot near the top of Fighting Creek Gap.
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies, and it’s accessible via a ½-mile-long paved trail. It is a reasonably steep climb, but the panoramic views at the top that extend nearly 100 miles are worth the effort.
Rich Mountain Loop Trail is located in Cades Cove and is only mildly challenging, so it should be acceptable for all family members. Because it is a very popular trail, you should park in the campground and make the short walk to the trailhead.
If a country drive is more your speed, enjoy the changing foliage from your car by cruising the Cades Cove Loop, the Foothills Parkway or Balsam Mountain Road.
Leaf Peeping Cheat Sheet
We’ve put together a cheat sheet to help you identify leaves by their fall colors. Once you’ve narrowed down the possibilities, you can reference this leaf identification guide created by the UT Institute of Agriculture to distinguish between them by shape.
American Beech: yellow
Birch: bright yellow
Black Cherry: yellow
Black Maple: glowing yellow
Dogwood: deep red
Hickory: golden bronze
Mountain Ash: yellow
Oak: red, brown, or russet
Red Maple: bright scarlet or orange
Shining Sumac: red
Sourwood: brick red
Sugar Maple: orange-red
Tulip Poplar: golden yellow
Leaf peeping season only comes once a year, so be sure not to miss it! Plan your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies today!
For More Fall Fun in the Smokies, Check Out These Links:
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!
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.
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!
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