Tag: Smoky Mountain Tourism

Smoky Mountain Lights: A Peaceful Side Christmas Experience

Posted on December 8, 2022 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

Smoky Mountain Lights Sign

It is Christmastime in the Smokies, and this year, the Peaceful Side has a new holiday experience for the whole family. Smoky Mountain Lights is a drive-thru light show located at the Townsend Visitor Center. This Christmas light display embraces all things Smoky Mountain so that you can expect bears and camping and bigfoot; oh my! It will also feature some of your Peaceful Side favorites, like the old mill, the Jeep Outpost, and the hot air balloon festival.

Smoky Mountain Lights Christmas Village

Christmas Village

Along with the Smoky Mountain Light show, you can also visit and explore the Christmas Village next door. Guests can find unique gifts in the local vendor booths, enjoy hot chocolate and kettle corn, or grab some grub at one of our food trucks. While you are rediscovering that old fashion Christmas in the Smokies, remember to take family pictures in front of the giant Christmas tree.

Smoky Mountain Lights Visit with Santa

Photos with Santa

What Christmas would be complete without a visit with Santa Clause? Each weekend throughout the holidays, Santa will be available for pictures. To ensure he received a warm Peaceful Side welcome, our own Tennessee native chainsaw artist, Bubba Daniel, has carved Santa a distinctive Smoky Mountain throne to keep him comfortable. 

Christmas Light Bigfoot

Event Details

  • Smoky Mountain Lights is open from November 25, 2022, to January 1, 2023. Visitor hours begin at 5:00 pm and closes at 10:00 pm.
  • Located at the Townsend Visitor Center, which is easily accessible for visitors traveling to the area, situated 30 minutes from the Tyson McGee airport, with direct access from the major interstates.
  • All ages are welcome, and entry is $25 per car.
Townsend Jeep Christmas Lights

As the inaugural event, Kim Mitchell, the director of tourism for the Blount Partnership, looks forward to sharing this light show with both residents and visitors to the area.

“Townsend is a beautiful winter destination with stunning scenery and plenty of activities. And with the light show, we want to offer a fun holiday event while sharing what the area has to offer this time of year,” said Mitchell. “The area is growing, and there are new places to visit while enjoying the Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains, like Company Distilling, Peaceful Side Social, and Towns End Coffee Co. While families experience the Smoky Mountain Lights, we recommend they check out the other great venues and attractions Townsend offers.”

Smoky Mountain Lights is an addition to the area that will encourage more visitors during the holiday travel season. Townsend is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National park. It offers a tranquil getaway to escape the holiday hustle with numerous options for family-friendly activities during the winter season. Townsend is the home of award-winning, sold-out festivals like Grains & Grits, the Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Bigfoot Festival, and the Scottish Festival, to name a few. We’re excited to have a Smoky Mountain Christmas event join the list of high-caliber entertainment celebrating the area’s heritage.

Visit smokymountain.org to learn more about planning your winter trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.

Townsend Snowman Christmas Lights

 For more winter fun on the Peaceful Side, check out these past blog posts:

Snow in the Smokies

Smoky Mountain Coffee Houses

Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing is a Great Way to Beat the Summer Heat

Posted on July 18, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

In the heat of the summer months, there’s no better way to cool off than river tubing in Townsend, at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The next question, though, is a little harder to answer. What are you going to do about the heat?
Give Tubing a Try!
Tubing? Yes, tubing! You might have heard of tubing, or you might not have. Either way, the team at River Rat Tubing will answer any questions you may have and get you ready to get out there and enjoy the Little River.
While you’re here, though, we can let you in on a little more info about tubing. Tubing is a great way to relax; you just get on your swimming gear, add a lifejacket if you’re a younger kid or not much of a swimmer, grab a tube, drop it in the river, lie on top, and relax as the Little River takes you around its bends and curves. It’s fun, it’s as adventurous as you’d like it to be, and it sure beats sitting inside and giving the air conditioning a workout.
You’ve Got a Choice of Routes
Everyone ages 2 and up is welcome to tube, and those 6 and up have a choice to make. River Rat Tubing has two tubing outposts: the first, for their “family float” route, is for anyone 2 or older, and includes scenic views, calmer rapids, private beaches, and even a rock jump. Cowabunga!
The second outpost, their “adventure float,” is for ages 6 and older, and includes rapids that will get your heart pumping, some refreshing swimming holes, and private cabanas at the outpost that are available to rent after you’ve finished taking on the river for the day. Pretty fancy for a river rat, don’t you think?
Not sure which route is right for you? No problem! Tubers 6 and older can take on both routes in a single day. River Rat Tubing allows you to keep tubing until it’s time for their last trip of the day, so just one ticket gets you plenty of time on the water!
The Whole Family Can Go (Even Fido!)
When people say, “whole family,” they usually mean just the people – and this can leave someone pretty special feeling left out. River Rat Tubing allows dogs to go tubing, too! Just bring your water-loving dog, get ‘em in a doggie life jacket, and set them up with you in the tube (if they’re small) or in their own tube (if they’re up to 60 pounds, because doggie toenails can pop tubes), and you’ll have the recipe for a great time, not to mention some amazing snapshots. Dogs tube for free, and tethers connecting dog tubes to “dog parent” tubes are available for rent.
Go Ahead, Make Your Summer Tubing Plans
River Rat Tubing is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 7 days a week, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and with shortened hours after Labor Day. If you can’t get enough of relaxing on the Little River, they’ve got you covered with the Smoky Mountain River Rat Season Pass, which includes unlimited tubing all summer long, as well as your choice of one of two river rafting adventures at their rafting outpost in Hartford, Tennessee. So make a splash – the season won’t last forever!

Smoky Mountain Spelunking at Tuckaleechee Caverns

Posted on July 16, 2019 by - Activities, Blog, Townsend

beat the summer heat at Tuckaleechee Cavern

If you are looking for a break from the warm summer weather while vacationing in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, let us recommend a trip to Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend, TN. It is true the gorgeous mountain trees will give you ample shade during your hikes, and the refreshing river water will cool your feet while you splash in the water like you did when you were a kid, you will still surely find yourself working up a sweat and looking for a brief escape from the heat. What better place to cool down than the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” where the average temperature is a comfortable 58 degrees year-round?
 
Tuckaleechee Caverns has a deep history in Tennessee Mountains. The cave system itself dates back twenty – thirty million years, but the first recorded discovery took place approximately 100 years ago by two young boys named Bill Vananda and Harry Myers, as they played at the mouth of the cave as children. But it wasn’t until their time at Maryville College when they started tossing around the idea of re-opening the cave for the public in 1954, that this national landmark became such a significant turning point in their lives. The cave had been opened briefly for the public in 1939, but because of the depression, it closed after only a year. Unable to find financing for their endeavor, Mr. Vananda and Mr. Myers traveled to Alaska on a work expedition to raise money, finally opening for the public in 1953.
 
Only a year after they opened to the public, the National Speleological Society discovered what is now called the “Big Room,” which is 400 feet long, 300 feet across, and 150 feet deep; that’s big enough to fit a football stadium in the space. The newest discovery was a waterfall which is 210 feet tall from top to bottom, making it the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern United States. Both of these spaces are open to the public and can be seen during your 1.25-mile round trip adventure.
 
However, Tuckaleechee Caverns offers a lot more to our country than it’s beauty and magnitude alone. It houses the most sensitive seismic station on Earth. The seismic station was originally installed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as they began construction on Norris Dam, to monitor how the water displacement affected tectonic plates. After the US Military realized how accurate and precise the station was able to track the global tectonic movement all around the Earth during the Cuban Missle Crisis, they began upgrading equipment to help detect other nuclear activity across the globe. Currently, the Tuckaleechee Caverns AS107 seismic station is monitored 24/7 and transmits via satellite to the Department of Defense, US Military, Geneva Switzerland, Vienna Austria, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and the Pentagon. It is has been able to detect nuclear testing in North Korea, as well as monitor earthquake activity as far away as the Great Sendai Earthquake, which caused the massive tsunami that hit Fukushima, Japan. Please take a moment during your tour of the cave to check out this insightful data.
 
Voted the highest-ranking cave or cavern of the Eastern United States, Tuckaleechee Caverns is a great all-weather option for your Smoky Mountain Vacation. The cave is open from March to November and will give your family a great escape from the summer heat or one of those pesky pop-up thunderstorms for which East Tennessee is known. It will not only give you a break from the weather but will also give you a unique glimpse beneath the mountains and into a national treasure!

For other adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains, check out the blog posts below.

Make the Peaceful Side of the Smokies Your Home Base for Smoky Mountain Adventures
Have Small Kids with You? Check Out These 3 Hikes, Suitable for the Little Ones
Next to Heaven Ranch Offers Horseback Rides and Zipline Adventures

 

Smoky Mountains National Park is Open All Year; Experience the Exhilaration of Hiking in the Winter

Posted on December 14, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Whether a first-time visitor to the Smokies, or someone who has been returning for years, you already know it is a remarkably beautiful region. It is why millions of people head there every year, but you don’t have to limit your visits to the peak seasons. From late spring and into autumn, the region hosts many visitors who head out on the roads and trails to enjoy the stunning natural beauty that is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Yet, as winter arrives, the crowds thin and the park grows quieter than at any time of year. And that is precisely the reason to pay a visit during the winter months. Now, you might think it a bit unappealing to head into the woods if the snows are deep and the temperatures freezing, but you might be surprised at how amenable the parklands are to winter hikes.
The Advantages of Winter Hiking in the Smokies
Experts even point out that there are distinct advantages to choosing to hike in the winter. One such advantage is the absence of bugs! You won’t have to use any sort of repellents in the winter and can just enjoy the scenery.
Another advantage is that the leaves have fallen and opened up views and vistas that you cannot enjoy at any other time of the year. While the leaves may help to keep you cool and create a wonderful sort of scenery in the warmer seasons, with their disappearance in the winter, it changes the entire experience of hiking.
The temperatures are always cool and amenable to activity. You may even find you have to unzip or remove a layer as you make your way along the snow covered trails! And speaking of the snow cover, it is a wonderful way to begin learning about the native creatures of the forest. After all, they leave behind their footprints, quite clearly, in the snow and can help you to begin recognizing who has passed through the same trails you are hiking!
Of course, the peace and quiet of a winter’s hike in the Smokies is also an advantage. Though it is great that so many people like to get out into the woods and explore this stunning destination, it is awfully nice to feel like you have it almost entirely to yourself!
The Hikes to Consider
Not all trails are suited to novice or even somewhat experienced hikers in the winter months. We suggest the following three easy hikes for their amazing winter beauty and predictable conditions:

  • Laurel Falls – If it is very cold, the falls freeze and create an unforgettable sight. The 1.3 mile trail is paved, so no extra-slippery conditions, and you’ll definitely want to use the wooden footbridge to take a few unforgettable photos.
  • Porter’s Creek – Easily reached by car, it is gentle and brings you past Fern Branch Falls, usually frozen in the winter months. This is a four-mile loop.
  • Schoolhouse Gap – Set near famous Cades Cove, it is where you will find a lot of local wildlife and can enjoy the scenery on this relatively flat and easy hike.

Remember to always check conditions and ensure roads are open, dress properly, and bring a camera! Winter hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is something you’ll want to photograph in order to capture some amazing memories.

Smoky Mtn Cannonball Run set for April 30

Posted on April 14, 2022 by - Uncategorized

In early 2017, the Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson family was rocked by the sudden and untimely death of 23-year-old Sean Summerfield. Sean was a resident of Maryville and graduated from William Blount High School in 2011. Sean “Little Sean” Summerfield practically grew up at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson. He began working there at the age of 15 when his father Mike, also a member of the Smoky Mountain family, volunteered him for an open wash bay position. By 16, Little Sean was riding his Sportster every day to school and then working afternoons and weekends at the dealership. It was obvious from the beginning that Harley-Davidson was in his blood. He absorbed everything from those around him, building and modifying his own motorcycle and working on all sorts of special projects for the dealership. Little Sean was the inspiration for Smoky Mountain H-D’s High School Bike Build Off and was a key member in the development and promotion of the Smoky Mountain Scrambler projects. For all that knew him, his “Summerfield Smile” was contagious; his sense of adventure filled others with life. He was a real-life James Dean and his memory will live forever in all of us.

To memorialize his life, Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson has created the Sean Summerfield Memorial Scholarship to be awarded to a child of a SMH-D employee or Blount Co student. The scholarship is funded by the annual Smoky Mtn Cannonball Run event. The Cannonball Run will consist of teams of motorcycle riders using their navigation skills to hit as many checkpoints as possible within a 7-hour timeframe. Checkpoints are located all over East Tennessee within a 100-mile radius of SMH-D. Registration for riders to participate is $25 and is available online at smh-d.com. The event will occur rain or shine on April 30th with the day of registration opening up at SMH-D at 8 am. All riders must be registered by 11 am to participate. Donations will also be accepted online and on the day of the event. At 6 pm we will be handing out thousands in cash and prizes to winners of the event, the 2022 Scholarship winner will be announced prior to the concert, and conclude the evening with live music at The Shed located next door to Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, featuring Tuesday’s Gone: The Ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Concert. The concert is free for those who participate in the run.

What: Smoky Mtn Cannonball Run

When: April 30 at 11 a.m.

Where: Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, 1820 W. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville, TN 37801

More info can be found on our website and social media outlets.

Website – https://www.smh-d.com/–cannonballrun

YouTube (past event link) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8GaOWQ3eDg

FB-  https://www.facebook.com/SmokyMtnHD

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/smokymtnhd/

Ticket link- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smoky-mountain-h-d-cannonball-run-tickets-230932945657

Snow in the Smokies

Posted on January 18, 2021 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

river in the snow

Something is enchanting about watching the snowfall. It brings a sense of childlike joy and quietens the soul, especially in the South. Snow in the Smokies slows things down, allowing us to savor the beauty of stillness and regain the giddiness of snow days past. So, what can you do if it snows during your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains?

Snowy Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a Smoky Mountain favorite, so imagine how beautiful it looks in its winter snow attire. Check out this video from the cute couple from Yankees in the South Smoky Mountain Adventure Channel as they tour Cades Cove in the snow.

Frozen Waterfalls

Meigs Falls – Take Little River Road in the park, and at roughly 13 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, you will find the pull-off area for year-round views of the falls. Don’t go fast because it is a “blink and you miss it” pull-off. You will be astonished at the volumes of ice build-up on these lovely falls.
The Sinks – This is another set of falls located along the Little River Road. You will hit this one around 12 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It has an easier-to-find parking area. Though the falls are not as high as others, they are often stunning because the river’s entire volume flows through this area, building up loads of ice.
If you wish to hike, you can easily reach spots like Laurel Falls, situated at the northern end of the park, or Tom Branch Falls at the southern end. Both are reached by moderate hikes that are well worth the effort. In fact, Laurel Falls is popular all year long and is just a 1.3-mile paved trail with truly stunning scenery. Skilled hikers may head to Rainbow Falls, a 5.5-mile trail, or Alum Cave Bluff Trail that is the tallest peak in the park.
river in the snow

Tips for Hiking in the Snow

  1. Always check the weather and be prepared for it to change.
  2. Snow/ice spikes and trekking poles will help with traction and stability.
  3. Don’t be afraid to spend the extra money to get top quality winter gear. Waterproof and windproof gear can be lifesavers when the windchill at the higher elevations create dramatic temperature drops. 
  4. Layering is essential. Choose wet-wicking material and a light but warm coat, such as a down jacket. Be prepared to layer up or down depending on changing altitudes and surprise weather. Wool socks and appropriate hiking boots will keep your feet warm, and a toboggan will prevent body heat from escaping through your head.
  5. Extras. Pack extra socks and gloves in case the ones you are wearing get wet. Extra HotHands or hand warmers are great for putting in your sleeping back for overnight hikes. Remember, it is better to have a heavier pack, with everything you need, than finding yourself hurt or in danger.

Snowy bridge in Great Smoky Mountains
 
Before visiting the park in the winter, please call (865)436-1200 for road closures and weather information – extension 631 for updates on temporary road closures and extension 630 for the weather forecast. You can click here for a real-time weather update and follow road status updates on Twitter at https://twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps.
 

For more winter ideas in the Great Smoky Mountains, check out these posts:

Want to Warm Up from the Inside Out? These Distilleries Will Do Just That
Enjoy the Quiet and Visit the Smokies in the Off-Season for a Stress-Free Vacation

Spectacular Fall Drives in the Smokies

Posted on November 23, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Here in Blount County, we like to encourage “leaf peepers” to savor the amazing local scenery. After all, you can stay right in Townsend and see some of the most beautiful autumn colors. Just choose a country road and enjoy the stunning foliage as you wind your way through woodlands and fields.
However, anyone who pays a visit to the Smokies knows that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a motor-friendly park and its roadways were designed to optimize the scenic overlooks and stunning natural views. That is what makes it such a popular and wise choice as an autumn driving destination. Below, we have listed our favorite drives and emphasized those that put the spotlight on the fall colors. Keep in mind, though, that this is just a drop in the bucket in terms of the actual numbers of drives and explorations you can enjoy in the park and surrounding areas!

Cades Cove Loop Road

You cannot pay a visit to the park without making your way through this top attraction. An 11-mile loop road, it is a wonderful spot for taking in the scenery, catching glimpses of the area’s wildlife (including bears) and visiting the many historic churches and cabins along the way. Framed as it is by the mountains, it is also a robustly colorful spot during the autumn months, and there are many hiking trails that can allow you to get out into that beautiful landscape.

Newfound Gap Road

If you want one of the original scenic drives in the Smokies, this is it. It was cut in the late 1800s and allows you to pass through the mountains without having to climb to high altitudes. It is 33 miles from beginning to end, and you’ll want to pack a picnic and bring the camera. There are lots of panoramic and scenic views and if you are hearty and fit, you can hike up to Clingmans Dome (the highest peak in Tennessee) off this road.

Blue Ridge Parkway

This amazing route lets you experience the North Carolina side of the Smokies as the road follows the mountains and winds its way from Cherokee to Afton. It runs more than 400 miles, so it is not a day trip, but rather something to experience in chunks. During the autumn months, it is a place of stunning natural color and scenery and from it, you can reach Mt. Mitchell (the highest peak in the eastern U.S.), the Linville Gorge (the deepest gorge in the eastern U.S.) and many other attractions.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is another must and is a loop road that wanders through natural areas and historic sites.
There are so many spots to hit the roads and take in amazing views, but as we said at the beginning, the area around Townsend can also provide you with more than enough autumn color and gorgeous scenery, and the Maryville Greenway (a walking trail) is a place where the leaves surround you and where anyone can enjoy an autumn stroll.

Spend a Day Exploring Maryville, Tennessee

Posted on January 8, 2019 by - Blog, Maryville

Tucked into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the town of Maryville, TN dates far back in America’s history. Beginning as an 18th century fort, it officially became a town before the turn of that same century. Just twenty short miles from the bright lights and fun of Knoxville, it retains a small-town feel and, as it is surrounded by beautiful scenery, it is a popular place among the region’s many travelers.

What to Do in Maryville

While one of the common things to do during a visit to Maryville is to actually leave it and head into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (with an entrance just 13 miles from downtown), there is a great deal to see and do in the town itself. A brief list of the local activities include:

  • The Alcoa-Maryville Greenway – Running between the two towns, it features a riverside footpath and bicycle path with many ways to enter or exit along the way. Nine miles in length, it begins in Maryville’s Sandy Springs Park and you will often be able to access shopping districts and nature areas from the trail.
  • Sam Houston Historic Schoolhouse – Though associated with Texas, Sam Houston originated in East Tennessee and was a teacher in the Maryville area. A visit here is unforgettable and truly charming at any time of year.
  • Blount County Historical Museum – Located in town, it can be a great companion to a visit to the Cades Cove Museum and the Sam Houston site (above) if you want a good history of the region.
  • Capitol Theater – This authentic Art Deco treasure dates back to the 1920s and can seat around one thousand guests. Book a tour, and visit their coffee house.
  • The Antique Malls – If you are an antique enthusiast, you have some great choices right in Maryville, including the Parkway Antique Mall and the Druid Hill Antique Mall, among others.
  • Foothills Mall – A classic mall with movie theater, shops, and big box stores, it also features specialty stores and eateries.
  • Vineyards and Breweries – Like other areas of the region, Maryville also meets the needs and interests of those eager to sample local specialties that include wine and other alcoholic beverages. Options popular with travelers include Blue Goose Farm and Vineyards, Round 6 Brewing, and Pleasant Hill Vineyards, among others.

When the weather is fine, there is even more you can do and see in town. For example, there is a fully functional drive-in movie theater, The Parkway Drive-In, that remains open from spring through fall.
Don’t forget that the area is ideal for cabin rentals all year long, and these can serve as a wonderful base from which to make a greater exploration of Maryville and the entire region. Whether you head to Look Rock Tower along the Foothills Parkway (another great thing to explore while in town) or do a food tour of the many barbecue restaurants and other specialty foods, you can make an entire vacation from this one town and the natural beauty all around it.
 


 

Spend a Day on East Tennessee’s Little River 

Posted on May 30, 2025 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

As you drive into the Smokies from Townsend, the Peaceful Side, roll down your windows and listen. That sound? It’s the Little River, running right alongside you. Centuries ago, these waters sustained the Cherokee people. In the early 20th century, the river’s path became the route for the Little River Railroad, which hauled timber deep from the mountains. 

Today, the river continues to teem with life. You might spot a great blue heron fishing the shallows or a river otter slipping between rocks. Beneath the surface, trout, salamanders and aquatic insects thrive. Fed by over 85 inches of annual rainfall, the Little River nourishes more than 2,000 miles of streams within the park. And the best part? You don’t have to admire it from the car. Here are our favorite ways to spend a day on the Little River. 

Walk the River’s Edge 

Go for a stroll along The Townsend River Walk & Arboretum, nestled between the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway and the Little River. You’ll come across several points of interest, including fairy villages, a pollinator garden, a children’s discovery garden and artwork made by locals. 

Cast a Line: Fly Fishing 

The Little River’s cool, clear waters are home to rainbow, brown and native brook trout. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or just starting out, there’s something special about stepping into the river with a fly rod in hand and letting the current guide your rhythm. 

Upper sections of the river, especially near Elkmont, are ideal for backcountry solitude and wild trout, while the stretch through Townsend offers easier access and plentiful stocked fish. Local outfitters like Little River Outfitters offer gear, guided trips and expert advice to help you make the most of your time on the water.  

Reminder: Check fishing regulations and bring a valid Tennessee fishing license. 

Float the Day Away: River Rat Tubing 

When the summer heat sets in, nothing beats a cool float down the Little River. Just a few miles from the park entrance, you’ll find River Rat Tubing, a family-owned outfitter that’s been in business since 1995. Choose between two routes: one perfect for families (and small dogs) with gentle currents and scenic views, and another with a bit more excitement for the adventurous crowd. 

You can even splash out on a rental cabana to turn your river day into a full-on retreat. These shaded, private cabanas come with seating, a gift of your choice, and the option to add towel service and a stocked cooler. 

Pro Tip: Book online a day or more in advance for $5 off per person. 

Go for a Swim: The Townsend Wye 

Nestled just inside the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where Little River Road and Lamar Alexander Parkway intersect, the Townsend Wye is one of the most popular swimming holes in the area. 

Besides swimming, it’s a great spot for snorkeling, floating or simply relaxing by the water. You’ll find shallow areas, especially along the pebbly shore, as well as deeper spots where you can’t touch the bottom. 

Safety First: The GSMNP advises against water recreation in the park due to numerous hazards and dangers. If you choose to swim here, take necessary precautions, and remember to supervise children. 

Lend a Hand: Little River Watershed Association 

Photo courtesy of the Little River Watershed Association.

The Little River Watershed Association (LRWA) is a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving the health of the Little River and its surrounding environment. They organize river cleanups, streambank restoration projects, water quality monitoring and educational programs for all ages. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, volunteering or donating is a great way to give back. 

What’s your favorite way to enjoy the Little River? Tag us on social media (@PeacefulSmokies) for a chance to be featured. 

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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.

Spooky Spots in Blount County

Posted on October 24, 2025 by - Blog, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

Do you believe in ghosts? According to a recent poll, about 39% of Americans do. While Southern Appalachia has become a trending ghost-hunting hotspot on TikTok, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies seems—well, peaceful. You won’t hear many ghost stories floating around Blount County. But in the spirit of Halloween, here are a few local legends. 

Maryville College 

At over two centuries old, Maryville College is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the country. Students and faculty alike whisper about the campus’s otherworldly residents, whose legends have been passed down through old issues of The Highland Echo and Alpha Psi Omega ghost tours. 

The most famous of these spirits is Whiskers, said to roam the halls of Anderson Hall, the oldest building on campus. Described as an elderly man with a peg leg, Whiskers is forever searching for his missing limb. Some say he was a Civil War soldier who lost his leg in battle, while others claim he was an old night watchman who never truly clocked out.

Then there’s Lily, the theatre ghost. Long ago, when Maryville College Theatre stood where the Clayton Center is now, Lily was said to be a stagehand with dreams of stepping into the spotlight. Her spirit reportedly lingers in the catwalks above the stage—sometimes seen as a flicker of white just before showtime. 

Other tales include a restless female student in Pearsons Hall, who reportedly haunts the building where her dorm once stood, and the Woman in White who drifts through the upper floors of the House in the Woods, combing her long hair as she gazes out the windows. 

Millenium Manor 

On North Wright Road in Alcoa stands one of Blount County’s strangest and most enduring landmarks, Millennium Manor. Built by William Andrew Nicholson beginning in 1937, the gray marble house was designed to last forever. A skilled mason, Nicholson worked days at the Alcoa plant and nights on his home, hauling 300-pound stones by wheelbarrow and stacking them into fourteen rooms of Roman arches and keystones. 

Nicholson believed the house would survive the end of the world and shelter his family during the thousand-year reign of Christ foretold in the Book of Revelation. He once said his fortress “cannot rust or rot, and if nothing wrecks it, there is no reason why it shouldn’t last a million years.” 

When his wife, Fair, died in 1950, Nicholson kept building, convinced his faith would spare him from death. He passed away in 1965, never seeing the Millennium he expected. Over time, rumors grew that he had buried his wife within the walls, though her marked grave suggests otherwise. 

Locals still tell of flickering lights, echoing footsteps and faces in the windows. Some believe Nicholson’s spirit remains inside the house he swore would outlive him. When current owner Dean Fontaine was once asked if the manor is haunted, he simply replied, “We don’t talk about that.” 

Millenium Manor is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends. 

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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.

Spring Festivals and Fairs on the Peaceful Side

Posted on April 24, 2025 by - Blog, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

Spring is in full swing on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Check out our full lineup of festivals and fairs, featuring everything from off-roading and folk music to botany, beer and… Bigfoot?

Bronco Super Celebration: April 23–26

📍 Greater Smokies Event Grounds, 7930 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN

The Bronco Super Celebration is the largest annual Ford Bronco event in the United States, drawing in thousands of attendees and hundreds of Broncos from every generation. Hosted by Bronco Driver Magazine, the event includes daily scenic drives through the Smokies, tech talks, show-and-shine contests, parts vendors, swap meets and product giveaways. Registration is available on site.

  • Registration: $100 per Bronco
  • Visitor Parking: $10

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage: April 23–26

📍Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Meeting points vary)

For 75 years, nature lovers have gathered in the Smokies for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage—a celebration of Appalachian biodiversity through guided hikes, workshops and exhibits. The event draws attendees from across the U.S. and beyond to explore everything from fungi and ferns to salamanders and stream ecology. Whether you’re a budding botanist or seasoned naturalist, the pilgrimage offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from biologists, artists and park experts.

  • Full Access: $150
  • Student (K-12, undergraduate, graduate) Full Access: $50
  • Student (pre-K or younger) Full Access: FREE

Livin’ Live ‘25: April 24

📍The Capitol Theatre, 127 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37801

The Capitol Theatre in Downtown Maryville will come alive for an evening of live music, community and good vibes. Livin’ Live ‘25 features a packed lineup of local artists, including folk duo Wilder Things Than Us, genre-bending band HiDaze, and Knoxville staples Connor Kelly & The Time Warp. Music kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and runs through 10:00 p.m., with performances staggered so you can enjoy dinner downtown and pop in and out as you please.

  • General Admission: $16.07
  • VIP: $20.17

Sounds of Spring: April 24

📍Blount County Public Library, 508 N Cusick St, Maryville, TN 37804

This month-long concert series is wrapping up with a FREE performance by The Lonesome Roses. It will take place at the Blount County Public Library’s Main Gallery from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Great Smoky Mountain Fiber Fair: April 25-26

📍 Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend, TN 37882

From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, over 20 vendors will gather at the Heritage Center for fiber arts, demonstrations and hands-on learning. Visitors can explore a variety of classes, enjoy spinning and weaving demos, and join the social time to share projects with fellow fiber enthusiasts over tea or coffee.

  • Adults (13-59): $12
  • Seniors (60+): $10
  • Children (5-12): $8
  • Children 4 and Under: FREE

Funky Cinco de Mayo: May 3

📍Peaceful Side Brewery, 106 Everett Avenue, Maryville, TN 37804

Peaceful Side Brewery is throwing a party you won’t want to miss. Funky Cinco de Mayo kicks off at 4:30 p.m. with live Latin music from Candela Knox and keeps the energy going with beer tastings from 10 regional breweries. From plantain-infused gose to tequila barrel-aged lagers, this event is all about bold flavors and funky fun. With games like the Can Crushing Competition and the Swag Piñata Smash, plus street tacos from Chapulines and Peaceful Side’s own kitchen, it’s a Cinco celebration with local flair.

Tickets: $65

Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival: May 3

📍 Greater Smokies Event Grounds, 7930 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN

The 5th Annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival promises a legendary family reunion at the Townsend Event Center. Get ready for a day of live music, tasty food trucks and unique vendors celebrating Bigfoot and his mythical cousins, including Yeti, Mothman and Dogman. Enjoy live music, food trucks and competitions, as well as insightful talks from Bigfoot researchers. There will also be a 5K and Fun Run, where Bigfoot may make an appearance.

  • Adults: $10
  • Children 10 & Under: FREE
  • VIB (Very Important Believer) Meet & Greet: $175
  • 5K: $54
  • 1-Mile Fun Run: $54

Blackberry Smoke – Rattle, Ramble & Roll Tour: May 15–17

📍The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint, 1820 W Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37801

Southern rockers Blackberry Smoke are bringing their “Rattle, Ramble & Roll” tour to East Tennessee for a three-night run as part of the Brothers & Sisters Family Reunion. Hosted at The Shed in Maryville, this homecoming-style concert series has become a fan-favorite tradition. Friday and Saturday shows are already sold out, but tickets are still available for Thursday night.

Tickets: $40

Smoky Mountain Highland Games: May 17–18

📍 Greater Smokies Event Grounds, 7930 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN

Townsend transforms into “Scotland in the Smokies” during the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games, now in its 43rd year. As Tennessee’s oldest celebration of Celtic heritage, this family-friendly weekend offers everything from traditional athletics and highland dancing to whisky tastings, live music and hearty fare from the British Isles. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Smokies, the event honors the Scots-Irish settlers that shaped the region.

  • Two-Day Pass: $30
  • Saturday Only: $20
  • Sunday Only: $15
  • Highlander Patron Package: $175
  • Whisky Seminars: $50

Which festivals will you attend? Tag us to be featured on our social media (@PeacefulSmokies).

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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.

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: