Explore The Best Trails in The Smokies

Stretching along the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Smoky Mountains are a subrange of the ancient Appalachian Mountains. Named for their often hazy aspect, the Smokies are part of a protected reserve that draws more than ten million visitors per year, making it the most popular national park in the United States.

A complex ecosystem that harbors thousands of species of plant and animal, hundreds of which are native to the area, the park is best viewed from some of its many hiking trails. As they wind through the dense forests on the side of the mountains or follow the dizzying heights of the mountain's spine, many of these trails are older than the park itself. Visitors can drink in the glorious vistas, enjoy the wildlife and learn something of the history of the area on any one of these classic hikes.

• Porter's Creek Trail

This four-mile hike is the perfect introduction to Smoky Mountain hiking. Located just outside of Gatlinburg, the trailhead follows an easily traversed gravel road that borders the lovely Porter's Creek. Lush vegetation and wildflowers make this part of the trail a delight throughout the spring and summer months. There are also remnants of old stone walls, farm buildings and a cemetery that all attest to the history of the area. After a mile, the trail splits and following the left fork will bring hikers to the beautiful Fern Branch Falls towering 60 feet above the trail. Hikers can turn around for the walk back to the trailhead or continue on for two miles to end the hike at Backcountry Campsite 31.

• Mt. LeConte Trail

As the quintessential Smoky Mountain hike, the Mt. LeConte trail promises spectacular views from this tallest peak of the Smokies, but comes at the cost of a strenuous 11-mile hike that reaches a 6,500 foot elevation. Hikers should prepare for a long haul with the appropriate amounts of food, water and walking gear. Following the popular Alum Cave Trail ten miles outside of Gatlinburg, visitors will enjoy the first part of the trek, which has a gentle beginning and displays the ancient geology of the mountain range with Arch Rock, an erosion-formed landmark. Continuing on through lush rhododendron, hikers will encounter the Eye of the Needle, an area with sweeping views of the surrounding hills and a chance to see peregrine falcons in flight. Reaching the summit, hikers will have passed the stunning Alum Cave to reach the top of Mt. LeConte. From Cliff Top ledge there are breathtaking 360-degree views of the sprawling Great Smoky Park.

• Abrams Falls Trail

A moderate five-mile hike that showcases the beautiful Abrams Falls, this trail begins at Cades Cove, just over 30 miles from Gatlinburg. The trail follows the gentle rise of the ridge through pines and rhododendrons until reaching the falls, which are a mere 20 feet high but feature the highest volume of water of any waterfall in the entire park. While the pool beneath looks inviting, the tremendous amount of water creates dangerous undertows that occasionally drown swimmers. With its gentle elevations, beautiful waterfall and relatively short length, this trail is popular with hikers and boasts around a thousand visitors per day during the warm summer months.

• Andrews Bald Trail

Don't let the one-and-a-half-mile length to the top fool you; the trail to Andrews Bald is short but strenuous and rises nearly a thousand feet during its three-mile round trip hike. If you're looking for amazing views and only have an afternoon to spare, this hike will reward all the effort with unparalleled views of the finest Smoky Mountain peaks. The trail actually begins by going downhill along Clingmans Dome, but quickly ascends as hikers follow the left branch of the trail for a mile and a half, reaching a high mountain meadow filled with wildflowers that stretches for acres along the top of the formation. Visiting in July allows hikers to enjoy the spectacular blooming azaleas that crown the mountaintop.

• Mt. Cammerer Trail

At 12 miles and a 5,000-foot elevation, this hike might seem a little imposing, but some of the finest views of the Smokies will be found at the top of this peak. Traveling east from Gatlinburg for twenty miles, hikers can embark on the trail from Cosby Campground at the Low Gap trailhead. A portion of the hike follows the historic Appalachian Trail and allows views of both Inadu Knob and Snake Den Ridge before hikers ascend the rocky outcrop to reach the summit of Mt. Cammerer. Views take in layers of mountains fading to the distance and the sparkling Pigeon River far below. Hikers can also stand on the deck of the stone fire tower built in the 1930s to enjoy the sights.

• Little Brier Gap Trail

This charming afternoon hike is the easiest on the list and is perfect for those who love the history of the Smoky Mountains. Five unmarried sisters refused to abandon their farm and continued living in the old 1830s-era family cabin well into the 1960s. The trailhead is near the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area outside of Cades Cove. There are three buildings that remain from the original farm and all of them are on the National Register of Historic Places. They make a fascinating addition to the lovely flowers and rushing Little Brier stream that characterize this enjoyable two-and-a-half mile hike along the historic old road used by settlers of the area.

• Chimney Tops Trail

Appreciation for the geology of the Smoky Mountains will only grow as hikers traverse this moderately difficult four-mile hike. Beginning at Newfound Gap Road, the trail is short but very steep, rising almost one thousand feet in the last mile to the top. The views make it worth the work, with hikers following the pretty Road Prong Creek as they begin to ascend the Beech Flats. In the spring and early summer, wildflowers frame the trail. Taking the right fork of the trail at the halfway point, the true ascent begins along the rocky face of the peak. While professional climbing gear is not needed, hikers should take care, as the bare rock can sometimes be treacherous. The view from the top takes in Mt. LeConte, Mt. Kephart and Sugarland Mountain, making the exertion worth the dazzling reward.

Experience the 25th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge

Every season of the year offers enticing and luring reasons to travel to the Pigeon Forge and Smoky Mountain regions of Tennessee. Winter is no exception. The winter months are a magical time to visit this area. There are endless sites and events during winter including holiday lighting and decorations, Christmas shows, festivals, and parades. The cool air of Smoky Mountain winters coupled with the holiday season brings about boundless vibrancy of the region’s culture.

While end-of-the-year activities are filled with shopping, shows, and socializing, the new year brings with it a new air in the Smokies. Although the close of the year allows little time to relax and enjoy the scenery, the start of the new year is a renewed opportunity to do just that. The region’s attention shifts from a holiday celebration to a celebration of nature and heritage. The beauty and natural habitat of the mountains are the focus of the 25th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week scheduled on January 24-31, 2015.

Because of holiday indulgences, family budgets are often miniscule in January. This should not be a deterrent in attending Wilderness Wildlife Week activities. All of these events are free to the public and are based at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. Offering affordability along with a renewed spirit are perfect reasons to take part in these unique Smoky Mountain cultural opportunities during Wilderness Wildlife Week.

The culture of the region will be celebrated in music highlighted throughout the week. Music enthusiasts will enjoy listening to performers native to the Appalachian region. Features of the musical entertainment will include traditional mountain instruments, bluegrass genre, spiritual hymns, and traditional mountain ballads. Players of instruments such as banjos, fiddles, and dulcimers make Appalachian music breathe a life of its own.

In addition to enjoying the celebration through music, the culture and heritage of the region will also be celebrated through exhibits, workshops, panel discussions, and presentations. Historical enthusiasts will enjoy learning how the plights of early generations have shaped the cultural communities of today. Individuals unique to the region, from the Cherokee Indians to families such as Mr. and Mrs. Willis P. Davis to a country music sensation known as Dolly Parton, helped define the current way of life. By discovering interesting facts about the early American Cherokee and pioneer settlers of the region, attendees will gain a respect for past and present inhabitants of the Smoky Mountain area.

Discovering the culture and heritage of the area would not be complete without appreciating the scenery and natural habitat. The beauty of the Smoky Mountains National Park can be best experienced by hiking the landscape. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate events scheduled during the week such as leisurely walks and challenging hikes. Each trail offers different visual stimulations and different levels of intensity. Viewing waterfalls and mountainous overlooks will make either short treks or higher difficulty excursions worth every step. During these walking activities, a camera is every bit as essential as hiking shoes.

All events offered throughout the week’s festivities are family oriented. There are some activities known as Kids’ Track that are specifically designated for children. Some topics designated for children include safe and fun hiking techniques, storytelling, cartooning, and explanation of civil war history. With different offerings provided each day, there will certainly be activities to entice children of all ages. The offerings will combine educational aspects with entertaining delivery methods and will make it difficult to decide on final choices to attend.

If musical, historical, walking, or children’s events are not of particular interest to you, there is still a large variety of activities that you may want to attend. Examples of other topics that may spark your interest include photography, bears, fly fishing, rock formations, edible weeds, cougars, drawing, whittling, and writing. A wide array of exhibits and vendors will be on hand to highlight merchandise unique to the region. In addition to hiking activities, there are also multiple guided field trips scheduled daily such as bus tours of destination-specific areas, bird and owl watching, and photography tours.

While some events will have an unlimited number of participants, other events will be limited to a specific number of participants depending on availability of equipment, safety precautions, and supplies. There will also be certain activities that require each participant to bring his/her own equipment such as dulcimers, pictures, tools, and clothing. Because of the specific requirements of some sessions, it is recommended to review a class schedule prior to attending in order to be prepared for the desired classes. Pre-registration for limited classes will be held the morning of the specific event.

All activities included in Wilderness Wildlife Week are free of charge, so your budget may accommodate more splurges for dining and lodging. No matter how you choose to attend, this week in the Smoky Mountains is certain to be one consisting of events and activities that you will remember for years to come. Celebrate the new year by renewing your interest in Smoky Mountain heritage at the 25th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week.

Kick Off the Holiday Season With Gatlinburg's Festival of Trees and Nutcracker "Sweet"

photo credit: Mulad via photopin cc

The holidays are a wonderful time in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg is a small town located in Eastern Tennessee, on the outskirts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the epitome of small town charm, and the 3,944 residents of this town pride themselves on providing their guests with the best possible services and hospitality. Gatlinburg attracts more than eleven million visitors a year with people coming from all over the world to visit this little mountain town.

Gatlinburg's Festival of Trees kicks off the season and brings the holiday spirit to all its visitors. Located in the WL Mills Conference Center, this event runs from November 25, 2014 to November 29, 2014. Entrance to this one of a kind event is free, but donations are appreciated, with all proceeds benefiting the Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries. When visitors enter into the Festival of Trees, they are swooped away by the beautifully decorated Christmas Trees full of color and twinkling lights. While admiring the sparkling trees, they can also shop the many handmade centerpieces and craft items available at the event.

The Festival of Trees is not only about the beauty of the trees, but there are ways to become involved in the actual festival. There are sponsorship opportunities, where you can actually sponsor a tree and decorate it in your own vision and also contests and other holiday activities.

One competition that is a must is Gatlinburg's Festival of Trees’ Gingerbread House Competition. The entry deadline for this contest is Friday, November 21, 2014, and there are six categories you can enter into. There is the Amateur Adult category for people 18 and up; the Youth category for people 17 and under; the Family category where two or more family members participate; the Team/Group category for groups of two or more individuals, such as scouts, classrooms, group of friends, etc.; the Professional category which includes anyone that gets paid to make baked goods, such as chefs and caterers; and lastly, the Purchased Kit category for people eight years and under who have purchased a kit to make the Gingerbread House.

Also, don't miss two other events included in the festivities. There is a luncheon and also a family friendly Business After Hours presented by the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, November 25, 2014. Santa Claus will be there for pictures and there is a cards booth where you can have your family photo taken and send a card to family and friends.

The Great Smoky Mountain Dance Theater brings the Nutcracker "Sweet" to Gatlinburg at the WL Mills Auditorium from November 28, 2014 to November 29, 2014. This rendition of the holiday classic is a must see to start the holiday season. The Nutcracker is based off of E.T.A. Hoffmann's holiday story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”. On Christmas Eve, Clara Silberhaus receives a nutcracker from her godfather, who is an inventor. At the stroke of midnight, Clara’s nutcracker comes to life and takes her on a magical trip filled with giant mice, gingerbread soldiers and other mythical characters. The nutcracker is the hero, defeating the evil Mouse King, and then goes back to her life as a doll. The Nutcracker is filled with popular Christmas songs, including the Russian Dance Trepak, The Nutcracker March and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. These songs will definitely put you in the holiday and Christmas Spirit.

The City of Gatlinburg also offers free weekend entertainment this holiday season by presenting the Gatlinburg Winter Magic version of its Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales program live on the Parkway on Friday and Saturday nights between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. There are carolers who belt out holiday classics and while being traditionally dressed in Dickens-style garb, as well as, carolers who are members of a local community college and high school choir group. These sounds of the season can be heard along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the evenings of November 25-26 and December 3, 9-10 and 16-17.

During Gatlinburg Winter Magic, the City spectacularly lights up the winter nights with dozens of light displays throughout town, featuring all LED bulbs. The entire parkway is lined with these holiday displays and a good way to soak in the holiday experience, is to take a ride on the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights. From the comfort of these specifically designed trolleys, visitors can view displays of wonderful lights featuring animals of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park including deer, foxes, squirrels and rabbits. Also included in the displays are the recent additions of snowmen, dancing fountains, a group of international children and a rocking horse have joined the holiday lights show.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is definitely the place to be to get into the holiday spirit.

Enjoy Autumn Colors on These Smoky Mountain Drives and Hikes

Autumn is a wonderful time of year to be outdoors and relish in the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. The Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee are an ideal destination to enjoy an autumn drive or hike. The colors in the Smokies actually last about seven weeks as they move down the mountains. Because of the considerable array of trees - over 100 different native species - in the Smoky Mountain areas, the colors that can be seen throughout the autumn season are quite diverse.

The first area of the Smokies on our trip is the lowest drivable pass in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with an elevation of 5,046 feet - the Newfound Gap. This drive will allow you to experience diverse forest ecosystems and has many scenic overlooks. From this journey, you can take a 7-mile side road called Clingmans Dove Road. Coming from the lowest drivable pass, Clingmans Dome is not only the highest peak in Tennessee, but also the highest peak along the Appalachian Trail reaching up 6,643 feet; it is also the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. This road will take you to a dead end; but you can continue on foot for a half-mile hike to the 360-degree observation tower, which is a sublime vantage point to view the beauty autumn brings to the land. On a clear day - which are, unfortunately, limited due to air pollution - it is possible to see over 100 miles. Clingmans Dome Road is also home to several other trailheads for those who want more adventure, one of which is the Sugarland Mountain Trail. This is a seven mile roundtrip hike that offers the forest solitude some are looking for.

The Albright Grove Loop Trail should also be on your to-do list. This path is located in the Cosby area, which also houses Hen Wallow Falls, which is just over 2 miles, and Sutton Ridge Overlook, which is only 1.4 miles and is best for an autumn visit in late October. The Albright Grove Loop is part of the Maddron Bald Trail, which was built in the 1930s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). This hike will start off with 2.3 miles of gravel road. Once you have traveld just under two and half miles, the trail turns into a dirt path and begins to lead you through old-growth forest. Keep going for about another half mile and you will come across the Albright Grove Trail. This is a 0.7-mile loop that is stunning in the Fall due to the diversity in the forest and the fact that it contains trees that are among the oldest in the area. If you are looking for a motorized journey for viewing the fall colors, visit Parsons Branch Road. This is an eight mile, gravel road that only goes one way and is quite narrow. Motorists are able to drive along a creek and see the remarkable coloring of the forest.

Next we'll visit the Cades Cove Loop Road, which can be found in Tennessee. Cades Cove is the most popular area in the Smoky Mountains National Park. This drive will take you 11 miles one way and will offer prepossessing scenery. This paved road is closed off to motor vehicles until 10:00 a.m. to allow bicyclists and hikers the opportunity to enjoy this delightful path safely. Cades Cove Loop contains the access point for Abrams Falls, a favored day-hike in the area. This trek through a pine-oak forest will take you on a five-mile roundtrip hike to a waterfall consisting of a 20-foot drop into the pool and stream that lie below. Due to the strong currents and undertow, it is highly recommended to avoid swimming in the pool for your own safety. During the autumn months, the Abrams Creek, which can be found at the foot of the waterfall, is lined with the beautiful colors of changing leaves. There is a lot of wildlife in this area hikers and motorists may spot, including coyotes, turkeys, and the occasional black bear. In fact, the highlights of this drive and hiking trails are the wildlife that can be viewed and the historic buildings. Make sure to bring your camera on this trip.

Another scenic drive is along Rich Mountain Road, which begins at Cades Cove and goes north, ending in Townsend, Tennessee. This road is a stretch of gravel that takes you 8 miles one way. If you're looking to visit in autumn, October is best for this route.

For hikers that are looking to explore the higher elevations, Mt. LeConte is a good choice. There are plenty of trails in this area. Taking the Trillium Gap trail offers wonderful panoramic views of the area. You'll travel through old-growth forest. After 1.3 miles hikers will reach a waterfall they can walk behind - Grotto Falls. You will reach the summit 6.9 miles after you begin your hike.

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit the Smoky Mountains for a drive or hike. The air is crisp and dry, and the fall colors are one of nature's most serene pieces of artwork. With the advantage of a long fall season, there is no reason to miss out on this unparalleled scenery.

Viewing Wildlife in The Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains contain some of the most beautiful and unspoiled wilderness in the United States. If you want to view some of North America’s most fascinating plants and wildlife, there is no better place to visit. No matter when you come to the Smokies, you will find a great diversity of species. In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the animals you can find in the Smokies and the best times and locations to find them.

An Introduction to the Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains, often referred to as the Smoky Mountains or simply as the Smokies, are located on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The area was given its name due to the fog that is often visible over the mountain range, creating a smoky appearance.

The bulk of the wilderness areas are found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This park was opened in 1934 and attracts more than nine million visitors every year. It is, in fact, the most visited national park in the U.S. The Smokies, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Site status, contain about 187,000 acres of old growth forest, making it the largest environment of its kind east of the Mississippi River.

The Smoky Mountains are also well known for being part of the famous Appalachian Trail, the vast hiking trail that extends as far south as Georgia and as far north as Maine. Hikers can find more than 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail running through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In fact, the Smokies contain the trail’s highest point at Clingmans Dome in Tennessee, which is 6625 feet.

Best Places to View Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Although the Smokies contain an amazing diversity of wildlife, visitors sometimes need to travel to find the best viewing areas. The main reason for this is that the park consists largely of extremely dense forests. In many sections, you may be surrounded by all kinds of animals but they may be hidden from view. There are, however, open areas where you have better vantage points.

Roaring Fork - Roaring Fork Motor Trail is one of the most scenic driving routes through the park. It’s a six mile loop road that should be driven through slowly. This is both for safety and so that you don’t miss anything. It gets its name from the fast flowing mountain stream called Roaring Fork that is visible from the road.

If you are driving on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, you may want to take the time to stop at the Noah Ogle farmstead, which has a stream side tubmill and a scenic waterfall nearby. When hiking or driving in this area, there is a good chance of seeing bears, deer, a variety of birds and other wildlife. The stream, of course, contains a diversity of fish. Fishing is permitted in most of the park’s streams, but you will need a permit or fishing license from North Carolina or Tennessee.

Cades Cove - This is a wide valley with majestic views of the Smokies. It is a good place for seeing wildlife, especially white-tailed deer. Other animals that are commonly seen here include ground hogs, turkeys, coyotes and black bears. Cades Cove has a visitor center where you can find restrooms and information about self-guided hikes. You can drive through the area on an eleven mile loop road. During the summer, this road can get quite congested.

Cataloochee Valley - This is another area that is good for wildlife viewing, as well as some historic buildings from the 19th century. This spot, surrounded by peaks rising as high as 6000 feet, was an early settlement where more than 1,000 settlers once lived. Among other animals, elk are quite common in Cataloochee Valley.

Bears and Safety

The Smoky Mountains contain a large population of black bears. While these are beautiful and fascinating creatures, they can also be dangerous. That’s why it’s important for visitors to the Smokies to be aware of basic precautions regarding bears.

• If you see a bear, keep your distance. Avoid doing anything to alarm the animal, such as running or making loud sounds. Back away or change your direction at a slow pace.
• If you are camping out in the park, be careful not to leave food out, as this may attract bears.
• If a bear behaves aggressively towards you, yell at it or do whatever you can to scare it off. You can throw rocks or other objects at the bear. Once again, only do this if the bear seems about     to attack. In most cases, you can simply walk away and the bear will not follow.

Birds in the Smokies

In addition to all of the fascinating land animals, the Smokies contain many species of birds. Whether you are an avid bird watcher or simply curious to see what’s flying overhead, you are likely to see some of the following:

• Hawks and Eagles - Including broad-winged hawks, golden eagles and red-shouldered hawks.
• Turkeys - Especially wild turkeys and ruffed grouse.
• Owls
• Woodpeckers
• Wrens
• Thrushes
• Wood Warblers
• Finches
• Sparrows

The above is only a small sampling of the many types of birds that can be seen in the Smokies. People occasionally see rare birds as well, such as bald eagles, sandhill cranes, long-eared owls and mourning warblers.

The Smokies: A Year Round Destination

There is really no bad time to visit the Smoky Mountains. The national park is open 365 days per year. For viewing wildlife and for the most comfortable weather, the majority of visitors come during summer. On the other hand, coming off season allows you to avoid the crowds and to see different kinds of wildlife. The Great Smoky Mountains are a national treasure containing an abundance of wildlife. Whether you drive through the park, camp out or hike some of the magnificent trails, you are sure to have some memorable experiences.