#Sugarlands Visitor Center

[capitalvacations]

A Majestic View: Capital Vacations on Hiking Pigeon Forge

You can still stay fit while on vacation. Pigeon Forge offers some of the world's best hiking trails, notes Capital Vacations.

Capital Vacations Talks About Hiking in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge provides some of the world's most stunning mountain views. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts a range of trails that accommodate different fitness and difficulty levels. Capital Vacations shares a few of Pigeon Forge's best hiking destinations.

Charles Bunion

The Charles Bunion Trail is located at the Newfound Gap, with an 8.6-mile roundtrip length. The trail offers a challenge to outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. During summer, hikers share the path with vibrant wildflowers. Capital Vacations shares that the Charles Bunion Trail got its name from its massive boulder-like protrusion from the mountainside. Its GPS coordinates are 35.610833, -83.425083.

Chimney Tops

Also located at the Newfound Gap Road, the Chimney Tops is a fun challenge for hikers. The trail has a roundtrip length of 3.3 miles. While the trail's end may still be off-limits for hikers due to the November 2016 wildfire, it is still stunning. According to Capital Vacations, hikers can take in majestic views of the trail while clocking in a few hours of a leg workout. Chimney Tops' coordinates are 35.63538, -83.46979.

Alum Cave Bluffs

Alum Cave Bluffs sits on the Alum Cave Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road. Its coordinates are 35.37.748, -83.27.056. The trail is ideal for both beginners and seasoned hikers for its moderate difficulty. The Alum Cave Bluffs trail takes hikers across Arch Rock's natural tunnel. The reward after the two mile-hike is the Inspiration Point.

Gatlinburg Trail

Located at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, the Gatlinburg Trail is ideal for kids and adults of different fitness levels. Unlike other trails, Gatlinburg Trail allows bringing pets for the entire hike, notes Capital Vacations. The trail goes through the western edge of the Little Pigeon Forge River and is essentially flat. The two-mile hike takes visitors through a wooden bridge and a small waterfall. Its coordinates are 35.68579, -83.53677.

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls sits on Rainbow Falls Trailhead. This trail is incredibly challenging. However, travelers who are up for the challenge can always head up this trail to test their physical and mental toughness. At the trail’s end is a magnificent view of a beautiful waterfall. Catch a breath while taking in incredible old-growth forest views. Hikers need to watch their step as they near the Falls. Wet rocks can be sharp and slippery. The trail's coordinates are 35.67582, -83.48527.

Hiking is certainly one of the things to plan when staying in Pigeon Forge. There are many marvelous sights inside and outside the National Park. Capital Vacations reminds visitors to adhere to park rules and guidelines throughout their hikes to ensure their safety and enjoyment. In addition, hiking with the guidelines in mind helps keep visitors and the wildlife in the area secure.

Capital Vacations facilitates partnerships with over 200 Independent Resorts across the U.S. and the Caribbean. It deploys strategic value-add tools that allow Independent Resorts to increase revenues and profits across multiple channels. Read more from Capital Vacations here.

[tripstipsandtees]

Clingmans Dome Trail

It's never too early to start planning for summer! Check out this must-see trail Great Smoky Mountain National Park!

Clingmans Dome Trail is a must-see in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Atop this trail sits a concrete tower offering 360-degree views of the park and beyond. To access Clingmans Dome Trail, turn west on Clingmans Dome Rd near the Tennessee – North Carolina border. The turn is about 14 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The trailhead parking lot is a 7 mile drive from Newfound Gap…

[indigo-a-creeping]

Small cemetery near the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

[veteran-trekker]

Enjoy breathtaking mountain views along the world-famous Appalachian Trail on this hike to a picturesque stone outcrop known as Charlies Bunion. Trail: Appalachain Trail Driving to the #Trailhead: Drive on Newfound Gap Road to #newfound Gap parking lot which is 13.2 miles from #sugarlands Visitor Center or 16 miles from #oconaluftee Visitor Center. The trailhead is to the left of the overlook, at the end of the parking lot near the restrooms. Hiking Distance: 4.0 miles one way to Charlies Bunion Trail Conditions: Elevation change of 1,600 feet; this is a firm-packed #trail that traverses some exposed #cliffs. #trekking #trek #hike #hiking #trekker #hiker #trail #travel #travelgram #lovetotravel #backpacker #naturephotography #nature #naturelovers #trekkinglovers #thenomadicworld #appalachaintrail #charliesbunion #charlies #mountain #mountainlovers #valleys (at Charlie's Bunion Great Smoky Mountains National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVfsdFZvHel/?utm_medium=tumblr

[prairiedust]

I’m attempting a rewatch ahead of the Final Seven-- I’ve made it to 15x05 Proverbs 17:3 and guh. This is an episode that Chuck ostensibly Authored but the folklore themes I pinged on in season 14 are so freaking loud!

The cold open shows us three golden-locked girls camping in the woods-- ding ding ding threes again! They make three toasts, one of which (the last, of course) sets the third young woman apart as a “downer.” (“Of the three potential vessels, Ashley had the best hair”) This merging of Authorship with the reemergence of magical “threes” is important at a time when the Season Plot surfaces for the brothers.

(Even the tent is gingham. Seriously.)

“Ashley,” it turns out, is the only one to escape, even though it’s clear that she doesn’t actually do anything differently from her friends other than be slightly more practical about leaving the tent-- she ends up running through the woods being chased by the werewolf brothers, too. It’s only Andy’s “mercy” in the woods that ensures she lives. When we get to the bros, Dean asks about the three prior mountain lion victims. Three times Dean catches crap for using old photos on their new fish and wildlife identification cards (which, btw, except that he made up new aliases for himself and Sam, he might as well have used their old cards from Wendigo? Then asserts that “nothing has changed” which begs the question. What has? is that… foreshadowing?)

Maybe the three’s hearkening back to folklore is a statement that all stories come from ur-story-- every one of Chuck’s Ultimate Stories end in “brothers killing each other.” That’s his favorite motif, and it’s something that finally gets verbalized for the Winchesters after seeing it play out with some of Chuck’s auxiliary cast. 

Everything in this episode is so ridiculously staged-- the campers are wearing “camping costumes” and are in a tent that looks like it was made by LL Bean to resemble a tent. the sheriff’s office looks like the Smoky Mountains Sugarlands visitors center, the hospital is too open, empty, and pristine, Ashley dresses later like an American Doll while wearing the yellow neckerchief of the BSOA “Wolf Scout” of all things,* and her name is evocative of “Ashputtel,” a German Cinderella. The cabin with the cute blue shutters evokes a fairy tale cottage.

(Those shutters are Quaint.)

I mean, starting with 15x01 everything on screen has looked weird-- shot compositions are gorgeous in some places, weird in others, signage seems too on point, even the proliferation of blossoms in Harlan is over-the-top-- but this ep is strange squared. The hotel! The hotel in which Dean mysteriously falls asleep-- dun dun DUN-- is called The Sleepy Bear Inn, and that evokes/subverts the story of Goldilocks, but also serves as a callback to Tombstone where Cas tells us that Dean is “an angry sleeper, like a bear.” Later, Dean mysteriously falls asleep…. hmm.

(Fwiw, a sleepy bear used to be the mascot of Travelodge. I love the way this show side-eyes real life stuff.)

(This might be my favorite still from the entire episode.)

I found all of the antler symbolism to be really, really loud, as well-- on the wallpaper of the Sleepy Bear there were rams, a stag, pronghorn antelope, (all animals with built-in weaponry) and then finally a bear depicted in little vine-covered shields ….

(All ungulates and one dude looking in a mirror.)

(All ungulates and one bear. Also, I love the midcentury national parks vibe of that wallpaper.)

Then at the were-brothers’ cabin, the red painted and taro-covered walls were saturated with antlers on wooden plaques (totally shield shaped) and various taxidermy (note the fish on the yellow wall)…

(Those antler lamps were ugly but also looked like hands holding lights in their palms.)

...a set of which Dean even attempts to use as a weapon and upon which later “Ashley” is accidentally impaled. (I apologize for the crappy screengrab lol.)

(Antlers are an ungulate’s own handmade weaponry...)

Now Sam, with his visceral wound-connection to “the Author,” is able to pick up on the weirdness, but on a preconscious kind of level. It’s weird that the sheriff goes right to “monster.” It’s weird that they pick up the brothers’ trail so quickly. The brothers act weird when confronted. And weirdly, Dean falls asleep and the were-brothers spirit “Ashley” away.

The fight scene in the cabin is interesting, too. Ashley!Lilith clings to a bookcase while the Winchesters fight the weres, of all the things to do. The only books with titles that I can make out are-- hilariously-- ComparingTheories of Child Development and Elementary Composition. In fact, a few of the books look like they were put on the shelf upside down as well as sideways-- carelessly, because they’re “just scenery.” The production team often uses these older books sans book jackets on sets like, “here are some books.” But sometimes they’re funny [LINK]. Anyway, there are several reaction shots of “Ashley” literally climbing the bookcase as the brothers fight one another. Also, Lilith is literally scaling a symbol of Authorship to stay out of the fray-- subtext that makes her reveal later as Chuck’s agent very satisfying.

(I get that she couldn’t run with all of the Heroic Fighting going on, but she’s also weirdly exposed. Also, as a parent, I was acutely aware of how tippy that thing looks, haha.)

Dean is the one who is most heavily influenced by the Author in this episode-- it is he who brings the corny Fish and Wildlife costumes, he who is interviewed and manipulated by Lilith, and he who is literally put to sleep in the Sleepy Bear Inn. However, he is surrounded by an aura of “wildlife”-- visual symbols like fish, bear, stags, antelope, moose, and wolves. 

Again, visual shenanigans, we have a bear screening the shot inside the motel room-- then we immediately see Dean and Lilith coming through a red door that is marked with an “exit plan.” While certainly in keeping with Spn’s tradition of funky motels that usually explicate some aspect of the setting, again this one feels, like the trueform sleepy bear outside, gently aggressive.

(Is this a bear cub? Does it make anyone else thing of Smokey the Bear’s origin story?)

(Is it just me, or does that hospitality table tent look like Dean’s “I wuv hugs” shirt from DSOTM?)

There’s also an element to the production of this episode that might be mimicking “Chuck’s Wounded Writing,” like “The Winchesters pull up to a quaint, run-down cabin, which was decorated with the usual antlers, taxidermy, and old books,” so you get a rundown cabin with cute shutters and yes, antlers inside it, or “The walls of the murder room dripped with blood, and various tools hung menacingly from the ceiling racks,” and if you look, there are just like ball peen hammers and animal traps and shit hanging up in there lol. I believe there is even a scythe. Josh is going to kill “Ashley” with a tomahawk, of all things. The word “proverb” means “words put forth.” Details that typically get filled in with whatever the matrix of reality can churn up were Described ™  and that had ramifications in the product of the text. I just can’t help thinking of Chuck just, wording the hell out of his story. 

The whole episode, as the text we’re experiencing, gave us the same sense of hyper-reality that was goosing Sam.

It isn’t until they are back at the Bunker that the brothers are free for the moment from Chuck’s Writing. Here, figures of speech and writing conventions take on different meanings. For instance, the roles that the car and the bunker play as settings in the overall “story” of Supernatural are made really explicit-- the Impala is the setting for the emotional debriefing that we had in the previous episode (which shines a light on Lilith’s conversation with Dean on the way to the Sleepy Bear Inn) but it isn’t until they get back to the Bunker in Proverbs that they can apply Logical Communication and Dean tells Sam what Lilith told him, and then Sam comes to understand that he has A Connection with Chuck.

(Look at all the books under the lampshade, in a scene where Dean and Sam finally figure out the plot of the season. Visually, this show is just bonkers.)

I just wanted to sort of map out where the folklore themes were possibly appearing before moving on to 15x06 Golden Time where we get that beautiful Orpheus and Eurydice allusion and move into more mythic territory. Like Dean himself says in the next episode, we don’t know where Chuck’s Writing ends and the freeplay of his characters begins. Golden Time seems like a welcome respite from the advance of the mytharc, but everything is called into question later. This whole season reminds me of this poem-- if you read it straight through, it feels absolutely apocalyptic, but upon reflection, the previous half of a line makes sense once you see the first half of the line below it. I think that structurally, this season is brilliant like that.

So this is where the Winchesters are at-- Chuck still somehow has strings on them. While that connection goes to an unknown degree in both directions, they’re back at square one-- no family, no friends, no allies, no arc ahead of them but fratricide. 

On to Golden Time...

*My brother was, at one time, a wolf scout, and I went to the interwebs to verify that the wolf scarves were indeed yellow like I remembered, only to find out that interestingly BSOA changed the wolf scout neckerchief to red last September. Also at one time in the near past generic scout bandanas were yellow. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[netbros]

Smokies Park Hosts Annual Festival of Christmas Past Program

Smokies Park Hosts Annual Festival of Christmas Past Program

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual Festival of Christmas Past celebration on Saturday, December 8, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Sugarlands Visitor Center. The event, sponsored in cooperation with Great Smoky Mountains Association, is free to the public.

The festival will include mountain music, traditional shape note singing, mountain craft demonstrations, and a…

[apoundofben]

at Sugarlands Visitor Center https://www.instagram.com/p/CkimvDou8ns/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[jeffmarley]

Fighting Creek, digital image, 2018 (at Sugarlands Visitor Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnu3iJVBuWA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1pzqyge0nkped

[tripstipsandtees]

Alum Cave Bluff Trail

Don't miss this trail in Great Smoky Mountain National Park!

Great Smoky Mountain National Park is vast. Covering over 800 square miles, the hiking possibilities in the Smokies are endless. One of the park’s most popular is Alum Cave Bluff Trail. The Alum Cave Bluff trail is located 9 miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Road (Highway 441). There are two parking lots at the trailhead, and restrooms are available. This trail is…

[traveltoblank]

Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, US

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is nestled in the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As part of the Appalachian range, the Appalachian  Trail bisects this breathtaking park of rolling hills and spectacular views. The trails goes directly through the park for 72 miles. The park offers 150 hiking trails, countless fun activities, ten developed campgrounds, and great opportunities to see wildlife.

Depending on which way you enter the park, Sugarlands Visitor Center is reached by passing through the beautiful touristy town of Gatlinburg. The vibrant city Asheville is an hour drive from Oconaluftee entrance.

Must do Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains NP

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the most iconic view and highest point of the entire park at 6643 feet. It is a  steep one mile round trip hike to the top. Keep in mind that the trail is not wheelchair accessible and it is closed during winter (December 1st – March 31st) due to adverse weather conditions. The hike is worth it as you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the park.

Newfound Gap

Newfound Gap is the perfect stop by car for panoramic views across the Great Smokey Mountains below. Being one of the highest points accesible by car year round, there is often fog covering the view. Make sure to check the weather before heading to this overlook.

Rainbow Falls

Hiking to Rainbow Falls is moderate to difficult 5.4 mile roundtrip hike. Wind your way through the beautiful green forests while passing over a handful of small mossy waterfalls and flowing creeks. When you reach Rainbow Falls you are greeted with a 80 foot waterfall that shows a rainbow almost every afternoon when the sun hits it right.

Alum Cave

The steep hike up to Alum Cave brings you up nearly 1200 feet in just 2.2 miles. The first highlight is Arch Rock, where the path takes you through the arch and upwards! When you finally reach Alum Cave you will find a massive concave bluff, with a cool shade to enjoy a snack.

For a full day hike, the Alum Cave trail is directly connected to the Rainbow Falls trail by passing up and over Mt LeConte in between the two.

Ramsey Cascade

Do not miss out on the Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the park at 100 feet. It is a difficult 8-mile roundtrip hike, but the views are completely worth the trek. Along the way you pass many rushing rivers and pass through old growth forest.

Abraham Falls

Walk the trail along Abrams Creek to reach the powerful Abraham Falls. This small but mighty waterfall ends a moderate 5.2-mile roundtrip hike. Along the path you have the opportunity to spot many wildlife, including deer. This picturesque hike is well worth the effort.

Cades’s Cove Scenic Route

The one-way 11-mile scenic road takes you through lush meadows, historic buildings including mills, stables, homes and churches, beautiful mountain views and the possibility to see many wildlife. We saw white tail deers, and unfortunately it was not the season to see black bears, but along this scenic route you have higher chances to see bears. The scenic route has several pullovers and parking areas for you to explore each historic building or go for a hike.

Gregory Ridge Trail

The 17-mile Gregory Ridge hike is the best for wildlife viewing. Remember to stay a safe distance from all wildlife for both your safety and the animals. It is recommend to stay at least 150 feet (50 yards) from all wildlife.

What to pack for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hiking Shoes

Waterproof Jacket

Layers

Thick socks

Day bag

Energy bars

3 Litters of water per day

Lightweight pants

Camera

Sunscreen

Hat

Sweater

from Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, US

[personal-growth-yeah]

August 20th, 2020

Today has been pretty good so far, despite the headache I've been staving off. Mom showed me a weird paranormal sighting on a live cam this morning. It was... spooky as fuck. Breakfast was two pieces of marble cake bread stuff and two lemon crullers.

We first headed to Knifeworks taking some super cool backroads. I got a deer-skinning fixed blade knife. It's soooo pretty, I love it so much. She got a pirate flag to hang in our front yard. We talked so much about survival gear. I got myself some rosemary cheddar bites and some pistachios.

After that was Gatlinburg! We parked at the visitor center (I bought a magnet, some cookbooks, and a bear mask) and rode the trolley in to Buckboard Too! She got some nice Beatles stuff once again. I like seeing her happy. We hit up Ranger Bob's and All Sauced Up afterwards, then the Little Bear Winery. Turns out, I like at least one wine - their Summer Delight. It starts out minty, then its a honey taste, then it ends with lime. I feel like Violet and the meal gum from Willy Wonka when I talk about it. I bought a bottle of it!

Finding a trolley to Sugarlands Wine-tasting was a bitch and a half. We were apparently in the wrong spot and it took like seven trolleys before someone accurately and properly explained where we wait at. Yeesh. It started raining on the way and I was definitely tipsy after those wines. I wanted to throw up a couple of them... not fun. None were tasty. Am sorry. But I was soooo tipsy afterwards, I bought like 3 snacks - Combos pretzel pizzeria flavor, a Mr. Goodbar, and this weird chocolate covered bacon.

We caught a ride aaaaall the way back to the visitor center and got back in our car, and we tried going to the Island but... Jesus Christ. Today started the Jeep Invasion, apparently. So. Many. Jeeps. So we said screw it, Goats on the Roof time. I bought so many bumper sticks for my eventual truck, along with a new wallet and a walking stick.

Now we're heading back to Grandma's. My head still aches and I'm super hungry. The Vermont mac n cheese is calling my name. Marie Calendar, you have a hex placed on my stomach. I crave.

*

I'm still hungry. Ate that mac, ate a cookie mug cake after a little nap. But, after more BC powder and a coke, caffeine has magically kicked in when it never has before. I'm so awake. All I want to do is talk talk talk.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a day of rest. But will I even want to rest? I may end up doing a walk around these apartments. I feel so restless all the time.

[theglobal-e]

The BURG---> Gatlinburg, that is

Another adventure has come and gone and in the midst of this global pandemic, the memories of travel and discovery are all I have to hold onto right now. In the words of my generation, “WE ARE NOT OKAY!” Nonetheless, better safe than sorry, I need these two weeks to pack anyway. HA! 

So, in February I turned the BIG 23 *shoutout to all the Aquarius* SN: we’re really not that bad. I wanted my 23rd birthday to be gratifying, intimate, and ultimately just a refreshing moment in my life. So I chose Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I’ve heard a lot of stories about Gatlinburg and how much fun it is but honestly I never really wanted to visit. However, after being recently intrigued by mountains, I wanted to take a small trip, not too far away from home and with beautiful mountain top scenery. Gatlinburg was all of that and IN EVERY WAY so much more. So let’s get into my favorites, recommendations, to do’s and more.

It was a six hour drive from Memphis to Gatlinburg and once we arrived we checked into the Chalet Inn which was a really nice hotel that included rooms with a balcony overlooking the mountains AND for a really inexpensive price. The first day there I COULD NOT WAIT to explore the Smoky Mountains so we began our adventure at 6:30 a.m. There are plenty of signs along the roads that will lead you straight to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, which is where you will need to go to began any drive or hike you want to take through the mountains. We chose to drive Newfound Gap road which ascended 3,000 feet up the mountains and included THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEWS. I also chose this road because it wasn’t as narrow as the others considering the chance of heavy snow during the month of February. There were also numerous pullout areas where you could get out, take pictures, and read about history.

Newfound Gap road ends in Cherokee, North Carolina so if you have a full day to get out and drive this, it is definitely worth the time, which is about two hours going and coming if you just turn around. Following this drive, we chose to go in the opposite direction toward the lower area of the mountains and view the most BREATHTAKING waterfalls and creeks. From the Visitor Center you could just follow the signs towards Laurel Falls and this road includes several pullout areas for hikes to different waterfalls and sights of nature including The Sinks and Meigs Falls which I highly recommend stopping to view (Meigs can actually be seen from the road). Absolutely Beautiful. We actually did get out and hike to Laurel Falls which was about 2.6 miles and concluded at Laurel Falls itself. 

The later part of the day included exploring the strip of Gatlinburg which was FULL of attractions and FOOD. I LOVE FOOD so I was in literal Heaven on Earth the entire time. Out of all the food I ate, and TRUST ME I ATE, my favorite stop was at a Mexican restaurant in the downtown area called, “No Way Jose’s.” The food was so fulfilling, the margaritas were BOMB, and the location is GREAT- right across the street from the aquarium. We also chose to stop at Dick’s Last Resort. Honestly, I was really hyped to eat here because of the reputation with the intentional sarcasm and all but, it was the bare minimum so I wasn’t as satisfied, however, the environment is fun and I say give it a go. *That’s if you’re okay with a little joke or two here and there* 

OKAY, so now that we’re full, **laugh** HOW ABOUT SOME MOONSHINE!!? When I got to Gatlinburg, I had no idea moonshine was so prominent but it surely didn’t take long to find out. There are moonshine tastings being offered literally every few steps and for very reasonable prices like 5 bucks for 10-12 mini shots of various moonshine flavors. SN: CAREFUL THERE, Yes we love the booze but don’t underestimate it. Two left feet doesn’t only apply to dance. Try walking straight after 12 ... or 24...moonshine shots! LOL, no seriously, try it. It’s quite the experience. My favorite spot to do this was at the Sugarlands Distilling Company. The associates are SO LIVELY and make the experience one to remember, maybe, if you don’t drink too fast. HA! You can also find on the downtown strip various places that allow free tasting for wine, sauces, seasonings, and so forth. No, I wouldn’t recommend that right now due to this virus going around but any other day YES, OMG it’s all SO GOOD! **Just don’t double dip because, GROSS!**

Ripley’ s Believe it or Not, which I’ve been to in other locations, always has something good to offer and it’s quite intriguing to view the various displays, that’s if you’re weird and a square like me. Last but certainly not least, Gatlingurg’s skylift. The skylift takes you 1,800 feet into the sky to overlook the Smoky Mountains and even walk across a Skybridge! It’s absolutely worth tying the entire experience together and promises beautiful views once you’ve made it to the top! Check out these cool pics from each of these sights.

To sum it all up, Gatlinburg is so underrated but if you’re looking for a nice getaway, having some cabin fever, or just feel like taking the time to immerse yourself into the wonders and creations of this world, please consider exploring THE BURG-----> Gatlinburg, that is. Once this pandemic is over I’ve already decided that I need more time to discover and explore this place while the temperature is just right. But until then people, stay safe out here, wash your hands, be smart, and thanks for kickin it with your girl. Peace and Love to all my Global Cuties.

TheGlobal_E 🌻

[apoundofben]

at Sugarlands Visitor Center https://www.instagram.com/p/CkimpR0OYdn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[gatlinburgnow]

There’s nothing quite like a day where you can do some Smoky Mountain hiking on vacation. That’s exactly what this area presents, with its diverse mix of things to do for people of all ages and of different interests. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, we are not natural hikers or outdoor people by any means, but this is one time where we’re awestruck by the beauty of nature, and we can’t help but get outside to breath in the air of the Smoky Mountains. Here’s a quick recap of what we did for hike day.

Newfound Gap

After an early breakfast at Log Cabin Pancake House, we set out for Newfound Gap. Now, the last time we were here a couple years ago in June, we were totally unprepared for the cold as it dipped into the 30s, altering our plans to venture up to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It would not be as chilly on this Smoky Mountain hiking day, however. We took our share of pics at this historic—and extremely scenic—location, and with the temperatures hovering in the mid to upper 50s, we were more than prepared for the highlight of our day!

Clingmans Dome

You may not think of hiking in the Smoky Mountains as related to a visiting Clingmans Dome, but the trek to the top from the parking lot is not for the faint of heart. There are benches—5 of them, I believe—that are there to help you catch your breath with the sharp incline and the thin air, which you’ll be huffing even if you feel you’re in average shape. The views are stunning as we were delighted to see miles and miles into the distance and get a glimpse of the blue smoke that gives the Smoky Mountains its name. My son and his cousin didn’t have near the struggle, but we all made it up, and we were treated to amazing views.

Fighting Creek Nature Trail

Our Smoky Mountain hiking wasn’t done yet, as we still had one more easier one to complete: Fighting Creek Nature Trail. So, 7 years ago on our second visit, we attempted this one, and our inexperience really showed. After passing the Oliver cabin, we were a little intimidated by how quiet and creepy it was, and we turned around and went back to the safety of Sugarlands Visitor Center. I know, it’s actually laughable to think about now, but this time we did the whole trail, knowing it was going to hook up with the more popular Cataract Falls trail.

Conclusion

That was our Smoky Mountain hiking day in a nutshell. There were no bear sightings, just a few wild turkeys minding their own business alongside the road, first thing in the morning. For more of our June vacation experiences, tune in as I’ll be telling you about some new and familiar things we encountered on another memorable Gatlinburg vacation. Thanks for reading!

June 2019 Vacation: Smoky Mountain Hiking Day There's nothing quite like a day where you can do some Smoky Mountain hiking on vacation. That's exactly what this area presents, with its diverse mix of things to do for people of all ages and of different interests.

[twotravelinglanes-blog]

A Smoky Mountain winter adventure

For all the years I've been vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of Tennessee and North Carolina, I've never spent any time in the winter there -- until this week. David and Imade a last-minute decision in January to book a favorite cabin near Pigeon Forge, Tenn., for five days at the end of the month, looking forward to some chilly hikes with our dog and escaping Florida's flat landscape for a spell. Our cabin at Little Mountain Valley Resort was our refuge from the frigid cold where we watched the snow fall while cuddled in front of a fireplace. What we didn't expect was a 2-inch snowfall that blanketed the woods near our cabin and led to some spectacular memories 1,100 feet above sea level. Although we'd loaded up on enough food to ensure we wouldn't starve for at least three days, the snow didn't stick to the steep asphalt and gravel roads that led to our cabin Still, we pretended to be snowbound for a few days just to enjoy the cozy isolation. David took some amazing drone videos outside our cabin after the snowfall, and during a walk in the winter wonderland, Sonny met a neighbor Pigeon Forge keeps its Christmas decorations up through March. We visited in January. puppy that helped him burn off some icy exuberance while we chatted with the cabin owners. Where to stay in the Smoky Mountains We've been vacationing with Little Valley Mountain Resort for more than a decade. Their mountainside cabins have always been exceptional, and we always looked forward to soaking in the hot tub and relaxing by the fireplace in the beautiful wooden cabins. This is our first visit without children, but we took lots of photos and videos and shared our adventure with them. We aimed to take Sonny hiking throughout the national park but were disappointed to learn that, despite boasting 520,000 acres, the park allows pets on only two trails -- the Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River trails. Fair enough, we figured, we'll tackled the closest one and then go into Gatlinburg for more strolling.

It snowed two inches while we were in the Smokies in January Hiking with pets in the Smokies Problem is, the park's website indicates the Gatlinburg trail starts at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, but in reality the actual trailhead starts at least a half-mile away, past the park's headquarters and down a nondescript road with parked ranger vehicles. The area's trails were so poorly marked, we accidentally ended up on a trail that didn't allow dogs, something we didn't discover until the end when there was a "no-dogs-allowed" sign. After walking in a different direction for quite a while, we flagged down a park worker on the first day the 35-day government shutdown ended and asked when the real trail started. He said we were still a quarter mile away and said it's a common confusion among pet owners. We decided to head back to our car and explore more scenery via four wheels.

We loved strolling around the new entertainment complex called The Island The Island entertainment complex A back road eventually led us back to our cabin, so we dropped Sonny off the for the night and headed into town for dinner. After eating some scrumptious fried chicken and catfish at Huck Finn's Catfish in Pigeon Forge, we ventured over to a new Pigeon Forge attraction that was just opening the last time we were here in 2013: the Island. A dazzling outdoor shopping and entertainment complex, the Island features a dancing fountain with choreographed music, gorgeous Christmas decorations, a 200-foot ferris wheel and other rides, restaurants and more, all visible from the main parkway in Pigeon Forge. We parked and rode a free trolley to the attraction, marveling at how Christmas was on full display in late January -- a practice that apparently is observed across Pigeon Forge until March.

We stayed in a beautiful cabin in Sevierville It was a spectacular and, did I mention, free attraction that was a perfect ending to a magical day in a winter wonderland -- a place where nobody admits Christmas is over until March. How to enjoy Pigeon Forge without crowds and traffic jams Perhaps the best part of vacationing in the Smokies during the winter is that we practically had the place to ourselves. Only a fraction of the cabins here were occupied during our stay, and I've never seen the main Parkway (US 441) that leads from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg so deserted. My main memories of that road are bumper-to-bumper traffic in the summer and fall. Restaurants were not crowded, all attractions appeared to be open, and we were able to make last-minute reservations without worrying about cabins being available. I think we may have found a new winter tradition.

Sonny loved winter in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Read the full article

[indigo-a-creeping]

Little cemetery near the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

And a little reminder.