Monthly Archives: November 2023

TOP 3 PLACES TO WATCH THE SUNRISE IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS

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Sunrises are inspiring, especially on a crisp morning surrounded by old-growth forests, the frozen fog, the sounds of the woodland creatures waking up, and the quiet of the day coming to life. Wake up with the mountains at any of these top 3 places to watch the sunrise in the Smoky Mountains.

NEWFOUND GAP

The Newfound Gap parking area is the midway point of Newfound Gap Road. This area offers wide-open views of the east and the west. 

CLINGMANS DOME

Who wouldn’t want to view the sunrise from 6,643 feet? Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies. Viewing the sunrise from the observation deck, you can see an expanse of up to 100 miles on a clear day.

CADES COVE

To watch the sunrise from the footbed on the valley floor of Cades Cove is like watching the rain fill a lifeless creekbed. The sunlight melts into every crevice and hollow, filling it up until it pours into the fields and pierces through the trees.

TOP 3 PLACES TO WATCH THE SUNSET IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS

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Sunsets are magical. Sunsets are even more magical when experienced in the Smokies. Create a memorable moment and set out towards any of these top 3 places to watch the sunset in the Smoky Mountains.

FOOTHILLS PARKWAY

The Foothills Parkway has several overlooks where you can witness beautiful sunsets that fall over the Tennessee Valley. Fall is an even more extraordinary time to come here.

ANAKEESTA

Sunset views from Anakeesta create a storybook feel as you’re surrounded by the twinkling village lights while the sun sets.

GATLINBURG SKYPARK

Gatlinburg SkyPark is one of the most desired places to watch the sun go down near downtown Gatlinburg. You can see unattainable vantage points from the SkyBridge and other areas of the park. 

4 PREMIER SHOPPING LOCATIONS IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS

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The Smoky Mountains are a popular tourist destination for many reasons, including stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and, of course, shopping. There are many great shopping locations in the Smokies, but four stand out as premier shopping destinations: The Old Mill, The Island in Pigeon Forge, Tanger Outlets Sevierville, and The Mountain Mile. 

 

Where to Find the Best Deals in the Smokies

 

THE OLD MILL

The Old Mill is a historic grist mill in Pigeon Forge that still actively produces the time-honored quality of stone ground, hand-poured meal, and flour that you can purchase fresh daily. The Old Mill has been converted into a shopping and dining destination. 

 

THE ISLAND IN PIGEON FORGE

Another great shopping destination in Pigeon Forge is The Island. This open-air shopping center features over 60 shops, restaurants, and attractions, including a giant Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the Smokies.

 

TANGER OUTLETS SEVIERVILLE

If you’re looking for bargains, Tanger Outlets Sevierville is the place to go. This outlet mall features over 100 stores offering discounted prices on designer brands. 

 

THE MOUNTAIN MILE

The Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge is a newer mixed-use development that features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including a ropes course, an arcade, and a distillery. 

TOP 5 HIKING TRAILS IN THE SMOKIES

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With over 800 miles of trail terrain to explore in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are about 150 official hiking trails to explore. We hand-selected these top 5 hiking trails in the Smokies for you to experience during your visit.

RICH MOUNTAIN LOOP

Rich Mountain Loop is a timeworn landmark that transports you into a tranquil escape from the busy Cades Cove Loop Road. It offers beautiful views and a strenuous hike.

 

ALUM CAVE

Alum Cave is a rock shelter that sits 80 feet above your head and about 40 feet out from you. There are beautiful postcard views from here. Alum Cave used to be an Epsom salt mine in the 1800s.

 

MOUNT LECONTE

Mount LeConte has 4 subpeaks with 4 individual panoramic views. This is a favorite hike in the park for a sunrise or sunset. It is 6,593 feet tall and is the third-highest peak in the Smokies. 

 

CHARLIES BUNION

Charlies Bunion is a uniquely formed rock outcropping originally known as Fodderstack. A forest trail leads you to this rugged landform.

 

PORTERS CREEK

What begins as a gravel road quickly turns into a lush, mossy forest trail with historical remains of the Elbert Cantrell homestead, the old Ownby cemetery, the John Messer farm site, and an old cantilever barn from 1875.

3 ACCESSIBLE HIKING TRAILS FOR ALL AGES

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park showcases about 150 official hiking trails for visitors to explore. Of these 150 hiking trails, we feel that these 3 accessible hiking trails for all ages will accommodate visiting adventure seekers of all stages of life.

 

3 Hiking Trails Accessible For All Ages

 

ELKMONT NATURE TRAIL

Elkmont Nature Trail is considered relatively easy and flat. This trail was designed to be a self-guided tour with educational material. This is a good hike for kids.

 

GATLINBURG TRAIL

The Gatlinburg Trail offers a riverside jaunt all while being relatively flat. It runs along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. 

 

ANY QUIET WALKWAY

Quiet Walkways are short, easy trails that will guide you from the road directly through select areas that highlight peaceful spaces for reflection in the national park. 

TOP 3 WATERFALL HIKES IN THE SMOKIES

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 100 beautiful waterfalls! Of all the waterfalls in the park to choose from, we believe these are considered the top 3 waterfall hikes in the Smokies and are the best in show.

3 Waterfall Hikes

 

LAUREL FALLS

Named for the mountain laurel shrubs that line the hiking trail, Laurel Falls has a paved trail leading to an upper and lower observatory with a walkway, and natural pool. This waterfall is 80 feet tall.

 

RAINBOW FALLS

Rainbow Falls is named and famed for its prismatic rainbow that occurs in the mist during particular conditions. This waterfall is 80 feet tall, offers a steady stream, and is the highest single-drop waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

 

GROTTO FALLS

Placed within an old-growth hemlock forest. Grotto Falls is the only waterfall that you can walk behind in all of the park! You can walk behind the waterfall to continue along the Trillium Gap Trail.