Tag: Smoky Mountains

Discovering the Wonders of the Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains, a Southern treasure, beckon travelers with their enchanting beauty and myriad of experiences. This renowned mountain range, which straddles the borders of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With 800 square miles to explore, each visit offers new and breathtaking sights, making it a destination worthy of multiple returns. Whether it’s the lush greenery of summer, the fiery foliage of fall, the snowy tranquility of winter, or the blooming wildflowers of spring, the Smokies are a visual feast in every season. Here are some of the most captivating spots in the Great Smoky Mountains that should not be missed, thanks to  this travel guide from Southern Living.

Clingmans Dome

Standing tall at the highest point in the Smokies, Clingmans Dome offers an unparalleled view of the surrounding landscape. Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, this popular destination often sees its parking lot filled to capacity. Early arrival is key to securing a spot, or having a backup plan is advisable. The circular observation tower at Clingmans Dome provides a 360-degree view of the mountains, allowing visitors to soak in the stunning scenery below.

Cades Cove

Cades Cove in Townsend, Tennessee, is a picturesque valley surrounded by majestic mountains. An 11-mile, one-way loop road encircles the valley, offering numerous turn-offs leading to hiking trails, historic homesites, picnic areas, viewpoints, and campgrounds. This scenic route is a favorite among visitors for its accessible yet immersive nature experience. Notably, from May through September, the loop road is closed to motor vehicles on Wednesdays, giving cyclists and pedestrians exclusive access to this serene landscape.

Cataloochee Valley

Wildlife enthusiasts will find Cataloochee Valley in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, a haven for spotting the diverse fauna of the Smokies. This area is home to one of the park’s main herds of elk, along with a rich variety of other animals including black bears, numerous bird species, and an array of reptiles and amphibians. The valley offers a unique opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Abrams Falls Trail

For those seeking a moderately challenging hike with a rewarding view, Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove is a perfect choice. Though Abrams Falls stands at only 20 feet high, the sheer volume and force of the water tumbling down make it an impressive sight. The trail, surrounded by lush forest, leads hikers to this stunning waterfall, providing a sensory experience that goes beyond just the visual.

Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is another gem in the Smokies, accessible via a moderately difficult 2.6-mile hike. This 80-foot waterfall is split into two sections by a walkway that crosses a stream at the base of the upper falls. For the most dramatic views, visit after a heavy rain when the cascades are at their fullest. The hike to Laurel Falls offers a beautiful journey through nature, culminating in a breathtaking view of the waterfall.

Newfound Gap

Newfound Gap, the lowest drivable pass through the national park, offers a unique vantage point nearly a mile high. The 34-mile road that winds through the gap traverses several ecosystems, from cove hardwood to northern hardwood to pine oak to spruce fir. The large parking area at Newfound Gap is an ideal spot to stop and take in the panoramic views before continuing your journey through the park.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile road that stretches from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park, is an iconic Southern route. The views from this legendary road are unforgettable, offering a continuous panorama of the Smokies that will stay with you long after your visit. Driving along the parkway provides an immersive experience of the region’s natural beauty.

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What to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Located on the eastern border of Tennessee is the delightful mountain town of Gatlinburg. Supplied with its 5,000 residents and thousands of tourists who cannot resist the Appalachian charm of this must-visit treasure of the south, Gatlinburg is the perfect summer spot for anyone seeking remarkable experiences in nature, culture, and more. So check out this handy travel guide from Southern Living before hitting the road so that you can get the most out of “the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” Gatlinburg, TN.

Due to the fact that this mountain resort city is so besieged by ever-changing fall foliage, vibrantly-blossoming springtime flowers, and mythical morning fog in the summer, it’s no wonder why tourists and locals alike attribute a sort of magic quality to this destination’s ever-growing list of attributes. So, if you’re interested in experiencing Gatlinburg first-hand in order to see what wonders are in store for you, then look no further than this list of attractions, experiences, and opportunities that will showcase the best of the mountain town just for you.

Peaking at the top of nearly every visitor’s guide to Gatlinburg is arguably the best chance to see literally everything going on in the town and the surrounding area. Of course, this is in reference to the 680-foot SkyPark, otherwise known as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge on the continent of North America. Honestly, if you want to take in a survey of the mountainous areas, trails, and bodies of water to explore during your stay, there’s really no better vantage point than SkyBridge or the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which stands at a height of 400 feet in the air and accessible via a glass elevator.

If you’re allured by the miles-long legend of the feuding Hatfields and McCoys, then you might want to seek out a trip to Pigeon Forge and take in a Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show so that you can be entertained by a dramatized version of the conflict. While it’s not the most historically accurate representation of this iconic feud, the performers are enthusiastic in their retelling, the country cuisine is enticing, and the atmosphere in the rustic barn-style theater is guaranteed to add some family-fun entertainment to your trip.

Alternatively, if you want more of a nature-fueled adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then consider embarking on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a 5.4 round trip hike leading you to winding pathways, each to their own waterfall. Make an effort to embark on a hike that’s practically mythical: the Rainbow Falls hike, which leads you to a massive 80-foot tall waterfall that is the highest single drop of cascading water to be found in the entire park. If one waterfall isn’t enough for you, then you can venture out to the Place of A Thousand Drips to see dozens upon dozens of tiny cascading waterfalls. Otherwise, if you’re seeing more of an experience, you can take another pathway, the Trillium Gap Trail, that takes you to the impressive, 25-foot high Grotto Falls, a breathtakingly beautiful spot that lets you walk in the quiet secrecy that is the backside of a waterfall. This is the only spot in the entire National Park where you can experience the behind-the-waterfall perspective.

On the more commercial side of things, Gatlinburg is flush with opportunities to be entertained in all things spectacular, curious, and imaginative. Namely, Gatlinburg is home to several event centers that are an essential part of the “Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” franchise. For instance, if you need a high-quality, family-fun arcade to pass the time in, there’s Ripley’s Super Fun Zone, Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse, and (perhaps most-notably) Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium.

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