Splashes of Color in The Smokies!

By the beginning of October, trees in the Smoky Mountains high country that are now showing bright fall colors are the yellows of American beech and yellow birch and different shades of reds on mountain ash, pin cherry and mountain maple. In the lower elevations, a few early color changing species such as sourwood and sumac are showing bright reds now, but are scattered. Some dogwoods and maples are beginning to turn different colors in some areas as well. Fall wildflowers such as goldenrod and asters are colorful throughout the park and some blueberry and blackberry shrubs are also changing color.

The majority of the deciduous forest at 4,000 feet elevation and below is still predominantly green, but now with splashes of color dotting the slopes. A succession of warm, sunny days and cool crisp, but not freezing nights will bring about the most spectacular color display. At this part of the autumn season, some areas of the Smoky Mountains are showing more reds throughout the landscape than in other years.

As the leaf color increases, so does the number of autumn leaf peekers. While scenic drives are a good way to see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains, taking to the trails is a wonderful way to enjoy the splendors of autumn. The Appalachian Trail, accessed at Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap, would be an excellent hiking experience during this time of year.

Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains!

Autumn in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a special time when a glorious leaf season of several weeks is enjoyed by visitors as fall colors travel down the mountainsides from the highest elevations to the foothills. Fall colors in the Smoky Mountains are magnificent and varied because of the amazing diversity of trees. Some 100 species of native trees live in the Smokies, the vast majority of which are deciduous. The timing of fall color change depends upon so many variables that the exact dates of "peak" season are impossible to predict in advance. In the Smoky Mountains, autumn color displays above 4,000 feet start as early as mid-September with the turning of yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry, clearly visible from such vantage points as Clingmans Dome Road.

By the later stages of September, the right ingredients are beginning to emerge, the time when cooler temperatures and sunny days mix with some rainfall to bring on a spectacular autumn color display in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The timing of color change and leaf fall is primarily sparked by the calendar; that is, the increasing length of night. As days grow shorter and nights grow longer and cooler, chemical processes in the leaf begin to paint the landscape with nature’s autumn palette in the Smoky Mountains.

September’s suggested hikes for seeing the Smoky Mountains in autumn: Albright Grove and Sugarland Mountain Trail as well as high elevation hikes to Andrews Bald or Mt. LeConte would be time well spent.

Good places to see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains include Newfound Gap Road from Alum Cave Trailhead to Kephart Prong Trailhead, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Foothills Parkway East & West, and Heintooga Ridge Road to Balsam Mountain Campground. Suggested hikes include Rich Mountain Loop, Chestnut Top Trail, Smokemont Loop, Kanati Fork, and Sutton Ridge Overlook (Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail). Watch www.gatlinburg.com for weekly fall colors updates beginning in mid-September.

Wears Valley Oktoberfest 2010!

The Wears Valley Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Oktoberfest 2010. This event will be highlighted by the Stihl Timbersports American Title Event Competition, a chainsaw carving contest, several local country and bluegrass bands, and much more!

Visitors can enjoy 3 days of local crafts displayed by over 100 local vendors, live music & singing everywhere, a lumberjack competition with over 70 competitors, local food vendors, story telling, as well as a petting zoo with activities for children. The award winning National Logging competition will be an exciting event not to be missed!

Friday, October 22, 2010 through Sunday, October 24, 2010 is where 15,000 spectators gather to join in the family friendly entertainment and festival fun!

Free admission, parking with donation. Located 6 miles from Pigeon Forge on State Road 321.

For more information, please call Carolyn Street 865-428-4917 or e-mail calle831@comcast.net

Take advantage of our NEW SPECIAL!

Planning a vacation?
Enjoy the scenic landscape of the Tennessee mountains without overspending!

Visit Great Cabins in the Smokies for amazing opportunities to stay in a luxury cabin of your choice. Seasonal events and family frendly attractions around the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Townsend, Sevierville area are just minutes away.

NEW SPECIAL:

For any new reservation arriving by September 26th, stay 3 nights, get 4th night FREE!

For more information about our reservation packages and other discounts, click here: http://www.greatcabinsinthesmokies.com

Spring Specials Announced!

April is upon us! The sunshine of Spring always brings beautiful life to Pigeon Forge! The lush green of the mountain trees, the bright colors of the mountain flowers blooming everywhere, and the intoxicating smell of fresh bar-be-que and sweet tea is absolutely irresistible, drawing me in year after year. 

It wouldn't be Spring in Pigeon Forge without the Grand Rod Run! The Grand Rod Run officially kicks off on April 15th and will be in full force the entire weekend. But in Pigeon Forge tradition the weekend will start early with rare, unique, spectacular cars arriving as early as Tuesday! If motorcycles are more your speed, don't worry, Rumble In The Hills is following close behind the Grand Rod Run, kicking off April 30 and running through May 2. Stay in a Great Cabin in Wears Valley for central, convenient access to Foothills Parkway in Gatlinburg, Cades Cove, Cherohala Skyway and the Moonshiner 28, which span the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina, promising breathtaking views and spectacular rides. 

This Spring also marks a very special event in Dollywood history: Dollywood's 25th Anniversary! Come celebrate the opening of Dollywood for the 25th time with Dolly herself in her annual spring parade, happening on May 7th. Dolly is really celebrating this year, giving away free vacations and special moments to park guests all year!

While you are here checking out cars or celebrating with Dolly, you will surely see Pigeon Forge's newest attraction, the Titanic! After months of construction, the Titanic is ready for christening on April 8, with a special appearance by Regis Philbin! By far the most unique museum in Pigeon Forge, it promises a fabulous experience exploring true-size replicas, hearing survivors' tales, even controlling your own underwater Titanic exploration! 

What better place to stay during your vacation than in your own Great Cabin in the Smokies? Come play for an extra day for free with our Spring Special! Book your 3-night vacation to arrive before May 25, get a FOURTH night for free with Great Cabins in the Smokies! Use the code 'AprilBlog' when reserving your cabin getaway. Summer specials are coming soon on our Twitter, so follow us @GreatCabins to enter to win free stays, gift cards, and much more!

Snowy and Cozy in the Smokies!

      

      February is starting out with a white blanket over the Smokies! What a beautiful, glistening sight! It’s a perfect blank canvas for the new year. We at Great Cabins In The Smokies would like to take this opportunity to invite you to  begin planning your vacation to the Smokies this year. Each month our blog will feature events and local happenings. We want to share our town with you, show you our favorite things to do and keep you up to date with the continual stream of new adventures our town offers. We want your vacation to the Smokies to be a lasting memory. 

      This month opens with The Smoky Mountain Gospel Jubilee, hosted by Country Tonight Theater. For 2 nights you can experience the heritage of Gospel in it’s genuine form. This event is free, and on a first-come, first-seated basis. Ms. Lisa-Ann Hammond is the scheduled singer, along with 6 choirs from North Carolina (Trinity Baptist from Asheville, Central Baptist from Kannapolis, and McLeansville Baptist from McLeansville),  Georgia (Floyd Road Baptist from Austell and Calvary Baptist from Powder Springs), and of course, Tennessee (Calvary baptist, Chattanooga)! Ralph Sexton, jr., Joe Arthur, Tommy Steel, T.D. Burgess and Curtis Parker are the featured preachers. This marks the 18th Smoky Mountain Jubilee, and is set to open Thursday, February 4th at 6pm. The second service is the following morning at 9:30am, with the final service beginning at 6 Friday evening. 

      If you are wishing for a snowy escape, a Valentine’s weekend getaway in the Smokies is definitely the route to take. Allow Great Cabins to deliver special gift baskets to your cabin before your arrival! We also partner with a talented photographer to provide you with on-location portraits  to remember this blissful getaway time. Just imagine your weekend away.. treat yourself to an intimate dinner at one of our favorite restaurants: Best Italian Cafe, in Gatlinburg, which is nestled just off the parkway on the river. After a sweet dessert, take a few moments to stroll hand-in-hand down the river walk. Come home to your cabin and spend the rest of the night cozied up by your crackling fireplace.. how much better can it get? 

We look forward to sharing your vacation with you. 

Natural Beauty, Green Fun!

Everyone is looking for ways to stay green this summer. The Smoky Mountains provide plenty of activities for your vacation that will fill your lungs with fresh mountain air. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has hiking trails that range from a casual stroll to challenging mountainside adventures. If you'd like to save gas but let someone else do the walking for you, try a horseback trail ride through the mountains or rent an ATV for the afternoon in Townsend, TN.
Located near many of the luxury cabins offered by Great Cabins in the Smokies is Cades Cove, a treasure trove of waterfalls, breathtaking scenery and natural history. Early in the morning, you can stumble upon some of the wildlife of the smokies, such as deer and maybe even a bear or two.

There are other animals to find when traveling to the Smokies. Pigeon Forge is now home to the Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo. Boasting over 400 live animals, the Discovery Zoo is located off of Collier Drive, less than 15 miles from your luxurious Great Cabin in the Smokies. The Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo gives you an all-day passport to discovering animals you might never see in person. Another all-day adventure is WonderWorks. This upside-down adventure features a restaurant on-site, to save you gas and money!
Staying green while on vacation is possible when staying with Great Cabins In the Smokies! Order a custom-made fruit basket and relax in your hot-tub on the porch while enjoying the breathtaking nature all around you.