Hen Wallow Falls

The trip to Hen Wallow Falls is a pleasant walk through hemlock and rhododendron forest. A signed side trail leads to the base of the falls by way of steep switchbacks.  Hen Wallow Creek, only two feet wide at the top of the falls, fans out to 20 feet at the base.  The waterfall is 90 feet high.  If you look carefully in the water at the base of the falls, you can often find salamanders.

During very cold winter weather, the waterfall can freeze into a beautiful icy column.

The hike to the falls is 4.4 miles round trip and considered moderate in difficulty.  Hikers continuing on the Gabes Mountain Trail beyond the falls can enjoy an impressive old-growth forest.

Trailhead:  Park in the designated hiker parking area at the Cosby Picnic Area (near the entrance to the Cosby Campground).  then backtrack on foot approximately 100 yards along the road to the signed start of the Gabes Mountain Trail. 

Trail Notes: The round trip distance to the waterfall is 4.4 miles and the hike is generally considered moderate in difficulty.  It takes about 3-4 hours to hike to the waterfall and back.

The waterfall is located on a short side trail off the Gabes Mountain Trail.  there is a wooden sign posted at the turn for this side trail.  the short trail down to the waterfall is very steep-sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.  Carry drinking water with you.  

Do not climb on rocks around the waterfall.  Over the years, several people have fallen to their deaths and many others have suffered serious injuries from climbing on rocks near waterfalls or along the riverbanks.  

Black bears are sometimes active in this area.   

Best Read Guide Smoky Mountains APP!

The Best Read Guide Smoky Mountains has a new free APP!

Our interactive map is your personal guide to your favorite Smoky Mountain destinations and points of interest. 

"Deals", allows you to make purchases in advance and get special pricing discounts while you're here or making plans to visit.

"Coupons" are available from all our advertisers.

Click here for more information.

Smoky Mountain Strong

**Re-posted from the Best Read Guide Facebook Page**

We want to thank all of you who have been praying and thinking about us during this tragic event in the Smoky Mountains.  Many of you have asked "how can I help"? The best way you could help is to come and visit us and help support the Smoky Mountain Community.  

Business in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are open as usual and Dollywood is open.  Many of these business are giving back to the Smoky Mountain Community, so when you visit these businesses, and support them you are extending a helping hand.  

Here's a Great Hiking App!

Hiking Project is your comprehensive guide to the best hikes near you, wherever you are.  With the thoroughness of a printed map, they offer full GPS route info, elevation profiles, interactive features, photos, and more.  Like a guidebook, we suggest the best featured hikes to explore - either near your current location or in an area you search for.  Local experts show you the highlights, challenging features, and insights you need to plan a great day on the trails!

Mount Cammerer via Low Gap Trail

Mount Cammerer via Low Gap Trail is a 10.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Cosby, TN that features a river and is rated as difficult.  The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.  

this kike to Mt. Cammerer begins from the Low Gap Trailhead in the Cosby Campground.  Although it's a round trip hike of 12 miles, it's still the shortest and most commonly used route to the 4,928-foot summit.

From the trail head you'll climb Low Gap Trail for 3 miles before hooking-up with the Appalachian Trail.  this is a steep and relentless climb, over several switchbacks, that takes hikers through a beautiful and mature hardwood forest as they proceed up the Cosby Creek valley.

Upon reaching the junction, turn left onto the Appalachian Trail to continue hiking towards the Mount Cammerer Trail. Along the early sections of the Appalachian Trail you'll continue climbing, however, the elevation gain isn't quite as steep as the Low Gap Trail.  Hikers will cross over a grassy ridge that offers views of the Cosby Valley, Snake Den Ridge and Inadu Knob, as well as several fine places to take a break before turning onto the rugged spur trail that leads to the summit of Mt. Cammerer.  This spur is slightly more than half-mile long, and is fairly level, but does involve some rock scrambling as you follow the narrow ridge out to the fire tower.  Take your time and watch your step.

At 4,928 feet in elevation, the summit of Mt. Cammerer sits on the edge of a rocky outcropping overlooking the Pigeon river Gorge.  On a clear day the views are simply awesome; some even say the best in the Park.  For an even better vantage point, step up to the deck of the stone fire tower.  This "western" style tower, which was fully restored in 1995, provides hikers with an excellent 360 degree views.  Look in any direction and see row upon row of mountains.  the mountain directly across the gorge, with the white aviation tower at the top, is 4,263-foot Snowbird Mountain.  Below you and outside of the park is the water tower for the hydro-electric plant in the Big Creek area.  to the south is Mt. Sterling with another interesting fire  tower on its peak.  And of course, towards the west, is the seemingly endless expanse of mountains we call the Smokies. 

The octagonal fire tower at the summit was built by local laborers and the Civilian Conservation corp in the late 1930s using hand-cut stone.  Men working on the tower drilled and blocked the stone right out of the mountainside from a quarry just 100 yards downhill from the tower.  Some of these stones weighed as much as 600 pounds. 

Rocky Top Wine Trail

The Rocky Top Wine Trail is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains and it is comprised of five wineries and a local distillery - Doc Collier Moonshine!  

The Rocky Top Wine Trail offers over 70 unique wines to try, which makes it a great option for those looking to make a day (or two) of wine tasting!  the trail is 100% free to do.  You simply start at any of the following wineries/distillery where you can pick up a passport, and then present your passport at each location to receive a stamp.  Once you have visited three locations you will receive a free gift, and if you finish the trail and visit all six locations you will receive another free gift!  

Free wine tastings are offered at every location and free tours of the wine cellars and tank rooms are given from 12-5 pm at Mountain Valley Winery, Sugarland Cellars and Hillside Winery.

Each separately owned winery has its own unique style and feel, but every one of them has friendly staff eager to help you explore the world of wine!  All five wineries are open 7 days a week, and are closed only on Christmas Day. 

Mountain Valley Vineyards, founded in 1991. Located in Pigeon Forge. Focusing our efforts on making some of the best sweet fruit wines to be had anywhere in the U.S., we also make many traditional German and French style wines.  Our large wine cellar is open to the public on our guided tours everyday of the week.

Apple Barn Winery located at the Apple Barn Cider Mill in Sevierville. We offer a unique twist on wine.  Our wines are hand crafted on site from the very same succulent apples you see growing outside our door!  

Hillside Winery at Governor's Crossing in Sevierville. We specialize in Italian Style and Bubbly Wines and while here don't forget to go on a winery tour.  We give educational and family friendly tours daily, where you can learn about the wine making process from our knowledgeable tour guides.  We also offer limited tastings 7 days a week (yes, we are open on Sunday). 

Gatlinburg's Sugarland Cellars Winery located at Traffic light #10 in Gatlinburg. Sugarland Cellars offers tours and complimentary limited wine tastings seven days a week and our gift shop is a great experience filled with plenty of wine-related gifts and Smoky Mountain memories.

Eagle Springs Winery - Join us off I-40 Exit 407, the gateway to The Great Smoky Mountains!  We are proud to offer our unique Tennessee honey wines along with a selection of traditional wines.  Tastings are offered daily 7 days a week.  Whether you are looking for a distinctive gift item or the perfect bottle of wine to take home, we are the stop for you!

Stop by the Doc Collier Distillery and try Gatlinburg's finest shine at stoplight #3 on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg.  We are proud to offer our customers (with valid ID) the opportunity to sample any of Doc's flavors including our one of a kind Moonshine Brandy!

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

The narrow, winding, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail invites you to slow down and enjoy the forest and historic buildings of the area.  the 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies.  It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings.  Please note the road is closed in the winter. 

An exuberant mountain stream gave this area its unusual name.  Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster flowing mountain streams in the park.  Drive this road after a hard rain and the inspiration behind the name will be apparent. 

Before entering the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a stop at the Noah "Bud" Ogle self-guiding nature trail offers a walking tour of an authentic mountain farmstead and surrounding hardwood forest.  Highlights include a stream side tubmill and the Ogle's handcrafted wooden flume plumbing system.

Just beyond the Ogle farmstead is the trail head for Rainbow Falls, one of the park's most popular waterfalls. The hike to the falls is 5.4 miles round trip and is considered moderately strenuous. Your reward is the 80-foot high waterfall, the tallest single-drop waterfall in the National Park. If you plan to attempt this hike, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and carry plenty of water and snacks. 

The entrance to the motor nature trail is located a short distance past the parking areas for Rainbow Falls.  Several homes and other building have been preserved in this area.  The trail head for Grotto Falls, another of the park's most popular waterfalls, is located along the route. Grotto Falls is the only place in the Smoky Mountains where you can stand behind the falls as the water cascades to the pool.  And a "wet weather" waterfall called Place of a Thousand Drips can be reached by car, find it at stop 15, it provides a splendid finale to your journey. An inexpensive booklet available at the beginning of the motor nature trail details landmarks along the route.

Directions

To access Roaring Fork, turn off the main parkway in Gatlinburg, TN at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard entrance to the National Park.  Just beyond the Rainbow Falls trail head you have the option of taking the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.  

**Insider Tip**

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic turnouts or to eat it at the waterfall after hiking.  There are no Visitor Centers along the motor trail and no-turning back once you start, so packing a cooler with water and snacks is advisable.

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies.  It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park.  Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible.

Touring the Cove

An 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sight see at a leisurely pace.  Allow at least two to four hours to tour Cades Cove, longer if you walk some of the area's trails.  Traffic is heavy during the tourist season in the summer and fall and on weekends year-round.  While driving the loop road, please be courteous to other visitors and use pullouts when stopping to enjoy the scenery or view wildlife.

An inexpensive self-guiding tour booklet available at the entrance to the road provides a map and information about the cove.  

Only bicycle and foot traffic are allowed on the loop road until 10:00 am every Saturday and Wednesday morning from early May until late September.  Otherwise the road is open to motor vehicles from sunrise until sunset daily, weather permitting. 

History

The valley has a rich history.  For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archaeologists have found no evidence of major settlements.  The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821.  By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.  Cades cove offers the widest variety of historic buildings of any area in the national park.

Scattered along the loop road are three churches, a working grist mill, barns, log houses, and many other faithfully restored eighteenth and nineteenth century structures.  Pick up the self-guiding tour booklet for information about the buildings you'll see in the cove and the people who lived here.

Wildlife Viewing

White-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, turkeys and other wildlife are frequently spotted in the open valley of Cades Cove. 

Biking

Experience the cove by bike! You can rent a bike at the Cades Cove Campground Store.  The State of Tennessee requires that children age 16 and under wear a helmet.  We strongly recommend that all riders wear helmets, use rear view mirrors, and ride properly fitted and well-maintained bicycles.  Please obey all traffic  regulations. 

Hiking

Numerous trails originate in the cove, including the five-mile round trip trail to Abrams Falls and the short Cades Cove Nature trail.  Longer hikes to Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top (made famous by the popular song) also begin in the cove.  

Visitor Center

Located half-way around the loop road in the Cable Mill historic area

Open daily except Christmas

Restrooms

Bookstore/Gift Shop

Alcatraz East

Opening on December 16th!!  The Island in Pigeon Forge will be welcoming its newest attraction - The Alcatraz East Crime Museum.  The museum will be an interactive exhibition featuring some of the most iconic items in our nation's crime history. The attraction will also offer learning centers focused on forensics, the justice system, crime prevention and more.  Our 23-acre entertainment destination is growing by the day, and we can't wait to welcome our new neighbors to The Island and introduce our guests to all they have to offer!  

Highlights From the Inside!

Explore American History from a different perspective. Five unique galleries burrow deep into the studies of criminal intent, criminal profiles, the penal system, victims, crime prevention, forensic science, law enforcement and the Judiciary Branch of government.  The museum is 25,00 square feet spread over 2 floors and includes over 100 interactives.

The Galleries Include:

A Notorious History of American Crime:

This particular gallery showcases the evolution of crime and the criminal through the ages, beginning with medieval knights and greed-driven pirates to the gunslingers of the Old American West and today's white-collar "silent criminals" who hide behind computer screens, stealing private information and identities.

Punishment: The Consequence of Crime:

From a booking room, to mug shots and a lie detector test, to the cold iron bars and claustrophobia of a jail cell, the Crime Museum presents first-hand the severity involved when criminals get caught.

Crime Fighting:

From security personnel and local police officer to such notables as founding FBI Directory J. Edgar Hoover and the legendary law enforcement agent Eliot Ness, the NMCP's Crime fighting gallery showcases the vast network of crime fighting and investigatory personnel dedicated to making our world as safe as possible. 

Crime Scene Investigation:

Learn how to solve crime through the use of forensic science technology such as ballistics, blood analysis, fingerprinting, and dental and facial reconstruction. 

Counterfeit Crimes & Pop Culture: 

Have you ever bought a designer purse or watch on Canal Street in NYC? Camouflaged as a coveted brand, but at a price a bit too good to be true? Enter the world of counterfeit crimes.  the illegal traffic and sale of counterfeit good and its impact on society. 

The Country Tonite Pigeon Forge Show

6 Things to know about the Country Tonite Pegeon Forge Show...

If you love music and your're looking to see a show while you're on vacation, be sure to plan a visit to Country Tonite!  Here are a few things to know about Country Tonite that will make you want to visit:

1.  Country Tonite began as a show in Las Vegas.

Believe it or not, Country Tonite began as a show in Las Vegas, in 1992, at the Aladdin Hotel (which is now the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino). The show proved that it was quality entertainment and a location was opened in Branson, Missouri in 1994.  Then, in 1997, the Pigeon Forge, TN location opened and has grown to be one of the most popular shows in Pigeon Forge.

2.  Country Tonite is the most awarded show in the Smoky Mountains.

Of all the shows in Pigeon Forge, Country Tonite receives the most awards each year for their performances.  

3.  It's the only show in Pigeon Forge with youth performers.

Country Tonite prides itself on welcoming youth performers into their show.  Some of the most popular parts of the show include the youth performers and what they bring to Country Tonite. Many of the best singers, dancers and musicians in the area get their start at the Country Tonite Show.

4.  Celebrity concerts happen throughout the year.

Celebrities visit Country Tonite each year to be a part of their amazing concert series!  Some of the most popular are Loretta Lynn, Neal McCoy and The Oak Ridge Boys.

5.  Country Tonite is more than just country music!

Country Tonite is filled with comedy, dancing and so much more than just country music.  There are a variety of musical performances and different themes throughout the show, including partiotic and even some current, popular music.

If you truly appreciate music and musicians, you'll love Country Tonite.  The band is incredibly talented as well as all of the performers in the show. 

6.  It's easy to save money on Country Tonite.

It's actually very easy to save money on Country Tonite tickets - no strings attached!  All you have to do is CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets and save $4 per ticket with free cancellation. 

Dollywood's Parade of Many Colors

Dollywood's new parade will make its debut on November 16.

the $2.5 million "Parade of Many Colors" will celebrate the fun, faith, family, and harmony of the holidays.  It will include vibrant floats, interactive characters, and a few other surprises to spread Christmas cheer through the theme park.

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas season kicks off November 5th and runs through January 1st.

The Oldest Town In Tennessee

The town of Jonesborough, Tennessee is wildly proud of its title as the "Oldest Town in Tennessee." Founded in 1779, the sweet spot pre-dates statehood by almost 20 years, giving residents quite a bit to be excited about.  The town continues their legacy as the original Tennesseans on an annual basis, and melds its history with stunning beauty and kind people.

Their courthouse is a stunning, an extensively photographed, bit of East Tennessee beauty.  Interesting fact: the clock in the tower was from the original town clock tower. Built in 1912, the Washington County Courthouse was the seventh built in the county.  Historically this little town has been known as "Jonesboro."

The town was founded when this part of Eastern Tennessee was still considered North Carolina, by legislator Willie Jones who was looking to expand beyond the Appalachian mountains.

The ghost of Andrew Jackson is supposed to haunt their historic cabin, located in a public park.  Jackson stayed in Jonesborough for a couple of months and after the cabin was moved from its original spot to the park, some say they've seen his ghost entering.

The town museum honors their tobacco farming heritage and also depicts life the way it used to be, when Tennessee was much younger.

Popular amongst tourists, the East Tennessee town does it's part to keep folks comin'. They host the National Storytelling Festival the first full weekend of October, as well as the Jonesborough Days Parade.

The Jonseborough Historic district has been on the Registrar of Historic Places since the late '60s, and remains one of the most picturesque parts of the city.

If you're looking for a sweet place to visit, a town full of kindness and history, the oldest town in Tennessee most definitely fits the bill. 

Wild Plum Tea Room

Have you ever wanted to eat in a magical, whimsical fairy-land surrounded by some of the most stunning nature landscapes in the United States?  Oh good. Because you're going to have to head over to the Wild Plum Tea Room as soon as possible. This darling spot tucked in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains will make you feel like you've wandered onto the most magical of television sets.

 This rustic mountain eatery can be found at 555 Buckhorn Road, Gatlinburg, (34 miles from the Garage Mahal and on the Arts and Crafts Shopping Trail loop) and is know for its extremely vegan and vegetarian friendly menu. Tuck yourself away in the mountains and leave your diet worries behind.

The old-world style restaurant is popular amongst locals and tourists alike.  All of their food options - like lobster pot pie or salmon burgers - are prepared by hand in preparation for the droves of patrons.

Inspired by Austrian style tea houses, the design and decor of the spot is one that you're sure to remember for a long time comin'.

Plus, there's a beautiful garden outside and the lush nature that makes East Tennessee so stunning.

Everything, and we mean EVERYTHING - even down to the iced tea - is made fresh daily. Whether you're eating in the main dining room, the screened in porch or the patio there's sure to be an experience that's perfect for you!

All recipes used have been passed down from family members and have become know as "The Wild Plum Family." This is not only a restaurant that gives you a delicious meal, but one steeped in Volunteer State history.

You can visit from Monday through Saturday, from 11-3. You'll want to check for a reservation, although they only take them in the off-season. 

Titanic Museum

Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge is a celebration of the ship, passengers and crew!

It is said that the best way to respect and honor those who gave their lives is to simply tell their stories.

As the whole world remembers that world's most famous luxury liner, Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee will continue to open the door to the the past in it's one-of-a-kind way - letting "passengers" experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the Titanic while surrounded by more than 400 artifacts directly from the ship and it passengers. As visitors touch a real iceberg, walk the Grand Staircase and third class hallways, reach their hands into 28-degree water, and try to stand on the sloping decks, they learn what it was like on the RMS Titanic by experiencing it first-hand. 

Each guest entering the ship will receive a boarding pass of an actual Titanic passenger or crew.  Feel their spirit presence in the galleries where over 400 personal and private artifacts are on display.  Many are on display for the first time in the world.  This collection is valued at over four and a half million dollars.  This is a self-guided tour.

Discover your passenger or crew's fate in the Titanic Memorial Room where 2,208 names line this historic wall. (Neither one of us made it, Stu was in the band, so you know he didn't make it!!)

The heart of the ship is the Grand Staircase, constructed from the original Harland & Wolff plans with its oak carvings and cherub statue. Here, a magnificent glass dome reflects light off oak wall paneling and elaborate railings and iron scrollwork.  Wide sweeping steps and landings provide a spectacular area where the original guests of the RMS Titanic made their appearances.  You'll be surprised to learn what the floor is made of - something considered most expensive for 1912.

Popcorn Sutton Distillery

Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton was an American Appalachian moonshiner who was born in Maggie Valley, North Carolina and was raised, lived and died in the rural areas around Maggie Valley and nearby Cocke County, Tennessee.  Since his death, a new company and associated whiskey brand have been named after him...

Popcorn Sutton Original Small Batch Recipe takes it's name from it's creator, Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton, a legendary bootlegger from Cocke County, Tennessee.  Using a 100 year old family recipe passed down through generations, Popcorn made is "likker" by hand, selling it out of the back of his Ford Model A truck.

Today we make Popcorn Sutton using the same timeworn recipe and rebel attitude as our namesake... And at 88 proof, Popcorn Sutton Original Small Batch Recipe is as pure and smooth as an Appalachian mountain stream.

In tribute to Popcorn's legacy, we built our distillery in Cocke County, Tennessee, just a few miles from Popcorn's home and the backwoods where he made some of his finest.  Our 50,000 square foot distillery was created to maintain Popcorn's finest traditions with our three 100% copper pot stills built to Popcorn's historical design.  We make our product from mash to bottle, keeping a close eye to clarity, purity and flavor-just like he did.  The way we see it, the only difference between our "likker" and Popcorn's is that we pay our taxes. 

Click here for more information and to make reservations for a tour.

Distillery Tours

Tours hours are Monday - Friday 9 am - 3 pm.  

All tours require prior reservations due to production considerations. 

Mark you calendars!!  The 7th Annual Popcorn Sutton Jam will be September 15 and 16 2017.

Newport, Tennessee

The Island Water Light Show in Pigeon Forge

At the Island in Pigeon Forge, you’ve got a little piece of the beach nestled in the mountains. Since it isn’t possible to have the actual beach here in Tennessee, the Island has done the next best thing and added an “island” outfitted with lots of specialty stores, Margaritaville, and the beautiful fountain for visitors to enjoy. This multi million dollar water fixture was designed and built by the company WET which is the same company that designed and built the world famous Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas. If that isn’t motivation enough to head to the Island, we don’t know what else to say.

Located in the center of the Island, this enormous fountain is a sight worth giving a glance to at the least, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. The fountain has over 90 water shoots; 89 of these shoots go vertically while 6 rotate to form quite the spectacle. Simply having water shoots, one of which shoots 60 feet into the air, didn’t seem like enough for the designers, so this pond on steroids has color-changing lights that light up the water shoots along with a water show. To add even more diversity, the fountain has two levels; the upper level flows down into the lower level over a bed of stones that acts like a mini waterfall.

The water show is a scene that you won’t be able to stop watching. The water shoots and colors have been synced musically with 14 different songs. Prepare to be amazed as you watch water dance to some of your favorite tunes. There is a show every 30 minutes from 10 am to 11:30 pm. In between the shows, the fountains shoot up and down over and over; it’s a sight that will put you in a trance.

Sitting around the fountain, especially at night, is incredibly relaxing. The sound of the water almost mimics the ocean. The lights, that are always changing colors, will allow you to have something new to look at all the time. There are chairs and rocking chairs located around the entire fountain, so if you’re worn out from a day in the mountains, this is the perfect way to unwind. If you’re wanting to walk around the Island to enjoy its other attractions, the fountain is visible from many of the shops, so you’ll be able to soak it up while you’re on the go.

As far as price goes, there isn’t one. Seeing this grand fountain, which we believe doubles as a piece of art, comes at no cost to you. Just walk up and take a seat. The only drawback about this sight being free is that you cannot guarantee getting a seat right away. There’s always standing room, and you can grab a seat as soon as someone else gets up to leave. Whether you see it by sitting, standing, or passing by, the Island Fountain and Light Show is a must see.

Insider Tip: Parking for The Island is completely free. If you’re looking for something fun to do with the family that doesn’t cost anything, walking around The Island is a nice relaxing time with lots of neat things to see, and won’t cost you a dime.

Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas

A seven-time award winner of America's Best Christmas Event, Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival. 

November 5th - January 3, 2017

The Festival features four million holiday lights and spectacular holiday performances, including Dollywood's A Christmas Carol, an all-new adaptation of the Dickens classic.

Click here for a list of the shows and to buy tickets.

**Here's a good tip**

If you enter Dollywood after 3 pm, the next day is free! So, you can get a few hours in before the park closes, then return with the same ticket, for a full day of fun the next day!

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride Of Lights

Visitors can soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of a Gatlinburg Trolley by taking the relaxing Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights

November 9 - January 31, 2017

Downtown Gatlinburg

Admission: $5.00

The specially designated trolleys carry their guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent Hwy. 321, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic.  Trolley times are at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30.

Featuring one-of-a-kind LED lighting displays along Gatlinburg's famous downtown Parkway, adjacent River Road, and the triangle juncture of the two, the latest $1.6 million-plus rollout of custom designed and fabricated lighting displays are marked by sections reminiscent of winter forests, evergreens and romance.  The Hwy.321 route features an injection of bright displays as well. 

Displays featuring animals indigenous to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park including deer, foxes, squirrels and rabbits are part of the program.  Many of the timeless displays visitors have grown accustomed to over the past 23 years have converted to crisp LED as well.  Most recently, fanciful snowmen, dancing fountains, a group of international children and a shiny rocking horse have joined the lineup. 

You may pick up your FREE Driving Tour of Lights brochure and map at our Pigeon Forge Welcome Centers or at the Pigeon Forge Trolley Office.  You can also download the Driving Tour of Lights brochure and map here.

Click here for tickets!

Elkmont Ghost Town of the Great Smoky Mountains

If you’ve ever been to the Elkmont campground in the Great Smoky Mountains or hiked on the Little River Trail, then you’ve seen the remnants of the Elkmont “ghost town,” the area where numerous old homes stand in various states of disrepair.

Located next to the former logging town of Elkmont (where the Elkmont Campground now stands), this old “ghost town” had its start as the” Appalachian Club” vacation community. The land was once owned by the Little River Lumber Company. Around 1910, the company began selling the land to individuals, mainly hunting and fishing enthusiasts, for the purpose of creating a private social club. The Appalachian clubhouse itself was used as a lodge but within a few years many members began building their own vacation cottages. In 1912, the Wonderland Park Hotel, a 50-room resort lodge was also constructed nearby.

However, with membership in the Appalachian Club becoming more difficult to obtain, in 1919, a group of Knoxville businessmen purchased the Wonderland Hotel and created the “Wonderland Club”. Around 10 or more cottages were also constructed on the hill near the hotel. The Appalachian Club and the Wonderland Club became favorite vacation spots for wealthy east Tennessee families to come and socialize and escape the summer heat.

On November 15, 1992 the Wonderland Hotel saw its last day of operation. In 2006, the entire Elkmont district including the Wonderland Hotel was placed on the "11 Most Endangered Places" list by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Elkmont soon became home to the birth of the national park movement. In 1920, soon after a visit to Yellowstone, Willis P. Davis, a cottage owner at Elkmont, began to suggest the idea of a national park in the Smokies. Another Elkmont land owner, David C. Chapman, soon took up the cause and helped advance it. Realizing the benefits of a national park, several influential Knoxville businessmen began lobbying federal and state governments.

The U.S. government eventually agreed to establish the national park if the states of Tennessee and North Carolina purchased the land. Once again, the Knoxville businessmen strongly lobbied the Tennessee State legislature and in 1925, Chapman hosted a group of the legislators at Elkmont in order to help convince them of the plan. The following year Colonel Wilson B. Townsend, the founder of the Little River Lumber Company, made the initial sale of 76,000 acres. While most everyone else within the park boundaries were forced to sell their properties and relocate, the Elkmont cottage owners were able to sell their cottages at half price in exchange for lifetime leases.

Most of the leases for the cottages and the Wonderland Hotel expired in 1992, with two more expiring in 2001. Upon expiration ownership of the properties reverted back to the National Park Service and in 1982 the park called for all structures to be removed and to allow the area to return to its natural state. In 1994, however, the Wonderland Hotel and many of the cottages were placed on the National Register of Historic Places which protected them from being destroyed, so a debate raged on what to do with the structures.

In 2009 the National Park Service announced the intention of restoring the Appalachian Clubhouse and 18 cottages in the Appalachian Club section. 17 of the 19 structures to be renovated are located in what was known as the “Daisy Town” section of the Appalachian Club. The other two structures to be preserved are located in the “Millionaire’s Row” and “Society Hill” sections of the Appalachian Club. All other buildings are to be documented and removed.

To get there, use the maps and directions for the park, and make your way to the Elkmont Campground. Camping registration is not required to visit the ghost town. Turn left onto a side road 200 feet before the campground entrance station. Follow the side road around the east edge of the campground and across the Little River. After crossing the river, take the second right onto a gravel road to get to the Society Hill section. However, to get to the Millionaire's Row section, continue straight following the river, park at the Little River trail head, step around the gate, and follow the gravel road a bit further on foot.

Feel free to drive along any road not blocked by a gate. You may drive or walk anywhere along the roads of the ghost town. No trespassing signs are posted to warn you to stay out of the buildings.

Note: The road up to the Levi Trentham Cemetery is steep and will require 4 wheel drive; and the road from the ghost town up to the Jakes Creek trailhead may flood during or after a heavy rain.