Ranger Led Programs in the Park!

Explore the park with a ranger!

A Walk in the Woods

Everyday between 10:30 am and Noon

Meet at the Sugarlands Visitors Center

1.5 hour easy walk

Free

Through September

Get away from the hustle and bustle by taking an easy stroll and discover stories of history and nature along this scenic, wooded trail.

Click here for more programs and locations: 

Bush's Beans Visitor Center

Come on down to the Bush's Visitor Center in Chestnut Hill, Tennessee, where you can trace the values and events that made Bush's Best what it is today.  And it's all housed in the original A.J. Bush & Company general store, founded in 1897.

The Museum: Bush's Story

Catch Our Show

See the Bush's Theater, featuring a short film which includes a welcome from Jay and Duke, an overview of the Bush family history and a glimpse of the modern methods of processing and canning beans.

Follow the Bean

Take a walk through a giant replica can of Bush's Baked Beans, showing the bean's journey from beginning to end. 

Travel Through Time

View a timeline of Bush Brothers & Company showing how the company changed with the times and reached customers, as well as the local community, throughout the years. 

Bring Your Appetite

Bush's Family Cafe is know for our sweet desserts (and even sweeter people). Come enjoy our homemade dishes and Southern specialties (especially our Pinto Bean Pie).

Need A Souvenir?

Find something for everyone, including cookbooks, cookware and plenty of Jay and Duke memorabilia.

Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook

The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook offers magnificent views of downtown Gatliburg with its majestic mountain backdrop.

There are no admissions fees.  The Gatlinburg Overlook is located on the Gatlinburg Bypass which runs between the Gatlinburg Spur and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The Bypass is open 24/7, year round except in inclement weather (snow and ice). 

The views are beautiful at any time of the year, especially in the Fall months (October-November) when the tree leaves turn brilliant colors of red, orange, and gold.  The views are truly outstanding during the winter months following a snowfall.  This is one of the most photographed areas in Gatlinburg.

There are four parking areas on the Bypass.  You can exit your vehicle and take in the views.  We recommend the 2nd and 3rd parking areas. 

From the Gatlinburg overlooks, you will see the entire town of Gatlinburg. 

10 Free Things To Do In Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg has been a long-time favorite vacation destination for people looking to spend a few days unwinding from their everyday life.  Not only is this city known for it's delicious restaurants and quaint shops, but there are a ton of fun things to do in Gatlinburg.  The best part about these activities is that a lot of them are free, read on...

1.  People watch on the Gatlinburg Parkway

With millions of visitors each year, it is hard to find a reason why you shouldn't go people watching on the Gatlinburg Parkway.  Not to mention, downtown Gatlinburg is a great city to park your car and just walk around and explore.

There are several benches and resting spots if you want to take a break, or you can duck into The Village and sit by the water fountain on a pleasant sunny day.

2.  Take a walk along the Little Pigeon River

We have already told you how walking on the sidewalk along the Gatlinburg Parkway is one of our favorite free things to do in Gatlinburg.  However, for people looking to enjoy a more scenic view as they stroll around the city, we suggest walking along the city's riverwalk path that takes you by the Little Pigeon River.

Not only is this a great way to catch a glimpse of some of the natural beauty of the area, but is is also a great way to cool down on a warm day. There are also benches and gazebos along the path if you want to sit down and take in he sights for a moment or two. 

3.  Visit a Gatlinburg Moonshine Distillery

Moonshining has been a long standing tradition in the Smoky Mountains, and today guests to the area can witness this tradition by visiting one of the many new exciting Gatlinburg moonshine distilleries.  The best part is that tours are free!  There is a small charge for moonshine sampling, but you can explore the distillery at no charge!

Ole Smoky Moonshine

Hours: 10 am - 10 pm, daily. Moonshine sales on Sundays from 12-7pm

Click here for the website.

Sugarlands Shine

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am - 11pm, Sundays 12-7pm

Click here for the website.

Doc Collier Moonshine

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am - 11pm, Sundays 11am - 7pm

Click here for the website.

4. Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Do you want to explore the area, but you don't feel like walking? You can enjoy a relaxing drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail from the comfort of your own vehicle.

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 6-mile, one-way, loop road. Along the trail, guests will pass several historic home sites including the Noah 'Bud' Ogle cabin, the Roaring Fork Cemetery, and the remains of one of the early settler's villages that was home to nearly two dozen families over 150 years ago. 

There are stops along the way where guests can pull over and snap a picture or tow, or just enjoy the scenery for a little while. 

If you do decide you want to walk around for a little bit, there are also several Smoky Mountain hiking trail heads that are located near the Roaring Fork Motor Trail.  These trails include: 

Baskins Creek Falls

3 miles round trip

Easy difficulty rating

Features waterfalls

Brushy Mountain 

6.8 miles round trip

Easy-moderate difficulty rating

Features wildflowers and scenic views

Bullhead Trail

5.9 miles round trip

Easy-moderate difficulty rating



Features interesting geology

Grotto Falls

2.6 miles round trip

Easy difficulty rating 

Features waterfalls

Rainbow Falls

5.4 miles round trip

Easy-moderate difficulty rating 

Features waterfalls

Trillium Gap

13.9 miles round trip

Hard difficulty rating 

Features panoramic views

See our post on the Roaring Fork Motor Trial under the "Drives" tab.

5. Visit Cades Cove

Cades Cove hosts over 2 million visitors a year.  That accounts for nearly a quarter of the total traffic that visits the Great Smoky Mountains National Park every year.

The major draw for guests to this area of the national park is the abundance of the breathtaking scenic views that surround you when you are in Cades Cove.  Words can barely do the natural beauty of this area justice. 

Not to mention, Cades Cove is also home to a lot of wildlife, and guests here can also tour several historic home sites that remain from the early settlers to the Cove.  Also, similar to the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, guests to Cades Cove can explore the area from the comfort of their car by driving around the 8-mile loop road. 

With all of the pretty scenery and thing to do, it is no wonder why visiting Cades Cove is one of our favorite free things to do in Gatlinburg.

See our post on "Cades Cove", also under the "Drives" tab.

6.  Stroll through the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community

For over 70 years, there is a small section of downtown Gatlinburg that has been home to a wide variety of talented artisans and craftsmen.  Known as the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts community, this section of town is where guests can find tons of hand-made goods to bring back home after their Smoky Mountain vacation. 

The talents found in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts community include glass workers, sculptors, painters, broom makers, leatherworkers and more!

See our post on the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community under the "Gatlinburg" or "Shopping" tabs.

7. Tour Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts

Speaking of art, the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts is another exciting free thing to do in Gatlinburg that will help you discover much of the artistic talent that calls the Smoky Mountains home. 

The Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts was originally founded in 1912.  Back then it was called the Phi Beta Phi Settlement School, and it provided the first form of formal education to all the early settlers of the Gatlinburg community.

It wasn't until 1926 that the school began to sell crafts and art made by members of the community, and in 1945 the school offered its first art class.  In 1967, the school officially changed its name to the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. 

Over the years, the school has gained international recognition for its continued dedication and education in the art community. 

Today, guests can tour one of the many galleries located on the school's 14-acre campus.  They can also pick up their new favorite craft or art piece for the school's gift shop.  Hours for the school and galleries are Monday-Friday from 8:30am - 5pm.  For weekend and holiday hours, the school asks that guests give them a call at (865)436-5860.

Check out their website here.

8. Listen to Music at Gatlinburg Tunes & Tales (Seasonal)

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is easily one of the most entertaining activities included on the list of free things to do in Gatlinburg.  Here, you can sit back and enjoy as a variety of local musicians, storytellers, and artisans demonstrate their skills. 

In addition to the music, the performers that are part of the Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales will also entertain the crowd with their costumes that pay tribute to times gone by, including as early as the 1800s.

The Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales event in downtown Gatlinburg runs daily from mid-June through the end of July.  Performances begin at 6pm.

If you are unable to visit for the summer Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales, be sure to plan a trip to come back to the area in a couple of months for the winter Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales.

The winter Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales takes place on the weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

9.  Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley on the Parkway (Seasonal)

Out of all the fun free things to do in Gatlinburg, taking a ride on the Gatlinburg Trolley is probably the most convenient.  From mid-June through mid-August, the Gatlinburg Trolley is offering free rides along the downtown Parkway from 10am - 10pm daily. 

If you happen to plan your visit after the free Gatlinburg Trolley rides end, you can still tour around the city for the low cost of $2 for unlimited rides on five of the trolley's routes.  You can find out more about the Gatlinburg Trolley routes, fares and schedules on its website here.

10.  Have a Picnic

Going for a picnic is a great way to take in the scenery of the Smoky Mountain area.  There's many places for picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so it's easy to pack up a picnic basket and head out to enjoy the Smokies.  There are also a few picnic areas in Gatlinburg, including Mynatt Park and Mills Park.

4 Things To Do in Gatlinburg in June

With summer already will underway, we're putting together our list of things to do in Gatlinburg in June, and we couldn't be more excited!  You'll find that your favorite attractions and hotspots are getting into the summer spirit.  Many businesses and organizations in Gatinburg offer fun perks during summertime while others dedicate the entire season to staying open a little later or offering some free fun.  Lean how to take advantage of all the summer excitement below: 

1.  Tour Gatilnburg on the Free Parkway Trolley

Starting in mid-June and lasting until mid-August, the Gatlinburg trolley system offers free rides on Specially painted "Free Parkway" trolleys.  These open-air trolleys run from 10am until 10pm and are operating on a route with additional stops, bring the total number of stops to 40 along the Gatlinburg Parkway, so you'll be able to visit and see plenty of exciting attractions throughout Gatlinburg. 

A typical trolley pass is $2 for a day of unlimited access to the majority of routes.  You can start your Gatlinburg trolley travels by taking a look at the Gatlinburg trolley locator to find the closest to you!

2. Listen in on Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

Take a stroll along the Gatlinburg Parkway to experience one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg in June - Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales.  This tribute to the spirit of Appalachia features local musicians, costumed street performers, and artisans sharing elements of Smoky Mountain culture that date all the way back to the 1800s. 

you'll have a wonderful time strolling through downtown Gatlinburg as you're surrounded by sights, sounds, and people of the historic Smokies.  The performers arrive every evening and set up their camps all throughout downtown Gatlinburg.  The fun and educational show is free and family-friendly.

3.  Chase a breathtaking view

The Great Smoky Mountains are especially lush and green right now, and we can't think of a better way to soak up the warm summer sun than by exploring the Smokies.  It's even better if you make an adventure of it, so we challenge you to a quest of finding the most gorgeous and interesting views you can.  You could hike, climb, and swim for years and not see all the beauty our Smoky Mountains have to offer, so you should get started now!

We've picked out a couple of views that may be of interest to you.  See how many you can see by the end of your trip!

Clingmans Dome - This point of interest is the highest Smoky Mountain View in the National Park at 6,623 feet - and the highest point in all of Tennessee.

Rock Top - Yes, this is the Rocky Top. This hike ends in panoramic views of the mountains that make naming a song after them completely reasonable.

Abrams Falls - While these falls aren't particularly tall at 20 feet high, the power behind the fast-moving Abrams Falls makes it a sight to be seen. 

Tricorner Knob - This resting stop on the Appalachian Trail is one of the most isolated points in the Smoky Mountains, If you can get to it, you will have conquered a great feat with a history-steeped hiking story. 

Mount LeConte - As the third highest peak in the Smokies, Mount LeConte is a tough climb at 2,763 feet tall, but the view from the summit is remarkable. 

4.  Enjoy Dollywood's Summer Festival

Every year, from mid-June through early August, Dollywood take advantage of the extra daylight to indulge in a little bit of summer fun during Dollywood's "Summer Lives Here" festival.  The event lengthens the park's hours, allowing you and your family to enjoy thrilling rides like the Tennessee Tornado, Mystery Mine, Wild Eagle, and Thunderhead under the glow of moonlight - what and incredible view!  Park goers will also enjoy Dolly's Night of Many Colors, a fireworks extravaganza like you've never seen before, to conclude the evening.  We can't think of a better way to spend a day and night in June!

The Island in Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge is your one stop in Pigeon Forge for affordable family fun all night and day!  Explore our terrific new shopping and entertainment complex with more than sixty retail and specialty shops, a number of popular restaurnats and eateries, rides and games, dancing fountains, live music, attractions and much more!

Come visit The Island in Pigeon Forge.  It's a beautiful, new, clean, safe and walkable shopping and entertainment complex with many affordable choices for entertainment, dining, shopping and lodging.  So much is FREE, and ALL is affordable!

Whether you're visiting Pigeon Forge for a wedding, reunion or family vacation, The Island in Pigeon Forge is the premier family fun and entertainment destination in the Smoky Mountains.  Eat, shop and play at the Island in Pigeon Forge!

5 Most Popular Waterfalls Near Gatlinburg

When you visit the Smoky Mountains, you can't go without seeing at least one of the Gatlinburg waterfalls in the National Park!

1.  Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it's generally one of the busiest trails in the park.  The first part of the hike, to Laurel Falls, is about 1.3 miles (2.6 miles round trip).

The hike to the falls is paved, but the last 1/4 mile is more of a forest trail, so it's a little more difficult for strollers right as you approach the waterfall. 

We recommend hiking this trail during the morning hours to avoid the larger crowds of people.  When you hike later in the day, you may also have some difficulty with parking at the trailhead, so morning is generally the best time of day.

Difficulty: Moderate

Best season to hike this trail: Winter if you are looking to avoid the crowds, spring if you want to see the wildflowers.

Trailhead: From Sugarlands Visitor Center, drive 3.7 miles west on Little River Road to the trailhead at Fighting Creek Gap.

To learn more about Laurel Falls click here.

2. Abrams Falls

Abrams Falls is only about 20 feet tall, but it has the greatest volume of any waterall in the Smokies.  It also has the largest plunge pool.  The entire hike follows closely to Abrams Creek. 

The hike is about 5 miles round trip and takes about 3 hours to complete.  Since the trailhead is located on the Cades Cove Loop Road, it's a great idea to visit Cades Cove in the morning and finish you afternoon with the Abrams Falls hike. 

Difficulty: Moderate.  The trail is made of rocky, packed dirt. 

Best season to hike: If you want to avoid crowds, the best season to hike this trail is the winter.  The spring and summer months are best for photos of the waterfall.  It's also a fantastic swimming hole, so be prepared if you plan to swim!

Trailhead: The trailhead is located about halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road, so you do have to plan to drive the entire Loop Road.

To learn More about Abrams Falls click here.

3.  Grotto Falls

If you're looking for great photos of one of the Gatlinburg waterfalls, this may be the hike for you.  Grotto Falls is also a popular hiking trail, so you can expect there to be company with you along the trail, so we recommend starting this hike in the morning hours. 

The hiking distance is about 2.6 miles round trip and you should expect the hike to take anywhere from 2-3 hours to complete. 

Difficulty: Moderate.  The trail is a dirt-packed surface. 

Best season to hike: The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed from December 1 to March 31 each year, so spring and summertime are the best times to hike to this waterfall.  You can still reach Grotto Falls when the motor nature trail is closed, but you round trip hiking distance nearly doubles from any other access point.  

Trailhead: The start of the hike begins at the parking area of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. 

To learn more about Grotto Falls click here.

4. Ramsey Cascades

Ramsey Cascades is a great hiking trail for anyone who only has a single day to spend in the national park.  It is know for springtime wildflowers, old growth forests and cascading streams.  Ramsey Cascades is one of the highest Gatlinburg waterfalls in the national park and many people would claim it is the prettiest of all the falls. 

The trail is about 8 miles round trip and you should expect it to take about 5-6 hours to complete.

Difficulty: Moderate to strenous with quite a few steep sections

Best season to hike: It's best to hike this trail in the springtime to see the wildflowers along the way to the waterfall. 

To learn more about Ramsey Cascades click here.

5 Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls gets its name from the rainbows you can see on a sunny day, in the mist that is created from the falling water.  The waterfall is formed as LeConte Creek rushes over a hanging ledge and falls over 80 feet to the ground.  Rainbow Falls is a pretty popular hike, but keep in mind that it's not an easy hike to make. For kids and first time hikers, this is not recommended; there are other Gatlinburg waterfalls with less strenuous hiking trails that would be a better choice. 

This hike is about 5.5 miles and takes about 4 hours to complete.

Difficulty: Strenuous with many steep areas.  The trail is covered in rocks, so it makes for a bumpy hike to the waterfall. 

Best season to hike: This hike is also great in the spring months because it is covered in spring wildflowers.

Trailhead: The trailhead is the Rainbow Falls trailhead and it is located on Cherokee Orchard Road.  You turn at traffic light #8 in Gatlinburg onto Historic Nature Trail Road.  Stay to the right once you come upon an intersection, then follow the signs (the intersection can be a little confusing, so just remember to stay to the right!)

To learn more about Rainbow Falls click here.

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!

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

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. 

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.

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.

Sugarlands Visitor Center

Sugarlands Visitor Center is the primary point of contact for visitors entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via Gatlinburg, TN.  It is located two miles south of Gatlinburg on US-441.

At Sugarlands, visitors can view extensive natural history exhibits and a free 20-minute film about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ranger-led programs are offered seasonally.  The facility includes a Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop, as well as a Backcountry permit station.  Information desk staff can answer your questions about planning your day in the park.  Nature trails nearby feature a historic cabin and waterfall.  Public restrooms, telephones, and drink machines are available.