This Little Light of Mine, Synchronized Fireflies on Elkmont, Great Smoky Mountains

Starting June 7, for one week, the lightening bugs will be in Elkmont, located in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is one of the few places in the world where you can witness the synchronized flashes of fireflies. Synchrony, repetitive group flashing, is very rare. For this one week in June, the males have a very distinct flash cycle as a way of attracting female fireflies. They flash about 6 or 7 times, pause for about 6 to 8 seconds until another fly begins the cycle over again.

This event is becoming more popular every year, so the city of Gatlinburg and the National Park partnered to provide trolleys to Elkmont nightly from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. between June 7 and June 14. For $1 you can catch the trolley at the Sugarlands Visitor Center RV/bus parking lot.

In the past, as many as 2,000 people per weekend night have taken the trolley to watch this natural phenomenon. The fact that this event is nature in its own element, the National Park, is what makes this such a popular event.

Make your stay in the Great Smoky Mountains with a cabin in the Smokies

Rip Roaring Adventures, Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge

If you want a fun-filled day white water rafting with your family while visiting the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area, the closest place is Rip Roaring Adventures. Unlike competitors, they are located directly on the river, which makes the prices lower than the competition. The guides are some of the most experienced in the industry.

The Upper Pigeon trip is two hours long, one of longest offered on the River. Children, under the age of 8, must be over 70 lbs, and secure shoes with a strap across heel must be worn.

The Lower Pigeon is for families with children ranging from 4-7. These trips go rain or shine, and it is suggested to bring a change of clothes & a towel.

2008 Mountain Hounds Weekend in Gatlinburg

If you see an abundance of Greyhounds in the Gatlinburg area this weekend, don’t be alarmed. It is the annual Mountain Hounds Weekend sponsored by Greyhound Friends of North Carolina. This event draws over 250 Greyhounds and their owners from 18 different states. The activities are free to the public.

Black Bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

One thing you may think about when you hear the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the black bear. People hope to see them from a distance, but fear to see them up-close. Their life cycle and habits have been studied for years and much has been learned of these animals. There is an estimated 1,000 black bears in the park. Their fur can range from black to varying shades of light brown. Even though they are smaller than grizzly and polar bears, the black bear can weigh as much as 400 lbs and stand 6 ft. tall. During the fall, the bears search for acorns, berries, seeds, insects, and nuts for the winter. They gain anywhere from 3-5 lbs per day in order to survive during the winter and early spring. During October and November, black bears go into a deep sleep, but do not become fully dormant. Because food is so important, the bears are excellent scavengers, especially with the amount of trash that is left in the Park by visitors. That is why feeding bears and leaving food unattended is prohibited in the park. The bears are beautiful to observe, but please do your part and do not feed them and protect these unique bears.

The Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

In the historical Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge, you will find the Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen. In the Kitchen you will find everything you need to make yourself an Old Mill breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the comfort of your own home. The newest store offers you the chance to purchase southern-style serving pieces such as bread dippers or in-house pottery. They also specialize in gift baskets for you to share this secret with a friend. Guests can create a gift basket, or the staff will make a special one for you.

Dollywood’s Splash Country: New Slide, Swift Water Run

New for Splash Country’s 2008 season is the Swift Water Run. This new slide features a giant corkscrew bowl in which you go round and round before flying down the chute. The Swift Water Run is a fun and exciting new addition to the water park. For more information about Dolly’s Splash Country, visit their website at www.dollywoodssplashcountry.com.

Water Safety in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

While visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in the spring and summer, it can get very hot. The streams and waterfalls of the park seem like an excellent way to cool off but,water recreation in the National Park is not recommended and you need to use extreme caution. Downing is the leading cause of death in the park. If you get injured while in the National Park, depending on where you are, medical assistance could be hours away. It is especially important to not climb on the rocks near waterfalls, and use extreme caution while walking along riverbanks, because these rocks are slippery due to mist and algae. If you do decide to get in and cool off, do no jump or dive into the water. The bottom of the water is dark and rocks may not be visible from the surface. When it comes to water recreation, use extreme caution and common sense. For more safety tips click here.

Water Conservation in the Smokies

This Summer is going to be hot and there is always the possibility of a drought. Here are some ways you can help conserve water:
(1)    Take brief showers and turn off the water in the shower when you don’t need it (for instance lathering up shampoo). Try to keep your showers to two minutes or less
(2)    Catch all the rinse water from your shower in a bucket and use it on plants
(3)    Install rain barrels to capture water from your gutter
(4)    Consider installing a low-flow toilet and a low-flow shower head
By taking little steps we can help the environment by conserving water.

18th Annual Family Fest in the Smokies 2008

The 18th Annual Family Fest in the Smokies begins today and continues all weekend. The Festival features Southern Gospel Music with singers such as Bill & Gloria Gaither, Gordon Mote, Russ Taff, and the Booth Brothers. The guest speaker for this event will be Anne Graham Lotz. The series begins at 7:00pm today and has a 10am session and a 6pm session on both Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit www.gaither.com.

Golfing in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, the beauty and challenge of the Smoky Mountain golf courses will make you want to play here year round. The terrain-rich courses are receiving outstanding reviews. These courses offer golfers of all skill levels an interesting game, players have to hit the ball uphill, downhill, and on the side of a hill. Not to mention the beautiful mountain backdrop around you!

There are nine golf clubs in the Smoky Mountains. Bent Creek Golf Village was rated in the top 50 golf courses in the south by Southern Living Magazine. The Gatlinburg Golf Course offers dramatic mountainous holes, views, elevated greens, vertical drops, and tight fairways. The River Islands Golf Club was rated 4-stars by Golf Digest, and is the highest rated public golf course in the state of Tennessee. Challenge your golf game, as you view the beautiful Smoky Mountains.