The Local’s Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Greenbrier

Greenbrier is a little known secret to tourists. This area is one of the finest, most convenient, and least crowded places in the National Park. There are many activities at Greenbrier including; fishing, hiking, jogging, picnicking, waterfall, tubing, wildflower observation, and viewing wonderful natural scenery. The Ramsey Cascades are also located in Greenbrier which is one of the best waterfalls in the park. It is an 8 mile hike round-trip and is challenging. The photo shown above is of Porter’s Creek located in Greenbrier. More information can be found by stopping at the Sugarlands Welcome Center.

Back Country Trails and Balds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is beautiful and a great way to see the wonders of the Park. If you are a more experienced, adventurous hiker, the back country trails offer an in-depth backwoods experience. Here is a list of some of the trails throughout the park.

Trail – Mileage – Difficulty Rating – Time – Location

1. Boogerman Trail – 7.5 – moderate – 5 to 6 hrs – Cataloochee Campgrounds

2. Charlie’s Bunion – 8.8 – moderate – 4 to 5 hrs – Newfound Gap

3. Chimney Tops – 4 – strenuous – 3 to 4 hrs – Newfound Gap Road

4. Mt. Sterling – 12 – strenuous – 5 to 6 hrs – Cataloochee Scholhouse

5. Shuckstack – 10 – strenuous – 7 hrs – Twentymile

6. Smokemont Loop – 6 – moderate – 4 to 5 hrs – Smokemont Campground

Balds are also an interesting part of the Park. They are mysterious treeless areas high in the mountains. Some speculate that they were caused by ice storms, insects, woolly mammoths, dry wind, or fire. Some of the trails offer special features depending on the season. For instance, Gregory Bald is filled with beautiful azaleas in late June.

Trail – Mileage – Rating – Time – Location

1. Andrews Bald- 4 – moderate – 3 hrs – Clingmans Dome Road

2. Gregory Bald – 9 – moderate – 4 to 5 hrs – Parson Branch Road

3. Silers Bald – 10 – moderate – 5 to 6 hrs – Clingmans Dome Road

4. Spence Field – 11 – moderate – 6 to 7 hrs – Cades Cove Picnic Area

5. Thunderhead – 13 – strenuous – 8 hrs – Cades Cove Picnic Area

33rd Annual Summer Craftsman’s Fair in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Starting today through the 27th is the 33rd Annual Summer Craftsman’s Fair in the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The craftsmen will not only have their art on display and for sale, but will also be doing live demonstrations. In addition to the fair, there will also be country and bluegrass music shows by Keith Longbotham and Band as well as Dennis Lee and Band.

Hen Wallow Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains

The trail to Hen Wallow Falls is about 4.4 miles round-trip and is labeled moderately difficult. The hike begins on Gabes Mountain Trail, which is located near the Cosby Picnic Area of the National Park. The Hen Wallow Falls trail is a walk through beautiful hemlock and rhododendron forest.

Cataract Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Cataract Falls is a small 40-foot waterfall near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. If you are at the Center and need to stretch your legs before continuing through the Park, this is a short and easy walk. To get there, head behind the Visitors Center toward the headquarters building parking lot. Don’t take the natural trail. On the other side of the parking lot, go left on the paved road and cross the small bridge. You will see a sign on the right side of the road for the falls, which are about 100 yards down the path.

The John P. Cable Mill in Cades Cove, Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

In beautiful Cades Cove, there are numerous historical sites throughout the area. One of these is the John P. Cable Mill, which was an early grist and saw mill. There were few sources of power in the 1800s, so the water wheel at the mill was a key element in the lives of the pioneers. The mill also changed the way the people built their homes. After the saw mill, the homes were build almost exclusively of lumber and frame construction. This was the only mill in Cades Cove, and it is still standing and running to this day. While you are visiting the Great Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove, take a minute and walk around this historical landmark.

Things for Kids in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: The Old Mill Toy Bin and The Old Mill Candy Kitchen

At the shopping center in Pigeon Forge’s Old Mill Square there are two stores dedicated to kids of all ages.

The Toy Bin is a toy store that features old-fashioned toys and games. The store carries everything from a little red wagon to a large plush bear. Whether you want to see the toys of your past or take your kid shopping, the Toy Bin a place for kids of all ages.

The Old Mill Candy Kitchen uses traditional candy making methods to bring you candy that tastes just like the good-ol’-days. They still cook in old-fashioned copper kettles and also hand-dip many of their chocolates. While at the candy kitchen don’t forget to try their famous Bear Paws made from milk chocolate, homemade caramel, and fresh pecans.

Pet-Friendly Rental Cabins in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The best way to enjoy your stay in the Smokies is by renting a cabin. Appalachian Lodge is a great place to relax and enjoy the mountains around you. With a 145-degree panorama view, this 4-bedroom cabin is perfect for the family. The double-decker porches on the back of the house are perfect for entertaining and grilling out. Enjoy the sunset behind the mountains in the large hot tub. This cabin sleeps 16 people, and welcomes the family pet. The cabin is only 3 miles from downtown Gatlinburg so you will not be far from all your favorite Gatlinburg attractions.

Summer Camp for the inspiring young scientist or the young nature enthusiast: Smoky Mountains Naturalist Expeditions Camp. July 14-24, 2008

The Smoky Mountains Naturalist Expeditions Camp, sponsored by Institute at Tremont, is a summer camp for middle-school aged kids. During the week of July 14-24, children will get to explore the Great Smoky Mountains and help real scientists with ongoing research. At the end of each day there is always time for a dip in the river, a great dinner, and a fun evening activity.

Ramsay Cascades in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Some say that Ramsay Cascades is the best waterfall in the Smokies. There are pictures everywhere of this 90-foot waterfall, but it is something you need to see on your own in order to grasp its true beauty. The hike to the cascades is roughly 8 miles and it considered strenuous’ however, the trail is through an old-growth forest which is beautiful in itself. About 2.6 miles into the hike, there is a huge tulip tree that is 7 ft in diameter. Once you have reached the cascades, you will want to cross the shallow pool at the bottom to reach a rock ledge in order to get the best pictures of the waterfall.

Directions: From Gatlinburg turn on traffic light #3 North on US 321 and go approximately 6 miles. Turn right on Greenbrier Cove and follow the little Pigeon river for 3.1 miles, then turn left at Ramsay Prong Road and travel 1.5 miles to the parking area. The trail begins at the back of the parking lot. First bridge to cross is right ahead of you. Click here for attractions and lodging in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.