Aerial Tram Way at Ober Gatlinburg

Visitors can enjoy high, unobstructed views of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg as they ride the aerial tram at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park. This very large aerial tramway carries about 120 passengers from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg throughout the day. Visitors don’t have to worry about parking on the mountain before an exciting day at Ober, the aerial tram is a convenient and exciting way to begin your day at the Ski Resort & Amusement Park. Click here for other attractions and lodging in the Gatlinburg area.

The Red Roof Mall, Pigeon Forge, TN

The Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall is often called the “Red Roof Mall”. Here you will be able to find great discounts on name brands such as Pfaltzgraff, Black & Decker, and Bass Factory Outlet & Apparel. While you are shopping stop in one of the eateries, like the B&B Deli, for a fresh sandwich. There are lots of shopping opportunities in Pigeon Forge, but the Red Roof is the place for the bargains you are looking for!

Dollywood’s Splash Country

This is the second year for Splash Country’s Swift Water Run. This two year old 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.

Grocery Shopping in The Great Smoky Mountains

When you first get to your cozy little cabin in the Smokies you will quickly realize one thing, it doesn’t come with food. There is an easy solution to that problem… go grocery shopping. There are three grocery stores located in Gatlinburg. They are listed below. You can also click the maps for a larger view.


 

Food City
1219 E Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN


Parkway Market
1127 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN


McKinney’s Market and Laundry
819 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

Tarantulas in The Great Smoky Mountains

When you think of tarantulas, you most likely think of the big, furry, scary ones that you see on National Geographic or in movies. Most of these species of tarantulas live in the southwestern parts of the U.S. However, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park there is a species of tarantulas, most-commonly known as the trap-door spider. They are stocky with short, thick legs, and are sparsely covered with hair. They have eight eyes! One pair is located in the middle with three on each side of their head. They are either tan or chestnut brown in color.

Golfing in The Smokies

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.

Going Green With Water Conservation

With hot summers well on their way, cooling off with water can be very tempting, but instead try “going green.” 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.

Say Safe in the Water, The Great Smoky Mountain National Park

When things get heated, be careful when cooling off. 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. Drowning 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 not to  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.

Wildlife Viewing in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has preserved the largest wilderness sanctuary in the Eastern United States. To increase your chances of seeing the most diverse wildlife, be sure to carry binoculars, and drive slow through the park around dawn or dusk. The best place to view elk is in the Cataloochee Valley, where they have been released as an experiment. Cades Cove is filled with white-tailed deer and black bears. Other wildlife throughout the park includes wild turkey, wild boar, mountain lions, fox, bobcats, mink, and exotic wild hogs. Just remember, the animals are pretty to look at, but do not feed them or get too close.

Grotto Falls, Gatlinburg, TN

Grotto Falls is located on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg, TN. Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in the park that you can safely walk behind. The 1.5-mile hike to the falls is through a hemlock forest with large American beeches, maples, and silverbells. Round-trip the hike is 3 miles. The trail to the 30-foot waterfall is one of the most popular hikes in all of the Smokies. If you have a picnic lunch, the big rocks around the falls are a great place to set up with the family and get caught up in the serenity of the Park.


 

Directions:

From Gatlinburg take Airport Road at traffic light 8 to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. During spring, summer, and fall, park in the Grotto Falls parking lot about 2 miles into the Nature Trail. Access road is closed in the winter. The Grotto Falls Trail begins at the parking area and soon joins the Trillium Gap Trail on its way to Grotto Falls.