Riding Stables

Everyone has seen the old Western movies where men get from saloon to saloon by riding on a horse. Today, horseback riding has become less of something you see a movies and more of something you see people doing all the time. The Great Smoky Mountains has a beautiful view and several horseback-riding stables. The names and contact information are listed below.

 Smoky Mountain Riding Stables: located in Gatlinburg. To contact, call 865) 436-5634 or visit their website: http://www.smokymountainridingstables.com/

Cades Cove Riding Stables: located in Townsend. To contact, call (865) 448-9009.

Walden Creek Stables: located in Sevierville. To contact, call (865) 429-0411 or visit their website: http://www.waldencreekstables.com/

Sugarlands Riding Stables: located in Gatlinburg. To contact, call (865) 436-5634.

Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Adventures

If riding a bike through the smokies does not sound appealing to you, then maybe riding a motorcycle through the smokies is more of your thing. The Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Adventures, a group that gave personal motorcycle tours through the Smoky Mountains, was created in 1987 and when the founder had to give up personally guiding tours in 1991, he created the Smoky Mountain Adventure Maps so motorcycle riders can guide themselves. The maps start at thirty dollars, but this fee ncludes six different maps for six different locations throughout the smokies and a map for lodging. For more information on how to purchase, visit here.

Cycles in The Mountains: Rentals

Bicycling is one of the most enjoying activities to experience in the smokies. Bicycles can travel on most roads within the park and cyclists can traverse the parkway’s unfinished portions. Do not worry if you want to cycle in the smokies but are not able to find a bicycle to ride- Cades Cove offers a bicycle rental. The Cades Cove Bicycle Rental Office is open seven days a week and has a large assortment of single speed bicycles for rent by the hour. The rental office also has accessories and safety equipment for visitors to rent. If you are interested in renting a bicycle, visit their website: http://www.cadescove.net/bicycling_cades_cove.html

20th Annual WinterFest in Pigeon Forge

Looking for something fun to do in the mountains during the fall? Check out the 20th Annual Winterfest Kickoff in Sevierville. During this festival, you can experience the beautiful fireworks along with free food and entertainment. Winterfest also brings together local business like Dollywood, Christus Gardens, and Ripley’s aquarium to present the most festive Christmas light displays in East Tennessee. However, the festival is not just about twinkling lights. It also includes holiday shows, snow skiing at Ober Gatlinburg and great discounts on lodging. For more information, visit here:http://www.smokymountainwinterfest.com/

Volunteering at Wears Valley Ranch

Wears Valley Ranch is located in Sevierville and offers a Christian children’s home and school that provides bible teaching, individualized education, and unconditional love.  The ranch provides a great service to children in crisis situations and they are always looking for new volunteers to help keep their services going. Some of the current projects they need volunteers to help with construction, landscaping, painting, and cleaning. Volunteers can be of any age as long as they are willing help and a sign a release form. The Wears Valley Ranch also provides housing for volunteer groups in their camp cabin. If you are interested in volunteers, visit here

Metcalf Bottoms

Once a family farm, Metcalf Bottoms is now a large picnic area approximately 11 miles from Gatlinburg near the Little River. The picnic area is 24 feet by 60 feet and has a capacity of 70 people. Four grills are just outside the pavilion and there are 15 picnic tables for visitors to sit at. Patrons are able to rent out the pavilion from 8 am until 3:30 pm and then again from 4 to 8 pm. The area also offers fishing streams as well as a hiking trail. For more information, visit here.

Smoky Mountain Field School

The Smoky Mountain Field School was started by The University of Tennessee to help people utilize the Great Smoky Mountains.   They conduct workshops, hikes and other activities to help people learn more about the mountains.  Their mission is to enhance public appreciation, understanding and stewardship of the Smoky Mountains.  Some of their course offerings are Incredible Edibles and Traditional Medicines, A Smoky Mountain Day Hike, and Tracking and Nature Observation. There are activities for all ages and abilities.  The courses are around $50 and all take place in the Smoky Mountain National Park.  For more information visit http://www.outreach.utk.edu/smoky/.

Fall Foliage Report

A visit to the Smokies is a must in autumn. Mid-October and early November is usually the peak of color, and the best way to see the fall foliage is to reach a high elevation. If you want to drive, try Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Newfound Gap or Parsons Branch Road. If you are a hiker, try Sugarland Mountain, Albright Grove, Andrew’s Bald or Mt. LeConte.

For more information, visit http://www.gatlinburg.com/.

Elk Bugling

Elk once roamed the Smokies before they were over-hunted, but they were reintroduced in 2001. Click the link below to hear a sound that is once again familiar in the Smokies, thanks to the elk. 

 Check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYzWmKlZtrU

Tulip Poplar

There is no better time to visit the Smokies than in the fall; the weather is nice, and the fall foliage is beautiful. The Tulip Poplars of the Smokies turn to bright yellow when the weather turns colder, so the mountains light up with color. The Smokies are also home to one of the tallest tuliptrees, standing 178.5 feet tall along Baxter Creek. The Tulip Poplar is also the state tree of Tennessee, so make sure to see one while you visit.