Great Smoky Mountains Profile

• Known as the “Crown Jewels of the Appalachian Mountains,” the Smoky Mountains are located within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the country’s population.

• The majority of visitors to the Smokies during peak season come from Tennessee itself, followed by Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Alabama. More than 70 percent of visitors are families.

• Nestled in East Tennessee and stretching into Western North Carolina, the Smoky Mountains are a lush, abundant mountain range full of history, diversity, wildlife and abundant recreational opportunities such as boating, camping, fishing, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, skiing (very limited) and whitewater rafting (very popular).

• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is BY FAR the main attraction in the Great Smoky Mountains, although the Smokies are also known for family-friendly attractions such as Dollywood and live entertainment venues such as Dixie Stampede.

• The busiest times to visit the Smoky Mountains are during the summer months and the month of October – the peak season for fall foliage when the area comes alive with a blaze of brilliant red, orange and yellow leaves.

• At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains and one of the main attractions at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• The Great Smoky Mountains are known as both the “Honeymoon Capital of the South” and “The Wedding Capital of the South” – couples can even schedule a “Hillbilly Wedding” performed by an “ordained, bearded, hillbilly minister.”

• Major annual events in the Smokies include Smoky Mountain WinterFest (January-March), Springfest (March-June), Gatlinburg’s 4th of July Midnight Parade (July), Celebrate Freedom! (August) and Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival (September-October).

Pigeon Forge to Host Wilderness Wildlife Week

Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has created 288 ways for you to get to know Mother Nature and the cultural heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains during the Jan. 7-14, 2012, salute to the outdoors.

This will be the 22nd year for Wilderness Wildlife Week, an eight-day extravaganza of seminars, workshops, photography classes, hikes, owl prowls and even musical performances.

“It’s exciting to look at it by the numbers,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, which presents Wilderness Wildlife Week free of charge. Last year, guests came from 28 states and Canada.

“We have 240 indoor programs, plus 48 hikes, field trips and owl prowls. That’s 288 in all, and 120 of them are brand new for 2012. There are 20 programs especially for kids, 22 that examine the heritage of the Smokies and more than a dozen photography courses,” he said.

Wilderness Wildlife Week, begun in 1990 as a salute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a major part of the four-month-long Pigeon Forge Winterfest season. Winterfest 2011-2012 in its entirety is a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event.

The keynote speaker is Peggy Callahan, an expert on wolves and other predators, who has presentations on Jan. 7 and 8. She is the founder and executive director of the Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake, Minn.

More than 150 experts – nature photographers, biologists, raptor rehabilitators, social historians, musicians and just plain folks who grew up in the Smokies – donate their time to lead Wilderness Wildlife Week programs about natural history, wildlife, outdoor recreation, nature photography, conservation efforts and cultural history.

Among the topics: bears in the Smokies, reintroduction of elk to the national park, the Smokies’ logging history, possums, bluebirds, trout fishing, bald eagles, the Civil War in the mountains, fire towers, beginner backpacking, how to raise butterflies and how to play the dulcimer.

The 48 hikes and excursions – including a llama trek – into the national park complement the indoor programs and range from easy to challenging. In 2011, 668 hikers trekked a cumulative 3,227 miles. Hiking records have been kept for nine years, and the accumulated total mileage is 17,516.

“The week is extremely flexible. You can come just for one program, for one day or for the whole week,” Downey said. “We have 288 ways to connect you to our beautiful part of the country.”

Wilderness Wildlife Week began as a half-day program and immediately grew into a weeklong activity. By itself, it has been a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event 10 times.

Wilderness Wildlife Week details are at www.MyPigeonForge.com/wildlife. Information about all aspects of visiting Pigeon Forge is at www.MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.

Fall Foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains

Nature’s annual kaleidoscope of color will visit soon the Smokies this year with great vigor. To help travelers determine where the best altitude is for leaf viewing at any given time, Gatlinburg provides updated leaf reports at www.gatlinburg.com and a fall foliage page at www.eventsgatlinburg.com. These links chronicle the descent of full-fledged color from the highest elevations of the Smokies in September to the climax of the color in November and even suggest walks, trails and short drives to take for the best viewing potential. Autumn in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a special time when a glorious leaf season lasting six to eight weeks is enjoyed by visitors as fall’s vibrant color changes travel down the mountainsides from high elevation of the Smokies to the foothills around Gatlinburg. There’s always peak color at a certain altitude. The adventure is finding out where the best leaf viewing is at the moment, and that usually requires only a short ride to the top. As you Reach Higher Ground, the colors explode into a spectacle of vivid shades of red and electrifying orange, with sprinklings of deep gold and bright yellows. The autumn colors surrounding Gatlinburg are magnificent and varied due to the amazing diversity of trees and plant life. Some 100 species of native trees live in the Smokies, the vast majority of which are deciduous. The timing of fall color change depends upon so many variables that the exact dates of “peak” season are impossible to predict in advance. Weather is a factor, but even Mother Nature has difficulty preventing the Smokies from erupting into a palette of brilliant colors barring a major storm. Basically, the Smokies are magnificent. Color displays above 4,000 feet start in mid-September with the turning of yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry, clearly visible from such vantage points as Clingmans Dome Road. The fall color display usually reaches peak at middle and lower elevations between mid-October and early November. This is the Park’s most spectacular display as it includes such colorful trees as sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and the hickories. Gatlinburg is the Southeast’s premier fall color destination, offering something for all ages.  Family-friendly and affordable, this walkable community nestled in the foothill of the Appalachian Mountains provides the perfect setting for fall vacations. Groups, families and couples will find something spectacular to their liking. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg boasts countless lodging, dining and entertainment options. Explore the popular Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, ride the country’s longest aerial tram, browse through hundreds of unique shops, and revel in the splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains as you Reach Higher Ground in Gatlinburg. For more information on fall travel in Gatlinburg including outstanding deals and packages, please call (800) 56-VISIT or visit www.gatlinburg.com.

Gatlinburg Events for Fall-Winter 2011

Autumn Colors in the Smokies
September 15 – November 15, 2011
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
September 15 – October 31, 2011
Various Locales Throughout Gatlinburg

Taste of Autumn
September 15, 2011
Gatlinburg Convention Center

Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg
September 30 – October 31, 2011
Ober Gatlinburg

Ripley’s Fright Nights
October 1-31, 2011
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
October 6-23, 2011
Gatlinburg Convention Center

Trolley Ride of Lights
November 9, 2011 – January 30, 2012
Downtown Gatlinburg

Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff
November 9, 2011
Downtown Gatlinburg

Veteran’s Day Celebration
November 11, 2011
Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza

Festival of Trees
November 22-26, 2011
W.L. Mills Conference Center

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Holiday Show
November 22 – December 4, 2011
Gatlinburg Convention Center

Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
December 2, 2011
Downtown Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Winter Magic
January 3 – February 28, 2012
Various Locales Throughout Gatlinburg

Planning a fall or winter vacation getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out the latest deals at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort! For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.

Planning to Visit the Smokies this Summer?

A picturesque mountain town full of fun adventures, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, serves as the principal gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the largest national park East of the Rocky Mountains and the most-visited national park in the United States. Gatlinburg also boasts fine art and antiques, mountain crafts, family-friendly restaurants and live entertainment.

Planning a vacation getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out the latest deals at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort! For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.

Pigeon Forge to Host Wilderness Wildlife Week

Children definitely are part of the mix during Wilderness Wildlife Week, an annual salute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mother Nature in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Jan. 8-15, 2011.

More than 20 of the week’s 235 programs are geared specifically for children, and dozens more aimed at general audiences would inform and entertain the younger set.

Wilderness Wildlife Week’s eight days of programs are a gift to all visitors from the City of Pigeon Forge to honor its next-door neighbor, America’s most visited national park.

Among the child-friendly programs are “Those Ain’t Teddy Bears” (about the park’s iconic black bears), “Hug a Tree and Survive,” “O! Possum” and “Batteries Not Included” (about mountain children’s pre-electric games and toys).

In addition, there are several programs featuring live animals. Presenters include experts from the American Eagle Foundation, the Knoxville Zoo and Bays Mountain Park.

“Today’s young people actually need encouragement to get outdoors and play, and the ‘Kids Track’ programs during Wilderness Wildlife Week are one way to do that. We want future generations to appreciate the treasure that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is,” said Leon Downey, executive director of tourism for Pigeon Forge.

More than 200 experts volunteer their time to conduct the week’s 235 programs – 128 of which are new in 2011 – about nature photography, bears, butterflies, elk, camping skills, outdoor safety and scores of other topics.

New for 2011 is an all-day concentration on outdoor photography called “The Smokies Through the Lens” on Jan. 15. Nine seminars aimed at all skill levels are planned, and topics include equipment, shooting techniques and editing. Other photography instruction classes and numerous photo showcases occur throughout the week.

Other special programming includes

· AppalachiaFest – A musical celebration of mountain music and dancing (audience participation encouraged) featuring the Carolina Bluegrass Boys, Tony Thomas and Boogertown Gap on Jan. 11

· Cade Cove Memories – Five special programs on Jan. 15 organized by the Cades Cove Preservation Association that focus on this popular portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

In addition to all the indoor programs, there are 48 hikes and excursions into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including a llama trek. They range from easy walks to strenuous hikes, and Wilderness Wildlife Week provides transportation to and from each trailhead, plus experienced hiking guides. In 2010, hikers from 17 states participated. Hiking records have been kept for eight years, and the accumulated total mileage is 14,289.

This will be the 21st year for Wilderness Wildlife Week, a major part of the four-month-long Pigeon Forge Winterfest season. Admission to all programs is free.

“The week is extremely flexible. You can come just for one program, for one day only or for the whole week,” Downey said.

Wilderness Wildlife Week began 20 years ago as a half-day program and immediately grew into a weeklong activity. It has been a Southeast Tourism Society “Top 20 Event in the Southeast” 10 times.

Wilderness Wildlife Week details are updated frequently at www.MyPigeonForge.com/wildlife. Information about all aspects of visiting Pigeon Forge is at www.MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.

Top 10 Bizarre Attractions in the Smokies

CHRIST IN THE SMOKIES MUSEUM & GARDENS
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Formerly Christus Gardens, the Christ in the Smokies Museum features incredibly realistic life-size figures in dramatic settings depicting the life of Christ, a remarkable sculpture of Christ and gift shop. For more information about the Christ in the Smokies Museum, visit www.christinthesmokies.com.

COOTER’S PLACE
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
If you were a fan of the hit TV series Dukes of Hazzard, which ran from 1979-85, you won’t want Cooter’s Place, the brainchild of Ben Jones, who portrayed, Cooter Davenport, expert mechanic and loyal sidekick to the Duke boys. Cooter’s Place features exhibits and memorabilia such as the 1969 Dodge Charger known as the General Lee, Cooter’s Wrecker, Daisy’s Jeep and Roscoe P. Coltrane’s Police Car. Make sure to browse through Cooter’s Place General Store to pick up some Dukes of Hazzard souvenirs. For more information about Cooter’s Place, visit www.cootersplace.com.

DOLLY PARTON STATUE
Sevierville, Tennessee
Country music legend and entrepreneur Dolly Parton was born in nearby Locust Ridge on January 19, 1946, and Sevier County has graciously erected a life-size, bronze statue in her honor on the lawn of the county courthouse in downtown Sevierville.

ELVIS MUSEUM
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Billed as the “World’s Largest Private Collection of Elvis Memorabilia,” the Elvis Museum is a must-see attraction for fans of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” View such artifacts as Elvis’ cars, jewelry, costumes, guns and more during your self-guided tour. At the museum’s well-stocked gift shop you can start your own collection of Elvis memorabilia. For more information about the Elvis Museum, visit www.elvismuseums.com.

MUSEUM OF SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
At the world’s only salt and pepper museum, you can view more than 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world! For more information about the Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers, visit www.thesaltandpeppershakermuseum.com.

SANTA’S LAND FAMILY THEME PARK & ZOO
Cherokee, North Carolina
At Santa’s Land, you and your family can celebrate Christmas every day! Highlights include a meet and greet with Santa Claus and his elves, rides (including the legendary Rudicoaster), exhibits, magic show and petting zoo. For more information about Santa’s Land, visit www.santaslandnc.com.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN CAR MUSEUM
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Automobile buffs will have a field day at the Smoky Mountain Car Museum, which features more than 30 famous autos on display such as Elvis Presley’s Mercedes Benz, James Bond’s 007 Aston Martin from Goldfinger, Al Capone’s bulletproof Cadillc, Hank Williams Jr.’s Silver Dollar Car, “Walking Tall” Sheriff Buford Pusser’s 1968 Olds Tornado and Billy Carter’s Service Truck. For more information about the Smoky Mountain Car Museum, visit www.mypigeonforge.com.

TITANIC PIGEON FORGE
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Titanic Pigeon Forge, a half-scale, permanent, three-deck reproduction of the Titanic, contains hundreds of Titanic artifacts in more than 20 galleries, as well as exact replicas of the Grand Staircase, a first-class suite, a third-class cabin and the bridge. For more information about Titanic Pigeon Forge, visit www.titanicpigeonforge.com.

WONDERWORKS
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Known as “Tennessee’s only upside-down attraction,” WonderWorks boasts more than 150 interactive exhibits, a hurricane simulator, virtual reality sports, lazer tag arena, illusion gallery, rock climbing wall, game room, gift shop and much more. For more information about WonderWorks, visit www.wonderworkstn.com.

ZORB SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
For the “ride of your life,” check out Zorb globe riding and experience the ultimate thrill of rolling down a hill in a large inflatable globe! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience! For more information about ZORB Smoky Mountains, visit www.zorb.com/smoky.

Planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains? Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort provides the ideal locale for your Great Smoky Mountains getaway. Nestled on approximately 70 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort features the 60,000-square-foot Wild Bear Falls water park (the largest indoor water park in the South), two outdoor pools, two hot tubs, fitness facility and 24-hour marketplace. Enjoy award-winning barbecue at the casual Westgate Smokehouse Grill. The adjacent Mason Jar Lounge serves appetizers and snacks along with your favorite beverage. Escape to the Serenity Spa by Westgate and indulge in a mountain hot stone massage, manicure, pedicure or facial. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.

Fall Foliage Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains

One of the best (and busiest!) times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is during the month of October – the peak season for fall foliage when the park comes alive with a blaze of brilliant red, orange and yellow leaves. Some of the best colors can be viewed along Newfound Gap Road, the 32-mile stretch of U.S. 441 that leisurely winds from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina. Beautiful fall scenery abounds within the 4,000-acre Cades Cove valley, which features preserved pioneer homesteads, historical churches, an old mill, hiking trails and an abundance of wildlife. However, be aware that Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove are also usually the most congested areas during this time of year.

Other prime leaf-peeping opportunities include Clingmans Dome Road, which winds up to 6,643-foot Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smoky Mountains; the Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches 469 miles, connecting Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park with Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina; Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail; and the Foothills Parkway. Suggested hikes include the Appalachian Trail, Inspiration Point on Alum Cave Trail, Look Rock Tower, Oconaluftee River Trail and Sutton Ridge Overlook. Typically, fall colors in the Smokies usually reach their peak in the mid and lower elevations between mid-October and early November, during which visitors can view colorful trees such as hickory, red maple, scarlet oak, sugar maple and sweetgum.

For more information about fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains, visit the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm.

With great weather, colorful foliage, a multitude of lively festivals and a diversity of accommodation choices, the Great Smoky Mountains provide the perfect fall vacation destination. The fall traveler can choose from either resorts, hotels and motels convenient to downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, or rustic cabins and chalets nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. For instance, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers great deals on spacious accommodations that provide easy access to Smoky Mountain area attractions, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com

Fall Festivities Abound in the Smoky Mountains

One of the best (and busiest!) times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains is during the month of October – the peak season for fall foliage when the Great Smoky Mountains National Park comes alive with a brilliant blaze of red, orange and yellow leaves, as well as fresh, crisp mountain air. Some of the best fall colors can be viewed along Newfound Gap Road, the scenic 32-mile stretch of U.S. 441 that winds the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina.

An abundance of festivals and special events also take place throughout the Smokies during the autumn months. For example, the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival (through October 31, 2010) features live entertainment, old-fashioned hayrides, local crafts and more. Dollywood’s Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration (through October 30, 2010) offers the best in Southern gospel music, along with the talents of more than 100 craftspeople. Named as one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeastern United States” by the Southeast Tourism Society, the 34th-annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (October 7-23, 2010) boasts more than 200 talented artists and craftspeople in the areas of pottery, woodworking, broommaking, stained glass, basketmaking and more. Old-fashioned Wagon Rides depart approximately every 45 minutes (seasonally) from the Mountain Mall at Traffic Light #6 in downtown Gatlinburg Sunday through Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM.

In addition, fall is the perfect time to drive through the 8-5-mile loop that comprises the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, which contains numerous studios, shops and galleries. Founded in 1937, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community has evolved into the country’s largest organization of independent artisans. Mountain crafts that can be purchased here include woodcarving, pottery, quilting, painting, weaving, candlemaking, broommaking and more. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community lies just 3 miles from downtown Gatlinburg on U.S. 321 North.

With great weather, colorful foliage, a multitude of lively festivals and a diversity of accommodation choices, the Great Smoky Mountains provide the perfect fall vacation destination. The fall traveler can choose from either resorts, hotels and motels convenient to downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, or rustic cabins and chalets nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. For instance, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers great deals on spacious accommodations that provide easy access to Smoky Mountain area attractions, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.

1987 Dollywood Commercial

Planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains this fall? Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort provides the ideal locale for your Great Smoky Mountains getaway. Nestled on approximately 70 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort features the 60,000-square-foot Wild Bear Falls water park (the largest indoor water park in the South), two outdoor pools, two hot tubs, fitness facility and 24-hour marketplace. Enjoy award-winning barbecue at the casual Westgate Smokehouse Grill. The adjacent Mason Jar Lounge serves appetizers and snacks along with your favorite beverage. Escape to the Serenity Spa by Westgate and indulge in a mountain hot stone massage, manicure, pedicure or facial. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.