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Wilderness Wildlife Week 2014

Thursday, December 19, 2013

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The dates have been set for one of the premier annual events in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 24th annual Wilderness Wildlife Week, an eight-day event that focuses on the Great Smoky Mountains and the outdoors in general, will take place January 25 thru February 1st. Many of this year's programs, all of which are free, will be held at the LeConte Center At Pigeon Forge, the City of Pigeon Forge’s brand new state-of-the-art events center.

Throughout the event’s history people have traveled from as far away as Australia, Canada, China, England and New Zealand to take part in the eight-day extravaganza of honoring and celebrating the great outdoors

On tap this year are several hundred workshops, lectures, panel discussions, mini-concerts, hikes and excursions to America’s most visited national park.

While the vast majority of Wilderness Wildlife Week programs are indoors, there are 46 hikes and excursions on the this year's calendar. They range from a photo trek in Cades Cove, to a three-mile walk through the Elkmont historic district, to a strenuous 14-mile hike to Rocky Top. Round trip transportation to the trailheads will be provided for each hike.

Many of the programs are brand new for 2014, and the lineup is different each day. For example, the hands-on photography series Smokies Through the Lens is now a three-day series of programs with courses for all skill levels. This special series of weekend programming will take place on Saturday, January 25, Sunday, January 26, and Saturday, February 1st.

Wilderness Wildlife Week, named 10 times as a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event, is part of Pigeon Forge Winterfest, which starts in November and continues through February.

Details on Wilderness Wildlife Week, including the program schedule and hike information can be found by clicking here.

For more information on many of the hikes included on this year's schedule, please click here. To find accommodations in the Pigeon Forge area, please click here.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Three Bald Eagles Hatched in Pigeon Forge

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

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Over the last two days three baby eaglets have been hatched at the American Eagle Foundation in Pigeon Forge.

The bald eagle nesting pair, "Independence" and "Franklin", both disabled and "non-releasable" birds, are cared for by the AEF at its United States Eagle Center in Pigeon Forge. The AEF cares for about 80 birds of prey daily, including the world's largest collection of "non-releasable" bald eagles. These birds are non-releasable due to permanent physical disabilities or accidental imprinting on humans.

Many of the eagles residing at the facility have successfully reproduced while in AEF's care. In fact, the AEF also operates the largest Bald Eagle breeding facility in the world, and have released dozens of captive-hatched eaglets into the Great Smoky Mountains area, Tennessee and other places.

The parents of the newest eaglets at the center have already produced numerous young during previous breeding seasons, which have all been successfully released into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Below is a Youtube video of the first two eaglet hatchlings that were born early Monday morning:




You can also watch a "live" video feed, streamed on-line 24/7, of the new family by clicking here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Plan early: 22nd Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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It's never too early to begin planning for one of the biggest outdoor events in the Smokies. This year, the 22nd Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week will take place during the week of January 7-14, 2012.

Considered to be the ultimate Smoky Mountain experience, Wilderness Wildlife Week is a series of activities designed to connect visitors with the great outdoors.

You’ll learn from more than 100 experts who will share their knowledge of the outdoors in more than 175 seminars, lectures and hands-on workshops. You'll also have the opportunity to get closer to nature with your choice of more than 50 guided walks and hikes.

Music lovers will enjoy authentic Smoky Mountain music performed live during AppalachiaFest.

Wilderness Wildlife Week has been a Southeast Tourism Society “Top 20 Event in the Southeast” 10 times now.

For more information, and to keep up with all the programs being planned, please click here.


** If you're going to be looking for overnight accomodations for the event, be sure to check out our list of cabin advertisers who help to support this blog and our hiking website.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Summer Cabin Reservations for the Smokies

Monday, May 2, 2011

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For anyone considering a vacation or weekend trip to the Great Smoky Mountains this summer, now is a great time to make your plans and reservations to make sure you find your perfect mountain getaway.

If planning a Smokies visit, please take a moment to check out our cabin and chalet listings for Gatlinburg, Townsend, Pigeon Forge and the North Carolina side of the Smokies.

By supporting our sponsors you help to keep this blog and the HikingintheSmokys.com website up and running.

Thank you!


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

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Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be gathering in Pigeon Forge in two months for the 21st annual Wilderness Wildlife Week.

This years' event will be held January 8-15, 2011.

More than 100 experts — nature photographers, biologists, raptor rehabilitators, social historians and just plain folks who grew up in the Smokies — will donate their time to present daily programs and a range of outdoor activities. There will be more than 250 programs and activities during the eight-day event, including more than 50 guided walks and hikes.

New this year is an all-day concentration on outdoor photography called “The Smokies Through the Lens” on Jan. 15. Several seminars aimed at all skill levels are planned, and topics will include equipment, shooting techniques and editing.

Wilderness Wildlife Week has been a Southeast Tourism Society “Top 20 Event in the Southeast” 10 times now.

Admission is free to all participants for all activities.

Some of the highlights on the hiking calendar this year include many favorites and well known hikes such as Rainbow Falls, Mt. Cammerer, Grotto Falls and Alum Cave. But there are also less known destinations such as Rock House, White Oak Sinks, Courthouse Rock, and Avent Cabin in Elkmont.

For more information on the event, please click here. You can also click here to see the full hiking schedule (you should also note the sign-up procedures for all hikes). For more details on many of the trails on the schedule, please click here.


>> If you're looking for overnight accomodations for the event, be sure to check out our list of cabin advertisers who support this website.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.
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Mark your calendars: Wilderness Wildlife Week

Thursday, August 5, 2010

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Pigeon Forge has just announced the dates for the 2011 Wilderness Wildlife Week. The 21st annual event will be held January 8-15, 2011.

More than 150 experts — nature photographers, biologists, raptor rehabilitators, social historians and just plain folks who grew up in the Smokies — will donate their time to present daily programs and a range of outdoor activities. There will be more than 250 programs and activities during the eight-day event, including more than 50 guided walks and hikes.

New for 2011 is an all-day concentration on outdoor photography called “The Smokies Through the Lens” on Jan. 15. Several seminars aimed at all skill levels are planned, and topics will include equipment, shooting techniques and editing.

Wilderness Wildlife Week has been a Southeast Tourism Society “Top 20 Event in the Southeast” 10 times now.

Admission is free to all participants for all activities. For more information on the event, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.
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Great Smoky Mountains Vacation Rentals

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

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Summer is rapidly approaching, which means that hiking season in the Smokies is already swinging into full gear.

If you're planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains this spring or summer, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind readers to check out the vacation rentals on our website to find that perfect cabin or chalet. Our site offers a wide selection of vacation rentals with a variety of amenities in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Townsend areas, as well on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. If you haven't visited our cabins page in awhile, you should know that we're always adding new listings. To see all of our listings, please click here.

Also, I wanted to note that I received an email today from Dan Cramer, owner and operator of Cramers Creekside Cabins in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area. During the month of May, Dan is offering a 20% discount on all cabin rentals. Simply visit his website at www.cabins123.com and then enter "MAYFLOWERS" as the promo code to take advantage of this excellent deal.

Please know that when you patronize our advertisers it helps to support HikingintheSmokys.com.

Thank you!


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.
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Winter Specials on Cabins & Chalets in the Smokies

Sunday, February 7, 2010

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As a way of thanking our advertisers on HikingintheSmokys.com, I wanted to let readers of this blog know about the specials they’re offering on overnight lodging this winter season. You can find a variety of cabins and chalets in Townsend, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge as well as the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you or anyone you know is planning on visiting the Smokies through the remainder of the month, please take a moment to check out these outstanding offers:

Auntie Belham's is offering HikingintheSmokys.com bloggers more savings on their lodging than anyone else. We have added an additional discount to our standard winter specials. Visit us online at our website to see specials and photos of all our beautiful Cabins, Chalets and Cottages. For all HikingintheSmokys.com bloggers we are offering additional savings - Special 1: Stay 2 nights, get your 3rd night free and your 4th night HALF-PRICE. Special 2: All 7 night stays will receive the 5th night HALF-PRICE along with the 6th & 7th nights free. Call our office at 800.436.6618 to make your reservation today. Mention BLOGGER'S ONLY to receive one of the above specials. Hiking, hot tubing and having fun, what else could you need to chase away the winter blues.

Boyd Mountain Log Cabins offers 7 hand hewn antique log cabins, restored on a 130 acre family farm. The cabins have 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedrooms with modern conveniences including full kitchens and wi-fi. We offer Kids Stay and Ski Free program with Cataloochee Ski Area. Offer valid Sun-Thur., Non-Holidays. For info 828-926-1575 or www.boydmountain.com.

Cherokee Realty is offering a 25% discount on any of their rentals booked between now and April.

Hidden Creek Cabins: All remaining weeknights, when you stay at least 2 nights, are just $59.00 per night for a family of 2-4 on select cabins between now and February 28th. Also, for anyone that signs up for our newsletter or starts following us on twitter, we will automatically enter them into our drawing for a free weekend stay in February. Call Kevin or visit our site for details: 828-507-5627, www.hiddencreekcabins.com

Moose Creek Crossing Cabin Rentals: GET ONE NIGHT FREE: Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free from 10/24/09 thru 3/14/10. Offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Not valid on holidays. 15% OFF: Stay 2 nights or more from 10/24/09 thru 3/14/10 and get 15% off the nightly rate. Must call office at 1-888-972-2246 to receive discount. Year-round specials are also available, please call for more information.


**When making a reservation, please be sure to mention that you saw these specials on HikingintheSmokys.com**


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Park to improve detour around Spur rockslide

Thursday, January 28, 2010

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park managers and officials from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) met Tuesday to develop plans to improve the traffic flow and safety of the mile-long detour that carries southbound US 441 traffic around Monday night’s rockslide. Currently the south-bound traffic is being diverted onto one of the two lanes that normally carry north-bound traffic, creating two-way traffic flow.

The slide occurred on the portion of the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Spur which is owned by the State of Tennessee, so TDOT has sole responsibility for repairs of the slide itself. The rest of the 5 mile-long Spur, including the detour area, is part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so the two agencies are working jointly to manage traffic during the closure of the south-bound Spur which TDOT believes may last a month or more.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facility Management Chief Alan Sumeriski said, “We are working with TDOT to improve the configuration of temporary traffic barriers and the signage to help keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible and to maximize public safety. Motorists can expect to encounter back-ups on the Spur while TDOT adds yellow striping and reflective pylons to keep opposing traffic separated on the two-way section of the Spur. We will also be adding numerous signs in the detour area to guide residents and visitors to each of the side roads that are accessed off the Spur.”


Jeff
Smoky Mountain Rental Cabins Cabin and chalet listings in the Smokies.
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Winter Specials on Cabins in the Smokies

Monday, January 4, 2010

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As a way of thanking our advertisers on HikingintheSmokys.com, I wanted to let readers of this blog know about the specials they’re offering on overnight lodging this winter season. You can find a variety of cabins and chalets in Townsend, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge as well as the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you or anyone you know is planning on visiting the Smokies this January or February, please check out these outstanding offers:

Auntie Belham's is offering HikingintheSmokys.com bloggers more savings on their lodging than anyone else. We have added an additional discount to our standard winter specials. Visit us online at our website to see specials and photos of all our beautiful Cabins, Chalets and Cottages. For all HikingintheSmokys.com bloggers we are offering additional savings - Special 1: Stay 2 nights, get your 3rd night free and your 4th night HALF-PRICE. Special 2: All 7 night stays will receive the 5th night HALF-PRICE along with the 6th & 7th nights free. Call our office at 800.436.6618 to make your reservation today. Mention BLOGGER'S ONLY to receive one of the above specials. Hiking, hot tubing and having fun, what else could you need to chase away the winter blues.

Boyd Mountain Log Cabins offers 7 hand hewn antique log cabins, restored on a 130 acre family farm. The cabins have 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedrooms with modern conveniences including full kitchens and wi-fi. We offer Kids Stay and Ski Free program with Cataloochee Ski Area. Offer valid Sun-Thur., Non-Holidays. For info 828-926-1575 or www.boydmountain.com.

Cherokee Realty is offering a 25% discount on any of their rentals booked between now and April.

Eden Crest Vacation Rentals: Through January 31, 2010, choose one of the following: Receive a 15% discount -OR- Stay 2 nights and the 3rd night is free -OR- Stay 5 or more nights and the 5th and 6th nights are free. (Excludes holidays, Discounts cannot be combined)

Hidden Creek Cabins: All remaining weeknights, when you stay at least 2 nights, are just $59.00 per night for a family of 2-4 on select cabins between now and February 28th. Also, for anyone that signs up for our newsletter or starts following us on twitter, we will automatically enter them into our drawing for a free weekend stay in February. Call Kevin or visit our site for details: 828-507-5627, www.hiddencreekcabins.com

Moose Creek Crossing Cabin Rentals: GET ONE NIGHT FREE: Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free from 10/24/09 thru 3/14/10. Offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Not valid on holidays. 15% OFF: Stay 2 nights or more from 10/24/09 thru 3/14/10 and get 15% off the nightly rate. Must call office at 1-888-972-2246 to receive discount. Year-round specials are also available, please call for more information.

Timber Tops Luxury Log Cabins is offering 3 Nights for the Price of 2 during the month of January (Excludes Holiday Rate Seasons).


**When making a reservation, please be sure to mention that you saw these specials on HikingintheSmokys.com**


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge

Thursday, December 31, 2009

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Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be gathering in Pigeon Forge next month for the 20th annual Wilderness Wildlife Week.

The eight-day event from Jan. 9 through 16 includes hikes, expert presentations, demonstrations, photo contest, and hands-on classes - all free to participants.

Visitors will enjoy more than 100 experts sharing their knowledge of the outdoors in more than 175 seminars, lectures and hands-on workshops. You'll also have the chance to get up close to nature with your choice of more than 50 guided walks and hikes.

The city is hosting the event at the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center and transportation is provided to the park for the hikes and other outdoor events.

For more information on the event, please click here. You can also click here to see the full hiking schedule. For more details on many of the trails on this list, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.
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Holiday Specials on Cabins in the Smokies

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

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As a way of thanking our advertisers on HikingintheSmokys.com, I wanted to let readers of this blog know about the specials they’re offering on overnight lodging during the month of December. You can find a variety of cabins and chalets in Townsend, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge as well as the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you or anyone you know is planning on visiting the Smokies this month, please check out these outstanding offers:

Auntie Belham's makes cabin lodging affordable for HikingtheSmokys.com bloggers. You can hike, soak in a hot tub and relax by a fire. The third night is free on stays in early December. During the holidays, get the sixth night free when paying for five. Restrictions may apply.

Boyd Mountain Log Cabins offer 7 hand hewn antique log cabins, restored on a 130 acre family farm. The cabins have 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedrooms with modern conveniences including full kitchens and wi-fi. We offer Kids Stay and Ski Free program with Cataloochee Ski Area. Offer valid Sun-Thur., Non-Holidays. For info 828-926-1575 or www.boydmountain.com.

Cherokee Realty is offering a 25% discount on any of their rentals booked between now and April.

Cramers Creekside Cabins, Inc. is offering 40% off for HikingintheSmokys.com customers who arrive between 12/1/09 and 12/19/09. Please use promo code; HIKING (in caps) on the home page to receive your discount. Phone: 877-357-1777

Great Outdoor Rentals December specials: Pay for 3 or more nights, get an additional night FREE.

Moose Creek Crossing Cabin Rentals: GET ONE NIGHT FREE: Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free from 10/24/09 thru 3/14/10. Offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Not valid on holidays. 15% OFF: Stay 2 nights or more from 10/24/09 thru 3/14/10 and get 15% off the nightly rate. Must call office at 1-888-972-2246 to receive discount. Year-round specials are also available, please call for more information.

Our Favorite Cabins.com offers better quality vacation rentals in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. These cabin owners believe in giving you the best value for your vacation dollar, personal attention and superior service. Each cabin has special rates for all remaining dates in December, so visit www.ourfavoritecabins.com to get your best deal!

Timber Tops Luxury Log Cabins is offering 3 Nights for the Price of 2 during the month of December (Excludes Holiday Rate Seasons). Their also offering a Weekday Special: 15% off a 2 night stay during the week (Sun-Thu)!


**When making a reservation, please be sure to mention that you saw these specials on HikingintheSmokys.com**


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.
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New Smoky Mountain Cabin listings

Sunday, June 21, 2009

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Need a cabin during your next visit to the Smokies? Check out the cabin and chalet listings on HikingintheSmokys.com. The number of listings on our site continues to grow.

Our newest partners include Cramer’s Creekside Cabins, Boyd Mountain Log Cabins and Black Bear Hollow Cabin Rentals.

Each of these rental properties provide a variety of overnight options and offer a variety of amenities to help you find that perfect cabin or chalet. You can now find overnight lodging in Townsend, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge as well as on the North Carolina side of the Smokies.

We would like to thank each of our new partners and hope that anyone considering a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains takes the time to visit each of their websites to find a cabin.

Oh yea, if you know of anyone planning a trip to the Smokies, I would really appreciate if you passed this information onto them.

To see all of the listings on our website, please visit:

www.hikinginthesmokys.com/cabins.htm

Thank you!


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Cabins/Chalet listings expand on HikingintheSmokys.com

Friday, May 1, 2009

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Last month we launched a new cabin and chalet listings page on HikingintheSmokys.com. The idea behind the new page was to give visitors seeking hiking information the opportunity to plan their overnight accommodations on the same website.

Since the launch we have continued to add new listings as cabin rental owners have found out about our new offering. In recent weeks we have added several new listings.

Our new partners include Whispering Pines Resort & Condominiums, Bear Crossing Condominiums, Cedar Lodge Condominiums, Cherokee Realty Vacation Rentals, River Bluff Cabins and Timber Tops Luxury Log Cabins.

Each of these rental properties provide a variety of overnight options and offer a variety of amenities to help you find that perfect cabin or chalet. You can now find overnight lodging in Townsend, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and on the North Carolina side of the Smokies.

We would like to thank each of our new partners and hope that anyone considering a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains takes the time to visit each of their websites to find your next cabin rental.

Oh yea, if you know of anyone that enjoys traveling to the Smokies, I would really appreciate if you passed this information onto them.

To see all of the listings on our website, please visit:



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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HikingintheSmokys.com launches Cabins/Chalet Rentals Page

Thursday, March 26, 2009

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HikingintheSmokys.com is proud to announce the launch of our new cabin and chalet rentals page. Visitors seeking hiking information for trails in the Great Smoky Mountains can now find information for their overnight accommodations on the same website.

We are also pleased to announce that three cabin and chalet rental businesses have committed to listing their establishments on our site for the next year. Our new partners are Whisperwind Cabin Rentals, Eden Crest Vacation Rentals, and Moose Creek Crossing.

Each of these rental properties provide a variety of overnight options and offer a variety of amenities to help you find the perfect cabin or chalet for any size group. You can find overnight lodging in Townsend, Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.

We would like to thank each of our new partners and hope that anyone considering a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains takes the time to visit each of their websites to find that perfect cabin or chalet.

And for future reference, please consider bookmarking this page for help in planning all your trips to the Great Smoky Mountains:

www.HikingintheSmokys.com/cabins.htm

Thank you very much!

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Mountain Music: AppalachiaFest and Cabin Fever Series

Sunday, January 4, 2009

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In conjunction with the year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg will be holding several musical performances highlighting the rich musical heritage of the region.

AppalachiaFest will be held on January 13 at the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge.

The 3rd annual AppalachiaFest will feature Tim O'Brien, Dirk Powell and Riley Baugus and Boogertown Gap as they play old time, traditional mountain songs in the old time mountain style. A portion of the proceeds (25%) will be donated to Friends of the Smokies and WDVX Radio in Knoxville. The concert is actually a part of Pigeon Forge's popular Wilderness Wildlife Week.

The Country Tonite Theater is on Showplace Blvd in Pigeon Forge. The concert begins at 7:30 but there’s a lobby pre-show at 7 pm. Please call 865-429-7350 for more information.


Cabin Fever Singer / Songwriter Series

The Cabin Fever Singer / Songwriter Series will be held at the Hard Rock Cafe in Gatlinburg on January 15 and 29, and on February 12 and 26.

The original homesteaders in the Smoky Mountains region played Celtic music, which evolved into Bluegrass music, which has since evolved into Acoustic Americana. The Hard Rock Cafe in Gatlinburg offers an opportunity to shake off Cabin Fever as area Singer / Songwriters come out of the woodshed to share their original music with an audience that appreciates the Appalachian heritage of picking and grinning.

If you wish to participate by playing your own music, it will cost $15. However, if you just want to listen, it’s completely free. The Hard Rock Cafe is located at 515 Parkway in Gatlinburg. Please call 865-430-7625 for more information.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Smoky Mountain Day Hikers Store Quality gear and apparel from some of the best outdoor brands.
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Smoky Mountain News Briefs

Monday, December 29, 2008

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I received my copy of the winter issue of "Smokies Guide" the other day. There are a couple of news items and upcoming events I thought that you might be interested in.

Bear Tips Park Dumpsters

As many of you already know, this has been a highly active year for aggressive bears in the Smoky Mountains. Several campsites and shelters were closed for several weeks at a time during the summer and fall. Several hiking trails had aggressive bear activity warnings posted on them as well. At one point, bears dared to enter public restrooms in popular picnic areas.

One bear even learned how to tip over and break into “bear-proof” dumpsters at one of the picnic areas on the Tennessee side of the park! Park Service staff were forced to employ chains and posts to secure the dumpsters in order to thwart the bears. In the end, however, the Park Service had to live-trap and relocate five bears to a different area of the park.

Biologists can't explain the unusual bear behavior since there appeared to be plenty of natural food available during most of the year.

Emergency Stabilization at Elkmont

National Park crews completed emergency stabilization of 18 historic summer cabins and the Appalachian Clubhouse in the Elkmont area this past fall. The park hopes to fully restore all 19 structures so they can be viewed by the public. At this time there is no indication when this will be completed.

Park Adds New Vegetation Crew

The vegetation management team in the Smokies was rewarded with special funding to hire an additional team to fight invasive plants. The crew will focus efforts on the North Carolina side of the park. They will be in charge of helping to eradicate non-native plants like kudzu, English ivy, Oriental bittersweet and privet over the next three years. They will also be helping to save the eastern hemlocks on the NC side as well.

Wilderness Wildlife Week

Wilderness Wildlife Week will be held from January 10-17 in Pigeon Forge and in the Great Smoky Mountains. The free event includes a variety of hikes, field trips, workshops and demonstrations related to the natural and cultural heritage of the Smoky Mountains. For more information, visit http://www.mypigeonforge.com/ or call 865-429-7350.

The Photographs of George Masa

Mapping the Mountains: The Photographs of George Masa. This is an exhibit examining the photography of George Masa at the Asheville Art Museum from February 6 - June 7. Masa was known as "the Ansel Adams of the East". Many of his photographs were used to promote the idea of preserving the Smokies as a national park. For more information, visit http://www.ashevilleart.org/ or call 828-253-3227.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Smoky Mountain Day Hikers Store Quality gear and apparel from some of the best outdoor brands.
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Lane closures on Gatlinburg Spur

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

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The final phase of repaving on the Gatlinburg Spur (U.S. 441) will begin this Monday.

From Monday, September 15 through Wednesday, October 8 motorists can expect single lane closures anytime from Monday mornings through noon on Friday.

The 4.5-mile-long Spur runs between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. There are two lanes running in each direction.

A final layer of high-performance pavement will be applied to enhance friction/skid resistance, thus, providing for a safer road surface during inclement weather. The work also includes rumble strips in the shoulder of the road which alerts drivers when they are drifting off the roadway.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.
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