Gatlinburg's Finest Swimming Holes are Waiting for You!

Trying to escape the summer's heat while enjoying nature's beauty and majesty? Then look no further than Gatlinburg Tennessee. With six spectacular swimming areas within a few minutes’ drive, you can escape the hectic beach scene and make a cool mountain stream your next vacation destination.  

The Greenbrier Area
If you are staying in town, a ten-minute drive will take you to a popular site for swimmers and tubers. The West prong of the Little Pigeon River is the home of a multitude of spots to cool-off in your own private pool. Go northeast on highway 321 for approximately eight miles until you come to Greenbrier Road. A right turn will put you alongside the water. Park along the road and explore the lazy, crystal-clear river on your left. Chase frogs, catch butterflies, or skip stones with your kids, but most of all, enjoy one of the cleanest rivers in the area. Due to the close proximity to town and easy access, weekends can get a bit busy. Plan appropriately.

The Sinks
Little River is the place to head for a gorgeous waterfall and a thrilling river swim. Thirty minutes from town, just off highway 71, this local favorite is well worth a stop. The brave and fearless can climb up rocks and jump fifteen feet into the river below. Those not looking for thrills can swim in the deep pool that surrounds the cliff. Whether you are looking to get wet or just want to enjoy the beauty of the Smokey Mountain National Park, the Sinks is a great place to spend the day. Water shoes are recommended. Children should not be left unattended, as the current can be quite swift in spots. Care should be taken near the falls and on the rocks. The Sinks can also become busy during peak times. Take 71 South until you come to Little River Road and turn right; the falls are eleven breathtaking miles ahead and on the left.

Midnight Hole
For those who don’t mind making an easy one and a half mile hike, Midnight Hole might offer the best bet for those who want both excitement and calm in one picturesque swimming area. Big Creek funnels between two giant boulders where it pools into a large swimming area surrounded by pristine hardwood wilderness. The more adventurous can climb one of the boulders and jump ten feet into a deep pool. Those looking for a gentle swim or an easy wade have plenty of space because of the large ponding area beyond the rocks. You’ll need to drive to the Big Creek trail-head, which is an hour East of Gatlinburg. From the parking lot, Midnight Hole is 1.5 miles. Continue on another half mile to enjoy the incredible Mouse Branch Falls; a forty-five foot cascading waterfall well worth the effort.

Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
This is the ultimate family-friendly Tennessee swimming hole. Charcoal-grill equipped picnic areas; fully-equipped toilet facilities; nearby shops and antique stores – Metcalf Bottoms has it all. Let’s not forget the Little Greenbrier River and the multiple near-perfect holes to let your little fish splash to their heart’s content. The picnic grounds are only thirty minutes from Gatlinburg. Take Highway 71 into the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Look for the Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you will turn right on Little River Road. At approximately ten miles, you will come to Wear Cove Gap Road; a quick right will put you at the entrance to the picnic grounds on the left.

Abrams Falls
If hiking and swimming are your passions, then this stunning waterfall will be a dream come true. The 2.5 mile hike to the falls is no beginner jaunt. Expect an above average difficulty getting to this hole; flip-flops should stay in the backpack. The view is well-worth the effort. A torrent of water rushes down a wall of rocks where it meets up with one of the Smokey’s most idyllic swimming holes some twenty-feet below. Dense brush and tall trees frame the pool, making the picture complete. Caution should always be observed when swimming in a mountain stream; the Abrams Falls swimming hole is no exception. Because of the volume of water pouring over the falls, the current can be over-powering in spots. Stay in calmer, outer-banks of the pool and away from the falls. It's nearly a two hour drive from Gatlinburg to the trail-head. Follow the same directions for the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. Continue on Little River Road until it turns into Laurel Creek Road; this will become Cades Cove Loop Road and will take you to Abrams Falls Road, which is a right turn.

The Townsend Y
Having nothing in common with 'The Y' in any other American city, this gem of swimming hole is the result of the confluence of the Little River and the Middle Prong of Little River. Just inside the Townsend entrance of the park, the Townsend Y offers easy access and hours of family fun. Although, there aren't any facilities available, there is plenty of room to throw down a blanket and spread out your picnic fare. Shallow pools and gentle flowing water make it ideal for little ones. Don't expect any cliff diving or deep-water plunges, but there is plenty of water to cool off on a hot Tennessee summer day. The Townsend Y is on your way to the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area; you'll find it right after you turn on Little River Road.

The Gatlinburg area offers a wide variety of entertainment options for any local resident or visitor. Its swimming holes are some of the finest in the country. Be sure to use caution and keep a close on those little-ones. If you’re up for an adventure, then grab a large tube of water-proof sun-screen and a pair of water shoes, as you head out for the vacation of a life-time. There’s no place like it for a swim.

Fun Activities for Children in Gatlinburg

At last, the best moment of your life has come; you are going on vacation. Or better still, you just want to have some great fun with your children during the weekend. Do not start a fresh search; just settle on visiting the Gatlinburg area. This area and its environs have something for everyone in the family. Whether it is the history of the area, interesting animals to see, or exciting activities to indulge in, you are sure to have fun. Some of the kids’ activities that your children can participate in any time you visit this area are discussed below.

Alpine Slide at Gatlinburg

This activity combines a ride of a Scenic Chairlift up the mountain with a great fun filled wandering, weaving and dipping descent. There are two 1800-feet tracts that pass through ski trails and woods. You can use either of these tracks during this activity. Each sled has a breaking device that helps you to control your own speed. As kids ride down the mountain through straight-aways, curves and hairpin turns directly into the valley, they have the opportunity to slow or accelerate the lift. Only those who can walk are allowed to take this ride. Also, all kids below six years will have to take the ride accompanied by a paid adult.

Flyaway Indoor Skydiving

This is another must-participate activity for your children. It is a vertical wind tunnel that will allow your kids to have a first-hand experience of the freedom of human flight. You can locate this tunnel at a traffic light number five in Pigeon Forge. Before you begin this activity, you have to attend a twenty-minute training class, receive a helmet, suit, and any other required safety equipment. Each flying session consists of five flyers and an instructor. Anyone weighing at least 40 lbs is free to undertake this activity.

Ice Skating

You and your children can enjoy participating in this activity. This indoor ice arena is usually open throughout the year for anyone interested in ice skating. The arena covers an area of 140x75 feet and is located at the center of Ober’s enclosed mall. The facility has over 400 pairs of rental skates for children, men and women. Take an hour in the afternoon and participate in this exciting activity. Although skating for children under the age of four is free, those under six years can only skate with a paid adult.

Chair Swing
Do you want to explore that wonderful breezy experience? Then going for a chair swing will give you just that. The speed of this swing increases with time and you get to enjoy being spinned through the air. The swing chair will give you a near-flying experience. For you to take part in this activity, you must be able to sit up straight, have a good upper body control, and measure at least 42 inches in height.

Amaze'n Maze

This activity goes beyond just getting lost. No matter the age of your children, their navigational skills can be sharpened using this activity. A kid will have the opportunity to compete against his or her friends, family and the clock. In this activity, your kid can win a prize if he or she emerges the best. Just before entering the maze, all guests are issued with a passport. This passport is usually stamped at major checkpoints as they work their way to the exits and clock their time for prizes. This is a great activity for the entire family.

Blue Cyclone Rapids

The activity will present you with thrilling excitement. Each participant has to take a good hold of the handles of an air-inflated raft as he or she plunges from a height of over 60 feet into a dark hole. This hole pushes white water waves as a participant races down a fiberglass chute that is fully enclosed. The participant has the opportunity to ride high on the chute’s sidewalls. This will help him or her to achieve a maximum speed of 30 mph and pull 2.9Gs as he or she turns and twists through over 600 feet of water. For a child to ride alone, he or she must be above seven years of age. Otherwise, he or she will have to ride with a paid adult. The weight range for riders is between 75 and 400 pounds. Most importantly, you must be able to walk for you to take this ride.

Mini Golf Courses

This outdoor miniature course is made of 18 holes. You can set a series of hazards and obstacles and ask your kids to try to put through them. Irrespective of your skill level or age, you can be sure to have great fun.

Kiddie Land and Rides

This entertainment point consists of ladders, tunnels, a web crawl, chutes for sliding on, cars, trains and swinging bridges. This is a must-visit place if you have very young children. Once you purchase a ticket, your kids can visit this area unlimited number of times during the same day. Adults should accompany children under the age of six years.

Aerial Tramway

Riding the Aerial Tramway gives you the best view of the glorious Smoky Mountains. It is a cable car that regularly departs from downtown Gatlinburg and takes you on a breathtaking and spectacular 2.1-mile ride up to the Amusement Park and Ski Resort. Irrespective of your age, you can use either of the two counter-balanced cars available in this area. These cars can carry a total of 120 passengers. While on this trip, you can park your car downtown and take this tram to your target destination. This is not only convenient for you but also makes the entire experience a pleasant one. Most importantly, you have to ensure that before you board this tram, all strollers have been folded.

Monster Truck Rides

For a thrilling and powerful experience, this is the best activity for the entire family. Your adrenaline levels are likely to go up while on this ride. A participant can climb into the truck’s bed and enjoy that bumpy ride or just sit next to the driver and watch him or her maneuver around the course.

Apart from these activities that you and your children can participate in, you can also visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Rain Forest Adventures Discovery Zoo, and WonderWorks Interactive Experience among others. A visit to this place will bring great excitement to all your family members.

Favorite Gatlinburg Hiking Trails

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, boasts breathtaking scenery, extraordinary waterfalls and a multitude of hiking trails.

For hikers accompanied by children and for newbies to the sport, Grotto Falls is the ideal place to get started. A unique feature of this adventure is the opportunity to walk behind a 20 foot waterfall. Hikers are treated to an unusual aura as they watch and listen to water cascading around them. Grotto Falls is a favorite haunt for salamanders. Especially in springtime, Trillium Trail is adorned with an awe inspiring display of wildflowers as far as the eye can see. This approximate three mile trek requires two to three hours to complete.

Situated on an actual Cherokee Indian Reservation, Mingo Falls, accessible via Pigeon Creek Trail, features a 20 foot waterfall that is said to be the tallest waterfall in the Smoky Mountains. Encompassing four-tenths of a mile, this trail's skill level is ranked moderate. To many visitors, part of the difficulty stems from the fact that a 159 step stairway must be ascended at the beginning of the trail which is estimated to occupy a 10 minute span of time. In addition to beautiful scenery, hikers have the opportunity to visit an authentic Cherokee Indian settlement.

Following the negotiation of a wooden bridge, the trek to Abrams Falls passes through the floor of Cades Cove Valley. The highlight of this is the site of a 20 foot tall waterfall whose water flows at an mindboggling rate of speed. No swimming is allowed in the pool at the base of Abrams Falls because of the dangerous currents its waterflow speed creates. While in the area, visitors are urged to take the time to visit a cabin erected by the hands of John and Lucretia Oliver. This ediface is deemed to be one of the earliest structures built in the Smoky Mountains.

Abrams Falls also features opportunities to sight black bears, white-tailed deer, groundhogs and raccoons. Visitors are urged to give a wide birth to any skunks they may encounter.

Cades Cove Valley is also home to Little Greenbrier School, an 1800s building that served as a one-room schoolhouse and as the worship center for a church.

Hikers are encouraged not to miss the chance to visit a working grain mill. Mingus Mill is a turbine powered grain grinding mill that has been in operation since 1886. Cornmeal is still sold there today.

For older hikers or those who are physically handicapped, Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail offers a half mile circle that is accessible by wheelchair. A guidebook is made available to visitors containing information relative to special points of interest along the way including the opportunity to view the exterior of several early 20th century structures that were used by the rich and famous as second or vacation homes.

Porter's Creek Trail is deemed to be an easy two mile trek amidst some very interesting attractions including the remnants of a Model T vehicle and a burial site. Visitors have the unique opportunity to enter a barn and cabin once frequented by Great Smoky Mountain Hikers Club members.

At an elevation estimated to be 6,643 feet lies Clingmans Dome that is the highest point in the entire state of Tennessee. Hikers who successfully reach the dome are rewarded with a 360 degree view of awesome scenery that is 20 to 100 miles away. Visibility varies depending upon fog density and other atmospheric conditions. Clingmans Dome over-look is often dubbed “the flying saucer of Tennessee.”

Featuring a unique growth area for spruce trees, at one point, Clingmans Dome intersects the world renowned Appalachian Trail that runs from Georgia to Maine.

The two and a half mile hike around Laurel Falls is a mecca for photography buffs. Named in honor of the profusion of mountain laurel shrubs, Laurel Falls offers a unique opportunity for hikers to rest their feet and have fun at the same time. Some 30 canopy trees are the scene for a zipline adventure of a lifetime achieved at speed rates estimated to top 40 miles per hour.

Hiking around Laurel Falls is worth time for those desiring a relatively easy trek along mostly paved trail; however, prominently displayed signage is present cautioning hikers of dangerous conditions they will encounter should they elect to wander off the clearly marked pathway.

Hiking trails through the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee are rated on a scale of difficulty ranging from 0-5 easy, 5-10 moderate and 10+ for trails that should only be negotiated by experienced hikers and others are deemed to be in top-notch physical and mental health.

Ranked slightly above 10, specifically 10.59 on the difficulty scale is Middle Prong Trail commencing as a gravel trail along the banks of one of the Little River branches. This trail requires hikers to climb for 2.3 miles. The trail continues for another 1.8 miles before connecting with other more strenuous trails in the area.

Gatlinburg, Tennesse Hosts Cinco de Mayo

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Most of us have heard of Cinco de Mayo. Each year, in the spring, advertisements are seen on television, heard on the radio and viewed on the web. Although this celebration comes from a battle between France and Mexico, it is celebrated more widely in the United States. One city celebrating this event is Gatlinburg.

Entertainment in Gatlinburg
Nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is known for it's excitement as well as serenity. There are many shows and attractions for everyone. A variety of shops line the streets hosting a wide selection of items.

Different seasons of the year bring an assortment of festivals and parades. Spring is no exception. Each year, on the fifth of May, Gatlinburg celebrates Cinco de Mayo. There is food, dancing and entertainment galore from daylight till well after dark.

Entertainment for your canines
Prancing down the streets are the Chihuahuas in their cute Mexican outfits. Pulled in wagons, walking on leashes or carried by their owners, they parade through town showing off. This is known as the Parade of Chihuahuas. The participants are judged and a winner is decided from among them. The outfit representing the Mexican culture the best and that is the cutest wins the "cutest dog outfit" award.

The Chihuahua Race is another event that is lively and entertaining. The owners line up the Chihuahuas at the starting point. Excitement abounds as they race to the finish line to see who will win. This little guy has the honor of being named "Champion of Gatlinburg's Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua Race."

Music and dance
While you may find different bands playing throughout the city, the Mariachi band is the most common. The basic instruments that make up the band are the violins, trumpets and guitars. Other instruments are added to give the band it's unique sound. The vihuela combines with the soothing harp tones. The guitarro' is the bass that holds the melody together. This combination provides a harmony that is different from any other.

Folkloric dancers entertain crowds with the many dances of the Mexican culture. There are different costumes depending on the type of dance. Women wear dresses with ruffled skirts that have designs on them. While dancing, when the skirts from the different dancers are brought together, they create beautiful images.

Some dancers wear head dress or masks for their faces. These have feathers or painting on them that represent the country and historical events. Children in different cities recreate these masks to symbolize the survival of the country and heritage.

Salsa is another type of dance seen here. This is an exotic, Latin dance between a man and a woman. The dancers wear bold, vibrant colored clothing. Women's dresses are well-fitted with fringe or other accessories to enhance their body language. The men wear pants that snuggly fit and button-down shirts.

Karaoke is for those who enjoy singing. People of all ages entertain crowds with their voices. This is enjoyable for the singer as well as the audience.

An educational experience
As well as learning about the Mexican culture, children and adults can also learn about the Latin heritage. There is a Latin showcase that teaches the different types of music and dance. You can learn about the clothing and food. There are also crafts and activities to learn from.

Food for the event
Throughout the festival, there are many booths with samples of food to try for free. You may also choose to buy an arm band that allows you to sample all the food you want. Or you can simply purchase a meal.

For the spicy side of life, there is a "hot burrito eating contest." Entrants prepare for the heat and race to beat the clock. The one eating the most burritos in the allotted time becomes the champion.

Other activities
If you are looking to entertain your little ones, there is plenty to find here. There are face-painting booths available. Children have their face painted with the Mexican history in mind or simply have a painting of what they choose.

Clowns and mimes tour the streets all day. They fascinate the children with their humorous antics. The clowns hand out balloons to the children, and the mimes teach them a new way of communicating.

A dunking booth allows the children to have a shot at landing someone in the water. This not only makes them laugh, but gives them a sense of pride when they hit the target. Adults can also have a shot at the booth. It is fun to see them squeal just before getting soaked.

Proceeds from the event
Most of the proceeds go to the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce or other city facilities. This gives them the funding to create an even better atmosphere than is already present. It also allows them the funds to host the great events throughout the year. A thousand dollars of the proceeds is given to the Boys and Girls Club of Gatlinburg.

Conclusion
Cinco de Mayo in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is an enjoyable trip to start the summer off. The entertainment begins in the morning and lasts through the night. There is fun, as well as learning about a new culture. And Gatlinburg is a magnificent city to host such an event.

Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest

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The Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest combines two of the state’s greatest assets into one amazing event; a charming town with rustic appeal and Tennessee’s finest wines. Gatlinburg is a favorite vacation destination for many travelers. Surrounded by the natural beauty of The Great Smoky Mountains, this town offers visitors several unique shops, dinner theaters, restaurants and museums. Each is touched by the Appalachian charm that has made this area so appealing to those of all ages. Their down home hospitality is accentuated by time honored traditions that keep visitors coming back year after year.

During the Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest, the town invites in a taste of Tennessee’s Wine Country. This beautiful state is home to 150 vineyards with 40 wineries scattered among them. Numerous award winning wines are produced throughout the region. The rolling hills that draw in tourists from all over are rich with fertile soil that is ideal for growing grapes. These grapes are perfect for continuing the ancient art of wine making. Although a tour of this scenic wine country is wonderful, it is hard to manage a stop at all of the top wineries for tastings. Gatlinburg’s Wine Fest brings them all to one location so that you can enjoy each one’s unique flavors.

The following are participating wineries:
•Amber Falls Winery
•Blue Slip Winery
•Beans Creek Winery
•Century Farms Winery
•Grinder’s Switch Winery
•Del Monaco Winery
•Key Springs Winery
•Sumner Crest Winery
•Reedy Creek Vineyards and Cellars
•Sugarland Cellars
•Tennessee Valley Winery
•Beachaven Winery
•Spout Spring Estates
•The Grape Barn at Nolichucky
•Mountain Valley Winery
•Stonhaus Winery
•Bootleggers Winery
•Eagle Springs Winery

The Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest is held at the Ripley’s Aquarium plaza on Saturday the twelfth of April. Starting at 1:00pm, it continues into the evening until 6:00pm. Guests are given the opportunity to sample some of the best Tennessee Wineries’ superb products. There are also dishes served from some of The Smoky Mountains’ most favored restaurants. When combined, the food and wine make for a relaxing and enjoyable evening in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.

The Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest is an adult only event. Those who are 21 or older will be given a wristband when they buy their ticket. They’ll also receive a branded wine glass. The wristband allows them to sample the many fine wines available at the fest. The wineries represented will be giving individuals one ounce samples poured one at a time.

Tickets are only $20, and this includes seminars on wine pouring, wine making, and how to pair the perfect wine with certain food selections. A combo ticket can be purchased that includes admission to the Wine, Dine, and Crawl that same weekend. With this event a private tour of restaurants, galleries, and wineries in the historic Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is followed by a sit down dinner in one of Gatlinburg’s most notable dining establishments.

During the Wine Fest, appetizers are served from many of the local eateries that pair nicely with the selection of wines available. This includes The Melting Pot, Hard Rock Café, Vista Grill at Park Vista, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

A portion of the proceeds of ticket sales will go to the Arrowmont School of the Arts and Crafts and the Gatlinburg Hospitality Association Scholarship Fund. The Arrowmont School was founded in 1912. It is located across from Ripley’s Aquarium, and it is highly recognized for being one of the top visual arts institutions.

Why Spring is a Great Time to Visit The Smokies

When looking to take a fun and exciting vacation, you should consider the Great Smoky Mountains. Often, when checking out this national treasure, many go in the summer when the rest of the world is also on vacation. While it is a nice place to explore in the hot months, a wise travel with a little flexibility should consider heading here in the spring. There are plenty of reasons to do so as this area offers a lot to a visitor who comes in the slower seasons. With this in mind, here are seven reasons to visit The Great Smoky Mountains in the spring.

1. Weather: As mentioned, when heading to this treasure in the summer, you will have to deal with a lot of heat, humidity and thunderstorms. While this is part of the fun, some visitors will want to go on hikes and enjoy the land to the fullest. This is hard to do when the temperature is pushing triple digits. On the other hand, when heading here in the late spring, you can enjoy moderate temperatures, low humidity and brief showers. This is great for people who do not want to spend the afternoon laying in the shade waiting for the heat to subside. Remember, senior citizens, parents and young kids will all appreciate this amazing place if they do not have to dodge the heat the entire time they are here.


2. Crowds: Since most kids do not go to school in the summer, they will often have to travel with their families in the hot summer months. While this is okay for a small family, some people want a more intimate and quieter experience in the mountains. Luckily, if you head here before the crowds start rushing in, you can enjoy serene and empty mountaintops with your family. This is in stark contrast when compared to June, July and August when loads of cars full of children start charging up the mountain. At the same time, with this, you are more likely to see wildlife as other people are not going to scare the animals since the springtime is a relatively slow and peaceful time of the year for the local wildlife.


3. Cost: Without a doubt, the local restaurants, hotels, bars and attractions will cost more when visiting The Great Smoky Mountains in the summer. For this reason, if you are looking to travel on a budget and avoid overspending on your vacation, you will have an easier time doing so when you head here in the spring.


4. Reservations: As mentioned, the Great Smoky Mountains fill up quickly in the summer. It is not unheard of for people to make their bookings a year in advance. When this happens, a visitor who does not plan well in advance will have a nearly impossible time landing a hotel room or camp spot. One must understand how popular this place is; when doing so, it is easy to make the switch and visit this outdoor wonder in the spring.


5. Ambiance: People who live in the southeast enjoy a unique ambiance in the spring. During these months, a resident will enjoy brief and torrential downpours, followed by glistening sun and birds chirping. Since the weather is already warming up, you should have no fears about getting stuck in a cold and sustained rainstorm. No, you can literally watch the changing of the seasons and see nature in its big act. This is better when compared to other options such as coming in the summer when the trees are starting to get thirsty and the land is drier and less attractive.


6. Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, late April or early May is the prime time to head for the waters. You must understand that in the summer, the fish are not biting and are at the bottom of the rivers and lakes. On the other hand, in the late spring, you can cast your reel and land a fish within minutes. Furthermore, with sparse crowds, you will not have to fight for a prime spot to cast your line. While this is unknown to many, most serious anglers will tell you that late spring is the ideal time of year to visit The Great Smoky Mountains.


7. Black bears: One of the most compelling reasons to visit The Great Smoky Mountains is to check out the adorable black bears. When doing so, you can see something that most people will never get to see up close. Sadly, it is almost impossible to see these cute animals in the summer as they are hiding from the heat. Not only that, as the park fills up, people will drive them away further into the forest. However, when getting here in the middle of spring, you can see these beautiful and majestic animals.

The Great Smoky Mountains are a great place for the entire family. At the same time, when planning your trip, you should think a little more deeply about the time of year you want to visit. Fortunately, when checking out this place in the spring, you can enjoy fewer crowds, lower prices, a better ambiance and a host of other benefits.