Archive for September, 2010

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Hiking In The Smoky Mountains

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

Hiking the Smokies

Everyone can enjoy hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. There are more than 900 miles of trails and 500,000 acres of land. Take joy in the wonders of nature in every season. Here are some great hiking tips and acclaimed trails.

Hiking Tips:

  • Be prepared for a range of temperatures & conditions
  • Wear the correct footwear of boots to support the ankles
  • Always bring rain gear
  • Stay on the designated trails & retrace steps when lost
  • Cross streams carefully
  • Bears are dangerous when bothered or harassed
  • To avoid crowds hike during the week & early in the morning

Short Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

  • Abrams Falls
  • Alum Cave Bluff
  • Chimney Tops
  • Clingman’s Dome Tower
  • Grotto Falls
  • Laurel Falls
  • Rainbow Falls

Day Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

  • Alum Cave to Mt. LeConte
  • Charlies Bunion
  • Gregory Bald
  • Ramsay Cascades
  • Spence Field/Thunderhead

There are several different types of hiking trails to choose from. Hiking to the stunning waterfalls, over streams, and crossing ridges all over the Great Smokies is one of the best ways to get in touch with nature.

Smoky Mountain Resorts offers hiking packages with your reservation. For more information on the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains, visit the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

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Zipline Tours at Adventure Park

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Zipline

Interested in a thrilling new experience? In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains is Adventure Park at Five Oaks – featuring an exhilarating zipline tour. Zipline is one of the fastest growing attractions. Be prepared to spend two hours of adrenaline-pumping excitement as you zip, fly, and soar through the canopy of trees at speeds up to 50mph.

To start off there will be a safety demonstration with the certified tour guides. For safety, participants wear gloves, a hat, and a harness to ride the 6 different ziplines. At each tower there are panoramic views that display the breath-taking beauty of the Smoky Mountains. The highest point in the course is over 65 feet in the air, and the zipline is 2,000 feet long. Adding to safety, every harness is attached to a cable at all times. Ziplining is energizing and pure heart-pounding excitement.

Adventure Park Zipling Tours are available day and night. Take pictures of the majestic mountain scenery and the sparkling lights of the night sky and city. A great adventure for individuals, groups, and entire families that is fun and unforgettable!

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Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Harvest Festival

Come to the Smoky Mountains Harvest Festival! Watch as the Smoky Mountains transform with fall’s vibrant colors, and enjoy a variety of seasonal events. The Harvest Festival began September 1st, and it will continue until October 31st. The county-wide celebration includes special shows and attractions. Numerous craftspeople are here to demonstrate their skills, answer questions, and sell their beautiful artwork. Featuring an array of craft shows, live music, and artistic events, the Harvest Festival is sure to entertain and delight.

Gatlinburg Craftsman’s Fair
The award-winning Gatlinburg Craftsman’s Fair is annually held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Open October 7th through 23rd there’s only a $6 admission fee. Artisans try to match the beauty of the autumn mountains with elaborate displays and decorations. Featuring 200 booths, the crafts for sale include: pottery, woodcarving, broom making, candle making, quilting, weaving, painting, and much more!

Foothills Fall Festival
Ruby Tuesdays presents the Foothills Fall Festival October 8th thru 10th in Maryville, Tennessee. Concerts, crafts, activities and more! For more information, visit foothillsfallfestival.com.

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
Continue exploring in the Great Smoky Mountains this fall by taking in all of the scenic attractions. During the entire month of October, Dollywood will be hosting the Harvest Celebration which features: master craftsman, Southern Gospel singers, and a delicious autumn cuisine.

  • Crafts: Walk down “Craftsman’s Valley” and watch the craftsman make their stunning artwork, as well as showcase their impressive artistry.
  • Music: Dollywood’s Harvest Festival will be hosting national and local performances of: Southern Gospel, bluegrass, and country music. Celebrate and enjoy 4 weeks of 250 FREE concerts!
  • Food: Throughout the Park, discover special dishes of harvest season’s best recipes. Prepared with the taste of fall, also try Dollywood’s signature fried green tomatoes.

“The beauty and serenity of the Smoky Mountains have long inspired my life and music. I want to share my love for this very special place, our heritage and the spirit of our people.” -Dolly Parton

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Gatlinburg Shark Race

Sunday, September 19th, 2010

Megalodon

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is proud to sponsor the Great Gatlinburg Shark Race on Saturday, September 25.

Join the entertainment at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza. Live entertainment, food, and the opportunity to win amazing prizes. For $10 a ticket

There will be many amazing prizes. Starting at 3pm, weather permitting, 15,000 rubber sharks will be launched from the Christus Gardens Bridge into the Little Pigeon River. The first several rubber sharks to cross the finish line at the Aquarium Bridge have synchronizing numbers to the winning tickets.

    Winning Prizes Include:

  • Grand Prize $10,000 CASH!
  • 1st Runner-Up 7 day & 6 night Smoky Mountain vacation package
  • 2nd Runner-Up 35 Carat Amethyst
  • 3rd Runner-Up $350 Walmart gift card
  • 4th Runner-Up VIP amusement package for 6 people to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg area attractions
  • 5th Runner-Up VIP amusement package for 6 people to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg area attractions

Tickets are available at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the Gatlinburg Welcome Centers. The Great Gatlinburg Shark Race is a fundraiser for the United Way of Sevier County. When the Presenter makes the final decision the winners will be announced. According to the rules and regulations: must be 18 years old, have a valid drivers license, and do not need to be present to win.

Make plans to visit The Aquarium of the Smokies Shark Race! Your chance to win $10,000!

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