The Hunt for Red October - Great Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Update - 10/26/07

October 26, 2007 Courtesy of Terry Maddox, Julee (Crow’s Nest) Brown, and Steve Kemp and the Great Smoky Mountains Association

Colors are at or near peak from 3,000’-5,500’ and are very impressive. Reds are more pronounced now than in recent years, especially on the North Carolina side of the park.

Colors at the very highest elevations (above 5,500’)
are now past peak in some areas.

Good places to see fall color include: Newfound Gap Road from Alum Cave Trailhead to Kephart Prong Trailhead, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Foothills Parkway East & West, and Heintooga Ridge Road to Balsam Mountain Campground. Suggested hikes: Thomas Divide Trail, Alum Cave Bluff Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, Sweat Heifer Trail, Gregory Bald Trail, and Mt. Cammerer.

At the lower elevations, fall colors are quickly developing. Black gum, dogwood, sumacs, and sourwood trees continue to show vivid reds. Golds are present on tuliptree, black walnut, birch, beech, spicebush, and hickories. The peak of color at the lower elevations is still a few days away and will probably spill over into November.

Suggested hikes: Rich Mountain Loop, Chestnut Top Trail, Smokemont Loop, Kanati Fork, and Sutton Ridge Overlook (Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail).

Click Here for Basic Fall Color Information
Click Here for Fall Drives
Click Here for Fall Hikes
GSMNP Fall Hikes & Drives

The Hunt for Red October - Great Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Update - 10/22/07

October 22, 2007 - Courtesy of Steve Kemp and the Great Smoky Mountains Association

Despite (or perhaps, because of) the severe drought conditions, fall colors are shaping up to be very good this year. Colors are at peak this week in many areas of the Smoky Mountain high country (above 3,500'). Yellow birch, American beech, pin cherry, American mountain-ash, witch-hobble, and mountain maple are all showing excellent color. Some maples are showing brilliant reds.

This high elevation color peak is a couple of weeks later than average and is more impressive than in many years.

Good places to see fall color include: Newfound Gap Road from Alum Cave Trailhead to Kephart Prong Trailhead, Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Foothills Parkway East & West, and Heintooga Ridge Road to Balsam Mountain Campground.

Suggested hikes: Thomas Divide Trail, Alum Cave Bluff Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, Sweat Heifer Trail, the spruce-fir self-guiding nature trail, Gregory Bald Trail, and Mt. Cammerer.

At the lower elevations, fall colors are gradually coming along. Black gum, dogwood, sumacs, and sourwood trees continue to show vivid reds. Golds are present on tuliptree, black walnut, birch, beech, spicebush, and hickories. A few scattered maples and oaks are showing colors. The peak of color at the lower elevations is at least a week away and will probably spill over into November.

Suggested hikes: Rich Mountain Loop, Chestnut Top Trail, Smokemont Loop, and Sutton Ridge Overlook (Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail).

Click Here for Basic Fall Color Information

• Click Here for Fall Drives


• Click Here for Fall Hikes


• GSMNP Fall Hikes & Drives

Smoky Mountains Cades Cove Photography

The Hunt for Red October - Great Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Update

October 15, 2007 - Courtesy of Steve Kemp and the Great Smoky Mountains Association

Fall colors will be at peak this week in many areas of the Smoky Mountain high country (above 4,500'). Yellow birch, American beech, pin cherry, American mountain-ash, witch-hobble, and mountain maple are all showing excellent color. This high elevation color peak is later than average.

Good places to see fall color include: Newfound Gap Road, Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Heintooga Ridge Road to Balsam Mountain Campground.

Suggested hikes: the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion, the spruce-fir self-guiding nature trail, Gregory Bald Trail, and Mt. Cammerer.

At the lower elevations, sunny days and cool nights are nudging fall colors along. Black gum, dogwood, sumacs, and sourwood trees continue to show vivid reds. Golds are coming along on tuliptree, black walnut, birch, beech, and hickories. A few scattered maples and oaks are showing the first signs of fall colors. The peak of color at the lower elevations is over a week away.

Suggested hikes: Rich Mountain Loop, Chestnut Top Trail, Smokemont Loop.

• Click Here for Basic Fall Color Information


• Click Here for Fall Drives


• Click Here for Fall Hikes


• GSMNP Fall Hikes & Drives

Smoky Mountains Photography

Stargazing Program Offered in Cades Cove - October 13, 2007

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rangers will offer a 2-hour stargazing program in Cades Cove on October 13, beginning a 7 p.m. Several telescopes and in-depth astronomy knowledge will be provided by the Smoky Mountains Astronomical Society.

The scheduled tour in Cades Cove will be a discovery of the autumn sky’s position of stars, galaxies, and constellations. According to Park Ranger Mike Maslona, "Along with preserving wildlife and historic sites, Cades Cove also preserves a dark, clear night sky. In more developed areas outside the Park, the amount of artificial light tends to both reduce the viewer’s night vision and to wash out the fainter stars. We selected this night because there will be no moonlight to mask the stars."

Participants for the program should park near the exhibit shelter at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road, and join Rangers in the field just inside the Loop Road. Those planning to attend should dress warmly, and bring a flashlight and a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. In case of rain, the program will move to the Cades Cove amphitheatre.

Contact: Nancy Gray, (865) 436-1208

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Craftmen's Fair - Oct. 11-28, 2007

Art, crafts and music lovers can find over 200 booths featuring some of the nation's finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Gatlinburg Craftmen's Fair Local Phone: 865-430-4148 - Toll-Free: 1-800-588-1817

Gatlinburg

Podcasts - Ghost Stories of the Smoky Mountains

Some things just can't be explained. Listen to these true tales from the Appalachians, taken from books available in the Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore.

A Cabin On Fire A mountain man has the habit of waking up in the night to discover he is writing prophetic poetry. From The Granny Curse & Other Ghosts and Legends From East Tennessee by Randy Russell and Janet Barnett. Read by Don G. Campbell and Carey Jones.

Rachel An elderly mountain woman has a vision just before her death, revealing facts about her past. From Ghosts & Haunts from the Appalachian Foothills by James V. Burchill & others. Read by Joey Heath.

Snowy Footprints A lost boy's life is saved when a rescuer follows mysterious footprints that lead him to the child. From The Granny Curse & Other Ghosts & Legends from East Tennessee by Randy Russell & Janet Barnett. Read by Carey Jones


Gatlinburg , Smoky Mountains , Pigeon Forge , Cades Cove , Entertainment , Mountain

Ghosts of the Smoky Moutains - Gatlinburg Ghost Tour

Looking for some little "out of the ordinary" fun while visiting in Gatlinburg this October? Why not try a Ghost Walk? Eeekkkk!!

One of the more popular walks is the Haunted Ghost Tours . This tour will take you on a leisurely stroll and search along the shadowy streets and alleys of Gatlinburg, to hear stories of the unexplained and strange.

This is not a haunted-house tour. It is a storytelling experience with a twist of murder and mayhem. They get your attention, but they don't chase you around with chainsaws. The stories feature a combination of local legends, history, superstition, folk tales and fiction. The tour's purpose is to revisit many historic and forgotten stories of murder and chaos that took place during the past 100 years in Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park."

Just to give you an idea of some of the stories you might encounter, the following accounts are provided by JND infowire who does not neccesarily support the existence of ghosts or hauntings. The following stories should be considered folk tales and nothing more. Do not visit the listed locations without permission of the owner.

Gatlinburg - Greenbrier Restaurant - At the Greenbrier Restaurant the ghost of a young woman who committed suicide in the restaurant can sometimes be seen.

Gatlinburg - Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort - This place is haunted by many spirits and/or demons.? Being one of the oldest hotels in Gatlinburg many events have taken place here over time.?

Gatlinburg - Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort - The kitchens on the property - First a man by the name of Alvin worked for the hotel as a cook since the hotel had opened.

Upon his 30th anniversary the owners purchased a gift for him, a new boat.

The first time Alvin took this boat out it sank and he drowned.

There are two kitchens on the property the Holidome (for restaurant) and the Tower (for Banquet facilities).

Alvin is said to haunt both of the kitchens.

Cooks coming in for the early breakfast hours have reported hearing their names whispered, dishes breaking and flying across the kitchen, and faucets turning themselves on and off.

There are many other stories of this hotel.

Gatlinburg - Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort - TOWER - First, in room 471, in the summer of 1999, a businessman was out of town staying in this room.

He was walking around the pool (next to this room) for most of the evening and into the night hours.? When the pool closed a maintenance man told him that he would have to leave the pool was closed.

This is the last anyone would see of this gentleman because, the next day when he was supposed to check out and did not, a maid went to the room to check things out.

Upon walking into the room, she found the man had committed suicide with a 357.

He had also left a $3.57 tip on the table.

Many have claimed to see a shadow walking around the pool at night in the windows of the rooms around the pool.

Next, in the early 1980’s, a boy scout group had rented the entire 7th. Floor of the building.

This is hard to accurately describe, since no one who was working there at the time cares to elaborate on any details from this event, but all that was gathered is that the boy scout leader had apparently gone crazy and killed some of the scouts before being caught.

When the building was closed for the winter one year (Gatlinburg is a tourist town which is really only full for the summer and autumn months) an employee was making rounds through the building and stopped on the 7 th. Floor and heard running and screams he ran to check for intruders only to find nothing, no rooms were rented in the Tower that evening.

Gatlinburg - Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort

HOLIDOME - 413 - in the front of the complex outside, in the late 1970’s two young girls were staying there for the night.

They went downtown and picked up a guy from a local bar and brought him back to their room.

While the other girl was out smoking, the guy drowned her female friend in the bathtub and put her body under the bed.

Then while leaving he went down the back stairwell outside beside the kitchen and found the other girl smoking, then he proceeded to strangle her as well, and drug her body to the roof of the building (then easily accessible).

Maids over the years have reported hearing noises from the bathroom and objects in the room moving from one place to another, while cleaning the room.

Gatlinburg - Mount LeCounte - At 3:33a.m. a little girl will appear at the edge of the bed and watch the people sleep.

Gatlinburg - Rocky Top Inn - In the old office located in the back of the building, a multiple murder occurred. An estranged local killed two employee’s of the motel. Motif unknown. The killing’s were of such a perverse nature that you can sometimes still hear them screaming for there lives. People have seen ghostly apparitions around the back parking lot, and near the fountain. These murders occurred over 15 years ago. The killer was charged convicted and sentenced to death by lethal injection.

Gatlinburg - Rumor has it that in the heart of Gatlinburg, near a place called the Mysterious Mansion, a young girl about age, 7 fell off a hotel balcony, and landed in a creek below. Every two weeks before her death’s anniversary, you can see her crying and pointing up to the spot where she fell to her death.

Gatlinburg - Terror on the Parkway - Formerly Known as Hauntings this place is haunted by several ghosts. Especially one of a former manager who ran the operation in the early eighties. - February 2004 update/correction: a visitor to our site states, These Stories are very true. However the room 413 has not been in operation since the events of the evening in your story the room was removed from operation.

They claim to have been associated with this facility for many years and the stories and events are well beyond what has been mentioned here. Of course they realize these are events reported by persons directly involved but they are very surprised there isn't allot more of them.

Pigeon Forge - Family Inn by Dixie Stampede - It’s said to be haunted by an old lady who was killed working late…They say that you can see her shadow watching you from wherever you stand, on the same day as her death.

Sevierville - The Old Eledge House - It is said that Mr. Eledge died of a heart attack in the house and has haunted the place since it had happened. The lights flicker on and off at night and noises are heard throughout the house. The noises are of Mr. Eledge and his children talking and laughing. The basement of the house is haunted by ghost of his children.

Sevierville - Bluff Mountain Old hotel site - Apparitions and voices, a feeling of dread have been reported. - October 2003 Update - Popular in the 1920’s. What few people know about is the old cemetery a couple hundred feet off the trail leading to the bluffs. Reason enough, some would say to see a few spirits. The thing dates back to the 1790’s when the bluffs were used as a look out point for the continental army, watching for Indians along the trade route, from North Carolina to what was the lost state of Franklin(now Tennessee). A small post was there and they were attacked by a rouge band of the peaceful Cherokee. Most were slaughtered in there sleep.

Gatlinburg , Bear's Den , Bears Den , Smoky Mountains , Attractions , Entertainment

Thanksgiving In The Smokies - 2007

Families and Thanksgiving celebrations go hand-in-hand, and you won't find a better place to relax and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones than the Smoky Mountains.

To get an authentic connection to the wooded, mountainous beauty of the Smokies, you'll find that a cabin retreat is the ideal accommodation that affords all the comfort and privacy you could want, and a fully-equipped kitchen to boot! But while you're waiting for that 20 pound turkey to thaw, why not take advantage of the local holiday activities?

The areas in and around the Smokies (Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg) are bustling around Thanksgiving, and whether you're looking for shows, crafts, or a fun-filled trolley ride around town, your family will have plenty to do to get everyone into the holiday mood!

November 7- 18th - Annual Winterfest Kickoff & Chili Cookoff - The City of Gatlinburg kicks off Smoky Mountain Winterfest by turning on over three million Gatlinburg Winter Magic lights including new displays making their debut in 2007. For a small donation, sample chili recipes from local restaurants and businesses and vote for your favorite. Event includes live entertainment and a magnificent fireworks display. Downtown Gatlinburg ($)

November 7 to 30 - 18th Annual Gatlinburg Winterfest featuring Gatlinburg Winter Magic - The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with over three million spectacular lights.

November 7 to 30 - Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights - Enjoy a guided trolley tour of Gatlinburg's spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley's Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) Tickets on sale October 15 ($)

November 11 – Veteran's Day Celebration – Join the City of Gatlinburg in saluting the men and women of America who have served in our Armed Forces. Program includes stirring musical tributes, ceremonial words & recognition of Veterans in attendance.Ripley's Aquarium Plaza.

November 20 to 25 - The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Thanksgiving Show is being held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Since admission is free, you'll definitely want to stop by and view the handmade crafts and beautiful displays.

November 23 & 24 - The Nutcracker "Sweet"- Presented by the Smoky Mountain Dance Theater Company, enjoy this holiday classic presented in Gatlinburg. 7 p.m. in the W.L. Mills Auditorium. Call (865) 453-9702 for information and reservations.

November 23 & 24 - Gatlinburg's Festival of Trees - Dozens upon dozens of ornately decorated Christmas trees await visitors in this winter wonderland at Gatlinburg Convention Center's W.L. Mills Conference Center.

Gatlinburg , Smoky Mountains