October Leaf Report

How are the fall colors progressing one week into October in Sevierville?

To say that fall color has emerged in Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be putting it lightly.  As early reports go, high elevations show warm golds and yellows amongst species like the American beech, yellow birch, mountain ash, pin cherry and mountain maple.

At lower points, trees are still predominantly green but several species are showing hints of color including dogwoods, black walnuts, sumac, and Virginia creeper, Among these, you’ll see yellows and burgundy reds against their green counterparts. The way color is looking so far, peak season looks like it could last anywhere from 7 weeks or more as color moves down the mountainsides from the highest elevations.

The Smokies’ majestic fall beauty usually reaches peak color at middle and lower elevations between mid-October and early November most years. Trees such as sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, and red maple are showing out during this time. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park actually goes more in depth with their comprehensive look at fall color here: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm

As noted, by October the Smoky Mountain high country is littered with trees that are now showing bright fall colors such as the yellows of the American beech and yellow birch and various reds on trees such as the mountain ash, pin cherry and mountain maple. By now, a few early color changing species such as sourwood and sumac are showing bright red versions in the lower elevations, but can be few and far between. Notice that a few dogwoods and maples are also beginning to turn from green to yellow in some areas as well.

Primarily, the American beech, yellow birch, and yellow buckeye and different shades of reds on mountain ash, pin and black cherry and mountain maple are the predominant color species you’ll see right now.

As for fall wildflowers, fall favorites like the mountain gentian, black cohosh, and goldenrod are very colorful and can be found throughout the park and some blueberry and blackberry shrubs are also in color, as well as the Virginia creeper plant.

The Great Smoky Mountains range in elevation from 875 to 6,643 feet in the Park, and with differing moisture conditions and habitats, many different species of trees will still produce significant color as the Park moves into its peak autumn season. Catch some of the best color in the higher elevations on trails such as the Sugarland Mountain Trail and the Appalachian Trail, accessed at Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap. Also, roads leading into the high country, including Newfound Gap Road, Heintooga Ridge Road, Foothills Parkway West and East, and Rich Mountain Road out of Cades Cove, are some of the best routes for seeing fall color in the Smokies.

Check out color on the Purchase Knob Live Webcam at http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/grsmpkcam/grsmpkcam.cfm.  Viewers can see color at 5,000 feet from this webcam.

A few suggested hikes for those wanting to get closer to nature while viewing the fall colors: Maddron Bald, Lower Mount Cammerer, Brushy Mountain and Trillium Gap Trails.All of these are high elevation trails so pack accordingly. This time of year, the weather can change at a moments notice. Hiking boots, a backpack, rain jacket, and a change of clothes should be the minimum if you are planning on spending a day in the park.

Catching the Fall Colors in Sevierville

Sevierville’s Autumn Colors in September, October and November.

As far as weather goes, it’s been a fairly cold winter this past year and an extremely hot summer in parts of the Great Smoky Mountains. Still, there is one question that remains the same when the evenings start getting cooler and footballs are seen flying through the air: When do the leaves start changing colors in Sevierville and the surrounding areas?

This summer’s extreme heat was not exactly what everyone was looking for in hoping for an eventual vibrant autumn season. The good news, though, is that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is made up of 100’s of deciduous tree species and each are located in a variety of elevations. So, to say that extreme heat was felt by everyone and everything would be false.

So what does all this mean you ask? It means that there will still be more than enough color for you and everyone else visiting the Great Smoky Mountains this fall… Frankly, there is no such thing as a “bad” or “undesirable” fall in the Smokies! And it’s a great time for hiking in the Smoky Mountains, whether it be a short day trip, or a weekend excursion.

Once the colder weather starts to set in, the leaves will slowly start their autumn transformation. You’ll see the vague hints of this annual event beginning to happen in the Smokies’ higher elevations with a multitude of tree species. Until mid October, if you’re coming through town expect to see mostly golden yellow colors mixed with some orange hues. These oranges and yellows will make their way down the mountains and into the valley as the vibrant reds slowly follow before mixing in. If the cold weather sits in and autumn feels a bit more winter-ish, the colors will peak in the mountains and valley around the final week of October and throughout early November.

One suggestion I’d highly recommend, keep track of the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website which follows the revolving colors of the fall foliage. They even have a page dedicated solely to fall foliage at: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm. Also, take a look at their webcams:

http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/WebCams/parks/grsmcam/grsmcam.cfm

http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/WebCams/parks/grsmpkcam/grsmpkcam.cfm

Finally, be sure to check out the Park’s tips for fall hiking and scenic drives: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fall-suggestions.htm

Once again, the best time to see the fall colors is the last week of October and throughout early November. It’s our favorite time of the year in the Great Smoky Mountains… I hope you enjoy it as much as the locals do!

Enjoy the Sevierville summer – cool off at a nearby waterfall.

Check out these four local waterfalls that are sure to give your Sevierville summer some needed relief.

During the summer months the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for such natural occurrences as its abundant wildlife and numerous wildflower species. And while that’s all well and good, and brings in people from all over the world, for us locals finding ways to cool off during those hot summer months is usually first and foremost. The national park is just as great of a place to cool off due to its 2,100 miles of streams – each one with a waterfall at some point along the way.

These waterfalls are a great relief for hikers and people wanting to get away from the city, and they each offer a more natural way to keep cool. There are a number within a quick drive from Sevierville, TN including the following:

Hen Wallow Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains just outside of Sevierville in Cosby, TN.

Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls, cascading down 80 feet, takes its name from the mountain laurel which blooms every May in the Smoky Mountains. The paved trail to the falls is a 2.6 mile round trip hike that is considered a fairly mild hike. One other bit of information, parking, due to the popularity of Laurel Falls,  is very limited. The availability of parking at the trailhead is especially hard to come by in the summer and on weekends throughout the year.

Access trail: Laurel Falls Trail

Trailhead: At Sugarlands Visitor Center, take the turn to Cades Cove on Little River Road and travel 3.9 miles to the Laurel Falls trailhead. Parking will be available on both sides of the road.

Hen Wallow Falls

You’ll enjoy a picturesque walk through a hemlock and rhododendron forest on your way to Hen Wallow Falls. Switchbacks lead to the base of the falls so be prepared and wear the proper types of shoes. From there, enjoy the view – cascades 90 feet up. It’s a roundtrip 4.4 miles to Hen Wallow Falls and also considered a rather moderate hike.

Access Trail: Gabes Mountain

Trailhead: A hiker parking area can be found at the Cosby Picnic Area (near the entrance to Cosby Campground) in Cosby, Tn not far from Gatlinburg. Park there then backtrack approximately 100 yards along the road to the start of the Gabes Mountain Trail. Signs are posted so that you won’t miss it.

Rainbow Falls

This 80-foot high waterfall is well known for the rainbow produced by its mist on sunny Smoky Mou.ntain afternoons. Rainbow Falls is also known to freeze into a hourglass shape during extended winter cold snaps – a wonderful natural sight if you’re able to catch it. You’ll rise up about 1,500 feet in elevation between trailhead and when you reach the falls. It’s another moderately rated hike that runs 5.4 miles roundtrip.

Access Trail: Rainbow Falls Trail

Trailhead: Traveling from the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light No. 8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ll pass the Noah “Bud” Ogle home site before coming to the Rainbow Falls parking area, which will be marked.

Ramsey Cascades

Talk about being swept off your feet, Ramsey Cascades is one of the most spectacular falls in the national park as well as the tallest. It’s a 100 foot cascade over rock outcroppings and that ends in a small pool. And if you love little creatures, you’re sure to find numerous well camouflaged salamanders sliding in and out of the rocks. Hikers rise over 2,000 feet in elevation along the trail to the cascades. Its a strenuous 8-mile roundtrip hike so be prepared for the most challenging trek as well. But it’s a scenic trip as hikers pass next to rushing rivers and streams for much of the journey. Keep an eye out for large tulip trees, silverbells, and yellow birches as you near the cascades.

Access Trail: Ramsey Cascades Trail

Trailhead: Take Highway 321 east of Gatlinburg and turn at the Greenbrier entrance to the park. Follow the signs 4.7 miles to the trailhead.

Dollywood Tips for Going to Dollywood This Summer

A few tips if you’re going to be coming through Sevierville this summer on the way to Dollywood.

Every summer, Pigeon Forge will see a number of motorists come through town on their way to Dollywood or Dollywood Splash Country. Visiting Dollywood is a must for anyone who visits the area! Here are a few of the best Dollywood tips for coupons, the best days to visit, what to wear, ways to save money and more! These top 10 tips will make your day at Dollywood one to remember:

1. Eat Before You Go to Dollywood

If you’re trying to save money on your trip to Dollywood this summer, try eating before you arrive. Whether that means eating breakfast or lunch, it will at least save you from spending the extra money at the park. Just plan to eat one meal at the park!

2. Take the Pigeon Forge Trolley to DollywoodPatriot Park in Pigeon Forge

Parking is $10 for a standard-sized vehicle and even more for RVs or anything larger. Trolleys are approximately .50 per person. And it takes you right up to the park entrance, so you don’t have to walk from your car or wait on a tram ride to the front entrance of the theme park. Park your vehicle at Patriot Park for free, then take the Dollywood trolley that runs every 15 minutes. The cost of the ride to Dollywood will save you a few dollars and a few extra steps, too!

3. Dollywood Provides Free Water

One of the best Dollywood tips is to remember that they provide free water. Plenty of water is a good thing if it’s one of those hot summer days.

4. Wear the Right Clothes

If you plan on riding lots of rides (especially the water rides), plan on wearing lightweight clothing that will dry quickly. Also remember to not dress too warmly if the weather is going to be hot on the summer day you choose to visit.

Young boy and girl smiling and riding a carousel together5. The Best Times to Visit Dollywood

The least busy days are during the middle of the week, typically Wednesdays and Thursdays. But if you don’t mind waiting in a few lines for rides, the weekends are also a lot of fun with a lot more people at the park!

6. Buy Your Tickets Before You Arrive

It’s as simple as that! You can click here to visit Dollywood’s website to purchase tickets or season passes before you arrive. If you plan to visit Dollywood more than once during a single season, then you’re definitely better off buying a season pass. It will end up being cheaper than purchasing multiple day passes each time you visit. Plus, you can upgrade to a Gold Pass for a small fee and receive a percentage off of purchases made within the park as well as free parking.

7. Dollywood Coupons: Where to Find Them

Everyone wants to know about Dollywood coupons and where to find them. Unfortunately, Dollywood doesn’t broker out discounts to third parties much like they once did, so discounts, if there are any, are few and far between. Local McDonald’s and Wendy’s restaurants are known to offer $5 off coupons for Dollywood or Dollywood Splash Country on occasion, especially in the summertime. It’s always easy to check there. You just have to purchase a beverage to get the coupon. It’s worth the few dollars of savings if they’re running that special when you’re in town!

If you liked this post, you’ll also like our other Dollywood tips for Dollywood’s A Smoky Mountain Christmas.

Avoiding Traffic In, and Around, Sevierville

Maneuvering your way around Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg while avoiding traffic.

If you’ve been to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg, in the past… oh… 20-plus years…. you’ve probably seen or even been a part of the large number of cars, trucks, trailers and campers that flock to the area on the weekends, during the holidays and in peak season. It can literally be a slow moving mess, and a headache for drivers. Here are just a few easy ways to avoid major traffic jams when you come to town:

  1. Try to avoid arriving in town between 3 pm and 7 pm on Friday. This is when the east coast travelers arrive in the area. If possible, arrive at your destination earlier rather than later.
  2. Leaving town between 10 am and 1 pm on Sunday should also be avoided. Stay for lunch if you can. The southbound side restaurants (if you’re traveling toward Gatlinburg from Sevierville and Pigeon Forge) will be less busy. Around 1 pm the traffic really starts to thin out.
  3. Of all the things to keep up with, keep up with the Pigeon Forge calendar of events for car shows. It can be quite a task to enjoy everything Sevierville and Pigeon Forge have to offer if you’re in town during a car show… unless of course that’s what you’re here for. During the Spring Rod Run, Shades of the Past, and the Fall Rod Run, the Parkway is packed with antiques hot rods, and basically any other car you can think of.
  4. Try taking the trolley when you’re in town, or walking. Sevierville and Gatlinburg are taken in a lot easier if you’re on foot and there are ample places to park throughout town.
  5. Plan things that are close together and easy to reach. There are places that have shopping, restaurants, and shows and entertainment all within walking distance. Plan accordingly to keep from having to actually get on the Parkway.

And these are just a few tips. Take a look at the links to the right and you might just find some secret, insider info! Samples: Alternate route to Dollywood and Shortcut to the Park From Pigeon Forge.

A Smoky Mountain Wedding in Sevierville

A Smoky Mountain wedding in Sevierville is the dream of many brides every year as they look for that perfect local in the Smokies.

A Smoky Mountain weddings in Sevierville is the dream of many brides every year. And it’s no wonder, Sevierville offers a picture perfect setting for every girl’s most important day. Most places, like the Wedding Chapel at The Preserv Resort, even offer expert wedding planners who are available to help you with every aspect of your big day. Whether it’s an outdoor wedding you want, a ceremony in a wedding chapel, or even a cabin in which to exchange vows privately, the opportunities are numerous.

There are many wedding packages and wedding receptions choose from, depending on your budget of course, as well as a wide range of honeymoon cabins to choose from. It’s really no wonder that Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains are widely known as the “Wedding Capital of the South”.

The majority of people looking to get married in the Smokies are looking for a wedding chapel. Depending on the chapel, sometimes  an ordained minister is even included. Customize your own wedding to include such necessities as a bridal bouquet, wedding photography and flowers for the entire wedding group. Other options includewedding and reception music, a wedding cake, and even a limousine if that’s on your list. The Smokies have most any kind of wedding chapel you could think of from in town to behind a mountain stream. If you want a recommendation, try the newest Smoky Mountain wedding chapel at The Preserve Resort.

Tennessee Marriage License

Tennessee Residents: A Tennessee marriage license costs $45.00 upon completion of a 4-hour counseling session given by a qualified counselor or minister. Just present your certificate of completion when you apply for your license. It’s $105.00 if you don’t choose to go the counseling route. Same goes for out-of-state residents.

Sevier County License Locations:

Sevier County Courthouse
125 Court Avenue, Sevierville, TN – (865) 453-5502
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and
Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Sevierville TN is home to more than a dozen wedding chapels. From log chapels and traditional southern chapels to a Victorian chapel and a handful of mountaintop chapels, there’s a little something to make anyone’s big day unique. Or, just say to heck with it and get married in the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Whatever it is you prefer, there are plenty of Sevierville lodging options that can accommodate both families and wedding parties alike. Consider a luxury cabin such as that at The Preserve Resort, which offers cabin rentals anywhere from 2 to 12 bedrooms for wedding groups and 1-bedroom luxury log cabins for honeymooners.

THE PRESERVE RESORT
Website: www.thepreserveresort.com
Phone: (866) 361-8439
The Preserve’s wedding facilities are simply the best in the Smoky Mountains area! Enjoy the beauty of the Smoky Mountains without having to travel from your mountain retreat. Cap off your wedding with a relaxing massage treatment right in the privacy and seclusion of your mountain home. Or try the swimming pool. The magnificent, outdoor pool provides a setting unlike any other, as you gaze out at a vista of blue-shaded mountain ranges. The Preserve’s wedding chapel is the newest and most exciting in the area. The chapel is a place the two of you, and your guests, will always remember. Plan your reception at our indoor or outdoor gathering place. All this . . . and the privacy and serenity of an exclusive mountain retreat. Located just 8 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Sevierville Fall Foliage (photos)

While most of us can enjoy the tail end of the fall color season this week, if you missed out here’s a collection of images shot around the Smoky Mountains the past couple of weeks showing the area’s fall splendor.

While most of us can enjoy the tail end of the fall color season this week, if you missed out here’s a collection of images shot around the Smoky Mountains the past couple of weeks showing Sevierville’s fall splendor. There’s still about a week left of peak season, so get down to Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains while you can to catch the beautiful colors of the Smokies.

Sugar Maple Cabins in Sevierville

Sugar Maple Cabins offers luxurious Sevierville Cabins, Gatlinburg Cabins and Pigeon Forge Cabins just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Believe us, everyone deserves a vacation and there’s no better place to stay in the Smokies than at a Sugar Maple Cabin complete with views, amenities, basically anything you could want while you’re away from home. The amenities are endless and unsurpassed. It all begins with the location. Sugar Maple offers Pigeon Forge Cabins in a resort-style setting and most are semi-secluded cabins. But they’re not all in Pigeon Forge, cabin rentals are available as well in Sugar Maple Cabin Rentals in Pigeon Forge TNSevierville, Wears Valley, and Gatlinburg, including Ski Mountain. And each are set against a spectacular mountain or city view like no other. It’s the setting for a perfect Smoky Mountain Vacation no matter what time of year.

Offering cabins that sleep 2-50, Sugar Maple Cabins has you covered whether you’re are wanting that perfect couples getaway or are planning a Smoky Mountain Family Reunion. Call anytime, Sugar Maple Cabins customer services lines are open 7 days a week.

Cabins feature hot tub(s), a washer and dryer, and a fully-equipped kitchen. What sets Sugar Maple Cabins Luxury Cabins apart from ordinary cabin companies are the upscale amenities including flat-screen HDTVs, DVD players, gaming systems, and Wireless Internet. Still not impressed? How about spending part of your vacation watching movies in a home theater room? Sugar Maple Cabins simply define luxury.

Sugar Maple offers nearly 200 cabins from a perfect romantic getaway for 2 to a beautiful Smoky Mountain lodge that sleeps 50. Your choice is simple: You can stay in an ordinary cabin or you can stay in extraordinary luxury with Sugar Maple Cabins.

Visit the website and book online at:
http://www.sugarmaplecabins.com
Or
Visit Sugar Maple Cabins on Facebook to see reviews, testimonials, and guest feedback! Sugar Maple Cabins Reviews on Facebook

We’ve Got Everything You Need on Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Too!

Visit our sister sites – Inside Gatlinburg and Inside Pigeon Forge

Plan Your Pigeon Forge Vacation Get Gatlinburg Vacation Tips

Coming to the Sevierville area this winter and wanting to make it over to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg too? Our sister sites, Inside Gatlinburg and Inside Pigeon Forge, will help you sort out that end of your trip once you get there, and let you in on coupons and discounts available for area attractions.

Inside Gatlinburg and Inside Pigeon Forge, like Inside Sevierville, feature reviews, tips, discounts, and other information about Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN. You’ll find articles featuring some great tips for planning a fall visit to catch the leaves in their peak color, or a winter trip to ski at Ober Gatlinburg. If you plan to visit Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg or The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, be sure to check out these sites for the latest vacation tips!