A Hike In The Smokies

One of our recent guests was kind enough to share his hiking story with us as well as some of his incredible photos of the Smoky Mountains...

A Hike In The Smokies By Predrag Gojkovic'

Here is what we read on the front page of spring issue of Smokies Guide we picked up at the park information centre:

"A spring hike in the Smokies is usually benign experience accented by wildflowers and singing warblers. However, there can be exceptions. In mid March of 1993. a storm dropped two feet of snow on the park's lower elevations. Above 5,000 feet there were chest high drifts and stranded backpackers suffered severe frost bite and eventually the amputation of extremities."

Is there a better way to start a vacation in the Smokies then to be reminded that you can be mauled by the bear or loose your extremities to frost bites?

We decided not to hike during the storm and to resist the urge to feed bears if we see one in the mountain. That should take care of that, now let's get down to business of planing our hikes.

First, we purchased a map with all hiking trails in the Smokies for only a buck. Then we asked Information centre employees for advice and they delivered. They told us exactly which trails were suitable for our 6 year old and which ones were more demanding. They gave us a nice hiking plan for our entire vacation and it worked really well. Next, we checked weather forecast for the rest of the week, courtesy of the new hi-speed connection at Glimpse Of Heaven cabin. It is really nice to be able to turn on your laptop and get detailed weather forecast for the exact area you're going to.

First we did Laurel Falls, the most popular trail in the Smokies, just to break into the habit of walking and climbing. Falls are gorgeous and hike was fairly easy. Trail is paved and the climb was not too demanding. We met lot's of people with small kids and some older couples.
Following day we hiked Little River trail. It was interesting to see buildings of an old Hunting Club still standing there. They provided us with a nice photo shoot backdrop. Although "Do Not Trespass" signs were clearly visible, we were told at Information centre that it's O.K. to look around as long as you do not enter the buildings.

Next, we drove to Cades Cove and hiked Abrams Falls trail. It was more demanding and rain didn't make it any easier. But still, it was nothing more than a nice walk and our younger boy (the 6 year old) enjoyed it very much and never complained. We were told to avoid hiking that trail on weekends because of the excessive crowds. So we went in the middle of the week. Still there were at least 20 people by the falls the whole time we were there. They were constantly arriving an leaving. We had a hard time getting a descent shot of the falls and we waited for 30 minutes to catch a moment with nobody else in the frame except us and the falls.

We chose a sunny and clear day for our trip to Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies. It's only a short hike from the parking lot at the end of the road to the observation tower, but it's pretty steep. We worked out quite a sweat to get there, but the splendid views were more than enough of a reward. Obviously, don't go there on a fogy day.

Then, it was time for a really good stuff. Wife stayed at Glimpse with our younger kid, and me and our 12 year old went to Newfound Gap where we started our 8 mile roundtrip day hike on Appalachian Trail. Our destination was Charlies Bunion, a rock with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. We met and briefly talked with an AT thru-hiker and had lunch at Icewater Spring shelter (one of 250 on a 3500 kilometers long trail, where thru-hikers usually spend their nights). It was nice to be a part of this exciting adventure, even if it was for one day only (thru-hikers usually need 5-6 months to complete the task).

Next day was stormy and we stayed at the cabin and enjoyed all the comfort it offered to rejuvenate our strength. We needed that because on the last day of our vacation we were going to climb Mt LeConte. It was a foggy and rainy day, but at least there were no storms and kid and I put our backpacks on, checked the batteries in our cameras and left early in the morning. Alum Cave trail is a 5.5 mile long, very strenuous climb to Mt LeConte lodge where day hikers can use their office to warm up and dry out before the trip back. Or, if you make reservations well in advance it is possible to stay there overnight and eat in their restaurant. Even on a fogy day like that the beauty of the nature was completely overwhelming. Rocks, caves, mountain streams, trees,... it was just glorious.

That hike was not suitable for our little one as well, so him and my wife stayed at the Glimpse again. I really appreciate her understanding and support for my love of hiking, but I think she also really love being at that cabin. I mean, what's not to love? GH is simply gorgeous!

So that's it from me, I hope readers of your blog will find this helpful, and again, thanks Cheryl for giving us opportunity to enjoy your wonderful cabin again.
Sincerely
Predrag
Windsor, Ontario

Thank you Predrag and family - we look forward to having you back again soon..

Cheryl - Heavenly Cabins

Antique & Classic Car Collectors Unite in Pigeon Forge TN - April 17-20 2008

Each year at the foot of the Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge TN, you will find a passionate group of people... They are passionate about their love of classic automobiles, motorcyles, trucks and vehicles of all shapes and sizes... They come in every conceivable variety - classic, antique, street rods, hybrids and everything in between.

The SWEET 1961 Corvette above is owned by Jim Griffin of Hickory NC. It's a perfect example of the unbelievable cars seen during Rod Run AND one of my favorites..

Classic car owners and enthusiasts gather in Pigeon Forge to enjoy their love for vehicles of days gone by and futuristic ones as well.. It is an awesome sight!! Beware: Traffic jams ahead - but at least you can enjoy the view!!

The Spring Grand Rod Run is the beginning of the 2008 season of car shows. Classic car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts make the trip to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Townsend Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains each year in the spring and summer for this big event.

Pigeon Forge is the most popular host to rod runs and car shows. Just beware, everyone is so excited to get there, they do start early !! The Parkway in Pigeon Forge and hotel parking lots begin to fill with classic cars normally on Tuesday prior to the show. You will find lost more than just awesome vehicles. Throughout the event weekend, visitors can enjoy interactive displays presented by vendors from all over the country. If it's mechanics that "start your engine" you will find lots of workshops to get answers to your technical questions.

Come on to Pigeon Forge and enjoy a comfortable cabin with fantastic views, game rooms with a pool table, hot tub, fireplace and lots more when you're not out looking at the CARS !! We still have some openings - check out our Awesome Pet Friendly Cabins Our cabins are located in the Wears Valley area off Hwy 321/Wears Valley Rd -which makes it easier to get around the traffic by using the back roads off the main Parkway in Pigeon Forge via Wears Valley Rd.

Here's a list of other upcoming events in Pigeon Forge during 2008:

April 17-19, 2008:
Spring Grand Rod Run: The Grand Hotel. For more information call 1-800-472-1188. For Vendor info, Contact 865-687-EXPO(3976) -Pigeon Forge, TN.

April 24-27, 2008
Goldwing Riders Association: For more information call 1-800-251-4444 -Pigeon Forge, TN
May 5-15, 2008
Chevy Classics Round-up: 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevy Classics Cars Show. For more information call 865-984-3758 or 1-800-429-7700. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

June 6-8, 2008
Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Classic Car Show: For more information call 865-983-7374 or 1-800-429-7700. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

June 19-21, 2008
Smoky Mountains F-100 Run: Smoky Shadows. For more information call 1-800-282-2121. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

September 5-6, 2008:
Shades of the past Rod Run: National Parks Resort Lodge.

September 11-14, 2008:
Grand Fall Rod Run: The Grand Hotel. For more information call 1-800-472-1188. For Vendor info, Contact 865-687-EXPO(3976) -Pigeon Forge, TN

October 17:
Corvettes Cruise the Smokies: For more information call (865)687-3976. -Sevierville, TN

October 17-18:
Fall Corvette Expo: For more information call (865)687-3976. -Sevierville, TN

October 17-18:
Horsepower and Hot Rods: For more information call (865)687-3976. -Sevierville, TN

October 18:
Thompson-Carr Collector Auction: Starting at 11 a.m. at The New Sevierville Events Center. For more information call (865)687-3976. -Sevierville, TN

October 18:
NCRS-SE Flight Judging: For more information call (865)687-3976. -Sevierville, TN

Reserve your cabin for Spring Rod Run today, we still have some openings! See our cabin rental website and virtual tours at Heavenly Cabins

Photo above - 1961 Chev Corvette owned by friend and client - Jim Griffin of Hickory NC - What a Sweet Ride !!

Smoky Mountain Visitors Bureau To Host Herb & Wildflower Day In Townsend April 5th

Smoky Mountain Visitors Bureau To Host Herb Wildflower Day in Townsend

By Iva Butler
of The Daily Times Staff
With the wildflowers in peak bloom during April, the Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau (SMCVB) is once again hosting Herb and Wildflower Day on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to allow locals and visitors not only to experience and enjoy the beauty of these wildflowers, but also to learn about the practical and medicinal uses of herbs and wildflowers that are found in East Tennessee.

"This is the seventh year for Herb and Wildflower Day, and it has become a great springtime tradition. People really enjoy learning new things about the wildflowers," said Herb Handly, executive vice president of tourism for the SMCVB. "It's a fun and educational event that is great for the family. The mountains really show their true beauty during this celebration. It is so important for visitors to take advantage of this natural opportunity."

At 7:30 a.m. participants will gather at the front porch of the Townsend Visitors Center for a special tour along the Townsend bike path with wilderness wildlife recording expert, Mark Dunaway. Dunaway has an extensive background in avian communication, which explains how and why birds sing.

On the walk, Dunaway will be identifying common species found in the area along with any summer migrants that have returned to breed. Then he will be discussing tips for identifying birds and learning their songs.

"Once you become proficient in identifying birds through their songs, approximately 90 percent of the birds you will detect in a given outing will be by ear. During bird census work, the vast majority of birds that are recorded by ornithologists are detected by ear," said Dunaway.

Dunaway currently specializes in recordings made inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, mostly recording bird songs, particularly those erupting from the Cades Cove area.

The day will continue at 9 a.m., with a talk about the spring wildflowers by senior botanist for the TVA Heritage Program, Dr. Patricia Cox. In addition to talking about some of our more common showy wildflowers, Cox will discuss some of Tennessee's rarest wildflowers and why protecting the plants as well as the plants' habitat is so important. She will also talk about steps that can be taken to help with conservation measures to prevent the loss of these species from our native flora.

Then, at 9:45 a.m., Meredith Clebsch, owner of Native Gardens, a Greenback nursery that grows and sells native plants, will speak about how to garden with plants native to the area. Since 1983, Clebsch and her husband have been operating Native Gardens in Loudon County, where they offer more than 200 different plant species.

At 10:30 a.m., Dunaway will return to give a presentation on planting for the birds. The talk will instruct people on how to create and enhance a backyard habitat for birds through plantings, shelter, food, and water sources.

During lunch, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., visitors will be able to purchase plants, baked goods and pottery as well as view gardening demonstrations.

"We won't be providing lunch, but we encourage visitors to grab a quick bite from one of the Townsend eateries or purchase some fresh bread from Marjie Richardson, owner of The Bakery Lady, a local, home-style bakery in Seymour," said Jeanie Hilten, special events coordinator for the SMCVB.

After lunch, from 1:30 to 5 p.m., Dunaway will be signing copies of the audio CD set, "Bird Songs of the Smokies," which is a soundtrack to the bird sounds in the Smoky Mountain. Each recording was made in the park and offers listeners a detailed narration in how to find the specific birds.

During this time, visitors will also be able to choose between two different hikes that will last from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. or a longer hike that will last until 5 p.m. All hikes are in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

"Ferns and Flowers Stroll," led by Cox; on Chestnut Top trail is a moderate 2-mile hike that can be very narrow in places, so participants are asked to wear sturdy shoes. While on this hike, Cox will focus on ferns and other wildflowers. Some of the wildflowers visitors can expect to see will include bluets, dwarf ginseng, fire pink, little brown jug, Solomon's seal, Solomon's plume, several species of trillium, and wild ginger, just to name a few. Additionally, ferns are abundant including Christmas fern, maidenhair fern, maidenhair spleenwort, marginal shield fern and others.

"The Chestnut Top Trail has one of the most spectacular displays of wildflowers and ferns of any trail in the Smokies. If you have never been on this trail, it is amazing and you will love it," said Cox.

Visitors can also choose to take part in the Tremont area walk called "Bees and Blooms," led by Dr. Jim Lowe, a forest entomologist. The Tremont area is home to a former pioneer Appalachian community and logging town. The hike, considered easy along the wide, flat trail, follows a large stream, which features several scenic cascades and a four tiered waterfall at the end.

Or, visitors can take a nature hike to White Oak Sinks, led by Jim Burbank, a national park volunteer and expert in wildlife management. This popular trail features 60 different species of wildflowers along a moderately difficult 2.6-mile trail. Some of the wildflowers you can see along this route include yellow lady's slipper, Columbine and shooting stars.

"White Oak Sinks is a special place in the Smokies, furnishing a great variety of flowers -- at least three species difficult to find elsewhere in the Park, a 'blow-hole' cave, and a disappearing waterfall," said Burbank. "The hike is moderately difficult but well worth the effort."

Throughout the day, visitors can purchase baked goods from The Bakery Lady, which include home-made bread, sweet rolls, cookies and pies.

Additionally, Stringtown Pottery, a Townsend pottery shop, will have items for sale relating to the day's theme of herb and wildflowers. Honey Rock Herb Farm and Native Gardens will also have plants for sale so visitors can buy a plant and a planter to take home.
Article Courtesy of The Daily Times - Maryville TN

Photo by C. Gilliam Heavenly Cabins
See Last Minute Cabin Openings for this weekend 4/4- 4/7/08 - Come to The Herb & Wildflower Day in Townsend TN, enjoy a cozy cabin with awesome Smoky Mountain Views.

A Surprise Smoky Mountain Cabin Vacation & One Brave Man!

We truly have the most wonderful guests in the world at our Heavenly Cabins near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN. We are blessed with caring, friendly folks that come back year after year and become like family - even when we may not meet them face to face....

During the last 7 years, we have had honeymooners, family gatherings, business groups, Sunday school classes and others at the cabins but Harold Mann's surprise was a first for me... He and wife, Carol travel quite a bit and love the Smoky Mountains - so they do visit there often.. It is customary for them to rent a cabin near Pigeon Forge around the Wears Valley area but this was their first trip to our Glimpse of Heaven cabin.. He emailed me months in advance and noted that he was impressed with our guest testimonials, Yeah! - you can read them here http://www.homeawayconnect.com/guestbook.cfm?pid=22844&cid=5 ....

We traded emails for a while and Harold shared with me that he was totally in charge of finding the "perfect" cabin for his and Carol's Smoky Mountain trip but with one catch - Carol did NOT want to see any photos or website info about the cabin - NONE, Nada, Zilch!! Wow, I have to say that is one trusting woman or Harold has great taste and she knew it!! Harold seals the deal, months go by and they get another surprise.... Their son will be joining them along with his wife after arriving home from Afghanistan !!! Wow - even better...

The Mann's arrived earlier this month and thankfully - Carol was impressed with Harold's choice - whew, I was relieved also... Not only were they both thrilled with Glimpse of Heaven - they left us a gift - A BAMA bear for our collection!! See the photo above of BAMA bear lying in the hammock at the cabin and their awesome comments below...

Harold's personal email to us.......
I think you can read my feed back(on the online guestbook) and see that we had a wonderful time. Carol was tickled with what she found when we arrived. She said it was worth the wait to finally get to see the beautiful cabin and the surrounding mountains. I did promise you some pictures of the Bama Bear and I am sending a few. I think it is apparent that he is enjoying his stay...lol...but not nearly as much as we did. Thank you for putting this cabin together and allowing your many visitors a chance to enjoy a real "glimpse of heaven".
Harold & Carol Mann

Harold's Online Guestbook Entry
Carol and I truely enjoyed our stay in your cabin. We were joined by our son (just back from Afganistan)and his wife, and we could not have picked a better location for our time together. The cabin was spotless, well decorated and large enough for the four of us to spread out and enjoy ourselves. Since we have stayed in many cabins, I have found from past experience that there are many things usually lacking, so I loaded up lots of my trusty home items and lugged them along. The cabin was so well equipted, that most of them stayed packed up until time to head back home. We loved the bears that your other guests have left and left you a "Bama" bear to join the others. The view from the cabin was spectacular and we were fortunate during the week to experience some beautiful days with the sun shining and the temps in the 70's and spent one rainy day at the cabin watching the mist rising from the surroundng mountains and enjoying the fireplace and had an unexpect snow day and had about 9 hours of heavy blowing snow....a real beautiful site to behold from the decks. Of all the cabins we have visited, this one was by far the best in every manner. We will no doubt become frequent visitors and are already looking forward to our next trip. We, like others who have taken the time to leave comments, really appreciated the beautiful cabin, the very appropriate decor and the beautiful mountain views and feel like you named the cabin just right, because while we were there and since we have left, we know that we have had a "Glimpse of Heaven". Thank you and your husband for making this available to us all....
Harold & Carol Mann, Seneca, SC (lakemann1952@msn.com)

THANK YOU Both and to ALL our Wonderful Guests/Friends - You make all the hard work - worthwhile - Praise God ! Roger & Cheryl Gilliam

Heavenly Pet Friendly Cabins

It's Dollywood Time!! Opening March 21st With Dolly Visiting in April 2008

Spring is almost here and it's once again time for Dollywood to open for 2008. This year will feature a new, $5 million dollar - River Battle Ride when the theme park opens its doors for the 2008 season on Friday, March 21, 2008. Dollywood will also add a 750-foot walkway to connect Timber Canyon with Craftsman’s Valley, reopen its Thunder Road attraction at Adventures in Imagination and host five spectacular festivals for the 2008 season. There is also a new entrance for 2008 to improve traffic flow into the theme park.

River Battle is a themed water raft ride equipped with powerful soaker guns. Nine rafts, each with room for eight passengers, follow a 500-foot channel. As the rafts navigate the waters, the battle begins as passengers, each armed with a soaker gun, take aim at each other and more than 100 targets along the way, including large-scale “talking animals”— Photo from http://www.dollywood.com/

Dolly will be making her annual appearance at Dollywood on April 11th and 12th to help kick off the 2008 season with press events scheduled during the day on Friday followed by her traditional parade through Pigeon Forge on Friday evening - Aprill 11,2008. The Dolly Parade will begin on River Road near traffic light #7 and will travel north along the Parkway disbanding at the Belz Factory Outlet World at traffic light #3. The Dolly Parade will get underway at 6:00 p.m. Just a taste of the entertainment that can be found all year in Pigeon Forge.

Dolly will also be doing a number of tributes to her late friend Porter Wagoner throughout the weekend including a musical tribute and rose ceremony. The musical tribute will feature many of the original Wagonmasters complete with their characteristic sparkly rhinestone suits. Dolly will also include long-time friend and original Wagonmaster, Don Warden, on steel guitar in the tribute show.

Townsend Winter Heritage Festival February 7-10 2008 Smoky Mountains TN

What: The Townsend Winter Heritage Festival
A celebration of the history, people, and traditions of Townsend TN, Cades Cove, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Why not a last minute trip to the Smoky Mountains this weekend and stay in a great cabin near Townsend Special Last Minute Rates!
When: Thursday, February 7-Sunday, February 10, 2008

Where: Various locations in Townsend, Tennessee and in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Contact: The Townsend Visitor Center, 800-525-6834; jhilten@smokymountains.org;
http://www.smokymountains.org/winter-heritage.html

The Smoky Mountain Convention & Visitors Bureau, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains Association, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Cades Cove Preservation Association, and other community groups in the Townsend, Tennessee area are working together for the 2008 Winter Heritage Festival. 2007 was the first year, and the festival was a great success, winning an "Award of Distinction" from the East Tennessee Historical Society. Pick up a program brochure and registration form at several locations around Blount County, download below, or call 800-525-6834 to obtain a form.

The event is an in-depth look into the rich heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cades Cove community, and it is designed to celebrate the culture, history, natural beauty, and heritage of the area. Through classes, tours, exhibits, music, hikes, and demonstrations, visitors can experience:

Stories of mountain life and families of the Smokies
Logging and railroad days
Illustrated talks and displays about people and the land
History, stories, music, and plant lore of the Cherokee Indians
Mountain music and crafts
Cades Cove guided walks
Creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cades Cove Military History
Displays from family archives and old fashioned portraits at Townsend Visitor
Exhibits at the Heritage Museum, Little River Railroad Museum, Thompson Brown House, Blount County Historic Trust, and Art Exhibit at Mountain Sage Gallery
Schedule:

Thursday, February 7, 2008:

6:00pm--9:00pm Kick-off Reception and entertainment at the Dancing Bear Lodge:
Heavy Hors D'Oeuvres, (fee charged) for reservations, call 865-448-0044
(programs only, free)

Bill Landry, featured guest speaker--"Cades Cove and the Heartland Series"
Mike Clemmer, dulcimer music
Friday, February 8, 2008: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m-talks, walks, music, and tours:

Some of the highlights include a Music Heritage Program with Lisa Free, lunchtime program on "Hiking the Smokies" with Sue Jenkins, "Fire Towers of the Smokies" talk by Charles Maynard, "Geology of White Oak Sinks" with Harry Moore, plus walking tours in Cades Cove, music at Tremont, and Cade Cove Preservation Association illustrated talks at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

In the evening, Townsend area restaurants are featured at "A Taste of Townsend".

Saturday, February 9, 2008: 9 a.m. to 5: p.m.-talks, walks, art, demonstrations, music, Cherokee history:

A few of the highlights include "Drawing History" workshop with Andrea Wilson, "Cades Cove Military History" with Blount County Mayor Jerry Cunningham, "Wild Edibles of the Smokies", Ila Hatter, Logging and Railroad History and walks, "Cades Cove Photography" with Bill Lea, Cherokee Storytelling and music, plus a wide variety of sessions on the special places and families of Cades Cove.

Saturday, February 9, evening at The Barn Event Center of the Smokies:

Mike Clemmer, dulcimer music
Star-gazing with the Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society
Catered supper by Miss Lily's
Bo Taylor, Native American Culture program
Sunday, February 10, 2008-At the Richmont Inn: "The Walker Sisters", with Robin Goddard and Harp Music with Jennifer Love. At the Valley View Lodge: "Precious Memories--A Cades Cove Homecoming" panel discussion.

Programs and Presenters 2-1-08 A booklet of the schedule describing the activities and leaders, as of 1-24-08. Please call 865-448-6134 for updates, as there may be last minute changes. Note that this document is in booklet format, to be printed front to back, so just follow the page numbers!

Winter registration form Please download this document to register for sessions, and send to info@smokymountains.org or mail to Townsend Visitor Center, 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Townsend, TN 37882.

CONTACT: Most programs are free, but many will fill fast, and pre-registration is required. Please register by February 1. (See program registration form, above). There will be charges for mealtime programs. To obtain registration forms, call 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834 and to make reservations for meals call 865-448-0044.

Thank you to our Sponsors: Great Smoky Mountains national Park, Great Smoky Mountains Association, GSM Institute at Tremont, GSM Heritage Center, Blount County Historic Trust, Cades Cove Preservation Association, Dancing Bear Lodge, Highland Manor Inn, Valley View Lodge, The Barn Event Center of the Smokies, Little River Railroad Museum, Sister Cats, Miss Lily's, Richmont Inn, Townsend Business Association, Townsend Artisan Guild, and:

Tennessee Arts Commission: This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Pick a cabin with incredible views for your trip to Townsend and the Great Smokies.

Metcalf Bottoms Bridge Townsend Tennessee - Photo by C.Gilliam
Info Courtesy of
2007 Smoky Mountain Convention & Visitors Bureau
7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pwy., Townsend, TN 37882

Skiing & Snowboarding in the Smoky Mountains

If you love skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or any winter sport, there are lots of options around the Smoky Mountain area. Even though the town of Gatlinburg didn't get all the snow they anticipated last night - there is still plenty of snow in the higher elevations of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as Gburg's ski resort, OberGatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park

Need a lesson or brush-up for your snow skills? Why not try something new - alpine skis, shaped skis or snow boarding. Smoky Mountain Snow Sport School in Gatlinburg offers lessons for families, groups or individuals.

The Cataloochee Ski Resort is on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains in Maggie Valley. Maggie Valley is home to Ghost Town In The Sky which reopened last year. This is about an hour's drive from the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area - why not enjoy all the attractions and cozy cabins near Pigeon Forge/Gburg and try both ski areas.

Have some Smoky Mountain fun in the SNOW !