Pigeon Forge, TN
Winter in the Smoky Mountains is a mix of snow and rain. This year has been more snow in the higher elevations and has beckoned many tourist to the area. Pigeon Forge and Sevierville area, unlike Gatlinburg, have continued to promote a Branson style entertainment center. I have been coming to the Smokies since childhood and have many fond memories. Though things have changed over the years there is always one constant, The Smokies.
First I have to state I own a log cabin, Hibernation Hideaway, just across from Dolly Wood and I am not above self promotion to tell you it is on a rental program with Patriot Get Aways (http://www.patriotgetaways.com/). We have continued to enjoy this luxury log cabin for years. Each bedroom has a Jacuzzi, there is a hot tub, two fire places, gas BBQ grill and game area with Foosball table. On the resort grounds is an indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, exercise room, picnic area and a meeting room. You can check out the photos at the above web site.
The Smoky Mountains may not be as impressive as the Rockies but they are a beautiful wooded temptress. One of our favorite things to do while there is to hike the many trails maintained by the National Parks Service ( www.gsmnp.com/pages/hiking.html ). Anyone who knows me knows I hate to pay taxes since so much of our tax dollars are wasted. But, when it comes to our National Parks I believe it is money well spent. If you are lucky enough there will be snow at the higher elevations and little ice on the trails. I am usually not that fortunate. The ice can be a bit tricky.
Chimney Tops Trail is a favorite of mine. Some of the trail is very steep and the last section requires a good deal of caution when there is ice. On more than one occasion my bottom made friends with the frozen ground. With wet pats and deflated ego I would stumble on. The trail rises approximately 1300 feet from start to finish with the peak of the Chimney's being at 4,840 feet. This trail is very popular so be prepared to hunt for parking at the trail head.
Many more tourist from Knoxville and surrounding area come for the weekend, so if you can, hike this trail during the week. The trail is only two miles but I swear it feels like ten due to the steepness. Dress with layers because you will likely be pealing down to your long johns before you reach the summit. Winter gives the wooded trials a magical air and a
s you cross over the picturesque Little Pigeon River the wooden bridge sways just enough to make your heart skip a beat. This trail is still worth the effort even if you don't make the summit. Go as far as you can and just enjoy the views.
Hunger strikes! Usually by the time I finish a morning hike I build a pretty good appetite. One of our favorite restaurants is the Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge. This tourist destination sits along the Pigeon River. The food is served family style with usually more food then you can eat. More often than not I have to be rolled out of the restaurant usually swearing I won't eat that much ever again or at least not until my next visit. If it is peak season and a weekend be prepared to wait at least an hour to be seated. The time will go by fast as you watch the ducks along the river and dare I say it, an occasional river rat can also be seen.
Pigeon Forge is a great family destination. See more info under "Summer in Pigeon Forge" and "Pigeon Forge Fall Colors"
Winter in the Smoky Mountains is a mix of snow and rain. This year has been more snow in the higher elevations and has beckoned many tourist to the area. Pigeon Forge and Sevierville area, unlike Gatlinburg, have continued to promote a Branson style entertainment center. I have been coming to the Smokies since childhood and have many fond memories. Though things have changed over the years there is always one constant, The Smokies.
First I have to state I own a log cabin, Hibernation Hideaway, just across from Dolly Wood and I am not above self promotion to tell you it is on a rental program with Patriot Get Aways (http://www.patriotgetaways.com/). We have continued to enjoy this luxury log cabin for years. Each bedroom has a Jacuzzi, there is a hot tub, two fire places, gas BBQ grill and game area with Foosball table. On the resort grounds is an indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, exercise room, picnic area and a meeting room. You can check out the photos at the above web site.
The Smoky Mountains may not be as impressive as the Rockies but they are a beautiful wooded temptress. One of our favorite things to do while there is to hike the many trails maintained by the National Parks Service ( www.gsmnp.com/pages/hiking.html ). Anyone who knows me knows I hate to pay taxes since so much of our tax dollars are wasted. But, when it comes to our National Parks I believe it is money well spent. If you are lucky enough there will be snow at the higher elevations and little ice on the trails. I am usually not that fortunate. The ice can be a bit tricky.
Chimney Tops Trail is a favorite of mine. Some of the trail is very steep and the last section requires a good deal of caution when there is ice. On more than one occasion my bottom made friends with the frozen ground. With wet pats and deflated ego I would stumble on. The trail rises approximately 1300 feet from start to finish with the peak of the Chimney's being at 4,840 feet. This trail is very popular so be prepared to hunt for parking at the trail head.
Many more tourist from Knoxville and surrounding area come for the weekend, so if you can, hike this trail during the week. The trail is only two miles but I swear it feels like ten due to the steepness. Dress with layers because you will likely be pealing down to your long johns before you reach the summit. Winter gives the wooded trials a magical air and a
s you cross over the picturesque Little Pigeon River the wooden bridge sways just enough to make your heart skip a beat. This trail is still worth the effort even if you don't make the summit. Go as far as you can and just enjoy the views.Hunger strikes! Usually by the time I finish a morning hike I build a pretty good appetite. One of our favorite restaurants is the Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge. This tourist destination sits along the Pigeon River. The food is served family style with usually more food then you can eat. More often than not I have to be rolled out of the restaurant usually swearing I won't eat that much ever again or at least not until my next visit. If it is peak season and a weekend be prepared to wait at least an hour to be seated. The time will go by fast as you watch the ducks along the river and dare I say it, an occasional river rat can also be seen.
Pigeon Forge is a great family destination. See more info under "Summer in Pigeon Forge" and "Pigeon Forge Fall Colors"
No comments:
Post a Comment