smokies in snow
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Best Winter Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

Wintertime hiking in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be challenging, but with the proper clothing and gear, winter hikes can reward you with lots of unique sites that you won’t see at other times of the year. From frozen water falls to snow dusted mountains, the Smokies are beautiful in the winter months. With snow on the ground you can find animal tracks much easier and with the leaves off of the trees you have a better chance at spotting the wildlife in the park. Here are 5 of the best winter hikes in the Smoky Mountains order of easiest to extreme:

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gatlinburg
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The History of Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Are you planning a trip to Gatlinburg soon? This beautiful Smoky Mountains city has a rich history that makes it a perfect place to visit on vacation. Here is the history of Gatlinburg, Tennessee:

The Settlement of Gatlinburg

gatlinburg signNestled in the valley of the Little Pigeon River’s West Fork and surrounded on three sides by the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg has evolved from a rural hamlet to a thriving gateway community. Settled in the early 1800s, it was first named White Oak Flats for the abundant native white oak trees covering the landscape. It is believed a middle-aged widow, Martha Jane Huskey Ogle, was the first official settler here. She came with her family to start a new life in what her late-husband described as a “Land of Paradise” in East Tennessee.

In 1854, Radford C. Gatlin arrived in White Oak Flats and opened the village’s second general store. Controversy soon surrounded him and was eventually banished from the community. However, the city still bears his name.

As a self-sustaining community, Gatlinburg changed little in the first one hundred years. When the Civil War erupted, some locals joined the Union, others the Confederacy. But, in general, the mountain people tried to remain neutral. Although only one Civil War skirmish was fought in Gatlinburg, countless raids were made by both sides to gather vital resources needed to sustain the war effort. As with much of the South, deprivation and hardship persisted long after the war.

The Radford Gatlin Story

Originally called White Oak Flats, there are many stories as to how Gatlinburg got its name, all involving a controversial figure who settled here in 1854. Radford C. Gatlin was flamboyant and, as a preacher, established his own “Gatlinite” Baptist Church. He was a democrat in a republican community, which was frowned upon. After continuing to go against the status quo in the newly established Gatlinburg, Tennessee, he was eventually told to leave.

Great Smoky Mountains History

park signWith the formation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, tourism boosted the area’s economy. Many of the displaced mountain families moved into town, either developing new enterprises or taking jobs in new hotels, restaurants and service facilities to meet the needs of the burgeoning tourist industry. Progress slowed considerably during World War II. But, by war’s end, tourists returned with a vengeance and the sleepy little village of Gatlinburg expanded to meet the demands. Incorporated in 1945, it has since developed into a four-season resort and convention Mecca.

Where to Stay

When you take a trip to Gatlinburg, check out our cabin rentals for the best Smoky Mountain lodging experience! Our rentals offer awesome amenities like fully equipped kitchens, hot tubs, theater rooms and game rooms! Some even feature indoor private pools that provide even more seclusion! Check out our current cabin specials so you can save money on your next stay.

Now that you know the history of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you can better appreciate the beautiful area on your next Smokies vacation. Check out our Gatlinburg cabins so you can stay right in the center or all the modern Gatlinburg activities.

Ramsey Cascades water fall in the Smoky Mountains.
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The 4 Best Smoky Mountain Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

Summertime is a great time to visit the Smoky Mountain swimming holes and waterfalls. On average, June, July, and August are the hottest months of the year. These warm and humid conditions make it the perfect time to put on your swimsuit and take a dip in the pristine waters of the Smokies! There are numerous areas inside the national park to spend the day cooling off in the 65-degree waters. That’s right, 65 degrees! On a day when the temperature is 90 and the humidity level is 90%, you won’t want to get out of the water. Check out a few of the most popular waterfalls and swimming holes in the Smokies:

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hiking trail running in front of laurel falls
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3 TRAILS TO HIKE WHEN VISITING GATLINBURG (SMOKY MOUNTAINS, TENNESSEE)

Gatlinburg

When visiting the Smoky Mountains, I always make it a top priority to hike the beautiful trails of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  Some of the trails are more scenic and challenging than others, but it seems it always make it worthwhile to visit the Gatlinburg area after my successful hike.  Here’s three trails that I would strongly recommend your family or friends try when visiting Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge on your next family vacation.  Of course, you could always try river rafting, zip lines, or horseback riding, but the Smokies were made famous by the love of hiking the National Park.  Bring plenty of water, a snack, and first aid kit when possible.  Try to hike with a friend and don’t confront animals you see on the way.  It’s their home and we want to respect their habitat.  Have fun hiking up the mountains of the Southern Appalachian Trail!  We’ll see you in the Smokies…

Laurel Falls Trail – Described as moderate in difficulty, this 4-mile roundtrip hike rewards the hiker with a visit to one of the favorite waterfalls in the Park. This trailhead is very busy during the summer and weekends year-round. Access to the trailhead is via the Little River Road halfway between the Sugarlands Visitor Center and Elkmont Campground. The hiker can travel an additional .75 mile beyond the falls to see an old-growth forest.

Alum Cave Bluff Trail (photo right)- From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, drive 8.6 miles east on Newfound Gap Road. There you will find two parking areas, where a gravel path leads to The Grassy Patch and the beginning of a 2.3 mile hike to Alum Cave Bluff. This moderately difficult hike is 4.6 miles round-trip or 5.1 miles on to LeConte Lodge. The round-trip to the cave bluff takes about 2 and 1/2 hours, but allow about 3 and 1/2 hours to LeConte Lodge. The Alum Cave Trail is the most popular and well-known route to Mount Le Conte. Features include Arch Rock, 1993 summer storm damage, Inspiration Point, Alum Cave Bluff.

GatlinburgRainbow Falls TrailThe Rainbow Falls Trail is fairly challenging if completed all the way to Mt LeConte. Allow an hour and a half to Rainbow Falls and four hours to Mt LeConte. Hikers will gain nearly 4,000 feet in elevation by the time they get to Mt. LeConte. The Point of departure is at Cherokee Orchard Road – Turn at light #8 in Gatlinburg and follow the Airport Road 1 mile out of Gatlinburg into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The name will change from Airport Road to Cherokee Orchard Road. About 2.5 miles after entering the Park, Cherokee Orchard Road approaches the Rainbow Falls parking area. You will find the trail head at one edge of the parking area. Features of interest include the 2.8 mile point when you arrive at Rainbow Falls. At the 6.6 mile point you will come upon an Alum Cave Trail junction which leads left 0.1 mile to the LeConte Lodge.