4th of July In the Smokies!

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells. 

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

Its soon to be the biggest day of the season. Like Christmas and New Years, the 4th of July comes earlier than later in the Summer and often is the peak moment of the season for lots of people, but it's practically always for good reason - especially here in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg!

In the two cities, we have a very traditional way of celebrating our country's independence - and by "traditional", that means we have been celebrating them the same way for a few decades and still look forward to them each year. They are indeed that much fun!

Starting in Gatlinburg, their 4th of July celebrations are spread across a 22-hour period and revolve around 3 activities:

1. The First Independence Day Parade in the Nation


 

Starting the very MOMENT it turns the 4th of July at midnight in Gatlinburg, this Summer parade will fill the streets of downtown Gatlinburg with festivity and joy you won't see at this time of night on any other day of on the calendar. For an hour or more, patriotic floats and groups will go from traffic light #3 to traffic light #10 and get the 4th of July started off right!

2. Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta


 

The following morning is another Gatlinburg Summer tradition where we race all manner of floatable objects down the river in Gatlinburg; starting from Christ in the Smokies on River Road and ending at Ripley's Aquarium. Trophies are awarded to winners in 1st, 2nd and 3rd categories, among others, and all proceeds benefit the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation. The event begins at 10:00AM.

3. The Fireworks


 

Yep, the main event itself! And they go off overhead downtown Gatlinburg at 10:00PM. The best viewing area will be between traffic lights #3 and #5.

You can see more on these events at CLICK HERE  

And in Pigeon Forge, we keep the 4th of July events relegated to one municipal event, but it's a pretty good sized one that lasts all day - the ever famous Patriot Fest at Patriot Park. Patriot Park is our big, flat, riverside park at the Old Mill district and it is a PERFECT spot to hold a public all-day festival where visitors can expect to bring chairs, towels and picnic supplies as well as enjoy onsite amenities such as food vendors, children's fun area, water sprinkling area (because it will definitely get hot), inflatables and other potential surprises.

At the west end of the park, a large music stage is erected and we typically have professional entertainment performing throughout the day - Country, Bluegrass, Patriotic tribute music, the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus and more. Our headlining entertainment this year is singer-songwriter Craig Morgan.

Then between 9:45PM and 10:00PM, the fireworks you've been waiting for go off overhead for more than 15 minutes while a mix of patriotic music plays. A fitting end to a wonderful day!

You can see more information on the Patriot Festival  

Please be aware that all events going on in relation to the 4th of July festivities WILL have a large amount of foot and road traffic and proper planning, scheduling and such will need to be enacted to enjoy the festivities to their fullest.

 

Enjoy!