Christmas Is Back On 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.

Much has been said on the Smoky Mountain wildfires that came through Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountain National Park in late November/early December, and while it's borderline impossible, even now, to preface an article on the Smoky Mountains without mentioning it in some way (as only on December 9th did Gatlinburg open back up to the general public), we'd like to say no more on it for now. The time of tragedy is past - now we look forward to rejuvenating our area with Christmas cheer, laughs, smiles and holiday memories in the Smokies that will last a lifetime!

We would like to formally invite you back to the Smoky Mountains and become our guest at Bear Camp Cabins for Christmas and/or New Years. If not now, or not for yourselves, maybe you'd like to consider a gift certificate towards any of our rentals? A vacation in the Smokies makes a wonderful Christmas present, particularly if you have family members that are difficult to shop for, and if there's anything further we'll say on the recent wildfires, it's that the response to helping those in need has been simply mindblowing. There has been so much charity in the form of donating items, large sums of money, property and more going on throughout the county that in less than two weeks' time that even those who had cynically put off Sevier County as a corporate tourist trap have to tear up with that knowledge.

To put it simply - the true meaning of Christmas has never been more alive and present in the Smokies than it has been for this year!

Bear Cabins makes it a professional and personal obligation to fulfill the vacation hopes and dreams of every guest that comes to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg or any of our other communities. We provide luxury, genuinely private accommodations ranging from 1 bedroom romantic cabins to 5 bedroom cabins perfect for holding reunions and larger groups. Our rentals offer convenience to almost everything you would want to see in the Smokies: Ripley's Aquarium, Dollywood, The Island, the Old Mill, Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Mall, the lighting displays on all the parkways and major backroads... the list goes on. You'll be there and back from most places in under an hour (traffic permitting).

Our amenities include:

- Internet/WiFi

- Hot tubs

- Pool tables

- Covered decks

- Jacuzzis

- Community pool access

- Indoor swimming pools

- Fireplaces

- Theater rooms

- Pet friendly accommodations

- Motorcycle friendly convenience and parking

And much more spread out across our wide variety of houses. There's something for everyone here at Bear Camp Cabins!

We are also currently running a special from now until December 20th where you can stay for 3 nights and get the last night at half price. We'll be running more specials at Winterfest continues beyond the holiday season.

The Smokies are alive with the Christmas season! The lights shine brightly in the night sky, the attractions bustle with amusement and activity, the restaurants serve the most delicious Southern food and Christmas staples you can find anywhere - the only thing missing is you! Come stay with Bear Camp Cabins today!