Dollywood Rocks 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.

So much of what makes Dollywood such an iconic place for returning visitors and return vacations is that we can count on classic special events like Festival of the Nations and the Harvest Festival to return year after year - but occasionally, Dollywood likes to shake things up with a new festival or special event and on September 3rd, 2016, they will host Rock The Smokies throughout the park!

What is Rock The Smokies? A special event for labor day weekend where seven popular Christian Rock groups will play two shows - one at 4:00PM and one at 7:00PM at the famous Celebrity Theater on park. The purchase of a festival ticket for Rock the Smokies includes a full day admission to Dollywood.

The talent list includes:

Newsboys

For King & Country

Stars Go Dim

We Are Messengers

7eventh Time Down

I Am They

Bob Smiley

And there will be additional Christian artists playing throughout venues in the park.

Dollywood's website offers a variety of ticket options and those who purchase early can get them at a discount. The prices are as follows:

Early Bird:

(Now - August 5th)
VIP: $115.00
Adult: $62.00
Groups of 15+: $48.00 each
Child: $50.00
Season Passholder: $52.00

Regular:
(August 6th to September 2nd)
VIP: $115.00
Adult: $65.00
Groups of 15+: $51.00 each
Child: $50.00
Season Passholder: $52.00

Door:
(September 3rd)
VIP: $115.00
Adult: $70.00
Groups of 15+: $56.00 each
Child: $50.00
Season Passholder: $52.00

Ticket purchases and artist info can be found at http://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Festivals/RockTheSmokies.