Fall Fun At The Old Mill

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.

When September becomes the month on the calendar, there are many things we look forward to that the atmosphere of the Smokies takes on to remember the past and bring them to the present - the Autumn colors are obvious as well as the pumpkins and corn stalks, but also the people who are the literal lifeblood of the Smoky Mountain Appalachian culture. The stores and town square that past represents this spirit and culture in Pigeon Forge is our wonderful Old Mill area - and we have two events coming up that perfectly exemplify the season!

The Old Mill Heritage Festival (September 22nd - 2018)

Want a full day of festival to get hyped up for Harvest Festival? The Old Mill Heritage Festival on September 22nd is just about as perfect a way to do that as possible! The square opens up and becomes the very spirit of Autumn with arts and crafts demonstrations, pumpkin painting, quilts and quilting, moonshine making, sorghum making, bluegrass music, traditional folk songs, clog dancers, square and line dancing, a petting zoo, a farmer's market and much more.

In between those items of festivity, you can see the many wonderful shops that keep the Old Mill as iconic now as it has been for decades. The Old Mill has a huge general store with gifts, clothes, kitchen items, cooking items, books, toys and more. It also has a huge pottery store where they make all kinds of high-quality items for all areas of the house, a hiking store, a VERY unique bookstore, a store for cat lovers, home decor, jewelry, patchwork, more kitchen goods, and southern cooking/baking items, ironworks, artworks... the list goes on. It's a day memories are made of and you can get more information on this day at http://oldmillheritageday.com/ and https://www.old-mill.com/.

The Rotary Club Craft Tent ( September 29th - Oct 27th - 2018)

Adjoining the Old Mill is one of our city parks with Patriot Park - a large, largely flat, riverside park where you can often find families and individuals riding bikes, feeding geese, fishing or playing any number of sports. Patriot Park, from September 29th to October 27th, adds another large attraction to the park with a can't-miss red and white tent. This is the Rotary Club Craft Trent and it is in its 39th year of being a fundamental tradition in Pigeon Forge's Harvest Festival!

Inside the craft tent is a bit like the Pigeon Forge version of the seasonal Craftsmen's Fair in Gatlinburg - many local arts and craftspeople gather together to showcase their wares and demonstrate their art while music performances and snacks are provided. You can expect Halloween decorations and Harvest Festival fare, but there's also fine crystal jewelry, Native American traditional items, hand-knit clothing, upcycled decor, wood carvings, and even Christmas shopping opportunities! See more on the Rotary Club Craft Fair.

If any of the fun the Old Mill has to offer sounds good to you, then take a look at our cabin selection and find the one that's closest and best accommodates your needs towards enjoying the Old Mill Harvest Festival events. We hope to see you soon!