Earth Day in Gatlinburg

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.

Is it easy being green? Hard to say, most of us have never been a felt green muppet. Is it AWESOME being green? Now that's a question the Smoky Mountains can confirm. April is the greenest month for the greenest mountains in the United States. At the peak of the spring season, the mountains literally glow emerald in ways that are every bit as mesmerizing as the spring flowers, the winter snow falls and the super famous autumn colors that bring millions to our area. It may be just a few shades of green this season, but that's ALL we need. It's so lush and beaming, you just can't accept it until you see it for yourself!


And to protect that same gorgeousity that gives our area its fame, the same incredible mountain vistas you get from each one of our cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Wears Valley and beyond, the same ecosystem that houses over 400 different types of animals and over 5,000 types of plants, everyone has to help do their part to be mindful and respectful of the nature we are blessed to receive. This spirit of environmentalism is the basis for the formation of the National Parks and we celebrate that spirit with Earth Day Festival each April!


Earth Day Festival takes place on April 26th for 2018 and is a wonderful, nearly full day activity (11:00AM to 5:00PM) for families, visitors and other eco-friendly guests to enjoy in downtown Gatlinburg all throughout the parkway. Similar to other parkway festivals Gatlinburg throws, this one promises the full range of family activities: music, activities, craft stations, food and more. This one focuses on education and eco-friendly festival practices, so don't expect much in the way of trash or trash bins. A scavenger hunt is also promised with a prize for those who complete it. Earth Week t-shirts that feature the artwork of a local art student will be available for sale throughout the festival areas. Sales of the t-shirts will benefit the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce and go on to provide local scholarships, the Gatlinburg Goes Green Program and more. Craft stations will be held at The Village, Reagan Terrace Mall, The Gatlinburg Inn and Ole Smoky Parking Lot beside Earthquake the Ride.


You can see more about Earth Day at CLICK HERE


And this event is only one of several nature and green-themed events we have going on for that entire week. If you'd like to enjoy more, take a look at some of the other Earth events we have going on:


* Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage *

April 24th to the 28th

"The Wildflower Pilgrimage, which dates to 1951, offers over 150 programs including an array of instructional walks and guided hiking tours tailored to meet individual walking skill and ability, along with demonstrations and guest lecturers.  These tours showcase the abundant varieties of wildflowers, plants, ferns, mosses, trees and shrubs, as well as birds, reptiles and amphibians, all native to the Great Smoky Mountains."
 

* Spur Clean Up with Keep Sevier Beautiful *

April 24th

"Get hands-on Tuesday, April 24 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Spur Clean Up. Everyone is invited to join Keep Sevier Beautiful to pick up trash along the Spur, a stretch of Great Smoky Mountains National Park between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge."
 

* Earth Day 5K *

April 27th

"Runners and walkers are invited to celebrate Earth Week by participating in the annual Earth Day 5k Run/Walk in beautiful downtown Gatlinburg. This night race is scheduled on April 27, 2018 at 10:00 pm. Athletes of all ages are welcome to participate in this USATF sanctioned event. Early registration is encouraged to guarantee your shirt size. Race night registration begins at 8:00 pm. Proceeds benefit the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a non-profit organization providing local scholarships, donations to schools, the Gatlinburg Goes Green Program and educational events for the community."

We hope you'll get a chance to celebrate the beauty of nature here in the Smoky Mountains in April!