Making A Winter Day Out at Ober 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.
But not everyone simply wants to go everywhere between the cities to find awesome rides, outdoor fun, shops and eateries one by one - many would like the chance to be able to go one place and get their fill for a variety of things all in one stop. Where do you go to get something like that? Well, there’s actually a few places in the Smokies here that can offer that to you, but for our recommendation, we’re going to suggest… *gasp* not Dollywood?... That’s right, we think Ober Gatlinburg would actually give you a bit more for your time than almost everywhere else here!

You know what that is - the winter sports activities at Ober! Right now, Ober Gatlinburg is in its winter season where, up until April 1st, they turn their entire outdoor area (minus the zoo, thankfully) into the only place in the Smokies where you can ski, snowboard, snow tube and even ride the new Ski Mountain Coaster from light to dark and whether it’s snowed in town or not! Ober Gatlinburg has a world-class slope and a world-class snowmaker that provides full-on professional winter sports accommodations for those who seek it. They conglomerate the winter sports services as the “Ober Gatlinburg Freestyle Terrain”.
From Obergatlinburg.com: “Ober Gatlinburg Freestyle Terrain (OGFT) was founded during the 2009/2010 season. Since then we have grown every year, expanding snowmaking capabilities, improving building techniques, and increasing the number of available jobs. Our park crew are all dedicated skiers and riders who want to create and maintain the safest and most fun setups possible for our guests. OGFT strives to encourage progression and is committed to providing well built and maintained features for the public to enjoy. The goal of Ober Gatlinburg Freestyle Terrain is to provide a fun, safe, creative outlet for snowboarders and skiers. OGFT is here to nurture talents and give riders a place to have fun while providing the best product and customer experience.”

- Ski and Snowboard Tuning Shop.
- Equipment Rental.
- Clothing Rental.
- Skiing and Snowboarding Lessons.
- Season Passes.
- Snow Cub Sports Program.
- Ober Restaurant doubles as snow lodge.
And that only begins the number of things you could find to enjoy at Ober Gatlinburg! See more, click here.