New Years Eve at The Island

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.

For a lot of people, 2016 has likely been the wildest and most difficult year of the decade or even the millennium. The election, the weather, the stock markets, the news... it's been a long time since things had been this "interesting" in America, so if you're looking to have a big, awesome party to put 2016 to rest and start the new year off with a literal bang, The Island in Pigeon Forge is where you want to go!

The Island, for those who haven't been there yet or had a chance to discover it, is a town center and attraction complex in Pigeon Forge between the main parkway and Teaster Lane. It's where people of all ages can go, meet up, play, have a beer, connect to the rest of town, do some gift shopping and even enjoy special events like the one we're about to tell you about.

At 8:00PM on December 31st, the already near-constant party at The Island shifts into 4th gear with the New Year's Eve bash. There will be live entertainment with a concert by Fairview Union, a midnight ball drop, lights, water displays from the center fountain and more. At the stroke of 12:00AM, we close the old year out and start the new year with a literal bang as fireworks explode overhead. It will be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

And that doesn't even count the list of already available fun things to do and explore onsite. Take a look at this:

* The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel (yes, that huge ferris wheel you see in the background as you drive through Pigeon Forge).

* The Islands Rope Course

* The Island Mirror Maze

* 7D Dark Ride Adventure

* Arcade City

* The Escape Game

* Thunderdome

* Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

* Mellow Mushroom

* Margaritaville

* Timberwood Grill

* Ole Smoky Moonshine

* Buckboard Too!

* Cosmic Pen

* Doc's Magic Shop

* Kryptonite Character Store

Yes, that could be you and your family/group having the time of your lives as you trickle down the last hours of 2016. Where else in the Smokies could you ride an absolutely huge, lit-up ferris wheel after eating Pomme Fries or pepperoni pretzels, sample some Smoky Mountain Moonshine while the fountain just outside plays a complex water choreography, shop for magic, comic book gifts and puzzles before challenging an escape game and adventuring through the seventh dimension - just to kill some time before the fireworks explode overhead without ever having to get back into your car until it’s time to go? Nowhere, that’s where!

Bring the whole family out for a New Year's they'll never forget in Pigeon Forge! See more on The Island