Celebrate Autumn at The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge

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.

Fall Festivals and Rotary Craft Tent

The seasons of the Smoky Mountains have dedicated atmospheres along with designated attitudes and celebrations. During the holiday Winterfest we focus on family and traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas cheer. After that, we look forward to the post-holiday Winterfest as a time for romance and relaxation. In the Spring, we look forward to the newness of life rejuvenating in the mountains and then comes Summer when we celebrate vacation time with a plethora of parties, events and attractions.

So what do we do for Autumn? Autumn is a time to reflect on our roots in the mountains and the official title of the season is "Harvest Festival". All that is old comes new again while the rest of life in the Smokies begins to wind down or die out until they come back in the Spring. It's a poignant and potentially haunting atmosphere during Fall, but that's the way we like it and we know you will too!

For those of you staying with us at Bear Camp this coming October, we'd like to suggest those of you who want to indulge in this season and atmosphere make time to visit the Old Mill in nearby Pigeon Forge. This area is pretty much the prime Autumnal celebration center with a multitude of stores, eateries and the Patriot Park to provide old-timey Appalachian harvest bliss.

The Old Mill attractions include:

* The Old Mill General Store

* Pigeon River Pottery

* Farmhouse Kitchen

* The Old Mill Creamery

* The Old Mill Candy Kitchen

* Sassafras

* The Old Mill Restaurant

* The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Grill

* Hikey Mikey

And many more.

In addition, the Old Mill will be having the traditional Pigeon Forge Rotary Craft Fair in a huge tent in the parking lot of Patriot Park. This is a fun little activity that provides more outlets for local artists to display genuine Smoky Mountain crafts ranging from clothing and woodwork to paintings, Christmas decor and much more. There is also typically live music performers who play Smoky Mountain folk music inside the tent. Admission is by donation. The Rotary Craft Fair will go on from October 1st to the 29th.

Finally, the Old Mill and Patriot Park act as the central hub for the Pigeon Forge trolley system and can get you to Dollywood where they have their own big festival going on with arts, crafts, colors, and Southern Gospel music from September 30th to October 29th.

You can get to these locations and events and many others quite easily from our cabins at here at Bear Camp! We hope we get to see you during the big color change and we hope you get to see it too.