LeConte Center 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.

Cabins in Pigeon Forge, a perfect lodging solution for folks attending events and conventions at the LeConte Center

Americans seek connection through events and conventions. However this leaves us with the age old question, stay in the same hotel as the group or find my own slice of peace and quiet. Face it we all need our own space, as a visitor to the area you may want to consider looking at cabins in Pigeon Forge as a lodging choice.

As strange as it is to say, for the longest time the city of Pigeon Forge did not have an official, full scale convention and meeting center. Many civic and private events used to be held throughout the city at Music Road Hotel, Smoky Mountain Convention Center, the former Grand Hotel Convention Center and other places around the area. Good facilities at the time, but with growth came new needs to accommodate for size and have a centralized place for activities as visitors tended to get lost finding them. 

This all changed in 2013 with the grand opening of LeConte Center in downtown Pigeon Forge between the parkway and Teaster Lane. While the aforementioned convention centers are still open and taking special events, many of the big ones and civil celebrations now take place at LeConte Center as a way to continue bridging gaps between major city squares in the city.

The LeConte Center is located at the end of the huge parking lot for The Island and has walkway access to Patriot Park and The Old Mill right next to the gorgeous Little Pigeon River.

And, of course, you can count on the Trolley service to pick you up to and from there as well.

The facility itself is an enormous, well-designed 232,000 square foot building complex (it's even been awarded the Reader's Choice award, the Rising Destination for Meetings Award and others). It was designed for events of all kinds - concerts, conventions, private meetings, exhibitions, dinners and much more. The main hall seating is equipped to hold an astounding 12,000 people at least with electric and communication service drops coming from the ceiling above, allowing versatile floor plan changes. There is free Wi-Fi internet throughout the complex for visitors and event facilitators alike as well as an 8-bay registration area for attendees. All technology used inside the complex is state-of-the-art and designed to meet the utmost professional needs for the highest grade public gatherings and there is only 1 event allowed at a time so that events don't get criss-crossed or confusing - they remain focused.

To say the LeConte Center is a major advance for special events in the city is still underselling it. The city of Pigeon Forge really put their best work into this convention center and it shows with the hundreds of successful events pulled off so far. The staff is fully trained with the best customer/coordinator service skills available and visitors to the conference center get to enjoy copious amounts of convenience - almost everything you'd want to see, do or eat in Pigeon Forge is just 5-10 minutes away (traffic permitting) and there are over 1,500 parking spaces provided for the convention center use (as well as The Island) - no charge.

Upcoming events include:

 

Groove Dance Nationals

March 11th to March 12th, 2017

 

Shabbach Youth Conference

March 17th to March 19th, 2017

 

Pentecostal Fire Youth Conference

March 30th to March 31st, 2017

 

Smokey Mountain Blast Volleyball

April 1st to April 2nd, 2017

 

Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run

April 6th to April 8th, 2017

 

Southeast Alliance Volleyball Championships

April 22nd to April 23rd, 2017

 

Women of Joy

April 28th to April 30th, 2017

 

Patriot Volleyball Classic

May 20th to May 21st, 2017

 

Bullseye Preparedness & Outdoors Expo

June 10th to June 11, 2017