Annual Wilderness Wildlife Event in Pigeon Forge Bigger Than Ever

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.

Nature lovers won’t want to miss the annual Wilderness Wildlife Week event in Pigeon Forge. This year’s festival is bigger than ever and will include lectures, workshops, exhibits, guided hikes and exclusive one-on-ones. This year’s event runs a full week, so Bear Camp Cabins invites visitors to reserve one of our Pigeon Forge cabins to be near all of the excitement.

This year, Wilderness Wildlife Week will be held at the brand new LeConte Center, a $45 million, 232,000 foot facility centrally located in the city. This is the 24th consecutive year for the event in Pigeon Forge, and it’s planned to be bigger than ever. Running January 25 to February 1, theKnoxville Daily Sun reported there will be more than 320 indoor programs and 55 hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also included will be guided tours of the National Park.

Education and entertainment were the driving ideas behind this event in the Great Smoky Mountains. This year’s program will have more than 200 experts on hand to lead the activities and offer educational sessions. Programs topics offered will range from photography improvements to mountain trout and fly-fishing. There will something for every age, and guests are welcome to attend as much of the program as they’d like.

Whether you want to attend one session or the entire event in Pigeon Forge, Bear Camp’s cabins will be a relaxing and restful place to stay while in the Smokies. We have many options located near the LeConte Center, so be sure to check out our Pigeon Forge cabins for a memorable mountain vacation.