Calling all Cowboys and Cowgirls: Saddle Up in Pigeon Forge Returns in 2015

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.

If you are a true cowboy or cowgirl at heart, you should definitely make plans to attend Saddle Up in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! This yearly event offers a variety of cowboy-themed entertainment for adults and children of all ages. Bear Camp Cabin Rentals has put together a convenient guide with everything you need to know about this popular festival.

Saddle Up Dates and Location

The 15th annual Saddle Up is scheduled for Feb. 18-22 at five Pigeon Forge locations:

• The LeConte Center at 2986 Teaster Lane

• Clabough’s Campground at 405 Wears Valley Road

• Pottery House Café and Grille at 3341 Old Mill Street

• Stages West at 2765 Parkway

• Mama’s Farmhouse at 208 Pickel Street

Free Events at Saddle Up

Events will kick off on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 10 p.m., at the LeConte Center, with the Old Time Cowboy Songs symposium. Skip Gorman will entertain audience members with his fiddle, mandolin, and favorite cowboy songs.

Several other free events will also be offered throughout most days of this event. These include a swing fiddle class that invites participants to bring their own fiddle and learn some tunes from Paul Anastasio, and a dance class that encourages everyone to get on their feet and learn some western-style dancing.

The Tales and Tips From a Cowboy Cook symposium will showcase the cooking talents of Kent Rollins, and he will offer tips and tricks on grilling steak and chicken in cast iron cookware. A Saddle Up Sampler event is also scheduled on two separate days, which will feature a selection of excellent speakers.

For a full day of fun for the entire family, don’t miss the Buckaroo Roundup that is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Clabough’s Campground. There will be plenty of live entertainment, an open mic, and a large variety of cowboy-themed activities for everyone to enjoy.

Cowboy Church will end the festivities on Sunday, Feb. 22, beginning at 10:30 a.m., at Stages West. Free shuttle bus service will be provided to this event from the LeConte Center.

Paid Events at Saddle Up

Several evening dinner concerts are planned with different performers on each night, including Kent Rollins, Jean and Gary Prescott, Brenn Hill, Andy Nelson, and Wylie and the Wild West. Steak dinners will be served at each performance. Other scheduled concerts will also showcase the talents of Skip Gorman, Baxter Black, Wylie Gustafson and T. Scot Wilburn, and the Shut Up –N- Playboys.

Other activities include the opportunity to meet several Saddle Up artists, an authentic cowboy-style breakfast, cowboy stories, cowboy dance, and an exciting cook-off event with lunch.

To buy tickets and see a complete list of events, visit the official Saddle Up website:https://www.etouches.com/ehome/105813/235018/

Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge Near Saddle Up

At Bear Camp Cabins, we can provide you with a wonderful place to stay while you enjoy every day of Saddle Up in Pigeon Forge. Our cabins offer exceptional views of the Great Smoky Mountains, fully-equipped kitchen, hot tubs, pool tables, air hockey tables, internet access, fireplaces, big-screen televisions with DVD players, and so much more. We have an expansive collection of cabins in Pigeon Forge to choose from, so please just let us know if you would like a cozy cabin built for two or a large cabin that can accommodate the entire family. Give us a call today, and our friendly staff will be happy to help you select the best cabin for your needs!