Dolly Parton's Stampede

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.

Dolly Parton's Stampede in Pigeon Forge, formerly known as The Dixie Stampede, is an entertaining extravaganza that combines music, fast paced rodeo-style entertainment and a delicious dinner. Bluegrass musicians begin the festivities by entertaining the gathering crowd in a non-alcoholic popcorn-serving saloon. Next the audience moves into a 35,000 square foot arena equipped with dining tables where they will be served a full four-course meal while watching the extravagant rodeo-style stage show.

The Dixie Stampede serves up plenty of family fun during the meal by featuring thirty-two champion horses and their riders, plus a cast of other performers. Dinner guests will see trick riding, roman riding, jumping, a liberty act, chuck wagon maneuvers, buckboard racing and pig and ostrich races involving individuals from the audience. Interspersed with the horsemanship are games, songs, and sidesplitting comedy.

The Smoky Mountain crowd plays a game at the Dixie Stampede. One of them is a special race among small children chosen from the audience. The crowd roars with laughter as they watch the little tikes chase a flock of chickens across the arena. Medals are awarded to the small proud winners whose chickens crossed the finish line first. Identical medals are awarded the other participants with the counsel that everyone is a winner at the Dixie Stampede. Another favorite is a game that involves a few members of the audience who think they are to barrel race champion horses but instead must settle to race stick horses.

The bulk of the Dixie Stampede games actually involve the entire audience. The audience is divided into two teams representing the Yankees and Confederates of the Civil War. The object of the game is to decide once and for all whether the north or south is best—all in good fun of course! Each game is played with a Smoky Mountain flair and is mixed together with plenty of glitzy Dolly-like showmanship. The finale is a grand number intended to make each person proud to be an American.

The Dixie Stampede has a set menu, but a delicious one. The meal is worthy of the grand show it accompanies and the Smoky Mountain culture it reflects. The Dixie Stampede’s meal consists of a whole rotisserie chicken, a hickory smoked pork chop, creamy vegetable soup, a homemade biscuit, hot-buttered corn on the cob, herb-basted potato, a flaky apple pie and an assortment of beverages. All food at the Dixie Stampede is considered finger food and so a lack of silverware is part of the Smoky Mountain fun.

Web: Dixie Stampede
Address: 3849 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Phone: (865) 453-4400