Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run

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.
Make no mistake, the Pigeon Forge Rod Runs are quite possibly the biggest car shows in the nation and for good reason. Even if you only have a passing interest in hot rods, classic cars or the really cool things people can do to customize their vehicles, the Rod Run has a lot to offer. The Rod Runs effectively serve as city-wide parties as the sidewalks and parking lots fill to the brim with amateur and professional car customizers alike with cars for display, cars for sale, merchandise, music and other fun stuff that almost everyone participating can enjoy. Naturally, this means a LOT more traffic in town and thusly the Rod Runs tend to have strongly divided opinions for locals and other visitors alike, but the strength of the Rod Runs is such that even those who detest this time of year (and the Runs in September) can appreciate the awesome work the customizers bring to town and let it give them a worthy distraction from everyday business if they allow it. If you know the backroads and plan accordingly, the Rod Runs can all fun and minimal hassle!
The Spring Rod Run truly takes place, however, at our famous LeConte Conference Center between Teaster Lane and the main parkway (near and connected to the huge parking for The Island). There, many of the customizers will be competing for prizes. There is an $8,000 cash giveaway for the grand prize winner as well as Top 25 Awards, Ultimate 5 Awards, door prizes and more. As usual, there will also be a huge swap meet with lots of things for enthusiasts and casual fans alike to be interested in. Special guests for this year include Scottie D (from the popular Youtube channel Scottie DTV) and his 12 handpicked cars along with Stacey David from the show GearZ. Scottie D will be in attendance for all three days while Stacey David will be attending for Thursday and Friday.

* Danny's Rod Shop
* Ausley's Chevelle
* Camaro Central
* Asaperformance
* Tennessee Moonshine
But no matter how you want to approach the Rod Run (either to fully embrace it, stay far away from it or somewhere in between), you'll want a Bear Camp Cabins cabin to call home while staying in the Smokies for that weekend. Not only will all the hotels around the event be fully occupied by then, but how are you going to get any sleep being dead center in the midst of loud, roaring engines, partying and music all hours of the night? You deserve luxury amenities with solitude after a long day walking and talking amongst the hot rods and Bear Camp Cabins has exactly what you need to complete your vacation.