Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament

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.

Thinking about a Gatlinburg Cabin vacation?


What are the greatest things to do in the mountains that really connect someone to the core of Appalachian culture?

 

  1. Hike the trails of the Smokies.

  2. Ride horses through the countryside of the valleys.

  3. Fish the rivers and lakes in Sevier County.


 

That last one is particularly important as fishing is the most universally enjoyable for visitors who come to the Smokies - everyone around the world knows the importance of fishing to the nature and history of humanity and it's the most relaxing way to get in touch with nature as the activity allows a wider age-range of people to participate. The Smoky Mountains have a lot of fishing opportunities within city limits: the Great Smoky Mountain National Park's rivers and lakes, Dandridge and Douglas Lake and our favorite fishing tournament - the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament coming up on April 1st and April 2nd.

Rocky Top Outfitter hosts this semi-annual tournament each Spring and Autumn and invites everyone from children to adult and local to visitor to participate. From their website:

"Don't miss out on the fun and excitement of the 19th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament! Fun for all - adults, children, tourists and locals. Over 10,000 trout will be stocked in over 20 miles of streams prior to this 2-day event! Over $10,000 in cash & prizes! Don't miss out on your chance to be a part of the largest trout tournament in the Smokies!"

The Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is held throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Thousands of fish will be released into the streams and rivers beforehand to give participants a good chance to catch a winner. For the Spring Tournament, the prizes include:

Trout Fishing Gatlinburg* $500 for largest trout

* $500 for smallest trout

* Gift Certificates

* Trophies

* Fishing Equipment

* Hotel / Motel Accommodations

* Amusement Passes

* Much, much more!

 

Fishing times are 30 minutes before sunrise until 4:00PM on April 1st and 30 minutes before sunrise until 2:00PM on April 2nd. You must have a valid fishing license to enter and there is a participation fee. You can register online through Rockytopoutfitter.com, by calling 865-661-3474 or by registering in person at Gatlinburg's Winery Square at the Smoky Mountain Angler store.

 

Rules and additional information (from the Rocky Top website) include:

* Single hook only; 1 hand-held rod; five (5) fish limit.

* NO fishing on Friday before the event.

* Rainbow Trout only will be weighed.

* Smallest trout must be 7 inches; no dry fish will be weighed.

* Participants may not fish with individuals not entered in the tournament.

* All trout must be at weigh-in located at Patriot Park, Pigeon Forge, traffic light #7 by 4 p.m. on Saturday & 2 p.m. on Sunday.

* Tournament hours: 30 minutes before sunrise - 4:00 p.m. Saturday and 30 minutes before sunrise - 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

* Winners will be determined by total weight of the 2-day tournament.

* All Gatlinburg and state regulations will be observed.

* All participants will be subject to a polygraph test.

* Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament officials reserve the right to disqualify any participant.

* Participants must be present at weigh-ins to win.

* Drawings for prizes will be held at each weigh-in.

* Register for the Trout Tournament at Rocky Top Outfitters via our Online Registration Form, by phone,  or in person @ Smoky Mtn Angler Gatlinburg. (469 Brookside Village Way Gatlinburg, TN 37738 In Winery Square)

* Late registration: Register Friday (cash only) 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. in person @ Riverside Motor Lodge in Pigeon Forge. (3575 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863)

* Tournament Waters: West Prong Little Pigeon River from the National Park boundary in Gatlinburg, downstream to the Sevierville City Park bridge and it's tributaries. (Roaring Fork, LeConte Creek, and Dudley Creek).

 

So if you're coming to the Smokies on April Fool's weekend, bring some rods and bait with you and you could win some awesome prizes just for enjoying one of the best things to do in the Smokies!

 

Explore More Articles


Image for Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts
Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts

Welcome to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The largest group of independent artisans in North America. This historic 8-mile loop has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail.

Featured Cabins