Smoky Mountains: 3 Ways to Spend New Year's Eve in the Smoky Mountains

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.

There is no better place to ring in 2015 than East Tennessee! With so much going on in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, it can be hard to decide what to do on the big night. To help you make the most of your time in the area, we have put together three great options for spending New Year’s Eve in the Smoky Mountains:

(See Also: Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort Opens for the Season)

1. The Gatlinburg Ball Drop and Fireworks Show

Celebrate New Year’s by attending the 27th Annual Ball Drop and Fireworks Show in Gatlinburg! This exciting event will take place around the 400 foot Gatlinburg Space Needle, located at the intersection of Historic Nature Trail and the Parkway, where the ball drop will count down the final moments of 2014. At midnight, the sky will erupt with a beautiful fireworks display launched from the top of the Space Needle. The fireworks are choreographed with special music, and the Space Needle’s rhythmic LED lights add to the stunning celebration.

There are plenty of restaurants and attractions situated within walking distance of the Space Needle, making it the perfect area to spend New Year’s Eve. Many of the local restaurants and businesses are featuring celebration specials, so it’s easy to spend the whole night in downtown Gatlinburg. For more information about the city’s New Year’s festivities, contact the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-588-1817.

2. The Island’s New Year’s Eve Party in Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge will host their 2nd Annual New Year’s Eve Party, which is scheduled to feature live entertainment from Joe the Show, Fairview Union, and The Live Rock N Roll Theater. In addition, there will be a variety of children’s activities, a countdown to midnight, and a fireworks display!

The music starts at 6 p.m., while the New Year’s Eve party runs from 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission to the party is completely free. The Island in Pigeon Forge is located at 131 Island Drive, just off the Pigeon Forge Parkway. Come out early on New Year’s Eve to visit the many stores, restaurants, and attractions that the entire family will enjoy. The Island in Pigeon Forge features over 60 retail shops, a tempting selection of popular restaurants and eateries, and attractions such as the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a towering 200 foot tall Ferris wheel!

3. A Celebration in Your Smoky Mountain Cabin

Whether celebrating New Year’s Eve in the Smoky Mountains as a couple or with the entire family, you can’t go wrong spending the big night in a cabin. The vacation rentals at Bear Camp have everything you need to welcome in 2015!

Book a one bedroom cabin in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge with that special someone and enjoy a romantic New Year’s Eve with a candlelight dinner and a soak in one of our heart shaped Jacuzzi tubs. Families and groups can party the night away in style at one of Bear Camp’s 2 to 5 bedroom cabins, many of which feature hot tubs, fireplaces, game rooms and big screen televisions. Bear Camp Cabin Rentals even has pet friendly cabins so you can bring your four legged friend to the celebration. Regardless of your choice, our cabins each feature fully equipped kitchens so that you can cook up plenty of snacks as you prepare welcome 2015.

We look forward to celebrating New Year’s Eve with you in the Great Smoky Mountains! To make your plans with us, visit the Bear Camp Cabins Contact page or give our vacation specialists a call today.