Things To Do During Thanksgiving

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.

Welcome to Thanksgiving in the Smoky Mountains! We're right smack dab in the middle of the holiday Winterfest season and you can expect we have a lot of things to enjoy for families venturing out to have their reunions and Thanksgiving breaks with us.

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas continues on through the end of December and will most definitely be open for the Thanksgiving weekend. Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas turns the entire amusement park into a winter wonderland. Millions of lights will adorn the park to offset the crisp night sky, parades will march through the streets, Santa's Workshop will come up, carolers will sing up and down mainstreet and all the theater shows will accommodate the season.

Christmas in Dixie Stampede

Dolly Parton's other well-known entertainment property in the Smokies will also be ready and waiting to offer Winterfest goodness. There will be a live nativity scene featuring camels and ascending angels, a big feast served to you by rival elves from the North and South poles (yes, really) and the whole experience will be unlike anything else you've likely seen in dinner and show entertainment.

Fireworks on Thanksgiving at the Titanic

On November 24th, the Titanic Museum on the parkway in Pigeon Forge will explode the sky with lights as a tribute to the 2,208 passengers who died on the fateful voyage. There will also be a "steampunk" parade. The event begins at 7:00PM.

Tree Lighting at The Island

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Festival of Trees and the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show

Get two iconic Thanksgiving events under one roof with the W.L. Mills Auditorium. The Festival of Trees takes place up top and is a charity event to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Gatlinburg where visitors can see some wonderful, creative and wonderfully creative trees donated by businesses and clubs throughout the city. You can also have your picture taken with Santa Claus and enjoy other fun going on.

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Lots of great stuff going on and all of it within easy distance from our cabins at Bear Camp Cabins. We hope we get to see you and serve you for Thanksgiving!