Top Reasons To Stay at Bear Camp Cabins Between August 15th-31st

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.

All things good and bad must come to an end... and by the time the last half of the last functionally summer month of the year comes around, a collective melancholy for the vacation/party season hangs over us as we have to get back home, back to school and back to the routine.

Of course, this feeling is completely irrational - summer will be back next year and, heck, this one's not even over yet! Bear Camp Cabins would like to remind you that the late August blues don't have to completely take over the tail end of the season, you can get wonderful Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg cabin rentals (as well as those in Sevierville and Wears Valley) any time of the year. Those of you who weren't able to come out to the Smokies in June or July may find this time perfect for one last hurrah before giving in to Autumn!

Let's look at some advantages to choosing the last two weeks of August for a Bear Camp Cabin getaway in the Smokies:

1. Lower Traffic.

Naturally, since many families with school-age children need to be getting their minds back on focusing for studies, we're going to see a significant drop in tourism for this period. We love our visitors, but we don't always love spending 20 minutes to drive two miles on the Pigeon Forge parkway in 90+ degree weather. Less people means less cars. Less cars means less traffic. Less traffic means easier transport to and from our Gatlinburg cabin rentals (which are particularly crucial here considering how many of them require mountain passage to get to) and less gas spent. It's worth coming to the Smokies between the 15th and the 31st for that alone.

2. Cheaper Accommodations Rates.

This one personally refers to us as we typically offer lower rates for our cabins during this time of the year. In the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the next "peak" season after summer literally refers to the peaks of the mountains during the Autumn bloom - you know, the color change. The next major tourism season doesn't start until October and everyone on both sides of the equation will be gearing up for it.

In that meantime, the latter half of August is a short period "slow" season where we like to offer visitors lower rates on our wonderful cabin selection to match the laws of supply and demand. You get the same awesome quality amenities and service from us as you would in peak season for less. A "slow" season in Summer? Take advantage of it!

3. Smaller Crowds.

Again, we love our visitors, but not everyone can handle large crowds and large waiting lines in 90 degree temperatures for too long. Those of you who didn't get to see Dollywood, Wonderworks, Ober Gatlinburg, The Island, Splash Country, Ripley's Aquarium or any of the other high traffic amusements will find the lines easier to accommodate throughout the county.

And guess what - we offer attraction tickets and opportunities for many of these items with our "Keys To Bearadise" program that you can see here. It's definitely worth checking out!

4. Clearance Sales

Naturally, retailers will have quite a bit of stock left over from ordering for the big summer tourism season and that means potentially big savings. What makes this common sense item newsworthy is that the Tennessee Smokies have thousands of stores featuring pretty much everything you want under the sun and much of them will have clearance opportunity - and that doesn't even factor in the "Back To School" savings.

Just imagine what you could clean up with:
* Summer dresses and ensembles.
* Men's clothing.
* Casual and formal shoes.
* Designer handbags.
* Hiking and camping supplies.
* Grills and grilling supplies.
* Outdoor furniture.
* Indoor furniture.
* Books.
* Smoky Mountain souvenirs.
* Games and magic accessories.
* Southern cooking supplies.
* Vintage/man cave decorations.
* Smoky Mountain artwork.
* Arts and crafts.

And much more!

5. Special Events.

Yes sir, we even still hold special events in the Smokies for those who come to visit! One thing to note particularly is that Pigeon Forge has the entire month of August dedicated to an event called "Celebrate Freedom", and Celebrate Freedom is a near city-wide variety of discounts on attractions, entertainment and dining for members of the military as well as emergency services. All you have to do is show military ID and you could receive 10%-40% or more off your cost. The list of participants is too long to put here, but we'll refer you to their page (hyperlink to My Pigeon Forge.com where you can see them for yourself.

And there's still more! Let's look:

Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival - August 24th-28th.
"The sounds of some of the biggest hits in country, gospel and bluegrass music will resonate through the streets of Gatlinburg when Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival comes to townAugust 24 through August 28. The festival will feature over 130 acts of songwriters and musicians who have shaped the top Billboard charts for generations as well as those just getting started in the music industry."

Con Hunley and Janie Fricke in Concert - August 26th.
"Two of country music’s finest performers on stage. With numerous hits for both, you won’t want to miss this great show. Tickets can be purchased for $35.00 + tax and the show starts at 8 p.m.Don't miss it!"

Welcome Home Veterans Parade - August 27th.
"Join us in Pigeon Forge as we salute America’s military veterans at The Veterans Homecoming Parade on Saturday, August 27th at 9:00 a.m. The Veterans Homecoming Parade will travel northbound on the Parkway beginning at traffic light #8 (Dollywood Lane) and ending at traffic light #5 (Jake Thomas Road)."

So much opportunity, so little time! Make the best of summer in the Smokies with Bear Camp Cabins while you can and take these advantages with you when you come. We look forward to seeing you!