Latest news with #GreatSmokyMountains
Condé Nast Traveler
3 hours ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
Where to Stay Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
To begin to understand the breadth and beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you must first look at it by the numbers: 522,427 acres, 16 peaks over 6,000 feet in elevation, 848 miles of hiking trails, and nearly 23,000 different species living among the creeks, mountains, and wildflower-filled valleys. According to the National Park Service, over 12 million people venture to this part of North Carolina and Tennessee each year, making it one of the most-visited national parks in the US. The quantitative view, however, only provides the initial context for this sprawling, incredibly biodiverse region. To truly wrap your head around the wonder and wildness of the Smokies, you have to experience it for yourself. Watch the namesake fog settle over the mountains in the early morning. Stumble upon a sky-high waterfall or two. Finally snag a rainbow trout after hours of wading through a cool mountain stream. Whether it's your first time exploring the park or you're planning a return trip, you have options for where to set up your base camp. The historic LeConte Lodge is the only lodging within the park's boundaries—and reservations for the following year are quickly snatched up when the booking window opens in the fall—but there are plenty of memorable hotels, unique glampsites, and rentals to choose from in and around the park's gateway towns. Read on to discover 11 of the best places to stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Flooding and rock slides close heavily damaged I-40 section in Smoky Mountains
HARTFORD, Tenn. (AP) — Heavy rain, flooding and a rock slide have again closed a section of the major cross country highway Interstate 40 along its narrow corridor through the Great Smoky Mountains with engineers expecting the road closed for at least two weeks. The slide and flood happened Wednesday afternoon around mile marker 450 in Tennessee, just to the west of the state line with North Carolina, the Tennessee Department of Transportation said on social media. Engineers have found significant damage on both the highway and nearby ramps which was more extensive than originally thought, Republican Tennessee Rep. Jeremy Faison said on social media. 'Several areas remain under water, and there are potentially compromised slopes. Geotechnical engineers are on-site today to assess the stability of those slopes,' wrote Faison, who represents the area. Tennessee transportation officials estimate it will take at least two weeks to drain the water, make sure the slopes are safe and repair the highway. The damaged section is part of 12 miles (19 kilometers) of I-40 in North Carolina and Tennessee that was washed away or heavily damaged by flooding that roared through the Pigeon River gorge during Hurricane Helene in late September. Crews repaired and shored up enough of the old highway to open one narrow lane in each direction in March. The lanes are separated by a curb several inches high that had to be removed to let vehicles stuck by the flooding and rockslide to turn around and go the other way. About 2.5 to 3.5 inches (63 mm to 89 mm) of rain fell in the area over about three hours, according to the National Weather Service. The permanent fix to stabilize what's left of the road will involve driving long steel rods into bedrock below the road, filling them with grout and spraying concrete on the cliff face to hold them in place. It will take years. I-40 runs from Wilmington. North Carolina to Barstow, California, and any detour around the Great Smoky Mountain section is dozens of miles. Trucks have gotten stuck on twisty narrow mountain roads and are banned on another major highway through the area U.S. 441 through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The official detour takes drivers heading east on I-40 up Interstate 26 at Asheville, North Carolina, to Johnson City, Tennessee, and then south down Interstate 81 back to I-40.
The Independent
14 hours ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Smoky Mountains I-40 corridor may be closed for weeks following flooding and rock slides
A major Tennessee interstate that runs through the Great Smoky Mountains may be closed for weeks following flooding and rock slides. It will take around two weeks to clean up and repair the damage left on the I-40 near the Tennessee and North Carolina border Wednesday, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. A series of four rockslides and flooding brought rocks, trees and muddy water. No deaths or serious injuries were reported, but cars and trucks were left stuck in the debris-filled water. As of Thursday, only an 18-wheeler was left on the I-40, the Sentinel reported. Tennessee state Representative Jeremy Faison wrote on X Thursday morning, 'The damage is more extensive than @myTDOT initially anticipated. Significant impacts have been identified on both the interstate and the ramps. As of this morning, several areas remain under water, and there are potentially compromised slopes. Geotechnical engineers are on-site today to assess the stability of those slopes.' Will Reid, chief engineer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, said at a Thursday press conference that it will cost an estimated $500,000 to clean up and repair the road, per the Sentinel. The damaged road is part of 12 miles of I-40 that was wrecked by flooding as Hurricane Helene ripped through North Carolina and Tennessee last September, The Associated Press reported. "We're still in trauma,' Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis said at Thursday's press conference, adding that Tennesseans' 'ears are still ringing from eight months ago.' Crews are still fixing the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which will continue alongside the rockslide cleanup, the Sentinel reports. "When that first call went out, immediately it was like, 'Oh no, not again.' But then, within a half a second later of that it was, 'OK, let's do this.' And that's what we do. Whatever the challenge is, we're going to face it together, head on. And we're going to overcome it,' Mathis said.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Climate
- Associated Press
Flooding and rock slides close heavily damaged I-40 section in Smoky Mountains
HARTFORD, Tenn. (AP) — Heavy rain, flooding and a rock slide have again closed a section of the major cross country highway Interstate 40 along its narrow corridor through the Great Smoky Mountains. The slide and flood happened Wednesday afternoon around mile marker 450 in Tennessee, just to the west of the state line with North Carolina, the Tennessee Department of Transportation said on social media. Crews continued to work Thursday to get the water and rock off the highway and had not released when they think the road could be reopened, the DOT said. The flooded section is part of 12 miles (19 kilometers) of I-40 in North Carolina and Tennessee that was washed away or heavily damaged by flooding that roared through the Pigeon River gorge during Hurricane Helene in late September. Crews repaired and shored up enough of the old highway to open one narrow lane in each direction in March. The lanes are separated by a curb several inches high that had to be removed to let vehicles stuck by the flooding and rockslide to turn around and go the other way. About 2.5 to 3.5 inches (63 mm to 89 mm) of rain fell in the area over about three hours, according to the National Weather Service. The permanent fix to stabilize what's left of the road will involve driving long steel rods into bedrock below the road, filling them with grout and spraying concrete on the cliff face to hold them in place. It will take years. I-40 runs from Wilmington. North Carolina to Barstow, California, and any detour around the Great Smoky Mountain section is dozens of miles. Trucks have gotten stuck on twisty narrow mountain roads and are banned on another major highway through the area U.S. 441 through Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grown-up fun in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg: Moonshine tasting, thrill rides, poolside cocktails
Who says the Smokies are just for the kids? Grown folks can have just as much fun and get their adrenaline fix in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. From moonshine tastings to mountainside ziplining, there's no shortage of things to do that don't involve chasing toddlers or standing in line for the kiddie rides. Whether you want to soak up the scenery on a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, scream your way down a water slide or ride a mountain coaster, there are plenty of ways for adults to play, too. Here are some fun ideas for adults looking to eat, sip, shop and thrill their way through the Smokies. The new Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster will have your adrenaline pumping like no other mountain coaster, according to the website. The attraction opens June 20 and is the only mountain coaster in the United States with side-by-side tracks, letting you compete as you zoom down the mountainside. Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is the first alpine mountain coaster in the world with four uplifts, according to its website. The ride features Smoky Mountains views, 360-degree turns and several tunnels. With over a mile of track, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is the longest downhill ride in the United States, according to the website. The Goat Coaster at Goats on the Roof goes through the East Tennessee hills. Keep a lookout for the goats on the property as you go down. You can also feel the mountain breeze through twists and turns on Ripley's Mountain Coaster and Moonshine Mountain Coaster. At each coaster, riders can control the speed of the vehicles, which can reach up to around 30 miles per hour. Vehicles can seat up to two people. The prices range from $15 to $18. Addresses: Goats on the Roof | 1341 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge Moonshine Mountain Coaster | 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg Ripley's Mountain Coaster | 386 Parkway, Gatlinburg Rocky Top Mountain Coaster | 2940 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster | 867 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster | 115 Conner Heights Road, Pigeon Forge There are several dinner shows in Pigeon Forge. Many are part of the Dollywood Company and offer the chance to enjoy a multi-course feast while being entertained by horses, acrobats or pirates. Alcohol is available before the shows start. This year, Pirates Voyage introduced a new 'South Pacific Celebration' act. Searching for treasure, the pirates meet a group of native Polynesian islanders who welcome them with drums, songs, vibrant costumes and even fire. Stampede is celebrating its 38th season with majestic horses and experienced equestrians, music and storytelling, comedy, colorful butterflies, acrobatics and a four-course meal. The show also features special effects and a new take on a classic Dolly Parton songs. At the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud, watch the longest-running family feud unfold with singing, dancing and fighting cousins. And be prepared; if you sit in the front row, you might get splashed amid the chaos! The two-hour show at the Comedy Barn Theater features comedians, jugglers, ventriloquists, live music and more. Neither a full course meal nor alcohol is available at this show, but you can pick up an array of snacks at the concession stand. More information about each show is available at Address: Comedy Barn | 2775 Parkway, Pigeon Forge Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud | 119 Music Road, Pigeon Forge Pirates Voyage | 2713 Parkway, Pigeon Forge Stampede | 3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge Beat the heat at a water park like Dollywood's Splash Country or Soaky Mountain. Both have thrilling water rides, refreshing pools and live music. Rafter's Rage opened in May at Soaky Mountain. The six-person ride starts roughly eight stories in the air, spans 825 feet and sends riders zooming down the slide at speeds of 19 mph. Or you could just spend your water park day relaxing poolside in a cabana or underneath a canopy. Cabanas at Soaky Mountain can be rented as low as $50, but price depends on the day of the week. Cabana prices are higher on Fridays and the weekends. Canopies at Splash Country start at $80. Tickets: $55 (Splash Country); $53 (Soaky Mountain) Address: Splash Country | 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge Soaky Mountain | 175 Gists Creek Road Sevierville Hikers should explore the trails within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park has over 150 official trails. Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald, Chimney Tops, Charlies Bunion and Rainbow Falls are a few of the especially popular trails, according to National Park Service. Soak in the hot tub, relax in pool and have a few cocktails at the Paloma Swim Club at the Wayback hotel, one of the best hotels in the world. The pool club is open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, and - in keeping with the hotel's retro 1970s theme - there's a disco pool party 5-9 p.m. every Saturday until Aug. 9. Entry to the pool party is $25, but free for overnight hotel guests. The Spicy Pomegranate Paloma and Mexican Mule are a couple of the cocktails on the menu. It's 5 o'clock somewhere! Escape to the islands at Margaritaville resort, where you can raise a glass and take a bite. The tropical-themed bar and restaurant is inspired by the philosophy of musician Jimmy Buffett. The Pigeon Forge location has multiple bars and dining spaces, a concert stage for live music, a large deck the overlooks Little Pigeon River and an oversized fire pit. Hours: Margaritaville | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday Address: Margaritaville | 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge Wayback Hotel | 2760 Parkway, Pigeon Forge The newest ride won't be open until at least 2026, but there's much fun to be had at Dollywood. The theme park is one of the most popular attractions in East Tennessee and the world. Big Bear Mountain opened in 2023 and is the longest coaster at theme park. With speeds up to 48 mph, it takes riders through hills, turns, tunnels and even waterfalls. Other fast coasters there include Lightning Rod, Tennessee Tornado and Thunderhead. Tickets: $92 for adults and $82 for children and seniors Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge There's an island in Pigeon Forge you can escape to! The Island, an entertainment shopping destination, has over 80 shops, restaurants and attractions including escape rooms, a seven-dimension adventure game and an arcade. There are boozy stops, too, including Margaritaville and Ole Smoky Distillery. The Mountain Mile and Tower Shops is a unique shopping and dining experience in Pigeon Forge that embraces the outdoors. You can relax or find a playful activity on the event lawn in front of the shops to enjoy. Or find your way to the tall towers to drop, launch or swing 200 feet in the air if you dare. Tanger Outlet in nearby Sevierville has major retail stores including Adidas, Coach, Crocs, Gap, Kate Spade New York, Lululemon, Nike Factory Store, Polo by Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Torrid and many more. If you're looking for more southern hospitality, Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge might be the shopping spot for you. There are specialty shops full of authentic or handcrafted Appalachian flavors, pottery, souvenirs and other items. Address: The Island | 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge Mountain Mile and Tower Shops | 2655 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge Old Mill Square | 175 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge Tanger Outlet | 1645 Parkway, Suite 960, Sevierville Sugarlands Distilling Company is one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg and is a top-rated distillery experience worldwide, according to TripAdvisor. The distillery produces award-winning moonshine, rum, cream liqueurs, rye whiskey and vodka. Moonshine tastings are $5 person with 12 flavors. Flavors are changed daily. Other top distilleries and wineries to check out include Ole Smoky Distillery, and Junction 35 Spirits, both having tastings starting at $5 per person. Tennessee Homemade Wines has free tastings of its southern sweet wines, and Tennessee Shine Company has free moonshine and wine tastings, too. Address: Junction 35 Spirits | 2655 Teaster Lane, Suite 280, Pigeon Forge; 1645 Parkway, Suite 685, Sevierville Ole Smoky Distillery | 903 Parkway, Suite 128, Gatlinburg; 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge; 650 Parkway, Gatlinburg Sugarlands Distillery | 805 Parkway, Gatlinburg Tennessee Homemade Wines | 1645 Parkway, Suite 950, Sevierville; 643 Parkway, Gatlinburg Tennessee Shine Company | 3435 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge; 519 Parkway, Gatlinburg; 1424 Winfield Dunn Parkway, Sevierville; 3303 Wears Valley Road, Sevierville Board the Titanic and experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the famous luxury liner. The museum has over 400 artifacts and items from the ship and its passengers worth more than $4.5 million. The newest items include a pocket watch found on the body of Isidor Straus after the sinking, along with the only letter his wife, Ida, sent from the Titanic. There's also an exhibit dedicated to the 1997 movie 'Titanic' that features the iconic wood panel that characters Rose and Jack clung to at the end of the film. Many of the Titanic exhibits are interactive, including shoveling coal in the boiler room, experiencing the sloping decks as the ship sank and reaching into 28-degree water. Tickets: $39.99. It is recommended to reserve tickets and a time at Address: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge Embrace your wild side and hop on the longest continuous zipline in the country! MegaZip at WildSide, a mountain bike and UTV park in Pigeon Forge, is over a mile long and has descension of nearly 1,100 feet. The exhilarating adventure offers a truly unique way to take in the Smoky Mountain views. Smoky Mountain Ziplines has seven zipline canopy tours that allow you to zip from one position to another, all while being under forest canopies. Other ziplining opportunities in the area include CLIMB Works (Gatlinburg), Legacy Mountain Ziplines (Sevierville) and Wahoo Ziplines (Sevierville). Prices: $70-$110 Address: CLIMB Works | 155 Branam Hollow Road, Gatlinburg Legacy Mountain Ziplines | 800 Legacy Vista Drive, Sevierville MegaZip at WildSide | 1099 Laurel Lick Road. Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountain Ziplines | 509 Mill Creek Road, Pigeon Forge Wahoo Ziplines | 605 Stockton Drive, Sevierville Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for adults this summer
