Winter can be the best time for enjoying waterfalls. Waterfall flows are higher because of greater amounts of snow and rainfall.  In addition, there is less uptake by forest plants.  Waterfall views and opportunities for photography also improve after the trees have dropped their leaves.

Here are some of our favorite waterfall hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

1.  Laurel Falls. Take a 2.5 mile round trip hike on the Laurel Falls Trail.  The trail is paved all the way to the falls.  The trailhead is 3.9 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center on Little River Road.

2.  Hen Wallow Falls. Take a 4.5 mile round trip hike o the Gabes Mountain Trail which begins near the entrance to the Cosby Campground.

3.  Waterfalls Loop. Take a 2.4 mile round trip hike starting from the parking area at the end of Deep Creek Road, beyond the Deep Creek Campground.

4.  Rainbow Falls. This 5.5 mile round trip hike starts from the Rainbow Falls parking area on Cherokee Orchard Road in downtown Gatlinburg, TN.

The only waterfall visible from the road in winter is Meigs Falls located at post #6 on Little River Road.  As always, be forewarned that rocks around waterfalls are extremely slippery.

Special thanks to the Smokies Guide, official newspaper of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for providing the winter waterfalls update.

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Winter is one of the best times for wildlife viewing in the Smokies.  Once the trees have shed their leaves, views into the forest are much longer. Wildlife like elk and deer are active for longer periods during the daylight hours because of the cooler temperatures.

Where are all the bears? Wildlife biologists estimate that over 1,500 black bears live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is a density greater than two bears per square mile.  However, from mid-December until mid-March most bears are in their winter dens.  These dens may be located high above the ground in cavities within old-growth trees, or in shallow excavations beneath boulders or tree root balls.

Black bears do not truly hibernate, though they do not eat or drink for most of the winter.  Occasionally they will stir from their dens and wander around, especially during warmer weather.  Cubs are born in January or February and weight less than a pound.

Where can I go to see elk? Elk were reintroduced in the Smokies in 2001 and 2002.  Since that time, their numbers have grown to over 100.

By far the best place to see elk is Cataloochee Valley, though it requires some travel on a narrow, winding road which may be closed because of snow.

The 2nd best place to see elk is between Oconaluftee Visitor Center & Smokemont Campground, located along Newfound Gap Road.  Male elk generally keep their impressive antlers at least through February.

Where can I see deer? Cades Cove is the best place to see white-tailed deer all year.  Some folks count over 100 as they drive the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop.  Other places to view deer are Elkmont, Sugarlands & Deep Creek areas.  Males usually keep their antlers until early spring.  NOTE:  Cades Cove Loop Road will close on March 1st for paving & repairs.

What other wildlife might we see? Otter (especially around Cades Cove and Abrams Creek), bob-cat, red fox, gray fox, mink, red squirrel, coyote, and lots of birds.

Special thanks to the Smokies Guide, official newspaper of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for providing the winter update.

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Thanks to  ERA In The Smokies, you could win a free 3-Night Stay in a beautiful Gatlinburg cabin! To be eligible for the March 31st drawing, just click on the become our friend on MySpace.

Everyone that has been confirmed as our MySpace friend by March 31st will be included in the drawing to be held April 1st, 2010.  If you are already our friend, you are already eligible.

By becoming our friend on MySpace, you’re sure never to miss the latest news about the Smokies.

The winner will receive a gift certificate for a free 3-Night stay from ERA In The Smokies.  (December winners Chris & Vicki Stone pictured left.)

The gift certificate cannot be used during July, October or around holidays. The folks at ERA In The Smokies will work to find the perfect cabin for the winner–no catches or strings.  We want you to love the Great Smoky Mountains as much as we do.

Our MySpace profile page looks like the large image posted at the bottom of this page.

To become our friend, send a friend request by clicking “Add to Friends” (pictured right) found in the top right hand corner of our MySpace profile.

If you simply can’t wait for a vacation until the April 1st drawing, you can always check out ERA In The Smokies’ up to the minute Specials, Discounts & Deals and book your reservation today! Call 1-800-309-0277 or email if you have any questions!

The 33-mile long Newfound Gap Road is the main automobile route through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It crosses the crest of the Smoky Mountains at Newfound Gap to connect Gatlinburg and Cherokee.  Drive time is typically one hour.  Now that the rock slide on I-40 has blocked the interstate passage to Gatlinburg from east, the route from Cherokee has become even more important to visitors.

Newfound Gap Road was engineered in the 1930s specifically so motorists could optimally experience the spectacular mountain vistas and tremendous diversity of forest types for which the Great Smokies are famous.  The route was carefully constructed to blend in with the natural landscape and to take full advantage of the scenery.  Numerous pull-outs are located along the road, offering travelers views of the Great Smokies and adjacent mountain ranges.

At Newfound Gap, where the road reaches its highest point, temperatures are frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler than in Cherokee or Gatlinburg. The higher elevations of the park also receive considerably more precipitation than the surrounding valleys.  Annually, Newfound Gap records over five feet of snow.  This combination of low temperatures and high precipitation results in periodic episodes of hazardous driving conditions from November to April.

For safety, the Park imposes certain restrictions driving when Newfound Gap and other roads are snow or ice covered.  Signs are posted at both ends of the road informing drivers of current restrictions.  For example:  Chains or 4WD Required, Chains Required, and Road Closed.

For current road and weather conditions, call (865)436-1200.  Extension 630 for Weather Conditions.  Extension 631 for Road Conditions.

For alternate routes, see the map below:

Click on the map to see a larger version

Special thanks to the Smokies Guide, official newspaper of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for providing the winter update.

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

What happens if you get to Gatlinburg…and it snows?  Well, you play in it, of course.  What happens if you were hoping for snow and don’t see any when you get here?  Well, you have to find the snow.  

Snowfalls of an inch or more occur on average only one to five timpes per year in the valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains although Gatlinburg has already had two of these snowfalls in December alone.   In the high country, over five feet of snow falls most years.

If the Newfound Gap road has not been closed because of snow, a trip to Newfound Gap is your best bet for finding snow.  At nearly a mile high, the gap is usually ten to fifteen degrees cooler than Gatlinburg or Cherokee, and it receives much more precipitation.

Clingmans Dome Road is located 0.1 mile south of Newfound Gap, and although it is closed to vehicles in the winter, it is open to visitors who want to trop through the snow, build a snowman, or go cross-country skiing.  However, the road will close this coming year to all visitors on February 15th of 2010 for construction.

If Newfound Gap Road is closed by weather, snow seekers may wish to try the Cherokee Orchard Road area south of downtown Gatlinburg or the trails around Smokemont Campground (five miles north of Cherokee).

Now that you know where you’re going…how are you going to keep warm? 

Winter weather is extremely variable in the Smokies.  Days may be sunny and 70 degrees or well below freezing in the high country with howling winds.  In case you haven’t recently needed to dress for chilly winter weather, here are some tips:

1.  Avoid wearing cotton, especially next to your skin (ie. t-shirts, sweatshirts, socks_.  When cotton becomes wet from precipitation or perspiration, it will not keep you warm.

2.  Dress in layers.  Avoid getting too warm or cold by wearing several light layers of clothing that can be easily removed or added.  Materials such as wool, polypropylene or “fleece” are excellent for layering because they provide warmth even when damp.

3.  Wear a hat, gloves, and warm socks.

4. If hiking, always carry good rain gear.  Getting wet can quickly lead to hypothermia.  Rain gear also makes a good wind breaker.

Special thanks to the Smokies Guide, official newspaper of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for providing the winter update.

This blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

We love it when Gatlinburg guests adopt our home as their own. And nothing says home like a snowman.  Special thanks go out to the Cooley family for leaving this little treasure behind…

Snowman left on the deck of Starry Nights! Click the pic to visit the cabin!

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Cold weather is back in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. And, the ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg are open a little early this year.

Ober Gatlinburg offers 8 ski trails serviced by two quad and one double chairlift which keeps you out of lift lines and on the slopes. When temperatures drop, their snow-making equipment blankets 100% of there slopes.

Slopes are maintained with the latest in snow-grooming equipment to provide a smoother, more consistent surface creating enjoyable skiing conditions.

If you are interested in renting a Gatlinburg cabin that is located close to the ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg, check out:

Squirrel’s Nest

or

Among the Stars!

Don’t forget that snow tubing is a great new option at Ober Gatlinburg! All tubing sessions are 1 hour and 45 minutes. Ticket sales are on a first-come, first- served basis and may sell out early. Must be at least 6 years old and 42″ tall to ride solo; children ages 3 – 5 must ride with an adult; children under 3 are not permitted to ride.

OBER GATLINBURG SLOPE STATISTICS

SUMMIT ELEVATION:       3300 feet
BASE ELEVATION:         2700 feet
VERTICAL DROP:           600 feet
LONGEST RUN:            5000 feet
# OF TRAILS       7 tree lined, 1 open

SLOPE DIFFICULTY:             SLOPE           LENGTH   VERTICAL DROP

BEGINNER ......2 Runs        Alpine Way   2,600'        279'
                               Bear Run     3,200'        393'
INTERMEDIATE ..4 Runs        Castle Run   1,100'        163'
                               Cub Way      1,800'        163'
ADVANCED ......2 Runs        Grizzly      3,800'        556'
                               Mogul Ridge    300'        235'
                              Ober Chute   4,400'        556'
                               Ski School   (teaching area)
LIFTS:          QUAD    -  2
                DOUBLE  -  1
		SURFACE LIFT - 1

LIFT CAPACITY              -  6000 people per/hour
AVERAGE ANNUAL SNOWFALL    -  35 inches
SNOWMAKING                 -  100% snowmaking capabilities
AVERAGE SEASON             -  Mid-December through Early-March
NIGHT SKIING               -  all trails except Grizzly
LESSONS                    -  Smoky Mtn. Snow Sport School
			      http://www.smokysnowsport.com
SKI RENTALS                -  1700 sets step-ins available at area
SNOWBOARD RENTALS	   -  150 sets step-ins available at area
			      ($300 deposit required)
SKI SHOP                   -  Swiss Outdoors Gear Shop at area
DINING                     -  Snack bars, Food Carts, Cafe, Restaurant and
                              Lounge
FIRST AID                  -  operated by National Ski Patrol
HOSPITAL                   -  15 miles
TRAVEL                     -  Gatlinburg - 10 minutes via Tram;
                              Knoxville - 40 miles (1 hour) via I-40 east to
                              Rt.66 to Rt. 441 south

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Gatlinburg receives millions of visitors each year, in part, due to the fact that we are a day’s drive from half of the United States east of the Mississippi River. Travelling with your family in the car can be an adventure, but you need to be prepared.  Thanks to Associated Content for assistance with this great list of car travel tips:

1. Keep Documentation – A week or at least a few days before traveling make sure that all travel arrangements have been secured and confirmed. The last thing you want is to get to your destination and not have a place to stay. Carry a copy of all documents you may need such as emails of cabin rental confirmations. If you pre-paid, we recommend that you hang on to your receipts. Have a valid identification card.  Airlines require it as do the security agreements of most cabin rental companies.  Keep all this information in a waterproof bag that will be kept with you at all times.

2. Vehicle Maintenance – If you have decided to take your own car then you need to make sure it is running properly and up for the trip. We recommend you take it in for a routine maintenance check-up. Request that your maintenance provider change and fill your oil as well as check your spark plugs and all liquid levels. Check all the exterior lights and electrical components. Check air pressure in the tires and take a fully functional spare in the trunk.  Don’t forget to ask your cabin rental company if you need a 4-wheel drive to get to your cabin in case of inclement weather.

3. Carry an Emergency Kit - Bring an emergency kit with you. It is always better to be safe than sorry. The kit should include items that could come in handy if you are stranded. Including: a flashlight, emergency food items, water, warm clothing, first aid supplies, small tool kit, roadside assistance numbers, cellular phone and insurance cards. In case you get a flat tire, carry a tire iron and jack and learn how to change a tire.

4. Tell people where you are going – In addition to getting to boast about your phenomenal holiday vacation plans, telling someone where you are going ensures that at least one person can send for help for you in the event that you cannot. So many times you hear on the news of people not arriving home when they should have and therefore the authorities were alerted.

5. Take Medications - Don’t forget to get your medication refilled and take them with you.  If you have a chronic health condition, don’t forget to research the names and locations of appropriate health care providers and pharmacies in the area.

6. Beat the Rush - Try to travel a day or more before other people start traveling or try leaving on a day or two after the holiday.  Staying longer not only prolongs your Smoky Mountain fun, but it will also help you avoid highway traffic.  In addition, many cabin companies require that you rent for a minimum of 4 to 6 days during the holiday…so you might as well get your money’s worth.

7. Travel Light - Don’t pack every shoe in your closet. Not only will it be a hassle to carry but it would be devastating to you they got lost or stolen.  Packing wrinkle resistant clothing is always a plus, and don’t forget to ask if your cabin has a washer and dryer or whether you will need to find a local laundromat.  Don’t forget that if you are travelling during a gift giving holiday, you’re going to need to leave room for presents too.

8. Pack Important Items in Smaller Bags - Pack the most valuable items in bags you can keep inside the car with you.  For easy access and to prevent unnecessary stops on narrow, winding back roads, make sure all medications and entertainment items like iPods, gaming systems and cell phones don’t get left in the trunk.

9. Secure Safe Lodging - If at all possible book your cabin well in advance.  Make sure you ask if there are any available discounts and review company policies regarding security deposits and payment.  If you have concerns about the security of your family or your items, make sure you ask if your cabin comes with a security system.

10. Presents - If you are spending a gift-giving holiday away from home…think small like gift cards.  If the present is huge, maybe you could leave the present at home and let your loved one have a picture of the present instead.  Don’t try to cram the presents you receive into your luggage because we all know your clothes don’t fit back in the same suitcase they came in…much less the presents.

11. Eat Light and Healthy - Your stomach will surely suffer if you eat all the fast, greasy fried food when traveling. Try to keep it light and healthy like fruit and vegetables.  Once you get to Gatlinburg, ask a local for their recommendations for local dining.  From the best local burger to their favorite pizza joint, local residents are likely to help you find the best food as well as the best bang for your buck.

12. Take Bathroom Breaks – Take breaks every hour and a half if you are driving. It’s unhealthy for you to hold it when you need to use the restroom.   Think of it as an opportunity to get a little fresh air, stretch and consult a map.  Tennessee has many beautifully renovated, clean and spacious visitors’ centers that offer bathroom and picnic facilities as well as visitor information like maps, coupons and attraction brochures.

13. Pull Off the Road if You Feel Tired - Please don’t try to drive tired.  Enjoy your trip and don’t try to rush it.  Many cabin rental companies offer a late or after-hours check in, so take your time and enjoy the sites. If you truly are too tired to drive, consider checking into a motel at the midway point.

14. Take a Map – You could stop and ask for directions but what if you are in the middle of nowhere? With a map you can take the nearest cross street to find your location.  It can be difficult to find a map these days, but you can always use Mapquest or Google Maps to find your way.  When travelling to the Great Smoky Mountains, we don’t recommend relying upon GPS.  With many roads being new or privately-owned, GPS is often inaccurate in Gatlinburg.  In addition, the mountains often cause spotty or no satellite communication.  We recommend you stick with a map or atlas; luckily, your cabin company should provide you with a detailed map to your cabin from your check in location.

15. Travel Comfortably - Wear clothes that are comfortable and loose. Dress in layers because Gatlinburg is likely to be hotter or colder than your home state depending on your location.  In addition, differences in elevation means the temperature can drop significantly as you climb a mountain road.  Make sure you are prepared.

To see Associated Content’s full article including flying tips, click here.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday…we’ll see you soon!

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

One of the most common questions that I hear from visitors to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains is “What is Cades Cove? Everyone says I should go.  Should I really?”  I always give the same answer, “Absolutely.”  During the winter months, the road out to Cades Cove closes during inclement weather, but it is worth a trip any time of year.  Here’s why…

John P. Cable grist and saw mill by Mike Goad from exit78.com

Cades Cove is a lush valley surrounded by mountains and one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. Deer are almost always sighted in the fields, and observations of other wildlife, including bear, Wild Turkey, and fox are possible. Please use pullouts when viewing wildlife and never approach or feed animals.

A wide array of historic buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries is scattered through-out the cove. These include a grist mill (pictured at top), a variety of barns (see below), three churches, and a marvelous collection of log homes and outbuildings.

"Drive-through" barn in Cades Cove by Mike Goad of exit78.com

An 11-mile one-way loop road takes you around the cove. Traffic will be heavy during the tourist season in summer and fall and on weekends year-round.

A visitor center (open daily), restrooms, and the Cable Mill historic area are located half-way around the loop road.

Numerous trails originate in the cove, including the five-mile round trip trail to Abrams Falls and the short Cades Cove Nature Trail. Longer hikes to Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top (made famous by the popular song) also begin in the cove.

Corn Crib in Cades Cove by Mike Goad from exit78.com

Several designated back country campsites (camping by permit only) are located along trails.

Only bicycle and foot traffic are allowed on the loop road until 10:00 a.m. every Saturday and Wednesday morning from early May until late September.

Mileage to Cades Cove:
from Cherokee—57
from Gatlinburg—27
from Townsend—9

Special thanks to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park site for providing facts about Cades Cove and all of the wonderful treasures inside the Park.

Are there other Gatlinburg sites that you would like us to blog about?

Send us your requests by email.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

The snow didn’t quite make it in time for last night’s Christmas parade; however, Gatlinburg woke up to a beautiful little blanket of snow. 

I can almost hear the cheers at Ober Gatlinburg from my house 10 miles away.  Last year the folks at Ober were fighting unseasonably warm temperatures which delayed the opening of the slopes.  Maybe this first snow is a great sign of the blustery ski season ahead.

I’m snuggled in at my house with Christmas movies and hot chocolate, but enjoy these wintery pics taken just after sunrise.  Maybe they will inspire you to come pay Gatlinburg a visit this winter. 

The Smoky Mountain crowds die down in winter, and although you’ll need a four-wheel drive to get to more remote locations…the weather is crisp and inspiring.  There are lots of great Winter Activities that don’t require a special vehicle, too.

Send us your winter pictures of Gatlinburg from past vacations so we can share in your joyous memories and Winter Family Traditions. We hope to see you soon!

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.