Gatlinburg TN Area Information

Many cabins in the Pigeon Forge - Gatlinburg TN area have a history. But no cabin is quite as special as those located in the Timber Ridge Community. Each cabin in Timber Ridge has been built with rustic wood and each one peacefully takes you back in time. The cabin “Always & Forever”, which is hosted by “Cabins For You”, is proud to be located in the Timber Ridge Community.

Timber Ridge is a community of antique and very authentic log homes. Each home inside Timber Ridge is a restored version of early homes built by early pioneers. These specials cabins were marked and tagged, then reassembled and moved to Timber Ridge. When they arrived at Timber Ridge they were reconstructed with all of the modern conveniences of modern day.
The Timber Ridge community is now located on property that was once a mountain farm. The original farm house, which stands at the entrance to Timber Ridge, is only seven hundred square feet and saw the raising of eleven children.

Timber Ridge is maintaining the beauty and tranquility by placing each cabin on a large lot to provide private settings. The cabins in Timber Ridge are located between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and are only about five minutes from the Smoky Mountain National Park.

Timber Ridge is a private community and all cabins are maintained by their owners, who take pride in their cabins. Each cabin inside Timber Ridge is decorated beautifully with its own sense of style. Take a little trip back in time and visit Timber Ridge, which is known as “The Smoky Mountains Most Unique Community.”

Well over 600,000 people travel to the Great Smoky Mountains every year to get married or attend weddings, that’s the main reason Gatlinburg is known as “The Wedding Capital of the South”. There are as many as thirteen wedding chapels lining the streets of the Parkway in Gatlinburg and many other chapels are quietly nestled in the beauty of the mountains. The wedding chapels in the Great Smoky Mountains are very different in style. Wedding chapels range from rustic log chapels, southern colonial chapels, Victorian chapels to mountaintop chapels and quaint storefront chapels. Wedding chapels in Gatlinburg TN can be any where from elegant to just plain cute. The ceremony style in the Smokey Mountains wedding chapels can range from simple and small to stylish and large. In the Great Smokey Mountains you don’t just have to get married in a wedding chapel, you can also get married in your cabin or chalet and some company’s even let you pick your spot in the Smoky Mountains. No matter where you get married at in the beautiful Smoky Mountains it’s no doubt the perfect place to start your life’s journey with the one you love. The Great Smoky Mountains not only provide beauty, comfort, and relaxation but also entertainment, great food and tons of shopping. Aside from the beauty of the Smoky Mountains most people choose this location because of the simplicity and affordability of preparing and having a wedding in the Great Smoky Mountains. Most couples find that hiring a wedding consultant to handle all the major problems before a wedding is the best way to go. With a wedding consultant all you have to do is handle some problems but sit back, relax and let them work out the rest. With all the accommodations, chapels, bridal gown and tuxedo shops and rentals, catering, receptions, florists, photographers, videographers, and invitation shops the Great Smoky Mountains are the perfect place to get married and start forever with you one true love.

Located near the many Gatlinburg TN wedding chapels are several of our Gatlinburg cabin rentals. When you plan your wedding, don't forget to call and book your vacation rental with us.

1. Since gas prices seem to keep rising everyday, Pigeon Forge TN has a suggestion to help you beat those gas price blues. Park your car, and walk a little bit or ride the Trolley. Trolley fare is only 50 cents and the routes weave throughout town. If you take the Trolley to Dollywood you won’t have to pay for parking. If your accommodation is along the parkway all you have to do is walk to tons of restaurants, shops and attractions.

2. Discounts are great to have so…Get a Pigeon Forge Value Card. The Pigeon Forge Value Card has tons of discounts on lodging, entertainment, restaurants, shopping and attractions. Cards are FREE at the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center, near the Miracle Theater and Wonderworks.

3. Use the internet to…Find new discounts on the Web. New discounts and printable coupons are posted frequently on the tourism department’s website. Visit them at: www.MyPigeonForge.com.

4. Learn about the “arrive after 3, get the next day free” program and you could get a free day at Dollywood. It’s true, if you arrive at the Dollywood theme park after 3, you can return the next day for free. To beat a large amount of the crowds the best days to visit the park is Wednesdays and Thursday, when attendance is usually low. If you go to Pigeon Forge all the time and you love Dollywood.

5. Buy a Dollywood season pass. A season’s pass is the best way to go if you plan on visiting the Dollywood theme park numerous times. It also saves you money because a one-day adult ticket is $45.70 and a season’s pass is $75.00. If you have Dollywood season’s pass you can visit in the summer, spring, fall and winter.

6. With more than a dozen musical theaters in Pigeon Forge there’s no better thing to do than…
Getting a theater combo. With a theater combo you can get discounts on the many shows and can even get combo tickets.

7. Packages save you money so...Buy a vacation package. Some packages combine lodging, shows and attractions all into one purchase. Numerous packages are available at www.MyPigeonForge.com.

8. Seeing the beauty of nature is always free. Enjoy Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The National Park is something many tourists come back for every year. The National Park has abundant wildlife, picnic grounds, beautiful scenery and tons of hiking trails.

9. Rent a Pigeon Forge cabin with us! Enjoy one of our Pigeon Forge cabin rentals. We have the most competitive rates around. We offer heavy dicounts for last minute discount. Some cabins are up to 70% off.

So start planning your trip to Pigeon Forge, TN and relax because you know you can save money when you get there.

As you walk through downtown Gatlinburg TN, you can experience a numerous amount of entertaining performances every evening from June 9th through August 12th. This event is called the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales. It is a new event this year. The event features musical performers, artisans portraying various time periods, and storytellers. The audience can also get involved in each performers ten minute performance. You can even participate as the Back Porch Cloggers do the original Appalachian dance. You will see just how difficult the steps are to learn. At six o’clock each night a horse drawn buggy will take the performers to their designated spot where they are going to perform. The characters will rotate throughout 14 different acts. As onlookers watch, the sidewalk will be transformed into a stage. The musicals performances and different acts makes walking down the streets of Gatlinburg very entertaining. The entertainment and storytelling will last until around 10 o’clock every night.

There a several different characters you will encounter as you walk down the streets of Gatlinburg. One of the performers is Goose & the moonshine boys. These brothers like to brag about their moonshine business and will end up singing a tune that all will enjoy. Horse Jaw Johnny is another performer. He likes to gossip and create songs with input from the audience. Big Hog is a loveable mountain dweller from back in the 1800s. He tells stories about living in the mountains back in the 1800s. Each one of the performers is sure to have an exciting story to tell or song to sing. Best of all, the fun and entertainment of this event is free for everyone. This event is unique and is sure to be one of the highlights of your Smoky Mountain vacation. Families of all ages are sure to enjoy the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales celebration.

Remember to book one of our cabins in Gatlinburg with Cabins For You. We can be reached at 1.800.684.7865. Feel free to reserve a cabin 24 hours a day with our online software.

The 2nd annual Rhythm in the Hills Festival is a 3 day event presenting country music’s top artist. Scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, this event is held in Pigeon Forge TN. The Rhythm in the Hills Festival is going to take place at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge TN. The Festival starts on May 26th and ends on May 28th, 2006.

This year is going to be even better than next year with the country music concerts that are scheduled. Artists that are scheduled to perform are: Dwight Yoakum, Blake Shelton, Billy Currington, Dierks Bentley, Neal McCoy, Chely Wright, Josh Gracin, Trick Pony, Blue Country, Con Hunley, Greenbrier, and many more top artists. Rhythm in the Hills is certainly something the entire family will enjoy.

The Rhythm in the Hills Festival includes everything from country music concerts to Play USA that has tons of activities, shows, games and rides for children. All you need is one ticket to enjoy all the fun and excitement of the Rhythm in the Hills Festival. This event is promised to be so large that not only people from around the country are coming but also people from around the world. Visitors from the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Brazil and Lithuania are scheduled to arrive in Pigeon Forge and take place in all the activities and enjoy great music for America’s top country artists.

The Rhythm in the Hills Festival will not only have sixteen live country performances but there will also be new addition to the festival. These additions are: Play USA, which includes inflatable games, rides and many activities. Wheels and Reel, which includes rock climbing and various other activities related to outdoor recreation and home and garden activities. Cook’s Corner, which is the home of the Tennessee State Championship Chili cook off. Be sure to also go see Jackson Bostwick, who played Captain Marvel in the hit TV series SHAZAM. He will be making a special appearance, signing autographs, and meeting with fans.

On Sunday May, 28 join Gunner to help honor the troops in Iraq live on stage; this is going to be a special candlelight vigil. This is certainly the event you do not want to miss. Honor and remember the troops that are in Iraq devoting, and sometimes giving, their lives for the opportunity for our freedom. It is amazing to look out in the crowd and see the candles knowing that someone is thinking of, or remembering, a loved one serving our country in Iraq.

Adult tickets are $88.00 for a three-day ticket, $68.00 for two consecutive day tickets, $48.00 for a one day ticket and children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-877-774-4507. Tickets can be purchased at any Tickets Unlimited Outlet and at Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge. Gates for the festival will be open at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2006 and at 12:00 noon on Saturday May 27, 2006 and Sunday May 28, 2006. Get your tickets as soon as possible this years’ Rhythm in the Hills is going to be just as big as last year.

Don't forget about renting one of our Pigeon Forge Cabin Rentals. These cabins will be booking fast because of the Holiday and Rhythm in the Hills Festival. Dont delay and call us today at 1.800.684.7865.

Preparation for the Second Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival is now starting. Time is now approaching and artists from all over the country are heading to Gatlinburg TN for an exciting weekend celebrating the arts. The Festival starts at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 20 and ends at 8:00 PM that night then the fun starts all over again on Sunday, May 21 at 10:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM. The Festival is held in downtown Gatlinburg TN at the Ripley’s Aquarium and River Rd. This Festival is completely family orientated and admission is free so you can bring everyone with you. The Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival is produced by volunteers to benefit the Sevier County Arts Council and the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Not only will there be artists from around the country but the festival will also include music and tons of tasty food.

Ninety percent of the artists at the show are selected through a jury process. Judges, like university professors, gallery owners, and local artists can particpate in the event. The other booths at the festival will be occupied by last years winners and invited guests. Arts will include painting, sculptures, jewelry, baskets, metalwork, and even digital art. Cash prized will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the 2D and 3D categories and the 1st place winner will get a partial scholarship to a class at Arrowmont School. The best artist will be automatically accepted to GFAF 2007.

Make the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Festival part of your vacation to the Smoky Mountains. Don’t forget to call us and book one of our Gatlinburg cabin rentals when heading to this area. Come stay with and see what everyone is talking about.

Smokey Mountain Fishing

Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park can be anyone’s favorite hobby. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has almost 2,115 miles of steams within its boundaries. The Great Smoky Mountains are also known for their large trout habitat. From the remote trout streams to the large bass streams there’s definitely somewhere for everyone to fish in the Smoky Mountains. You are allowed to fish year round in the park starting at 30 minutes before sunrise and ending at 30 minutes after sunset. Most streams are open for fishing, however certain posted streams will be closed for fishing in order to protect some of the threatened fish. Complete detailed information is available at any visitor center or ranger station, this information will include a map and a list of regulations. To fish in the park you must have a valid fishing license or a valid permit from either Tennessee or North Carolina. Fishing licenses and permits are not available in the actual park but they can be purchased in various places in nearby towns. You must have a special permit to fish in Cherokee and Gatlinburg TN.

Requirements for a Fishing License in Tennessee

• All fishers (residents and nonresidents) from age 13 and older must have a valid license.
• Fishers 65 and older can purchase a special license from the state.
• All fishers (residents and nonresidents) age 16 and older need a valid license.
• Fishers 70 and older may purchase a special license from the state.
• All fishers under 16 in North Carolina and under 13 in Tennessee are entitled to the adult daily bag limits and are subject to all other regulations.

Possession Limits per day

• Any combination of brown trout, rainbow trout and smallmouth bass total of 5
  20 rock bass
• A person has to stop fishing once the limit is reached

Size limits for fish

• Rainbow and brown trout: 7 inches minimum
• Smallmouth bass: 7 inches minimum
• Rockbass: there is no minimum
• If a trout of smallmouth bass is caught less than the legal length should be immediately returned to the water.

Bait and Equipment

• You can only use one hand held rod while fishing.
• Artificial flies or lures with a single hook may only be used. Dropper flies can be used. Use only up to two flies on a leader.
• Use or having possession of any form of bait or liquid scent other than artificial flies or lures on any park stream while having a fishing tackle is prohibited.
• Use or having possession of double, treble, or gang hooks is prohibited.
• Fishing tackle and equipment are subject to inspection by authorized personnel.
• Prohibited baits include, but not limited to, minnows, worms, corn, cheese, bread, salmon eggs, pork rinds, liquid scents and natural baits found close to streams.
• Please report violators to nearest ranger or to (865) 436-1294.

For your safety

• Standing and / or wading in streams can drain body heat and lead to hypothermia.
• Be sure to monitor water level, rising water levels can result from sudden storms.
• Currents are more dangerous than they appear so take caution if you get in the water.
• Wet and moss covered rocks can be very hard to walk on. Take caution when stepping into the water.
• Be a clean fisherman. If there is trash around you, please pick it up. Help keep the park beautiful.

The Smoky Mountain park has had an active brook trout restoration program since 1987 and ever since the turn of the century, the brook trout has lost about 75% of its range in the park due to logging and the introduction of the non-native rainbow trout.The main task of the program is to restore native brook trout populations to streams with natural barriers such as waterfalls that prevent invasion of non-native trout species. So far this program has restored nine streams, and the restoration of eight additional streams at mid-to-low elevations is planned. The park's brook trout restoration efforts have restored 11% of the 97.5 miles of stream exclusively occupied by brook trout. Stream acidity has increased 5-fold in high elevation streams in the last 20 years due to pollution from the combustion of fossil fuels. These data add urgency to the need to restore brook trout to streams at lower elevations with more stable water chemistry. Because of the results of recent fisheries research and the success of the park's brook trout restoration effort, park management has opened sections of eight streams to brook trout fishing and harvest on an experimental basis. Four of the stream segments are in North Carolina and four are in Tennessee. The same possession and minimum size restrictions apply to brook trout in these streams that apply to trout fishing in other open park waters (maximum possession five total fish, minimum length seven inches). The eight streams open to brook trout fishing are shown on the map side of this folder in yellow. The three-year experimental opening begins July 1, 2002. The eight open streams will be monitored annually and anglers catch and harvest success will be periodically checked. At the conclusion of the experiment, biologists will evaluate the data and make recommendations for the future of brook trout fishing in the park.

Gatlinburg Fishing FAQ’s

The mission of the National Park Service is to protect and preserve naturally functioning ecosystems. Research has shown that intentionally or accidentally introduced non-native species of fish, animals, and plants can have very serious negative impacts on native species. In fact, non-native animals and fish now threaten many native fish species in national parks. Bait fishing is prohibited to prevent accidental introductions of non-native aquatic organisms. Anglers often release unused bait at the end of a day of fishing without realizing their bait can may be filled with non-native organisms that may harm native fish. The collection of naturally occurring bait is also prohibited because it may upset natural ecological balances in habitats where collection occurs. Historic information shows that fish caught with corn or bread suffer higher hooking mortality, which may alter the natural age and size structure within the fish community. Chumming with corn or bread is illegal under National Park Service regulations.

Fishing has been a part of the historic use of Great Smoky Mountains National Park since its creation. From 1934 to 1974 the fishery management program stocked fish for recreational angling. Non-native rainbow trout and northern strains of brook trout were stocked in most of the park's major stream systems through the early 1950s. From then until 1975, stocking occurred only in heavily fished streams and in stream segments adjacent to campgrounds and picnic areas. During this latter period, park managers realized that stocking non-native fish was inconsistent with National Park Service policies and this practice was eliminated in 1975. National Park Service policies state that in natural areas like the Smokies stocking is only permitted to re-establish native species. The only stocking practiced today seeks to restore endangered and threatened native species like the Smoky Mountain madtom and the spotfin chub to waters where they once thrived. Fisheries monitoring activities in the park have clearly shown that stocking is not needed. This information shows that many park streams have 2,000-4,000 trout per mile. Many of these are 4"-8" rainbow trout, but in some streams brown trout 8"-20" are commonly found.

Many of the fish which anglers catch do not meet the park's size limits and must be released. Current fisheries research indicates treble hooks cause higher hooking mortality rates than single hook lures.

The park offers a wide variety of angling experiences from remote, headwater trout streams to large, coolwater smallmouth bass streams. Most streams remain at or near their carrying capacity of fish and offer a great opportunity to catch these species throughout the year. So the reality is that the best place to fish depends on the type of experience each angler desires. Remember, fishing pressure tends to be highest nearest the roads.

Do you absolutely love to go tubing? Then visit Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains is the perfect place for you to visit. The Smoky Mountains have a numerous places safe enough for tubing, swimming, and kayaking. The “Y” in Townsend is a very popular place for tubers. The “Y” is located about twenty miles from Pigeon Forge by Wears Valley Road. Another place the you can enter the “Y” is about twenty-two miles from Gatlinburg TN at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. There are plenty of grassy areas along the river where you can get out and picnic or even lay out in the sun. You can rent tubes at several shops near the “Y”. Another wonderful place to go tubing and relax is at “The Chimneys”. The scenery at “The Chimneys” is breathtaking. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills located along the stream. The picnic area is about 4.5 miles into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the Gatlinburg TN entrance. “Cataloochee Creek” is a trip worth traveling down the gravel road. To get to this “hidden treasure” you have to get on I-40, merge onto the Waterville exit, number 451 and cross over the Little Pigeon River. Take a left at the end of the bridge and follow the paved road about two miles till you come to an intersection. Take a left at the intersection onto a gravel road, known as NC 284. Continue onto Cataloochee Valley about 23 miles after turning onto NC 284. The New Cataloochee Road follows side by side of the stream until you reach the campgrounds. Here you can fish, swim, canoe, and go tubing. The Oconaluftee Islands Park is located in Cherokee Tennessee. A wide river runs right through the middle of the Oconaluftee Island park. Here you can fish or spending a relaxing day away from all the daily hassles. The Little Pigeon River runs for many miles throughout Townsend. There are many places along the rive to enjoy fishing, swimming, rafting.