Spring has sprung in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, which means that family vacations will be in full swing very soon!  As a professional family photographer in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, & Sevierville area, I am very often asked what are my favorite things to do in the area.  There is NO WAY I can pick just 5, but for this kick off post to what I hope to make into a series of posts to help my clients and other visitors to Sevier County choose what to do, I will be writing about my 5 favorites!   I am often amazed when I have conversations with my photography clients during and after a session how many folks aren't aware of some of the awesome things on this list! I may even share a few "little known" facts as well! 

Here we go!

#1   Cades Cove - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Where do I begin with Cades Cove?  Cades Cove is a "magical place" to me.  It's beauty and peaceful landscape combined with the excitement of coming into contact with deer, bears, coyote, turkeys and other birds make it my #1 choice.   Cades Cove is an 11 mile 1 way loop road that travels around a valley that was originally inhabited by original settlers to the Smoky Mountains.  Original structures such as The Bud Ogle Cabin, The Methodist Church, The Cable Mill and many many others are still standing and waiting to be enjoyed by visitors.  The incredible landscape that is surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, rolling hills and fields is simply unsurpassed.  Very often, a visit to Cades Cove will treat you to close up views of  Black Bears, Deer,  Coyotes, Turkeys and many other species of birds. (Please always keep at least 150 feet away from the wildlife and NEVER try to feed them, they may appear cute and cuddly but they are wild animals!)   I'm going to let you in on a VERY VERY little known secret about Cades Cove...in the middle of this area of woods, rolling hills, fields and mountains there is "Gum Swamp"!  Gum Swamp is an incredible ecosystem all on it's own.  Located just beyond the Cades Cove Visitors Center / Bathroom area on the left about 2 blocks you will see a pull off to the left.  Hike back into the woods just a bit and you will find the swamp.  Definitely wear old shoes as it can be "mucky".   

Cades Cove is such a beautiful place for a family day out in the mountains.  Pack a picnic, bring your camera and your binoculars and get ready to simply unplug and enjoy nature at it's finest.  

Tip:  For the best chance at spotting wildlife, go early in the morning for sunrise!  

#2 - Dollywood

From a girl who was once incredibly obsessed with all things having to do with that "famous Mouse" and his theme park, I used to be a bit of a "snob" when it came to theme parks.  Let me tell you, Dollywood, in my opinion is truly one of the most beautiful, family friendly, fun and educational theme parks in the country.  Set in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, "our own" Dolly Parton has made this gorgeous park, formerly known as "Silver Dollar City"  into a "Must Visit" attraction in the Smokies.

When Dollywood says that they are "family friendly" they take it seriously.  There is something for every age group in your family, from old fashioned "Carnival Style" rides to some of the most modern, state of the art roller coasters and world class Broadway style shows, music and entertainment.  A day (or 2)  at Dollywood will not disappoint! Every season has something new and exciting to offer with the shows and seasonal festivals such as the "Festival of Nations" which celebrates cultures from around the world, "Kidfest" in the summer months and the Dollywood "Smoky Mountain Christmas" during the Holidays.    

One of my favorite things to do is to simply meander around the "Craftsmans Valley" and watch the talented artists create their masterpieces, explore the shops and historical buildings, such as the Robert F. Thomas Chapel. (Named after Dolly's Hometown Doctor who delivered her).  The folks at Dollywood always do up the decorations and landscaping and are often a treat for the eyes and senses as well....if you are a shutterbug like me, (yes, even in my down time I love to take photo's) bring your camera because there are a lot of photo opportunities. 

Dollywood boasts some of the yummiest "eats" in the county.  During your visit you MUST visit the Dollywood Grist Mill and get the Cinnamon Bread!  Buy 2 loaves because the first one will be gone in the blink of an eye.  Visit Miss Lillian and Miss Lillians Smokehouse...the food is fabulous and Miss Lillian is quite character and will leave you with the urge to return sooner rather than later.  

My Tips:  If you only have a 1 day pass, go after 3 pm one day, you can go the next day free!  Also, if rain is predicted but not Thunder and Lightning...grab a poncho and have a blast...its always MUCH less  crowded on these days...and it's a great excuse to ride the water rides over and over!  Don't pass by the replica of Dolly's Mountain Home...it's a great look back in time at the humble beginnings of the people of our Mountains.  

#3 - Take an Easy Hike!

Even if you aren't a seasoned hiker, there are quite a few very easy, family friendly hikes in the Smokies!  The hikes I'm going to list here are almost like "walks in the woods" with a few areas that are a bit more challenging, but overall, almost anyone can enjoy these beautiful areas in the National Park and be treated to waterfalls, wildflowers, original historic structures and all of the natural beauty that the Smokies has to offer.  In general, you will just need to wear sturdy footwear, carry a small backpack with water and snacks and maybe a walking stick if you need one. 

My #1 favorite trail in the Smokies is the "Porters Creek Trail" in the Greenbrier section of the National Park.  Very easily accessible from Highway 321 East from Gatlinburg, take the Greenbrier road until it ends and you are at the parking lot.   This trail is 4 miles round trip.  The first 1.4 miles is very easy walking / hiking up an old road bed along the middle prong of the Little Pigeon River.  There are plenty of areas to go down to the river and view or photograph lovely cascades in the river, you will find stone steps and ruins as well as an old settler cemetery, the John Messer Farm with a cantiliver barn, a hikers cabin and more. This trail has a lot of things to see along the way which will keep all ages intrigued.  At about 1.6 miles you will cross a newly installed footbridge over a rapidly flowing area of the river. The forest floor beyond the footbridge is literally carpeted with bloodroot, hepaticas, white fringed phacelia, violets, white trilliums and many other varieties during  mid to late-March.  This is a GREAT Spring Wildflower Hike.   Once you exit the forest area you will begin the toughest part of the hike for 1/4 mile where it becomes a bit more rocky, but not too terribly difficult.   At 2 miles you will look to your left and find the 60 foot Fern Branch Falls which flows very nicely after a good rain!  Take a rest on a fallen log or climb up to the falls before heading back.   

#2 on my list of easy hikes is the first mile of the Middle Prong trail.  Located at the very end of the Tremont Road in the Tremont section of the National Park.  Take the Tremont Road all the way to the end and park and walk up the trial.  Almost anyone can do this trail.  It's a nice wide, former railroad bed from the Little River Railroad which was used to haul logs out of the Smokies in the early 1900's.   Within the first 2/3 of a mile there are 3 waterfalls to the left...keep your eyes peeled for areas to go down to the river and you will be delighted with what you find!   At four-tenths of a mile from the trailhead you  will reach the Lower Lynn Camp Falls. This 35-foot, multi-tiered waterfall is one of the more impressive falls in the park, especially during the wetter months of the year.  Continue on down the trail a short distance, look for an opening down to the river and you will find a beautiful cascade / falls (unnamed).  Keep going to 2/3 of a mile and you will finally come to Lynn Camp Falls, a gorgeous waterfall with several levels.   You can continue up the trail for as long as you want, (It goes on for 4 miles, relatively easy), or you can turn back and explore the rest of Tremont with your vehicle.  

#3  The Walker Sisters Place from the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse is an easy hike in the park.  It's just over a mile each way and follows a road bed. In the spring, summer and fall, park at the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse and go past the blocked off gate up the hill from the schoolhouse to begin this trail.  This is a great trail for history buffs!    The Walker Sisters were the last living settlers to the area and lived in the cabin until the last sister, Louisa,  passed away in 1964.  This trail is great for family because children can see how children in the Smokies attended school from the 1800's to the early 1900's at the Little Greenbrier School and then take the 1 mile walk to the cabin to see how folks lived.  The stories that folks had to walk over a mile to school through the woods are true, the Walker Sisters and many others walked that far and more just to attend school.  

#4  The Gatlinburg Trail from the Sugarlands Visitors Center or from a parking area located near Traffic Light 10 in downtown Gatlinburg is one of the only pet and bicycle friendly trails in the entire national park.  The trail travels 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. It is relatively flat and runs through the forest along side the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which at one point is crossed by a pedestrian foot bridge. Foundations and chimneys of several old homesites are visible along the trail.  Also located behind the Sugarlands Visitors Center is a very short and easy trail to Cataract Falls.  Just follow the signs!   

#4  The Island in Pigeon Forge

The Island entertainment and shopping complex in Pigeon Forge is definitely one of my favorite spots if I want to stay in town.   There is something for everyone whether it's shopping, dining, arcades, rides, or just relaxing!  My personal favorite thing to do is to grab a rocking chair around the  synchronized fountain and wait for the water and light show set to music every 30 minutes.  It's a great place to relax and people watch.   The 200 foot "Smoky Mountain Wheel" is a great way to get above it all and see the city of Pigeon Forge below and our beautiful Smokies in the distance.  If the kids have energy to burn, try them on the Ropes Course...it's a safe and fun adventure for all ages.  If you are a shopper, the Island offers so many awesome stores to choose from with many unique items.  My personal favorites are Farmhouse 9110, Southern Charm Boutique and Stand Apart Boutique!   For dining, you can't go wrong with Paula Deens Family Kitchen...GO HUNGRY!   Definitely take time to check out The Island during your visit! 

#5 -  Update your family portraits!

This post would not be complete if I didn't mention my most VERY favorite thing to do... I LOVE taking portraits of many families who visit the Smokies.  Working with folks from all over the world is so rewarding and often I feel like clients are old friends by the end of a session.  The #1 question clients ask me is:  "Is this all you do, is this your only job?"    I answer that with a resounding YES!  I work full time as a Professional Photographer in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville area and I LOVE IT!  

So, you are on vacation, everyone is together and relaxed and having a good time surrounded by incredible scenery...what is the most invaluable thing you could do on your vacation?  Update those family portraits! How long has it been? For some it may not have been long, and for some maybe you've never had professional photo's taken of your family.  Document this special time with something that you can hang on your wall and put in your photo albums to remember forever!  You'll not only have priceless family photo's, but if you choose one of my many scenic locations, you will have a background unlike anyone in your hometown!  The Smokies make an INCREDIBLE backdrop!  

Click the "Request Information" link above and tell me about your needs and I will get back with you ASAP with information and availability! Check out the sampling of photo's below, but click on the Gallery above for many beautiful examples!   Summer and Fall are my busiest seasons, so book early for those months.  Last minute sessions are often available as well!  I'd love to meet you and your family on your next visit the Great Smoky Mountains!

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