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Feature Story
8 THINGS YOU NEED TO TRY THIS WINTER IN THE SMOKIES
Gatlinburg has two winters: before Christmas and after. Our local writer’s cold-weather favorites include Ober’s year-round ice skating and Aerial Tramway, snow hunting when roads are safe, and chairlift views above the lights. Save this guide for your next winter trip.
Sponsor Spotlight
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Local Insights
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
THE SCENIC DRIVE MANY VISITORS MISS
If you've never driven the Cherohala Skyway, you're missing one of the most breathtaking 43-mile stretches of road in the entire Southeast — and the best part is, it's never crowded.
SECRET ABANDONED TUNNEL
Hidden just off the road near the park's highest peak, this forgotten stone tunnel was cut off from its original trail decades ago and now leads to a stunning cliff-edge view that almost nobody knows about.
10 HIDDEN GEMS IN PIGEON FORGE
Beyond the go-karts and dinner shows, Pigeon Forge has a surprising side — including a waterfall hiding the entrance to a 200-year-old iron mine that most visitors never discover.
”HIKE” THIS TRAIL FROM YOUR CAR
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a winding 5.5-mile one-way road through old-growth forest, historic log cabins, and waterfalls — and on a good day, you might spot a black bear from the comfort of your front seat.
Adventure in the Smokies
DRIVE THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON IN AN OPEN-AIR SLINGSHOT
Want to turn an already legendary drive into an unforgettable adventure? This Slingshot ride through the Tail of the Dragon lets you experience one of America’s most famous mountain roads in an open-air three-wheeled machine with 318 curves in just 11 miles. It’s one of the most thrilling ways to explore the Smokies.
If you’ve never tried one of these Slingshots, they are so much fun. This is an amazing way to experience the Smoky Mountains.
Smoky Mountain Lodging
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY
There are great places to stay all around the Smoky Mountains, where you stay depends on what your interests are and how much you’re willing to spend. Simply select the city you’re interested in, and you’ll get a map showing available accommodations.
News & Events
BEFORE YOU GO
CADES COVE: WAIT UNTIL SUNDAY AFTERNOON
The Loop Lope is Sunday, Nov. 8. Vehicles without a race parking reservation cannot pass the Townsend Wye until after 11 a.m. Visit Saturday instead, or wait until Sunday afternoon. Official access details →
NEXT THURSDAY: GATLINBURG CHILI COOK-OFF
Nov. 12, 5–9 p.m.: Gatlinburg’s Winter Festival & Chili Cook-off fills the Parkway between Mountain Mall and Gatlinburg SkyPark. Event details →
WEEKEND WEATHER
The NWS Gatlinburg forecast, checked Friday night: Saturday, Nov. 7, starts with patchy fog before 8 a.m., then gradual clearing after a mostly cloudy morning; high near 60°F. Saturday night: partly cloudy, low around 34°F. Sunday: sunny, high near 65°F. Pack layers; mountain conditions can differ.
DISCOUNTS
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa: Stay near the heart of the action and save on Hotels and Special Packages.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster: Zip through Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains on a mountain coaster.
Ripley’s: Save up to $27 with the Ripley’s Gatlinburg Aquarium + 2 attractions combo!
SkyLand Ranch: Experience mountain coasters, scenic views & live entertainment
Until next time,
Your Smoky Mountain Adventures Await
