When is the best time to see fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains?

The Smokies are renowned for having some of the best fall colors when the leaves change in autumn but with as large as the Great Smoky Mountains are where the best place is and when is the best time to see the foliage in peak colors is not a simple answer.

The reason why there is no exact day for the peak colors in 2009 or the perfect places to see the autumn leaves is that there are so many places - hundreds of them to catch breathtaking fall foliage bursting in all the colors of the rainbow.

There are many reasons why the fall colors in the Smokies attract so many people to come see them. One of the most import reasons is that in the Great Smoky Mountains national park there are more than 100 species of trees and hundreds of different species of bushes that all change color.

Since the falls leaves colors during leaf season vary for many reasons and one of the main reasons is which species of trees or bushes are changing as all of the different trees and bushes show a different range of colors. This is what makes the Smokies a great place to see the leaves change as there is a wide range of colors everywhere you look and it is best to go to a few places to see the wide range of fall foliage colors.

Other key factors the effect when the leaves change color in the Smokies as well as the intensity, duration and where to see the change in colors are temperature, moisture, exposure to sunlight and even soil composition.

Since there is a huge difference in elevations from Pigeon Forge Tennessee, Gatlinburg and Cades Cove on the low end to Clingmans Dome, Mount Le Conte and the Blue Ridge Parkway as a higher elevation and where you are in elevation and location will change to surrounding temperatures of the trees as well as exposure to sun, the same species of tree such as a sugar maple tree can display wild vibrant fall colors in some places weeks before it does in others in the Smoky Mountains.

So if you ask when do the leaves start to change colors in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Wears Valley, Cades Cove and all throughout the Great Smoky Mountains national park the answer is they already have started this year in late August!

Look carefully in the Smoky Mountains right now and you will see in the dark green canopy touches of color in a few random leaves in the dogwoods, maples and sourwood trees especially at the higher elevations such as along the Foothills Parkway. But you don't want to come here to just see a few random leaves change color - you want to see the fall colors at their peak in the Smokies!

Count on being able to see fall colors popping out in mid to late to late September 2009 but the real displays will start to be fantastic in October and will still be sowing into November. It is not uncommon to see nice vibrant deep reds and maroons in the hardwoods in the Smoky Mountains such as the oak trees as late as Thanksgiving but you will be far past peak at that time.

So what are the predictions for the 2009 leaf season in the Great Smoky Mountains? Actually the predictions are for an extremely good leaf season in both color and duration if the weather continues to so cooperative!

In the past 2 years in the Smokies there have been record breaking droughts. The lack of water stressed the plants and the colors were actually very good. Temperatures were also much higher during the peaks in summer and even late spring also stressing the tress in bushes in the Smoky Mountains.

Though last year the color of the leaves during the fall season were good, they were lacking in duration and when it would rain, it washed down many leaves prematurely and even though fall leaves are colorful on the ground, for the best impact you want to see is the colorful leaves in peak longer on the trees.

This year 2009 we have made up for the past few years of lack of water and the health of the forests and mountains are fantastic! Add to this cooler than normal temperatures all spring and summer long and you have a recipe for beautiful leaf colors as well as duration where the beautiful brightly colored foliage stays on the trees longer during leaf season along with a greater range of colors all showing at the same time.

Because of the very good weather we have had in 2009 including the cooler than normally temperatures we are experiencing right now in the Smoky Mountains, it is likely that the fall leaf season will start earlier this year and the peak leaf season may run only until the 2nd week in November.

As we had done last year, we will do fall color report updates to let you know where to go to see the best fall colors in the Smoky Mountains and the best places to stay to see the fall colors in 2009. Our updates will also be broadcasted on Twitter and our new Face Book account.

More About Peak Leaf Season in the Great Smoky Mountains:

• Peak Leaf Color Season Dates In Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains for 2012
• Peak Leaf Season Dates For Fall of 2012
• Smoky Mountains Fall Color Season: Where and When To See the Best Leaves In 2010

How to Have a Cheap and yet Great Vacation in the Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountains

Everyone wants a cheap vacation in today's economy. In some regions tourism is down by as much as 40%, but here in the Smoky Mountains tourism is actually flourishing and increasing in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Tennessee. Why? Because you can have a great vacation in the Smokies at a very cheap price!

How can it be other areas are losing visitors and yet tourists are flocking in droves to the Smokies? No other vacation destination is more convenient and none offers a better value for your hard earned money that the Smoky Mountains do.

The Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Smoky Mountains are a day's drive from the Deep South, the North East United States and even most of the Midwest. Even though the Smokies aren't that far away, there are some ways to improve your gas mileage before and during your road trip to save money on gas.

First of all check your tire pressure and make sure all of your tires are properly inflated. Besides saving on gas, this is a great way to stop premature tire wear and more often than not, air is free. Make sure the spare is properly inflated too!

Next it's a great idea to improve gas millage and reduce engine wear change your motor oil. Better quality synthetic oil saves money on mileage and will let you engine last longer.

If it has been more than 30,000 since your last transmission fluid change it wouldn't hurt to do that too though you won't see as much in mileage savings as an old change or proper tire inflation and transmission is not a cheap part to replace in a car so why not spend a few bucks to save a part that will cost thousands to replace?

Before your road trip to the Smokies, look through the car and trunk and remove anything that doesn't need to be along on the trip. Any extra weight robs gas mileage and when you take a long trip it really adds up. Keep necessary things such as your spare, jack, flashlight and a first aid kit in the car - you want a cheap vacation not a miserable one.

When packing for your trip to the Smoky Mountains really ask yourself, do I need this? Since the better vacation accommodations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg often have a washer and a dryer for you to use for free, maybe you just don't need to pack that many clothes even for an extended stay. Remember it their electricity and hot water so what not come home with clean clothes?

On the road avoid fast acceleration and having to pass everyone on the road. You are on vacation, take it easy! You want a cheap relaxing vacation! In the mountains avoid using cruise control and accelerate and decelerate gently. Use the roads in the Great Smoky Mountains national park when you can, the speeds are low and the elevation gains and drops are less than that of the roads outside the park so you will save money on gas!

In the summer, most new cars get better mileage with the windows rolled up and the AC on. I prefer to keep the windows open to enjoy the fresh Smoky Mountains air so here the luxury of fresh air overrides being cheap by using the AC.

Though packing up car with the whole family instead of flying is a great way to save money, there are cheap flights through Allegiant Air to the Knoxville airport with fares as low as $39 each way if you book your flight far enough in advance. Knoxville is less than an hour away from the Smoky Mountains and there are plenty of cheap car rentals in the Smokies.

Once you arrive in the Smokies on your vacations you will see if it's not hard to have a great time on a very cheap budget. You will never run out of fun Family Friendly indoor and outdoor activities and with as many things there are to do in the Smoky Mountains and more attractions being built every day, there is always something new to do each time you return to vacation on the Smokies.

The biggest attraction in the Smokies that attracts almost 9.5 Million visitors a year won't charge you one cent to enter the park, hike on more than 800 miles of trails, take one of 4 auto tours, visit historic buildings, attend hands on demonstrations or bicycle all around the Great Smoky Mountains national park. For a cheap price on a Smokies vacation nothing beats free and that's what you will pay to enjoy America's favorite national park!

Looking to take the family to one of the top rated theme parks in the country with live performances that will astound you, top notch amusement park rides for kids of all ages including the wooden roller coaster thunderhead which reaches speeds of 55 miles an hour and a 100 foot drop! How fast does a scream move? Found out here in Dollywood where you will have all thrills you could want at the adventure yourself or through the eyes of your children!

In the Dollywood theme park you can watch artisans at work making handicrafts as they did hundreds of years ago here in the Smokies. Like what you see? Well there are almost 40 places where you can buy crafts of Dollywood trinkets for a just little or a lot - there is something for everyone here!

If you get hungry going from ride to ride and who wouldn't get hungry wandering around in a 125 acre park there is plenty of food to enjoy from a huge all you can eat buffet filled with good old southern cooking to real fresh Berries in cream perfect on a hot summers day in more than 30 restaurants and other places to eat in this huge, clean and safe family vacation spot in the Smokies.

Ok so know that you know how to spend money in Dollywood how can you save money? Well first of all if you stay in one of the best cabins or chalets for rent on the Smokies you save money right away because you can buy Dollywood theme park tickets at a deep discount. Besides cheap Dollywood tickets so of the log cabins for rent close to Dollywood are so close you won't have to pay for parking - you can walk there! Save gas, save time, save money on Dollywood tickets - doesn't get better than this!

Here are a few hints to save money at Dollywood besides getting cheap Dollywood tickets: arrive after 3 pm and you get a free ticket to come back the next day. If you want to really save money keep some snacks and drinks in a cooler in your car - you won't even have to walk - there are free shuttles!

Another way to enjoy your vacation in the Smokies is to save by having at least breakfast and some of your snacks at home. One of the biggest time wasters when on vacation is waiting in line to be seated and then for your food and finally your check to arrive.

Even prepackaged breakfast foods that you throw in the microwave in the Cabin you rent with save you lots of money and precious vacation time. And why not pack a lunch for a picnic in the Smoky Mountains national park instead of waiting in line to buy fast food?

Bringing the kids along? Well who wants to be cramped in a hotel room when for about the same price you can have a few bedrooms and TV's, relax in the hot tub and many of the best cabins for rent have Game Rooms or pool tables! How about renting a cabin with FREE swimming pool access in the summer? You can't beat free!

Having a cheap vacation doesn't mean you have to have a bad vacation. In the off season (January through May, if you stay a week or longer there are a bunch of 1 2 and 3 bedroom cabins that you can rent for only $99 a night!

Looking for a discount or an already cheap cabin rental rate? Well there are last minute Discounts, free night offers, and 10 discounts for AAA Members, Kroger card members, AARP members, Active Military Serviceman and women and the latest discounts just added in are for 10% off for members of the Friends of the Smokies and the Great Smoky Mountains Association. All of these cabin rental discounts are good all year long (except holidays).

Hint: Not a qualified member of any of these organizations? On your way into the Smoky Mountains stop by the visitor center in Sevierville on 66, or the visitor center on Gatlinburg or along the Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and become a member for the park instantly for only $25 (fully tax deductible) and save 10% on your cabin rental. Even with the cheapest rental out there you save money, get a tax break and help the Great Smoky Mountains national park along with the other benefits of being a member!

It won't just be a good vacations - it's a GREAT vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains! Cheap to get to with cabins that are cheap to stay in along with cheap entertainment all around. What a place to take your family on a cheap vacation!

• Cabin Rental Discount in the Smoky Mountains
• Cheap Dollywood Discount Tickets
• Cheap Cabins for rent close to Dollywood
• Cheap Cabins for rent with Game Rooms
• Cheap Cabins for rent with Swimming Pool Access
• $99 a night Cabin Rentals in the off season
• Cheap Cabins in Pigeon Forge Tennessee
• Cheap Cabins in Gatlinburg Tennessee
• Cheap Cabins in Sevierville Tennessee

Alone at Last in a Wears Valley Cabin for rent!

Looking for a romantic getaway in the Smokies where you can sit back and relax, away from the stress of everyday life and find yourselves alone at last? Have we found the perfect cabin for rent in the Smoky Mountains for you where you will find peace and quiet but in just minutes you can be in the middle of all of the restaurants and the attractions the Smoky Mountains has to offer in Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley and Gatlinburg!

This 1 bedroom cabin for rent in the Smokies has the perfect name to describe how you will feel - Alone At Last! Now it doesn't just have to be a couple that rents this beautiful log cabin as besides the huge king size bed in the master bedroom there is also a sleeper sofa so as many as 4 people can stay here -making this cabin a perfect choice for a small family!

Inside this cabin you will find beautiful wood paneling, wood floors and a beautiful wood ceiling with exposed beams. In the living room the tall ceiling give you a specious feel you will love as you enjoy the gas fireplace or when you are watching TV with cable service and a DVD player from the sofa.

The fully equipped kitchen also has high ceilings and a dining area. From a simple snack to a fancy diner everything you need is right here and the dishwasher makes cleanup a snap.

Outside you will love the completely private hot tub that also has a screened enclosure to keep out any unwanted pests. The rear deck where the hot tub is looks out into woods a perfect place to enjoy a meal or a snack or just relax at the table and chairs out here.

On the front deck you have a porch swing with 2 rockers. What can be better than getting Away From it All and the 2 of you relaxing and sharing those special moments together here in the Smoky Mountains?

Alone at Last - Pigeon Forge TN 1 Bedroom Log Cabin - Sleeps 4 1 King size bed, 1 Sleeper sofa, Hot Tub, Gas Fireplace, TV with Cable and DVD, and Washer/Dryer. 2 car parking and minutes from Dollywood, The Pigeon Forge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains national park. $125 - $150 per night (holidays higher) Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Wireless Internet Access in a 3 Bedroom Gatlinburg Log Cabin for Rent

Nothing beats getting away from it all and renting a cabin high up in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Smokies with a commanding view looking out at the Great Smoky Mountains national Park. Sure up here in the private seclusion of the mountains you can relax and take it easy while you are enjoying the peace and quiet but sometimes you need to be connected with the world and what better way can you do that with the internet?

Sure only a short while ago it was very hard to get a cell phone signal up here in the Smoky Mountains let alone even find a vacation rental unit where you can use your dial up service without racking up huge long distance charges.

Now it is possible to rent a cabin in the Smokies that has free high speed wireless internet access! There are more than 30 cabins for rent in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg with free high speed internet service to choose from ranging in size from honeymoon cottages for 2 on up to huge cabins that can handle as many as 14 people at once!

Another exceptional cabin for rent in the Great Smoky Mountains has just had high speed wireless internet access installed that guest can use for free! Windsinger is a great 3 bedroom log cabin for rent is located in Chalet Village - a private community looking down on the city of Gatlinburg with luxury amenities that guests can use such as swimming pools, kiddie pools, tennis courts, game rooms and even clubhouse facilities.

Once you arrive at the Windsinger log cabin, you will appreciate its down home country charm, and be blown away by the stunning view. Whether it is the deep cool green of spring and summer in the Smokies unfolding beneath you, falls breathtaking colors or the snow capped peaks this is the perfect place to make the most of your vacation!

Out on the deck you will not only find seating to enjoy the spectacular view, there is large hot tub just waiting to be used to wash away the stress of everyday life while enjoying the great view of the Smokies. Out here on the cabins deck you can even check your email, surf for restaurant reviews or just check the latest weather reports for the Smokies if you bring your laptop.

Inside there are all the creature comforts you could want on your vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Sit and relax in the living room in either the love seat or couch as you gaze upon the view or just watch your favorite DVD on the TV. In season you can enjoy a crackling fire in the real wood burning fireplace!

Of course you can use your laptop here in the living room because there is free wireless high speed internet access all throughout the cabin! Download movies or music or play the lasted games online - the world is at your fingertips when you have internet access.

Tired of just playing games on the internet? Than close up your laptop and bring it down to the lower level of this cabin where you will find the game room. Here you will find a real pool table with another couch and TV close by and if you want you can even play a game of foosball on the foosball table!

3 bedrooms await you in the wonderful Gatlinburg cabin - 1 with a king size bed and 2 with comfortable queen size beds. Doesn't matter which bedroom you pick, they all get high speed internet aces as long as you have a laptop with a wireless card.

This cabin as well as all of the other cabins in the Smoky Mountains that have free internet access are all winners. Great locations, well appointed, clean, comfortable and above all - very reasonable. Up to 6 people can enjoy this cabin for only $170 to $200 a night (Holidays slighter higher).

Find out more about the Windsinger 3 Bedroom Cabin or Rent it online now:

 

See all cabins in the Smokies with free high speed internet access