Winter Snow Storm Sneaks in While Fall Colors Peak in the Smokies

While fall color was peaking in the Great Smoky Mountains, Hurricane Sandy did plenty of damage up and down the eastern US coastline before turning west and further ravaging areas inland. Fortunately, for the Smokies of East Tennessee, we just saw some much needed rain for a few days in the lower elevations and beautiful snow up top above 3,000 feet.

Weather forecasting though a science, is not always accurate - especially in the Great Smoky Mountains where a few thousand feet can be the difference between torrential rains or beautiful sunshine and in the winter the difference can be a blinding blizzard, or a gentle rain.

For more than 3 days the East Tennessee Smoky Mountains were under a winter watch and the a winter warning with predictions of high winds ranging from 25 - 35 mile per hour an accumulations that were estimated to be no more than 17 inches in the worst hit.

The first of the winter storm hit us on the 28th after much of the fall peak leaf season in the very high elevations of the park were already over. While color was still very nice in the 2,500 to 3,500 foot range, little was left when the first snowfall of the 2012 season fell on the Smokies.

The main road that runs through the park Newfound Gap Road US 441, which takes you from Cherokee North Carolina all the way up to Tennessee border at Newfound Gap with an elevation of 5,046 feet, and then back down to the city limits of Gatlinburg Tennessee, was the first road to close due to snow and ice.

US 441 was opened back up after a day's worth of plowing and sanding by the Great Smoky Mountain National Parks road crew and then had to close the next afternoon as the snowstorm picked up in intensity and with the dropping temperatures, part of the road started to freeze up.

While this was happening higher up, in the lower elevations started to experience cooler weather in the 40's which made some of the fall color especially reds and oranges pop up and moved the peak fall color elevation zone down to under 2,000 feet.

Most cabin rentals are in elevations that range from 1,000 to 2,200 feet so this was the best time to see bright fall colors in the Smokies without having to drive. In the national park, color was sporadic at this point with some of it gone in the lower elevations, but plenty to be found above 2,000 feet...go figure!

Frustrating to all of us, when Newfound Gap Road closed the second time, the mountaintops stayed hidden in clouds and storm weather so we could not see the huge amount of snowfall they received. Mount Le Conte reported 3 to 4 foot drifts!

Today the weather finally broke and the crews working diligently got to reopen Newfound Gap Road this afternoon and what were treated by was a close up look to a winter wonderland!

One of the most popular pullouts along Newfound Gap Road is the Carlos Campbell Overlook looking out at Mount LeConte (pictured above). This is just a few miles from the Gatlinburg park entrance and the Sugarlands Visitor center. There was no snow on the ground in this area and you can see that the leaves at this level and below are still very colorful.

Further on up Newfound Gap Road past the Chimney parking area and the Chimneys trailhead are pullouts looking out at the Chimney Rock formations picture above. Some light dusting of snow on the ground and on signs at this point.

At the highest point of Newfound Gap Road is the Newfound Gap Parking area where you can see the back end of Mount LeConte (pictured above) or look out at the mountain ranges in North Carolina (pictured below).

With the cool seasonal temperature that rolled, we are looking at having less than a week before virtually all the color will be gone in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains and at this point almost all of the color is gone in North Caroline.

If you want to see the last of the best fall color for 2012, you had better be here this weekend!

There are very few cabins left to rent in the Smokies and there is a 10% discount on all last minute cabin rentals in the Smokies!

Easter vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains

This Easter weekend is going to be a very special treat for anyone coming to vacation in Gatlinburg Tennessee, Pigeon Forge or Sevierville in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The crowds are lighter than usual and even though the wildflowers are out and there has been lovely spring weather in the Smokies for weeks, last night there was a light dusting of snow in the mid elevations on the mountains and even a few inches of snow in the upper elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains national park.

The weather for this Easter Weekend is expected to be in the mid 50s to 60s and the high points in the national park will still have some snow on the ground which can be seen in the distance. What could be more perfect for an Easter vacation in the Smoky Mountains?

We suggest a drive through Cades Cove in the GSMNP where the valley floor is warm and the deer will be out enjoying the green grass and you will find plenty of beautiful wildflowers.

For the adventurous at least one momma back bear and her cubs have been spotted in Cades Cove this past week from the roadway even though it's still early to see them.

Dollywood is now open for the season and you can now get discounted Dollywood theme park tickets with a cabin and chalet rental and get to miss most of the crowds that come in the summer!

As always there's lots of indoor activities in the Smokies but with spring weather in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and winter weather just a few minutes drive away this Easter Vacation in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee can't be beat!

The outlet malls in the area are looking for business so prices have been slashed in most of the stores making this a perfect time to pick up some really good deals on clothing, shoes, housewares, home accessories, tools - just about anything you can imagine is on sale in the stores all around Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville Tennessee.

There are also some specials deals to be had in the whole artist community in the outskirts of Gatlinburg Tennessee. The artist community stretches for miles which will make for a beautiful drive past the rolling hills and green fields of the farms framed by the Great Smoky Mountains with fresh snow at its peaks!

Hurry and rent a cabin or chalet for an Easter getaway in the Smokies now as there are some real bargains still left but they won't last long.

Cheap cabin rentals for under $100 a night in the Smoky Mountains.

Looking to rent cheap cabins in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg Tennessee or the Sevierville Smoky Mountains for less than $100 a night?

We have found dozens of 1 bedroom cabins and chalets for rent for under $100 a night in the Smokies. Besides 1 bedroom honeymoon cabins, there are larger 1 bedroom cabins that can be rented for as low as $99 a night too!

Need more space? There are 2 bedroom cabins for $115 a night, 3 bedroom cabins for $125 a night and huge 4 bedroom family vacation rentals for only $150 a night!

These special $99 a night discount rentals for spring in the Smokies and the larger cabins and chalets are all top quality vacation homes for rent in great locations and loaded with amenities such as hot tubs, fireplaces, Jacuzzi's, pool tables and game rooms, great views, secluded locations, gas or charcoal barbecue grills, fully equipped kitchens, outdoor decks and so much more. These discounted cabin and chalet rentals amenities all vary by unit so check the list of amenities for each log cabin or chalet.

Act fast as even though there are many great units available for the $99 a night price, you can only rent a cabin or chalet in the Smoky Mountains less than $100 a night in the off peak months of January, February, March, April and May (holidays not included) and you are required to stay for at least 5 nights for a 1 bedroom vacation homes and 2 bedroom cabins, and 7 nights for 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom vacation home rentals.

So what's the catch? How can there be so many great vacation rental cabins for such a low price? Are there any expensive fees, hidden changes or do I have to take a high pressure timeshare tour and waste half a day doing so? Do you really only have to pay $99 a night to rent great a cabin or chalet on the Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge - Sevierville Smoky Mountains?

No catch! These cheap cabin rental prices are for real on new qualified rentals. There is a $40 reservation fee, a very small cleaning fee and we do collect taxes. There is a slightly higher extra cleaning charge for guests staying with pets in pet friendly cabins and chalets.

The American economy needs help and American Mountain Rentals is working hard to make a Great Smoky Mountains vacation affordable for everyone. With this Smoky Mountains vacation stimulus package you can not afford not to take a real vacation this spring in a beautiful cabin or chalet in the Smokies!

• 1 Bedroom Cabin and Chalet Rentals for under $100 a night
• 2 Bedroom Cabin and Chalet Rentals for under $115 a night
• 3 Bedroom Cabin and Chalet Rentals for under $125 a night
• 4 Bedroom Cabin and Chalet Rentals for under $150 a night

These extended stay vacation discount rentals where you can rent a cabin for less than $100 a night won't last long so act today and call (800) 508-6070 and tell them which 1 bedroom vacation rental unit you want for $99 a night or any of our 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom or 4 bedroom cabin specials.

Update: amazing discount has been one of most popular cabin rental discounts that we have ever offered and we are still honoring this great price!

November leaf color report for Great Smoky Mountains: Greenbrier

The leaf colors are bright and in peak season in the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains national park just outside of Gatlinburg Tennessee.

Greenbrier is known for being one of the quieter sections of the Great Smoky Mountains national park with outstanding hiking, great fishing and a picnic area and picnic pavilion.

We just checked 2 hiking trails to see how the fall colors are doing in this section of the Great Smoky Mountains national park and we were not disappointed and neither will you.

Both hiking trails begin at the Ramsey Cascades Trailhead which is well marked. When you enter Greenbrier you might think all the colorful fall leaves are gone but keep on driving, it gets better and better the closer you get to the trailhead.

From the trailhead you can to go to the Ramsey Cascades Falls - an 8 mile round trip or the Pinnacles Man Way a 7 mile round trip. Remember you don't have to hike all the way to enjoy the scenery!

Both trails first cross the river where you should take pictures from the bridge. By now you already have seen bright yellows and reds and a few orange leaves in the trees. Plenty of light and dark green so we have a while before this section will flame out.

The hiking trial was made on an old logging roadbed at this point and gently keeps climbing up along the river. On your left hand side there are gigantic boulders and sheer rock cliffs, even a semi cave at once point.

Stop and listen to the sounds of the river and when the wind blows the leaves falling from the trees. A perfect spot to do this is there is a log bench on the right hand side by the roaring river.

At the 1-1/2 mile mark there is a small sign on the left of the trail showing that the Ramsey Cascades trail is straight ahead. This unmarked trail is the Greenbriers Pinnacles trail.

The Pinnacles trail is a non maintained trail where you will have to climb over a few logs as you work your way up almost 2,000 feet in and works its way up to some fantastic overlooks and the top of the mountain where you will find the ruins of an old fire tower.

Since this is a rarely used trail more often than not you will see no one on the way up and down this hiking trail and there are great fall colors and the ability to look across at other mountains fall colors.

Here you will walk by rocks walls, cross a small stream, pass by some large old tress and through some rhododendron and mountain laurel lined sections of the trail. Picture below was taken on this trail.

Ramsey Cascades is also about a 2,000 foot climb with no scenic overlooks but you get to cross a roaring river on log bridges where you will also see a stunning rock wall by one of the log bridges with a beautiful pool along the riverside.

Another special feature of this trail beside the fantastic cascade waterfall at the top of the trail is the huge hemlock trees and poplar trees - some of the larger and older trees in the Great Smoky Mountains national park. Take a picture with a person next to the tree so you can get the scale of how large the trees are.

The fall colors on this trail come and go. In some areas of the trail we have gone pasty peak and others have yet to come out in full color. The shot below from the trail shows one of the peak fall color sections.

Even though these hiking trails are not exceptional long they are fairly strenuous.

You will also find that you will go through some real changes in temperature getting both hotter and cooler are you go up in elevation so dress in layers. Ramsey Cascades even the summer is much cooler than the trail is.

Come on out whole the fall colors are still great in the Greenbrier are right next to Gatlinburg Tennessee and just minute from more than 150 cabin rentals by American Mountain Rentals.

Information on the Greenbrier Section of the National Park

Fall and Columbus Day cabin rental specials in the Smoky Mountains.

Fall in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains is a beautiful time to rent a cabin and take a vacation or a quick getaway. The weather is mild, the scenery is beautiful and now you can get a discount on a cabin rental!

While everything us around seems to be going up, gas prices in the Smokies are still below the national average and you can still find some cheap luxury cabins to rent for the fall season.

The trees are already changing colors in the higher elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains national park and all around the Smokies and we are only a week from the start of peak 2008 leaf season which will go into November. Take a drive along the Foothills Parkway or the Blue Ridge Parkway and every twist and turn along the road reveals bight colors mixed in with the dark and lights greens making for spectacular fall colors for the whole family to enjoy.

Fall and harvest decorations are everywhere here in the Smokies adding to the festivities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Even Dollywood has special fall celebrations going on. Some of the most elaborate decorations are along the parkway in Pigeon Forge leading into the National Park.

Renting a cabin in fall in the Great Smoky Mountains for the leaf season is always a good idea. When you rent a cabin you have your own home away from home away from home for a truly fantastic vacation.

In your cabin or chalet you will have plenty of privacy, no need to hear loud people in a hotel room right next to you. When you want to take a nice quiet romantic dip in a hot tub outside with your special someone, you won't have a bunch of wild kids whose parents aren't watching them splashing in the pool next to you or worse yet jumping in the hot tub with you.

When you have your own cabin, you have a fully equipment kitchen - most with a dishwasher so cooking a simple meal or even a feast for the whole family is not and overwhelming task. This is a great way to save precious time on a vacation as well as money. Why wait in a line to get seated in a restaurant when you can eat breakfast on your PJs out of the deck of your own cabin watching the sunrise?

Book any cabin that is still available for check in within 7 days of check in and get a 10% discount off of the already discounted cabin rental rates! This discount is only for new reservations.

Special discount for cabin rentals for the 2008 Columbus Day:

We know it's been tough year on everyone and we want to help so this year we are not the higher holiday rates for Columbus Day! Save money on a great cabin in the Smoky Mountains! Here are the best Cabins for rent in the Smoky Mountains.

The best cabin rental company in the Great Smoky Mountains just got better

The best cabin rental company in the Great Smoky Mountains just got better with addition of a new premium log cabin for rent in the Sevierville Pigeon Forge area of the Smokies.

This cabin is located in the Echota Resort private community in Sevierville Tennessee. Not only are these fantastic cabins packed with features and amenities the whole family can enjoy, the Echota development in Sevierville is a vacation paradise in the Smoky Mountains with all the cabins for rent in Echota are located right across the street from the brand new state of the art Sevierville Events and Convention Center.

Renting a cabin in Sevierville Tennessee puts you in the middle of all the action in the Great Smoky Mountains as you are right next to Pigeon Forge with Dollywood, Splash Country, golf, indoor and outdoor amusement parks, museums and tons of shipping and restaurants.

Not only are you in the vicinity to all this action in Pigeon Forge Tennessee, you are also next to Gatlinburg Tennessee with of the exciting year round activities, shopping and fine restaurants as well as the beauty and excitement of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The new cabins all feature must have amenities such as hot tubs, fireplaces, outdoor decks to enjoy the scenery and fresh air of the Smoky Mountains, fully equipped kitchens, TVs with Satellite or Cable service and so much more. These new log cabins range from a cozy 1 bedroom honeymoon cabin on up to a 4 bedroom cabin that sleeps up to 10 people.

These new Smoky Mountain cabin rentals have everything you need for the perfect romantic or family getaway!

The Cats Meow 1 Bedroom Log Cabin - Sleeps 4 1 bedroom log cabin in the Echota resort in Sevierville TN that sleeps 4, 1 bath, 1 king size bed, 1 sleeper sofa, 2 gas fireplaces, hot tub, Jacuzzi, TV, VCR, living room, dining room, eat in kitchen, 1 deck, gas grill, 2 car parking, Iron and ironing board. $115 - $150 per night Click Here To Visit This Cabin Reserve This Cabin Online Now

Not convinced yet that any of these wonderful new vacation rentals are the perfect cabin rental for your next smoky mountains vacation? Then check out the full inventory of cabin rentals in the Smokies at American Mountain Rentals!

Gatlinburg Tennessee: The heart of the Smokies!

Gatlinburg Tennessee is the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains and a fantastic place to enjoy both the excitement and well as the peacefulness of the Smoky Mountains.

Gatlinburg Tennessee has some of the finest places to rent a cabin or chalet in the Smoky Mountains with spectacular views and a close proximity to all of the action. Gatlinburg is a perfect place to stay when you are on vacation to get way from the day's hustle and bustle.

Gatlinburg TN is nestled in the Smoky Mountains and surrounded on 3 sides by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and is neighboring Pigeon Forge Tennessee the entertainment capital of the Smokies.

This old city has a feeling all its own which is different from any other town or city in the Smoky Mountains region. Its growth is limited due the fact it is nestled in a valley and surrounded by mountains which offer breath taking views year round.

Gatlinburg has been one of the centers of tourism to the Smoky Mountains for more than a half century and has more of the historic homes and businesses than elsewhere in the region.

The Great Smoky Mountains national park welcomes millions of visitors a year that come through Gatlinburg Tennessee. The most popular entrances as well as the national parks largest visitor center are all here. If you want just drive in the national park up and over the mountains in less than an hour you are in North Carolina.

Set back from the main drag in the hills and mountains around Gatlinburg you will find areas with fantastic cabin rentals such as Sky Harbor, Chalet Village and the Roaring Fork area. In here you will find everything from cozy 1 bedroom honeymoon cabins, to medium size 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom cabins or huge 4 bedroom to 8 bedroom cabins where you can invite the whole gang!

Cabins in Gatlinburg come packed with amenities such as hot tubs, Jacuzzi's, fireplaces, and some even come with game rooms and pool tables, and swimming pools and clubhouse access. Some cabins are pet friendly so you can bring a small dog, cat or bird to the Smoky Mountains.

There are tons of honeymoon cabins here for a good reason, Gatlinburg Tennessee has many wedding chapels to choose from as so many people come to the Smokies to get married and Gatlinburg is one of the top choices.

Back in town you won't find large outlet stores or mega malls but what you will find is block after block of small quaint specialty stores and curio shops all throughout the main street running through the city of Gatlinburg - a walking and shopping paradise. There is an artist community a short drive from the main part of the city at the edge of town where you can spend an entire day going from shop to shop checking out the local handiwork and of course the bargains.

A block off the main drag of Gatlinburg you will find the Little Pigeon River which runs along River Road - a wonderful place to take a safe casual stroll day or night. Sit a spell on one of the benches covered by a gazebo along the way or dine in one of the many fine restaurants that sit on the river. If the weather permits, dine outside so you can hear the water rush and tumble over the rocks of the Little Pigeon River.

Gatlinburg TN has a huge selection of restaurants from simple dining to the extravagant. There is something here to fit anyone's taste and budget from Burger King to the Hard Rock Café you will even find a restaurant in Gatlinburg Tennessee to keep the kids happy.

There is way more to do in Gatlinburg than just shop or dine in one of their fantastic restaurants. You will find one of the worlds finest aquariums right here in the heart of the Smokies - the Ripley's aquarium.Hard to believe that such a huge, beautiful and educational aquarium is located here in the Smoky Mountains. Open year round rain or shine this is a perfect place to come if you want to come in out of a quick shower.

In Gatlinburg you will also find all sorts of activities the whole family can enjoy: indoor golf, interactive exhibits, Ripley believe it or not and other museums, haunted houses, interactive movies, indoor arcades, take some old time photos with your friends or family or take the ski lift to the top or the space needle for a spectacular view of the City of Gatlinburg.

In the winter you can ski in Gatlinburg's Ober Gatlinburg and ice skating is available indoors year round. There are also plenty of rides to enjoy at Ober Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg is a great place to play and stay so check out all the fantastic Gatlinburg cabins and chalets for rent.