Day 8 of Wilderness Wildlife Week 2014 Schedule in Pigeon Forge Tennessee

This is it! The last day of Wilderness Wildlife Week concerts, classes and workshops in the Pigeon Forge LeConte Center and free guided hike by local experts in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now here and the weather has warmed up just in time so that some can take advantage of those free hikes today.

Yesterday was another in a series of fun and educational days in Pigeon Forge and between leaning about snowflake photography, Blount count gunsmiths in the 1800's, the furnace from the original ironworks at the old Mill in Pigeon Forge, the history of Sparks Lane in Cades Cove, and traditional Cherokee Stories there was something for everyone as Wilderness Wildlife Week.

Today's demonstrations and classes and concerts at the Wilderness Wildlife Week will be well worth the entrance fee of FREE!

Today's must see Wilderness Wildlife Week programs include the photography workshop with Kendall Chiles, Don McGowan and Warren Bedell, Wildlife and Nature Photography by Harry Dunn, Helping the Brookie by Mike Bryant and for serous photographers the class Better Landscape Photos Using Manual Settings presented by local fine art and commercial photographer Eric Gebhart.

Plenty of park roads remain closed this morning with most expected to reopen today and tomorrow. None of today's free guided hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains national park should be affected by any of these closures other than the Cades Cove bus tour which must stick to the paved roads as Hyatt Lane and Sparks Lane are both closed due to high water.

All in all, the last day of Wilderness Wildlife Week for 2014 will be fantastic!

Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule
Day 8: Saturday, February 1st 2014

• 9 – 10am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Creating Camera Clubs that Click. Presented by Pat Gordy. Taking place at room North 3.
• 9 – 10am: Fall Creek Falls and the Mid Cumberland Recreation Area Video Presentation. Presented by Stuart Carroll. Taking place at room South 3.
• 9 – 1 pm: The Smokies Through a Camera Lens! Photography Workshop. Presented by Kendall Chiles, Don McGowan and Warren Bedell. Taking place at room North 2.
• 9:30 – 10:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about Smokies Fly Fishing! Aquatic Insects 101. Presented by Matt Green. Taking place at room South 2.
• 9:30 – 11 am: Take a Liken’ to Lichens. Presented by Kris Light who will lead an outdoor expedition to locate lichens in their natural habitat after covering the different types of lichens in Tennessee. Taking place at room South 1.
• 9:30 – 12:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Painting the Smokies. Limited to 10, ages 18 and older so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Participants must bring own brush #6 or #8 flat. Presented by Dick Ensing of Dutchman’s Loft. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 10 – 11 am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Public Accessible Waterfalls of East and Middle Tennessee. Presented by Keith Garnes. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 10:30 – 11:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about the Smokies Through a Camera Lens! Intro to Digital Photography from Camera to Printing. Presented by Douglas Hubbard. Taking place at room North 3.
• 10:30 – 11:30am: The Spirits of Cades Cove Video Presentation. Presented by Mike Meldrum. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 10:30 – 11:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Special Kids Track. Wilderness Wildlife Week Tall Tales for Young and Old. Limited to 40 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Observers welcome. Presented by Mary Phillips. Taking place at room South 3.
• 11 – Noon: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about Smokies Fly Fishing! Old Fly Patterns of the Smokies. Presented by Don Kirk. Taking place at room South 2.
• 11:30 – 12:30pm: Wildflowers of the Southern Highlands Video Presentation. Presented by Jack Carman of Wildflowers of Tennessee. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• Noon – 1 pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about the Smokies Through a Camera Lens! Wildlife and Nature Photography: Tricks and Techniques. Presented by Harry Dunn. Taking place at room North 3.
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about Smokies Fly Fishing! Backcountry Cooking. Presented by Craig Haney. Taking place at room South 2.
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: Pilgrimage: A Pathway to Discovery. Presented by J. Greg Johnson. Taking place at room South 3.
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Pioneer Toy Making. Presented by Roy Henson. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 1 – 2pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Old Time Radio Days. Presented by Tony Thomas. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 1:30 – 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about the Smokies Through a Camera Lens! Black and White: Give Your Photographs a Timeless Appeal. Presented by Karen Jones. Taking place at room North 2.
• 2 – 3pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Wildlife Hot spots in the Southeast Video Presentation. Presented by Kate Marshall. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 2 – 3pm: Learn to Play Washboard and Washtub Bass. Presented by Boogertown Gap. Taking place at room South 1.
• 2 – 3pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about Smokies Fly Fishing! Tenkara Comes to Tennessee. Presented by Jason Sparks. Taking place at room South 2.
• 2 – 3pm: A Year in the Life of a Bear. Presented by David Whitehead. Taking place at room South 3.
• 2 – 3pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Special Kids Track. Mystery Hour: Kids Create Your Own Mystery. Limited to 25 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Jean Leigh Claudette. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 2:30 – 3:30pm: The Bear Facts Video Presentation. Presented by Mike Meldrum. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 3 – 4pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about the Smokies Through a Camera Lens! Better Landscape Photos Using Manual Settings. Presented by Eric Gebhart. Taking place at room North 2.
• 3 – 6pm: Photography Contest Pickup Taking place at room North 1.
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Backyard Bird Habitat: Never Too Young, Never Too Old. Presented by Glenna and WC Julian and Tammy and Olivia Browning. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about Smokies Fly Fishing! Indicators for Better Nymph Fishing. Presented by Steve Vorkapich. Taking place at room South 2.
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Nature Writing for Love and Money, Part 2. Presented by Rob Simbeck. Taking place at room South 3.
• 4 – 5pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Capturing Wildlife with a Remote Infrared Camera. Presented by Joel and Kathy Zachry of Great Outdoors! Adventure Travel. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 4 – 5pm: Special Kids Track. Blue and the Grey: Civil War Soldier’s Life. Limited to 25 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Mike Meldrum. Learn about the life of a soldier when the Civil War needed young folks to enlist for the Union or Confederacy. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 4 – 6pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about the Smokies Through a Camera Lens! What Separates a Snapshot from a Fine Photograph and How They are Judged. Presented by Douglas Hubbard. Taking place at room North 3.
• 4:30 – 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about the Smokies Through a Camera Lens! Nature in Photoshop. Presented by Larry Perry. Taking place at room North 2.
• 5 – 6pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about Smokies Fly Fishing! High Navigation of the Trout Streams. Presented by Fred Turner. Taking place at room South 2.
• 5 – 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! A Tribute to the States. Presented by Hills-N-Hollows. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 5:30 – 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Songs and Stories from the Cabin Porch. Presented by Tony Thomas. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 6:30 – 7:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about Smokies Fly Fishing! Helping the Brookie. Presented by Mike Bryant. Taking place at room South 2.
• 7pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! To Be Announced. Presented by Ken Jenkins. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Guided Hikes

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 1

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 2

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 3

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 4

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 5

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 6

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 7

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 8

Day 6 of Wilderness Wildlife Week 2014 Schedule in Pigeon Forge Tennessee

As Wilderness Wildlife Week in the Pigeon Forge Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains rolls into day 6, snow flurries are still falling and in scattered places in the Smokies and the thermometer are reading 5 degrees at the Le Conte center right now.

Sure we expected an inch of snow and were questioning whether some of the guided hikes could take place yesterday in the Great Smoky Mountains national park, what we didn't expect is up to 4 inches in some areas!

It is beautiful here in Pigeon Forge right however we all doubt that the guided Wilderness Wildlife Week hikes will take place today since most of the park roads are still closed and even areas that have access are still very icy and not necessary safe to hike around in.

The great news is the major roads are clear to get you to the LeConte Center off Teaster Lane when the indoor programs for Wilderness Wildlife Week take place and there are some great free programs that you can enjoy in the comfort of this great location.

So what programs are today's must see events? Ranger Bill Stiver the parks head of Wildlife Managements program on black bear will be incredible and you can ask him any wildlife question as well.

You also won't want to miss the Easy and Quick Guitar for the Absolute Adult Beginner works, and works well you will be able to play, and The Story of Pittman Center which will be presented by a former park resident, park ranger and Mayor Glenn Cardwell who is one of my favorite hiking buddies. Enjoy his humor and great knowledge of the Smokies.

There will also be more musical performances at Wilderness Wildlife Week by Boogertown Gap as well as Old Harp Singer and more.

Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule
Day 6: Thursday, January 30th 2014

• 8 – 11am: Introduction to Tracking People in the Outdoors. Presented by Joe Kelley. Taking place at room South 2.
• 8:45 – 9:45am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Somethin’s Fishy: Fish and Water In and Around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Presented by Matt Kulp. Taking place at room North 2.
• 9 – Noon: Basket Making. Limited to 10 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Theresa Tyler. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 10 – 11am: Arches Along the Way: A Presentation of Arches and Natural Bridges Along Tennessee’s Trails. Presented by Keith Garnes. Taking place at room North 3.
• 10 – 11am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Ancient Rhythms: Native American Flute. Presented by Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 10 – 11am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Making a Gemstone Bracelet. Limited to 12 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by LaDonna Twyman of the Jim Gray Gallery. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 10 – 11:30am: The Wolves of Bays Mountain. Presented by Rick and Rhonda Goins of the Bays Mountain Park. Taking place at room South 3.
• 10:15 – 11:15am: The Garden Unseen Slide Presentation. Presented by Dr. Alan S. Heilman. Taking place at room North 2.
• 11:30 – 12:30pm: Our Smokies Heritage! The Story of Pittman Center. Presented by Glenn Cardwell. Taking place at room North 3.
• 11:30 – 12:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! The State Parks of East Tennessee Video Presentation. Presented by Robin Peeler Wooten. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 11:30 – 12:30pm: Special Kids Track. Garbage Pizza: Keep Sevier Beautiful. Limited to 30 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 11:30 – 1pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Journey on the Camino de Santiago, Part 2 (2013). Presented by Olga Pader. Taking place at room South 2.
• Noon – 1pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Outdoor Recreation: Alternatives to Hiking. Presented by Mark Kilgore of Bays Mountain Park. Taking place at room South 3.
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count Video Presentation. Presented by Regina Garr of Birds-I-View. Taking place at room North 2.
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Smoky Mountain Ballads, Part 2. Presented by Boogertown Gap. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 1 – 2pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Special Kids Track. Bear Tales: True, False and Partially True Stories About Bears. Presented by Kathy Sherrard of Appalachian Bear Rescue. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 1 – 2pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Rev. Dr. John Burnett, Founder of Pittman Community Church Monologue. Rev. Burnett the founder of Pittman Community and school was an active pastor and bishop of many Methodist and Episcopal churches in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Presented by Will Rabert. Taking place at room South 1.
• 1 – 2pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Pioneer Toy Making. Limited to 20 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Roy Henson. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 1 – 2pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Make a Native American Dreamcatcher. Limited to 10 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Participants may choose to make a traditional or modern dream-catcher. Presented by Sue Todd. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 1:30 – 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Bats of the Great Smoky Mountains: Where We Stand with White Nose Syndrome. Presented by Jay Carr. Taking place at room North 3.
• 1:30 – 3pm: Do It Yourself: Building a Backyard Bird Habitat. Presented by Mark Dunaway. Taking place at room South 3.
• 2 – 3pm: Southern Appalachian Wildflowers Video Presentation. Presented by Kate Marshall. Taking place at room North 2.
• 2 – 3pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Old Time Hymns. Presented by Don Huskey, Marcia Huskey Nelson and Roger Helton. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 2:45 – 3:45 pm: Black Bear Management in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Presented by Bill Stiver. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 3 – 4pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! "Express Yourself" and "Go Hogwild" On All New Expressions and Sayings. Presented by Kathy Gwinn. Taking place at room North 3.
• 3 – 4pm: Ghost Birds!: Jim Tanner and the Ivory Billed Woodpecker. Presented by Stephen Lyn Bales of the Ijams Nature Center. Taking place at room South 2.
• 3 – 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Workshop for Beginning Old Time Banjo. Limited to 10 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Tony Thomas. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Forest Insects and Disease in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Presented by Jesse Webster. Taking place at room South 3.
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Special Kids Track. Be a Junior Bear Biologist. Presented by Marci Spencer of the Appalachian Bear Rescue. Limited to 20 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 3:30 – 5 pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Civil War in the West, 1864-1865. Presented by Jack Carman of Wildflowers of Tennessee. Taking place at room North 2.
• 3:30 – 5:30pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Old Harp Singing School. Presented by David Sarten. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 4:30 – 5:30pm: Coexisting with Black Bears. Presented by Joel and Kathy Zachry of Great Outdoors! Adventure Travel. Taking place at room North 3.
• 4:30 – 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! The History of Pigeon Forge’s Old Mill Square. Presented by representatives of Old Mill Square. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 4:30 – 6 pm: My Experience Through-Hiking the Appalachian Trail Video Presentation for mature adults. Presented by Bert Kunze. Taking place at room South 2.
• 5:30 – 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Trekking to the Top of Kilimanjaro. Presented by Allyson and Chris Virden. Taking place at room North 2.
• 5:30 – 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Easy and Quick Guitar for the Absolute Adult Beginner. Limited to 10 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Some guitars available, but participants are urged to bring their own. Presented by Anna Uptain. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 5:45 – 6:45 pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Native American Stories. Presented by Lloyd Arneach. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 6pm: Saturday Hike Signups Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 6 – 7pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Hymns and Songs of Faith. Presented by Whaley Family Singers. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 7:15pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Spiritual Lessons from Nature. Presented by Chuck Summers and Ken Jenkins. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Guided Hikes

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 1

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 2

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 3

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 4

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 5

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 6

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 7

Day 5 of Wilderness Wildlife Week 2014 Schedule in Pigeon Forge Tennessee

Thank goodness Wilderness Wildlife Week takes place indoors at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge as another arctic blast hit the south and we here in the Smoky Mountains have not been spared.

Presently virtually all roads in the Great Smoky Mountains national park are closed due to snow and ice and even the visitor centers and park headquarters are not expected to be able to open on time even though there is a large event that was supposed to taking place today: the release of a new quarter honoring the Great Smoky Mountains national park.

Our bold prediction is that none of the guided hikes will take place today in the GSMNP for Wilderness Wildlife Week and that is a real shame given that the Finley Cane and Alum Bluff hikes are some of my favorites and I many who were looking forward to the Cades Cove Photo trek as well. The guided bus tour of the History of Pigeon Forge should go on as planned.

Luckily Wilderness Wildlife Week mostly takes place in the warmth and comfort indoors and you do not need to leave the LeConte Center during the day for anything as it is all here.

I know it has been said before, but this is going to be another great day of lectures, musical performance and classed - all free of course - that make Wilderness Wildlife Week the amazing event that it is.

The must see and do events today include Learn About Bears Through Hands-On Activities presented by Kathy Sheppard of the Appalachian Bear Rescue organization, 15 Years of the Smokies' All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory by Todd Witcher which will amaze you and inspire you and Humorous Native American Stories presented by Lloyd Arneach.

There is another chance to learn how to play the Mountain Dulcimer and jam with others and the Boogertown Gap band will play again.

Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule
Day 5: Wednesday, January 29th 2014

• 9 – 10am: The Art of Dowsing. Limited to 30 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Charles Monday. Taking place at room South 1.
• 9 – 10am: Returning the Whooping Crane to the Eastern Flyway Slide Presentation. Presented by Ken Dubke. Taking place at room South 2.
• 9:30 – 10:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Reelfoot Lake: Tennessee’s Earthquake Lake. Presented by David Haggard. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 9:30 – 10:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Conservation Efforts at Pogue Creek State Natural Area. Presented by Travis Bow. Taking place at room South 3.
• 9:30 – 11:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Make Your Own Wilderness Wildlife Week 2014 Bandana. Limited to 20 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Louise Bales. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 9:30 – 12:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Painting the Smokies. Limited to 18, ages 18 and older and you must pre-register at Information Desk. Participants must bring own #6 or #8 flat brush. Presented by Dick Ensing of Dutchman’s Loft. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 10 – 11 am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! To Niagara and Back by Waterfall Slide Presentation. Presented by Bill Carter. Taking place at room North 2.
• 10:30 – 11:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! 60 Years of Supporting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Presented by the Great Smoky Mountains Association. Taking place at room North 3.
• 10:30 – 11:30am: Energy, Effort and Passion: Volunteering in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Presented by Christine Hoyer who runs the GSMNP Volunteers in the Parks. Taking place at room South 2.
• 11 – Noon: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Amazing Trees of Tennessee. Presented by Flo Moore. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 11 – Noon: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! The Rev. Robert Hall, Bishop of the Cumberlands Monologue. Presented by Will Rabert as he takes on the role of Robert Hall, the Bishop of the Cumberlands and founder of the Cumberland Mountain School for plateau children. Taking place at room South 1.
• 11 – 12:30pm: Journey on the Camino de Santiago, Part 1 (2011). Presented by Olga Pader. Taking place at room South 3.
• 11:30 – 12:30pm: Concert by the Carolina Bluegrass Boys Featuring the Appalachian Cloggers. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• Noon – 1pm: 15 Years of the Smokies’ All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory. Presented by Todd Witcher. Taking place at room North 3.
• Noon – 1pm: Better Flower Pictures. Presented by Bob Stephenson. Taking place at room South 2.
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: Our Smokies Heritage! The Story of Greenbrier Cove. Presented by Glenn Cardwell. Taking place at room North 2.
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Camera Basics 101: Understanding Your Camera’s Adjustments Used in the Manual. Presented by Douglas Hubbard Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 1 – 2pm: Alligators, Bears and Wolves. Presented by Jim W. Wigginton. Taking place at room South 3.
• 1 – 2pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Get Growing! Keep Sevier Beautiful. Participants which are limited to 30 and must pre-register at Information Desk, will make a planter from common recyclable's to take home along with seeds and soil. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 1:15 – 2:15 pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Smoky Mountain Ballads, Part 1. Presented by Boogertown Gap. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 1:30 – 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Black Bear Cubs Video Presentation. Presented by Kate Marshall. Taking place at room North 3.
• 1:30 – 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Miracle of the Monarch. Presented by Lois English and Glenna Julian. Taking place at room South 2.
• 1:30 – 3:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Playing Mountain Dulcimer by Ear and Playing in Jam Sessions. Participants must bring own mountain dulcimers and there is a Limited to of 20 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Tim Simek. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 2 – 3pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Cherokee History: Both Sides of the Smokies. Presented by Jon Elder. Taking place at room North 2.
• 2 – 3pm: The Art of Dowsing. Limited to 30 so you must pre-register at the Information Desk. Presented by Charles Monday. Taking place at room South 1.
• 2 – 3:30pm: Civil War in the West, 1863. Presented by Jack Carman of Wildflowers of Tennessee. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 2:30 – 3:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Plants and Animals Important to the Native Americans. Presented by Stephen Lyn Bales of the Ijams Nature Center. Taking place at room South 3.
• 3 – 4pm: A Ranger Family’s Recollections. Presented by Joe Kelley and Sons. Taking place at room North 3.
• 3 – 4pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! America’s First Ladies. Presented by Kathy Gwinn. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 3 – 4pm: Wild Ones among Us. Presented by Lynne McCoy. Taking place at room South 2.
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Murder and Baseball in Sevier County, 1949-1953. Presented by Robert S. Allen. Taking place at room North 2.
• 4 – 5pm: Special Kids Track. Learn About Bears Through Hands-On Activities. Limited to 20 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Kathy Sherrard of the Appalachian Bear Rescue. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 4:30 – 5:30pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Margaret Steverson: The Walkingest Woman in the Smokies. Presented by Bill Deitzer. Taking place at room North 3.
• 4:30 – 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! New Joints for Old Hikers! Presented by Joel and Kathy Zachry of Great Outdoors! Adventure Travel. Taking place at room South 2.
• 4:30 – 6pm: My Experience Through-Hiking the John Muir Trail Video Presentation. Presented by Bert Kunze. Taking place at room South 3.
• 5 – 6pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Vintage Views Video Presentation. Presented by Kevin Tierney Taking place at room North 2.
• 5 – 6pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Humorous Native American Stories. Presented by Lloyd Arneach. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 5:30 – 6:30pm: Concert by Carolina Bluegrass Boys Featuring the Appalachian Cloggers. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 6 pm: Friday Hike Signups Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 6:30 – 7:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! The Meanderings of a Silly Man: The Extremes. Presented by Doug Mills. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 7:45pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! From the Heart of Appalachia: Even More Heartland Stories and Adventures. Presented by Bill Landry. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Guided Hikes

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 1

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 2

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 3

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 4

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 5

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 6

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 7

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 7

Day 4 of Wilderness Wildlife Week 2014 Schedule in Pigeon Forge Tennessee

Yesterday Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge was a lot of fun and today the 4th day of the show should be as well. The only disappointment was the cancelled outdoor activities specially the guided hikes in the Great Smoky Mountain national park.

Those that did get out took some spectacular pictures which I was shown last night and many will have to opportunity to go out again today as more roads have reopened, though up to an inch more of snow may fall today as well.

One of the programs I missed which was a bog hit yesterday was teaching you how to make a better habitat in your garden for wildlife. I also got to see people wearing the Wilderness Wildlife Week bandanas they made earlier in the morning.

The hot Wilderness Wildlife Week programs taking place today are the Art of Dowsing which has been fun every year and it seems to work! Also Basic Photography with Jim Eastin, How to Interview a Tree by Flo Moore and Tennessee's Birds of Prey presented by David Haggard.

Boogertown Gap will have another program this afternoon you won't want to miss and I beg all of you to be sure to catch former park range Kim Delozier present Bears, Boars and Bulls: A Wild Life in the Smokies.

Let's hope the weather cooperates for you hikers and though more cold weather will follow this week, the next 3 days there should be no more snow.

Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule
Day 4: Tuesday, January 28th 2014

• 8:30 – 9:30am: Green Power Switch. Presented by Lucas Harkleroad. Taking place at room North 2.
• 9 – 10am: Freed Osprey Restoration Slide Presentation. Presented by Ken Dubke. Taking place at room South 2.
• 9:30 – 10:30am: Civil War in the West, 1861. Presented by Jack Carman of Wildflowers of Tennessee. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 9:30 – 10:30am: The Art of Dowsing. Limited to 30 so you just pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Charles Monday. Taking place at room South 1.
• 9:30 – 12:30pm: Basket Making. Limited to 10 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Theresa Tyler. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 10 – 11am: Our Smokies Heritage! Meet Mr. Herbert Clabo. Presented by Herbert Clabo with Veta King. Taking place at room North 2.
• 10 – 11am: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen. Presented by Rosemary Deitzer. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 10 – 11am: To Be Announced. Presented by Rick and Rhonda Goins of the Bays Mountain Park. Taking place at room South 3. 10:30 – Noon: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Carving a Bear Pin. Limited to 12 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Must bring own sharpened wood carving tools. Presented by Don Taylor. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 11 – Noon: Waterfalls of Tennessee Slide Presentation. Presented by Bill Carter. Taking place at room North 3.
• 11 – Noon: Special Kids Track. Wild World of Animals. Presented by Knoxville Zoo’s Zoomobile. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 11 – Noon: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Outdoor Recreation: Alternatives to Hiking. Presented by Mark Kilgore from the Bays Mountain Park. Taking place at room South 2.
• 11:30 – 12:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Basic Photography. Presented by Jim Eastin. Taking place at room South 2.
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Totally Tennessee, Part 2: A Sampler of Tennessee Trivia That’s Anything But Trivial. Presented by Kathy Gwinn. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: Where’s Mommy? Rehabilitating Orphaned Wildlife. Presented by Phylis Rollins. Taking place at room South 2.
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Wire Wrapping a River Stone Pendent. Participants will wire wrap a local river stone to make a pendant to keep as a Wilderness Wildlife Week souvenir. Limited to 12 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by LaDonna Twyman of the Jim Gray Gallery. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 1 – 2pm: Mountain Marvels: Waterfalls of the Southern Appalachians Slide Presentation. Presented by Bill Carter. Taking place at room North 3.
• 1 – 2pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Old Time Dessert Tasting. Limited to 100 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Veta King. Taking place at room North 2.
• 1 – 2pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Storytelling: Stories and Songs of Growing Up in Appalachia. Presented by Tony Thomas. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 1 – 2pm: The Art of Dowsing. Limited to 30 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Charles Monday Taking place at room South 1.
• 1 – 2:30pm: Civil War in the West, 1862. Presented by Jack Carman of Wildflowers of Tennessee. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 1:30 – 2:30pm: Air Quality Update for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Presented by Jim Renfro. Taking place at room South 3.
• 1:30 – 2:30pm: How to Make a Quill Pen. Limited to 14 to adults only and you must pre-register at Information Desk. Participants must bring sharp penknife or x-acto blade. Presented by Pat K Thomas. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 2 – 3pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Who Are You? How to Interview a Tree. Presented by Flo Moore. Join Flo as she teaches ways to recognize common Tennessee trees in the summer or winter forest. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 2 – 3pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Lilies of the Appalachians, Past and Present Video Presentation. Presented by Kate Marshall. Taking place at room South 2.
• 2 – 3pm: Special Kids Track. Whoo Did That: Fascinating Owls. Limited to 20 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Lynne McCoy. Taking place room South 4A.
• 2:30 – 3:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Keeping Your Forest Healthy. Presented by Glenn Taylor. Taking place at room North 3.
• 2:30 – 3:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Music of Our American Roots. Presented by Lost Mill String Band. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 3 – 4pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Uncle Isaac (Ike) Bradley. Presented by Bill Bradley. Taking place at room North 2.
• 3 – 4pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Tennessee’s Birds of Prey. Presented by David Haggard. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 3 – 4pm: Tennessee Butterflies and How to Raise Them. Presented by Lois English. Taking place at room South 3.
• 3:30 – 4:00pm: Beginning Clogging. Limited to 20 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Jack and Doris Patton. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! The Wilderness Helped the War Effort of World War II: The Building of Fontana Dam. Presented by Bob Keim. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: Creating and Telling Family Stories. Presented by Jim Eastin Taking place at room South 2.
• 4 – 5 pm: Special Kids Track. Animal Olympics. Limited to 25 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Mike Meldrum. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 4 – 5:30pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Smoky Mountain Inhabitants and Their Music. Presented by Boogertown Gap. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 4:15 – 4:45 pm: Beginning Clogging. Limited to 20 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Jack and Doris Patton. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 4:30 – 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Ranger Work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the 1960s. Presented by Joe Kelley Taking place at room North 3.
• 4:30 – 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! ABR: Giving Bears a Second Chance. Presented by Joel and Kathy Zachry of Great Outdoors! Adventure Travel. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 5 – 6 pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! The Blue Mountains Sing. Presented by Ron Rader. Taking place at room North 2.
• 5:30 – 6:30pm: Bears, Boars and Bulls: A Wild Life in the Smokies. Presented by E. Kim Delozier. Taking place at room South 3.
• 5:45 – 6:45pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Appalachia: Can You Hear It? Presented by Tony Thomas. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 6 pm: Thursday Hike Signups Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 7 – 8pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Concert by Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 8:15pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Concert by Dave Adkins and Republik Steele. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Guided Hikes

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 1

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 2

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 3

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 4

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 5

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 6

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 7

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 7

Day 3 of Wilderness Wildlife Week 2014 in Pigeon Forge Tennessee

Attendance was high for the first weekend of Wilderness Wildlife Week though the weather has not been cooperative most guided hikes could not take place in the Great Smoky Mountains national park on the first day of hikes which was yesterday.

The good news is that the Wilderness Wildlife Week programs taking place in the Pigeon Forge LeConte center were packed and when the day ended, people were already discussing in the halls the programs they were coming to today.

The programs that were big hits yesterday were 2 of the photo programs Working with Wildflowers and Nighttime and Low light Photography, were master photographers shared their secrets and I for one can't wait to try some of them out. Always bring a pen and pad to Wilderness Wildlife Week!

The Wilderness Wildlife Week demonstrations you need to be sure to see today will be the history of Moonshine in Tennessee which has seen a huge increase in interest in the past few years and aspiring musicians will like Beginning Hammer Dulcimer which is limited to 20 participants.

Everyone will enjoy Ranger Recollections given by Joe Kelley and one of our favorite local musical duos Boogertown Gap will teach you how to Play Spoons and a Washtub Bass.

If the weather cooperates the only guided hike that looks like it will be cancelled is the one to Mount Cammerer. While most roads on the Tennessee side of the park have reopened, the Great Smoky Mountains Twitter reports many trails are very slick and icy and more cold weather and snow is on the way.

Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule
Day 3: Monday, January 27th 2014

• 9:30 – 11:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Make Your Own Wilderness Wildlife Week 2014 Bandannas. Limited to 20 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Louise Bales. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 10 – 11am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Songs of the Civil War. Presented by Tony Thomas Taking place at room North 3.
• 10 – 11am: Transforming the Blue Ridge Mountains into Shenandoah National Park. Presented by Bill Deitzer Taking place at room North 2.
• 10 – 11am: Leave No Trace: The Principles of Outdoor Ethics. Presented by Mike Braun Taking place at room South 2.
• 10 – 11:30am: 10 Hints for Creating a Successful Backyard Habitat: Advice from a Lifetime Master Gardener.Limt 50 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Dr. Leo and Linda Lubke. Taking place at room South 3.
• 10:30 – 11:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! A Cub’s Life. Presented by Kathy Sherrard of Appalachian Bear Rescue. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 10:30 – 11:30am: Hosting Hummingbirds Video Presentation. Presented by Steve Garr of Birds-I-View. Taking place at room South 1.
• 10:30 – Noon: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Carving a Bear Pin. Limited to 12 so you must pre-register at Information Desk and bring your own sharpened wood carving tools. Presented by Don Taylor. Taking place at room South 4A. 11 – Noon: Wildflowers of Tennessee Video Presentation. Presented by Jack Carman of Wildflowers of Tennessee. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 11:30 – 12:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Meet President and Mrs. Lincoln and Civil War Ladies where Attendees may have photos taken with historical guests. Taking place at room North 3.
• 11:30 – 12:30pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Putting the Pigeon Back in Pigeon Forge. Presented by Paul James of the Ijams Nature Center. Taking place at room North 2.
• 11:30 – 12:30pm: Learn to Play Spoons and Washtub Bass. Presented by Boogertown Gap. Taking place at room South 2. Noon – 1pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Forsaken by God and Man: The Fort Loudon Story. Presented by Eric Hughey. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• Noon – 1pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! The Beautiful Winter Garden: Plants with Winter Interest. Presented by Sue Hamilton. Taking place at room South 1.
• Noon – 1pm: Meditations on Nature. Presented by Phylis Rollins. Taking place at room South 3.
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Totally Tennessee, Part 1: A Sampler of Tennessee Trivia That’s Anything But Trivial. Presented by Kathy Gwinn. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Make a Native American Dreamcatcher. Limited to 10 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Participants may choose to make a traditional or modern dreamcatcher. Presented by Sue Todd. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 1 – 2pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Civil War Guns and Surgical Display. Presented by David Clinton and 63rd Tennessee Infantry. Taking place at room North 3.
• 1 – 2pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Plants and People of the Southern Appalachians. Presented by Leon Bates. Taking place at room South 2.
• 1 – 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Outsmart Your Smartphone. Presented by Richard Iceland. Taking place at room North 2.
• 1 – 2:30pm: Beginning Hammer Dulcimer. Limited to 20 so you must pre-register at Information Desk and participants must bring own hammer dulcimer. Presented by Tim Simek Taking place at room South 4B.
• 1:30 – 2:30pm: Everybody’s Fishin’: A Cross-Cultural Fishing Extravaganza. Presented by Doug Elliott Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 1:30 – 2:30pm: Audubon’s Birds. Presented by Stephen Lyn Bales of the Ijams Nature Center. Taking place at room South 1.
• 2 – 3pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Meet Some of Tennessee’s Most Famous Residents. Presented by Maranda and Elisa Vandergriff. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 2 – 3pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Water birds of the Southern States Video Presentation. Presented by Kate Marshall. Taking place at room South 3.
• 2:30 – 3pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Special Kids Track. Limited to 20 Must pre-register at Information Desk. Fred and Ted the Fish: Keep Sevier Beautiful. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 2:30 – 3:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! The Battle of Fairgarden. Presented by Carroll McMahan. Taking place at room North 3.
• 2:30 – 3:30pm: Wild Hog Management: Are We Too Late? Presented by David Whitehead. Taking place at room South 2.
• 3 – 4pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Moonshine in Tennessee: Stories and Songs about the Moonshine History of East Tennessee and the Moonshine Trail. Presented by Tony Thomas. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: Woodpeckers: Nature’s Homebuilders Video Presentation. Presented by Steve Garr of Birds-I-View. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Wildflower Identification. Presented by Tom Harrington. Taking place at room South 3.
• 4 – 5pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Divided Loyalties: The Civil War in Sevier County and the Great Smoky Mountains. Presented by Dr. Aaron Astor. Taking place at room North 3.
• 4 – 5pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Mock Trial from the Past. Join a reenactment a local trial from Sevier County’s past to see how different the dockets looked in earlier times. Presented by Sevier County High School Students. Taking place at room North 2.
• 4 – 5pm: Ranger Recollections. Presented by Joe Kelley. Taking place at room South 2.
• 4 – 5pm: Special Kids Track. Batteries Not Included: Old Time Toys and Games. Presented by Mike Meldrum. Limited to 25 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 4:30 – 5:30pm: Wildwoods Wisdom: Our Spiritual Connection to Nature. Presented by Doug Elliott. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 5 – 6pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! More Trials and Tribulations of Two Professional Naturalists. Presented by David Taylor and Joe Taft. Taking place at room South 3.
• 5:30 – 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about our Smokies Heritage! Moonshining in Cocke County, TN: A Fascinating Focus of Fact vs. Fiction. Presented by J. Duay O’Neil. Taking place at room North 2.
• 5:30 – 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Ukulele for the Adult Beginner. Limited to 20, ages 13 and older so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Some instruments available though participants are encouraged to bring own. Presented by Anna Uptain. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 6 pm: Wednesday Hike Signups Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 6 – 7pm: Our Smokies Heritage! Old Time Hymns and Songs of Faith. Presented by Don Huskey, Marcia Huskey Nelson and Roger Helton. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 7 – 8pm: Tales from Lost. Presented by Dwight McCarter. Taking place at room North 2.
• 8pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! And Heaven and Nature Sing. Presented by Ken Jenkins, Judy Felts and Friends. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Guided Hikes

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 1

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 2

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 3

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 4

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 5

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 6

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 7

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 7

Day 1 of Wilderness Wildlife Week 2014 in Pigeon Forge Tennessee

As the first day of Wilderness Wildlife Week for 2014 is about to kick off, you can feel the excitement. An new location with lots more room and luxury than before, a staggering amount of new programs, and the return of some of our favorite presenters and their programs.

We are also very thankful that Wilderness Wildlife Week is taking place later than usual as the weather is going to be far better for hiking and outdoor activities that it was originally scheduled for.

It is however winter in the Great Smoky Mountains and though it will be about 50 tomorrow for some of the hikes, my thermometer reads 17 degrees right now in Pigeon Forge!

Signups for Wilderness Wildlife Week Guided hiking trips for tomorrow will take place today at 6 pm in the Greenbrier Hall Section C.

Some of the favorite Wilderness Wildlife Week presentations for today will be introduction to Beginning Mountain Dulcimer (bring your own if you can, how to take Great Photos with Cell Phones or Point and Shoot Cameras which is sure to be a packed class and Civil War in the Mountains presented by our own Chris Tipton.

If you have the time and the energy it is well worth sticking it out to the end and catch this years keynote program which is always a winner.

Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule
Day 1: Saturday, January 25th 2014

• 8 – 11am: Learn to Use a Map and Compass. Limited to 50 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Terry and LaValla Edgington. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 9 – 10am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! The Smokies Through a Camera Lens! Ways to Improve Your Photography and Develop Your Craft. Presented by Dale Knight. Taking place at room North 3.
• 9 – 10am: The Serpent Handlers. Presented by Fred Brown. Taking place at room South 3.
• 9 – 1pm: The Smokies Through a Camera Lens! A Nature Photography Workshop. Presented by Kendall Chiles, Tom and Pat Cory and Daniel Dempster. Taking place at room North 2.
• 9:30 – 10:30am: The Appalachian Trail: An Entertaining Adventure Video Presentation. Presented by Jeff Alt. Taking place at room South 2.
• 9:30 – 11:30am: Fly Fishing the Smokies: Presented by Greg Ward Taking place at room South 1.
• 10 – 11 am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Wildflower Folklore: Ila Hatter (Wildcrafting with Ila). Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 10 – Noon: Introduction to Beginning Mountain Dulcimer. Presented by TNT Dulcimers (Deby Libby, Ginny Cliett and Linda Smith). Taking place at room South 4B. There is a Limited to 25 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Limited number of loaner dulcimers available so bring a dulcimer and music stand, if possible. Observers are welcome.
• 10:30 – 11:30am: Rock Formations of the Smokies. Presented by Harry Moore. Taking place at room South 3.
• 10:30 – 12:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The Smokies Through a Camera Lens! Great Photos with Cell Phones or Point and Shoot Cameras. Presented by Richard Iceland. Taking place at room North 3.
• 10:45 – 11:45am: Special Kids Track. Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep It Fun. Presented by Jeff Alt. Taking place at room South 2.
• 11:30am: Sunday Hike Signups. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 11:30 – 12:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Our Smokies Heritage! Out of the Dark, Part 1: Doc Henderson Versus the White Caps. How a courageous doctor rallied his community by riding out to oppose a secret order of nightriders engaged in terror, torture, midnight whippings and murders in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains. Presented by Don Williams. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 11:30 – 1pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program and Special Kids Track: Wilderness Wildlife Week Tall Tales for Young and Old. Watch or join in as we spin a tale about a boy named Booger and his faithful cat Stinker and a firefly. Limited to 40 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Mary Phillips. Taking place at room South 4A.
• Noon – 1pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Cougar Recovery in the Great Smoky Mountains. Presented by Dr. John Laundre of the Cougar Rewilding Foundation. Taking place at room South 3.
• 12:30 – 2pm: Learn the Clawhammer Banjo, Part 1. Limited to 10 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Participants must bring own five string banjo tuned in the key of G. Presented by Boogertown Gap. Taking place at room South 4B.
• 1 – 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program for Our Smokies Heritage! I Come to Borry Coals a presentation of the oral history of Smoky Mountain speech. Presented by Tyler King. Taking place at room South 2.
• 1 – 2pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about the Smokies Through a Camera Lens! Creative Nature Enhanced Photography. Presented by Larry Perry. Taking place at room North 3.
• 1 – 2pm: Discovering October Roads Video Presentation. Presented by Fred Brown and Harry Moore. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 1 – 2pm: Songs of the Carter Family. Presented by Tony Thomas. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 1 – 2:30pm: Hiking and Backpacking Program: Getting Started with the Right Gear. Presented by Mike Braun, Bill Deitzer and Pamela Rodgers. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 1 – 3pm: Stream-Stocked Trout Fishing. Presented by Greg Ward. Taking place at room South 1.
• 1:30 – 2:30pm: Special Kids Track. Family Fun in the Smokies. Presented by Katy Koontz. Taking place at room South 3.
• 1:30 – 3:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about the Smokies Through a Camera Lens! How to Look at and Critiquing Images. Presented by Colby McLemore and Eddie Foley. Taking place at room North 2.
• 2 – 3pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Four Seasons of Whitetail Deer Video Presentation. Presented by Kate Marshall. Taking place at room South 2.
• 2 – 3pm: Special Kids Track. The Blue and the Grey: Learn about Life as a Civil War Soldier. The Civil War needs Young folks to enlist for the Union or Confederacy and as a recruit, learn about the life of a soldier. Limited to of 25 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Mike Meldrum. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 2:30 – 3:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about the Smokies Through a Camera Lens! Working with Wildflowers: A Photographer’s Delight. Presented by Jerry Whaley. Taking place at room North 3.
• 2:30 – 3:30pm: Confessions of Snake Boy: Snake Tales, Songs and Lore. Presented by Doug Elliott. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 2:30 – 3:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Owls and Woodpeckers of Tennessee. Presented by Stephen Lyn Bales from the Ijams Nature Center. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 3 – 4pm: Sanctuary: Meditations from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Presented by J. Greg Johnson. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 3 – 4pm: You, Me and the Bears. Learn what happens when bears come into campsites or near our homes. Presented by Joey Holt. Taking place at room South 3.
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Everything You Wanted to Know about Mountain Lions in the Smokies. Presented by Dr. Don Linzey. Taking place at room South 2.
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program Special Kids Track! Compost Stew: Keep Sevier County Beautiful. Limited to 30 so you must pre-register at Information Desk. Taking place at room South 4A.
• 4 – 5pm: The Smokies Through a Camera Lens! Turn Your Photography Into Art. Presented by Karen Jones. Taking place at room North 2.
• 4 – 5pm: Civil War in the Mountains. Presented by Chris Tipton. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 4 – 5pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! A Bodacious Snuffy Smith Chalk Talk. Presented by John Rose the Snuffy Smith Cartoonist. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 4 – 5pm: Bluebirds Year-Round Video Presentation. Presented by Steve Garr (Birds-I-View). Taking place at room South 1.
• 4 – 5pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Alpine Hiking for Seniors. Presented by Peter and Gudrun Seifert. Taking place at room South 2.
• 4:30 – 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Bringing Sustainable Development to Environmentally Degraded Kenya. Presented by Dan and Nancy Richards. Taking place at room South 3.
• 4:30 – 6pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about the Smokies Through a Camera Lens! LightRoom 5 Photo Editing Software. Presented by Colby McLemore. Taking place at room North 3.
• 5:30 – 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program about the Smokies Through a Camera Lens! 7 Steps to Becoming a Better Photographer. Presented by Bill Fortney. Taking place at room North 2.
• 5:30 – 6:30pm: Of Ginseng, Golden Apples and the Rainbow Fish. Presented by Doug Elliott. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section B.
• 5:30 – 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Our Summer in Alaska. Presented by Carroll and Michelle McMahan. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 6 pm: Monday Hike Signups Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section C.
• 7 pm: Bagpipe Performance. Presented by Piper Charles A. Smith, Retired Commander of the TVA Police. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 7:15 – 7:30pm: Wilderness Wildlife Week Opening Ceremony and Welcome. Presented by Butch Helton the Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events Manager along with special guests. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 7:30pm: Opening Remarks. Presented by Ken Jenkins. Taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.
• 7:45pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program! Keynote Program To Be Announced and taking place at the Greenbrier Hall Section A.

Let us know which one of these programs were your favorite today!

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Guided Hikes

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 1

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 2

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 3

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 4

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 5

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 6

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 7

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 8

The 24th Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge and Guided Hikes for January 2014

There have been some big changes to this year's Wilderness Wildlife Week in the Great Smoky Mountains which takes place each year in Pigeon Forge during January. Not only are there many new and exciting programs and guided hikes that will take place during Wilderness Wildlife Week, the schedule has been moved later by 2 weeks and will be taking place in a brand new location.

The past few years', seasonally rough weather has interrupted guided hikes and closed roads during Wilderness Wildlife Week to the great disappointment to many that have attended and if Wilderness Wildlife Week took place when it has historically, attendees would have dealt with roads closed by snow and biter cold making guided hikes far less fun.

Today kicked off another winter storm with snow causing roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to close shutting off access to some of the best areas to take a guided hike or bus tour such as in Cades Cove.

The good news is that by the time Wilderness Wildlife Week kicks off this year from January 25th through February 1st, 2014 the long term forecast right now show far more temperate weather and the potential for just a dusting of snow here and there mostly in the upper elevations.

Besides the new dates for 2014 when Wilderness Wildlife Week runs, it was time to change the location that this extremely popular yearly event takes place. The show will be taking place practically walking distance where it has in the past at the brand new LeConte Center on Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge.

Clearly the best place to host the Wilderness Wildlife Week event had to be in Pigeon Forge based upon all of the great lodging and dining choices as well as the extremely close proximity of the Great Smoky Mountains national park where the majority of the guided hikes will take place.

The previous location where the event was held just did not have enough room for all the attendees who flock to the Smokies for the great family friendly demonstrations and classes, musical performances and storytelling. After all, everything other than food at Wilderness Wildlife Week is free and who can beat that?

The new LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge is not just beautiful and spacious; this state of the art convention facility will be comfortable if you come for just a few presentations, or stay from opening to close all week long.

You don't have to be a huge wildlife, history, musical or photography expert to have a good time at Wilderness Wildlife Week and I can assure you that by the time Wilderness Wildlife Week is over, you will not only know far more than you did a week ago, you will be inspired to learn more, have more great memories, you will be chomping at the bit to come back in 2015!

One of the most popular parts of Wilderness Wildlife Week is the guided hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains national park. It doesn't matter if you are a hard core long distance extreme hiker or just a beginner, there are hike for everyone but because they are so popular you have to register early in order to have a spot.

Any of the guided hikes listed below are subject to change or cancellation based upon weather or other unforeseen circumstances:

Hikes and Field Trips on Sunday, January 26, 2014
Sign-up for these hikes and field trips at 11:30am
on January 25, 2014, in Greenbrier Hall Section A

• 7am – 2 pm, Cades Cove Photo Trek, Guided by Iceland, Rated Easy
• 8am– 2:30pm, Rock House, Guided by Holt, 6 miles, Rated Easy Moderate
• 8am – 3:00pm, Hiking Tour of Wear Cove, Guided by Owen, 7.6 miles, Rated Easy Strenuous
• 8:30am – 4:30pm, Laurel Falls / Little Greenbrier, Guided by Domingue, 7.4 miles, Rated Easy Moderate
• 10am – 4:30pm, Ramsey Cascades, Guided by Hedgepath, 8 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 10:30am – 2pm, Townsend Railroad Museum, Guided by Eastin, Rated Easy
• 6pm – 9pm, Owl Prowl, Guided by Garr, Rated Easy

Hikes and Field Trips on Monday, January 27, 2014
Sign-up for these hikes and field trips at 6 pm
on January 25, 2014, in Greenbrier Hall Section A

• 8am – 2pm, Cades Cove Bus Tour, Guided by Snyder, Rated Easy
• 8am – 3:30pm, Walker Sisters via Laurel Falls, Guided by Zachry, 7.5 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 8am – 3:30pm, White Oak Sinks, Guided by Domingue, 5 miles, Rated Moderate
• 8am – 5pm, Mount Cammerer, Guided by Maynard, 11 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 8am – 4pm, Rhododendron / Injun Creek, Guided by Duncan, 7, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 11am – 4pm, Cucumber Gap / Little River, Guided by Luckett, 5.5 miles, Rated Easy/Moderate
• 11am – 5pm, Abrams Falls, Guided by Owen, 5 miles, Rated Easy/Moderate

Hikes and Field Trips on Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Sign-up for these hikes and field trips at 6 pm
on January 26, 2014, in Greenbrier Hall Section A

• 7am – 5pm, Rocky Top, Guided by Silver, 14 miles, Rated Strenuous
• 7:30 am – 3:30pm Meigs Mountain / Lumber Ridge, Guided by Owen, 10.6 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 8 am – 2:30pm, Mystery Hike, 6 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 8 am – 2:30pm, Off-Trail to Walker Sisters, Guided by Snyder, 5 miles, Rated Moderate
• 9 am – 5 pm, Old Sugarlands / Skyuka, Guided by McCarter, 6 miles, Rated Easy/Moderate
• 11 am – Noon, Pigeon Forge Greenway Litter Pickup, Guided by Howard, 1 mile, Rated Easy
• 1 pm – 3pm, Sevier County Compost Facility Tour, Guided by Howard, 1 mile, Rated Easy/Moderate
• 6 pm – 9pm, Owl Prowl by Bus, Guided by Garr, Rated Easy

Hikes and Field Trips on Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Sign-up for these hikes and field trips at 6 pm on
January 27, 2014, in Greenbrier Hall Section A

• 7am – Noon, Cades Cove Photo Trek by Bus, McLemore, Rated Easy
• 8am – 2pm, Finley Cane / Bote Mtn. / Lead Cove, Guided by Owen, 7.1 miles, Rated Strenuous
• 8am – 3:30pm, A.T. / Road Prong / The Chimneys, Guided by Lloyd, 7.2 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 10am – 3:30pm, Moore Cemetery, Guided by Snyder, 4.5 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 10:30am – 4:30pm, Alum Cave Bluffs, Guided by Virden, 5 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 10:30am – 5pm, Mystery Hike, 6 miles, Rated Moderate
• 1pm – 3pm, History of Pigeon Forge Tour by Bus, Guided by Scott, Rated Easy

Hikes and Field Trips on Thursday, January 30, 2014
Sign-up for these hikes and field trips at 6 pm
on January 28, 2014, in Greenbrier Hall Section A

• 7am – 2pm, Finley Cane / West Prong, Guided by Luckett, 6 miles, Rated Easy/Moderate
• 7:30am – 3:30pm, Ramsey Cascades, Guided by Virden, 8 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 8am – 4pm, Meigs Mountain: Off-Trail, Guided by Snyder, 7.5 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 8:30am – 4:30pm, Llama Trek, Guided by Garrett, 4 miles, Rated Easy/Moderate
• 11am – 5pm, Old Sugarlands, Guided by Deitzer, 3.5 miles, Rated Easy/Moderate
• 6pm – 9pm, Owl Prowl by Bus, Guided by Garr, Rated Easy

Hikes and Field Trips on Friday, January 31, 2014
Sign-up for these hikes and field trips at 6 pm
on January 29, 2014, in Greenbrier Hall Section A

• 7am – 3:30pm, Mystery Hike, 6.5 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 8am – 4pm, Little River / Huskey Gap, Guided by Zachry, 6.8 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 9am – 4pm, Barnes Sisters, Guided by Duncan, 5 miles, Rated Moderate/Strenuous
• 11:30am – 5:30pm, Cades Cove Bus Tour, Guided by Harrington, Rated Easy
• 6pm – 9pm, Owl Prowl by Bus, Guided by Garr, Rated Easy

Hikes and Field Trips on Saturday, February 1, 2014
Sign-up for these hikes and field trips at 6 pm
on January 30, 2014 in Greenbrier Hall Section A

• 7:30am – 4:30pm Birding Cades Cove, Guided by Alsop, 2, Rated Easy/Moderate
• 8am – 2pm, Baskins Creek, Guided by Maynard, 6 miles, Rated Moderate
• 9:30 am – 2pm, Cosby Bus Tour, Guided by Cardwell, Rated Easy
• 10am – 4pm, Jakes Creek / Avent Cabin, Guided by Jenkins, 3 miles, Rated Easy/Moderate
• 10am – 4pm, Old Elkmont Town, Guided by McMahan, 3 miles, Rated Easy
• 1pm – 3pm, History of Pigeon Forge Tour by Bus, Guided by Scott, Rated Easy

Wilderness wildlife week takes place from Saturday, January 25th until Saturday, February 1st, 2014 at the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, 2986 Teaster Lane Pigeon Forge, TN 37868. You can call (800) 251-9100 or (865)453-8574.

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Guided Hikes

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 1

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 2

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 3

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 4

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 5

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 6

2014 Wilderness Wildlife Week Schedule for Day 7

Fall in the Smokies: Peak Color and First Snow for 2013

As we first predicted 10 days ago, not only are we right in peak leaf season or the Smoky Mountains with the best color at about 3,000 feet and up, we have had our first taste of snow for the fall of 2013.

The 2 places that first recorded snow as to be expected took place in the very high elevations of Mount Mitchell in North Carolina off the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mount LeConte to triple peaked mountain visible all around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville Tennessee.

Whereas Mount LeConte received just a few furies, Rangers had to close the access road 128 due to some snow but mostly being frozen sleet. Mount LeConte reported no accumulation this morning, but temperatures that dipped down into the teens with a high yesterday in the mid 50's.

The valleys in Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley and Gatlinburg stayed much warmer in the 40's last night with some of the foothills dripping down into the 30's and we are still under a frost warning and expecting a as much as few inches tonight at Clingmans Dome and Mount LeConte.

The combination of this cold weather that the jet stream drip brought into us here during peak autumn leaf color and the high probability of snow accumulations high in the mountains will mean brighter leaf colors, better long range visibility all with snow capped peaks? What could make for a better fall picture that that?

In the meantime, the fall color in the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains has already been getting brighter at 4,000 feet and above with most of the fall color presently concentrated at 3,000 feet and up which of course will rapidly change given the cold weather that just moved into the Smokies.

I did an extensive fall color survey yesterday in the Smokies and I was not disappointed with what I saw. Starting up top at Clingmans Dome I had to break out both a winter coat and hat as it was windy and foggy and along the highest parts of Clingmans Dome Road we are already past peak which hot a week ago.

You don't go up to Clingmans Dome to see fall color in the leaves up close, but to get long range views looking down into North Carolina and going up and over to look down the valley into Tennessee. While it was in the lower 40's and windy, the fog would break every now and then so that you can see the color below.

 

See the video above from Clingmans Dome yesterday to see the fall color looking down into Deep Creek, Bryson City and you can see a glimpse of Lake Fontana. As you can see, yellows and some reds are out, in another 73 hours the reds will be far more prevalent.

Going down to Cherokee, some of areas around the Kephart area have turned and a few of the beech trees are already past peak. Cherokee has another week before hitting peak and there is far more green left than I can ever remember along the way.

Light Greens and yellows are creeping into Little River Road and Laurel Creek Road, and Cades Cove Will be really great starting this weekend and should have color lasting more than another week.

One of the best spots to see the fall colors right now in the Great Smoky Mountains national park is in the Cherokee Orchard Road area of the park behind Gatlinburg and along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trails.

 

Don't rush when you come here. One of the best places to spot bear early in the day and late in the afternoon is along this road - even before you hit the Ogle Cabin pictured above from yesterday.

If you want to have a gentle walk in the woods and an opportunity to see the color up close, park here and take the small guided loop trail around to a mill in the woods and along the way enjoy great photo opportunities and an opportunity to see the Smokies up close, all without steep climbs!

Further on up the road is the Rainbow Falls Hiking Trailhead. This trail goes along a large stream at the beginning and the fall color higher up on this trial is great!

Go past the second Rainbow Falls parking lot and on the right is the entrance to the Roaring Fork Motor nature trail. The further up you go, the better the fall color is right now and with 2 large overlooks, you have the opportunity to take some great pictures with a stunning long range view.

The first hiking trail parking area is for Grotto Falls a very easy 2-1/2 mile round trip with some nice fall color and if you hike about another 2 miles past the falls, you come to the best view of peak fall color in the Smokies on Brushy Mountain.

Further along on the motor nature trail are 3 more spots with historic buildings that look fantastic with the fall colors as well as many small cascades and waterfalls is the streams near the road.

This has been a very good year so far and it still looks as though we have more than another good week of peak fall color left in the Smoky Mountains!

Fall Color for October 21st 2013 in the Great Smoky Mountains

Last night was another cool night and tonight it will dip into the 40s again and the cool weathers timing is perfect as the leaves are just starting to change in the lower elevations and is in peak higher up.

In an around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg it was bright and sunny and in the mid 60s today with no real traffic what so ever compared to the weekends in fall. Many restaurants did even have lines.

Cades Cove remained busy today with a moderate flow of well moving traffic except for the 3 black bear jams. You can tell the bear are desperate to fatten up as one was working the trees in the first field near the horse stables and another by the exit of Cades Cove Loop Road in the middle of the day. It isn't often you get to see black bear so easily in the middle of the day in Cades Cove when it is not raining.

Bears need to fatten up now in the fall before they slow down for the winter and these bear were working the cherry, oak trees as well as the Persimmon trees whose fruit will be much sweeter after the first frost.

Little River Road and Laurel Creek Road all still all leafed in boasting various shades of green and some yellows with an occasional red.

Even the waterfall by the Sinks has yet to color in, but with near or at freezing temps for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night, you can be assured that the bright color is right around the corner.

Fall color has crept further down on Rich Mountain, Cove Mountain, and Mount LeConte with the brightest color up high still a few days away. The view from Clingmans Dome was wonderful.

 

The hiking trails were fabulous from Greenbrier to Tremont and even the very busiest trails such as the Little River Trail pictured above today were still quiet and peaceful.

As you walked along the trails, you hear the rustling leaves underfoot and the bright blue sky set off the color in the leaves in the trees above or on vines growing on the trees like the flame red Virginia creepers.

Deer were out on 3 trails which is fairly unusual that they are so brave in the Smokies. They now have their darker grayish winter coats and like the bears are looking to take advantage of the few easy acorns left to find.

The squirrels are sill chattering at one another as they do in the fall and they are in a mad rush to make the most of what's left of the red oak and white oak acorns littering the forest floor.

It doesn't just look, feel and sound like fall, it smells like fall too. In the daytime you can smell the fresh leaves and in the evening, those lucky enough to have a wood burning fireplace are making themselves cozy in front of it while that wonderful smell of seasoned wood burning is in the air.

The exciting part is, we know it is just going to keep getting nicer and nicer day by day as the fall peak runs from the mountain peaks into the valleys.

If you haven't booked a cabin to come and enjoy the fall peak season, don't even bother trying to this weekend as any good unit is already booked.

If you are smart, take advantage of a last minute deal during the week when the traffic is light, trails are emptier, restaurants have no wait and you can still get a great deal and see what could be the best peak fall leaf season in years!

Fall Color Report for 2013 Leaf Season in the Great Smoky Mountains

Right on time in the Smokies we have seen fall color in some random trees and bushes such as sourwood and dogwood for the past 2 weeks, and yellows in hardwoods such as oaks above 5,000 feet for more than a week.

Late summer and early fall have been a mixed bag between dryer than normal on the Tennessee side and wetter than normal on the North Carolina side. This very strange combination has mean for a bumper crop of apples, but lousy acorns due to the stress.

The fact that we have good apples has us very excited as that is usually a good indication of a great autumn for color. The fact that the acorn crop is light means that the bears will be moving around looking more for food to fatten up for the winter.

The great news for leaf peepers looking to enjoy a both long colorful fall leaf season in the Smokies is that stressed trees and bushes often produce the best fall color. The trick is not to have too much stress which can cause a tree to go from green to brown and dropping its leaves within a day or 2.

Fall Leaf Season along Newfound Gap Road

To get the best fall leaf color possible, just as the leaf is turning off sugar production, you want a cold snap to convert the sugars in leaves such as maples into bright reds and hot oranges. Not enough cold and when the green goes, all what remains are yellows - still a very pretty sight.

Some places have many of the same species of tree or bush at the same elevation with the same exposure. When this is the case, you get a mass of basically the same color all at once. The peak leaf season in that case may only be a few days, but it can be quite spectacular.

The Smokies on the other hand vary greatly in both diversity and environment. Just go to Gatlinburg and look up at Mount LeConte and you are looking at more than mile in elevation gain - the most dramatic elevation change east of the Mississippi.

You also do not have 10, or 20 different species of trees growing in the Great Smoky Mountains, you have more than 100. There are more local native tree species growing in the Smokies - most of which produce color in the fall - than there are in the entire European continent!

The timing on all the trees as to when they shut off their leaves and produce the bright colors that remain in the leaves are all different. Even for the same species of tree, since elevations, canopy cover, soil types and conditions vary so much, so does the peak leaf season for each species of tree in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Since we have hundreds of different trees with different leaf colors in the fall peaking at different times, you can see that coming to the Smokies in autumn to see the leaves change; you have a window of 2 to 3 weeks minimum when the leaf color is great.

Bad weather conditions such as an extreme drought, or a huge wind storm or rainstorm that blows down leaves can reduce this window by a week, great conditions such as light moisture when needed, light winds and real cool nights to process the sugars can extend a peak leaf season to 4 or more weeks of color.

To time peak fall color in the Smokies it depends on where you want to see it peak. Even then it is part science and park art. We all know for example that folk legends such as the position and width of the bands on our wooly caterpillars is not an accurate predictor of how cold it will be during the winter. A coin toss works even better on average!

The biggest variable is weather conditions as to when the peak begins. Leaves turn off their green color which is chlorophyll and become colorful as both light and the temperature changes. When the days become shorter, less light means less sugar is produced triggering a fall shutdown of the Chlorophyll producing parts of the leaves. Continuous bright sunny days mean that the fall season will start later and thus peak later.

Darker, cloudy and rainy day's make plants start turning into fall colors faster, thus moving the peak season start and end sooner. With all this going on, temperature has an effect too so you can see since weather patterns can change real fast in the mountains, what can look like a late peak season can turn into a normal fall peak season in days.

Right now we are just starting to peak at the highest elevations which are generally only producing yellows at around 5,000 feet. Higher points such as along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the 6,000 foot range are seeing bright reds in some bushes and trees. If you are high up and looking down along the higher ridge lines, the fall colors including reds and oranges will really start to pop by next weekend.

Most people do not have the ability to be along higher ridge lines so the fall color when it moves to the middle and lower ridges will offer both better fall color long range views as the ability to be closer at the mid line where you will find many cabins and scenic pullouts so you can see the leaves with their fall colors up close in person.

The best time to enjoy peak season fall color in Cades Cove is right about when the mid range comes into color. For some reason the valley does not hold color long and f you wait too long for it to creep down the mountain, the tops of the mountains around Cades Cove are already done.

Cataloochee and the bald at Max Patch are at least a week earlier to fall peak leaf season than the lower parts of Tennessee such as Cades Cove.

Of course the best you can ask for is when the tops are at the tail end of peak, the mid and low elevations are at peak and there is a dusting of snow up top. If you are lucky enough to catch this, the contrast is thrilling and makes for postcards perfect pictures.

Long range forecasts today show the possibility of a dusting of snow in high altitudes on the 20th, 24th, 25th and the 31st. For most of this week we are expecting highs in 70's, and for the rest of the month in the 60's.

If you are coming here for a visit to see fall colors during October, pack warm clothes if you plan on going to the upper parts of Newfound Gap Road or on the Blue Ridge Parkway which is open all the way through to Virginia as we already have had lows up there in the 40's for days.

As long as the rain predicted for the 16th and the 17th is a gentle, long, soaking rain, some of the tail end of the fall color in hardwoods such as red oaks will still be visible in the Great Smoky Mountains and valleys such as in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg into November. In 2005, reds were still nice the second week in November.

The best bet to be sure to see the best fall colors in the Smokies is the 3rd week in October, you might not have full great color in the hardwoods and valleys, but you will be sure to have the mid elevations very bright and colorful. Even if a huge storm blows through, there will still be fresh fall color peaking everyday further on down below every few days.

Pigeon Forge Chalet Rentals Website Has Major Update and More Cabin Rentals!

For more than 15 years PigeonForgeChalets.com has been renting chalets and cabins for overnight and weekly rentals in the Pigeon Forge Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Most of these cabins were within 5 miles of the Dollywood Theme Park and all are just a few minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

American Mountain Rentals took over all the operation of Pigeon Forge Chalets and removed any cabins up to their higher standards and added in a few new units to the rental program which has 2 dozen cabins and chalets. They also improved cleaning and maintenance with brand new crews of their own and it showed!

The web site for Pigeon Forge Chalets was also completely updated with newer up to date information, higher privacy and improved security. Better quality pictures were also added so you can better see the individual cabins for rent as well as their amazing views and privacy.

In the past 4 months some additional major updates have just been completed with another one about to be rolled out.

The first improvement was to more than double the cabin and chalet for rent on PigeonForgeChalets. There are now more than 60 handpicked cabins and chalets for rent spread throughout the Tennessee Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Wears Valley, Walden Creek and Sevierville.

There are now more vacation rentals on the web site than ever before that have seasonal swimming pool access as well as Free WIFI high Speed Internet Access. A few more pet friendly units that take dogs or cats that are 30 pounds are less have also been added.

The second improvement is the new availability calendar that is on each cabin page so that you do not have to "click over" to our vacation rental booking engine. This new feature allows anyone looking to rent a cabin or chalet to immediately see what is available and shortly when phase 2 of the update is rolled out, you will be able book direly from the calendar.

The third roll-out is the 2 new featured cabins or chalets that we have on the home page each and every day. There are now daily large featured cabins that are anywhere from 3 to 9 bedrooms, and our small cabins have 1 and 2 bedrooms.

Don't be fooled by the name small cabins and chalets as many of these 1 and 2 bedroom vacation rentals can accommodate from 6 to 8 people very comfortably!

The last update is under the hood and something you won't see but feel, a faster loading web site so you spend less time looking for the perfect cabin to rent in the Great Smoky Mountains and more time planning how much fun you will have when you get here!

See the new and improved Pigeon Forge Chalets web site.

Latest 2013 Great Smoky Mountains Fall Leaf Color Peak and the Start and End of Fall Color

If you look carefully you will see it. It's happening all around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and in a few places in Sevierville too. They won't be ready to be turned on for a while, but when they do, boy will they shine!

What am I talking about? The Christmas Winterfest in the Smokies lights of course and you know what it means when they start putting up the Christmas lights in the Smoky Mountains? Fall color is right around the corner!

So far we are having what many feel is one of the nicest later summers and early falls in decades and they few days of rain we have gotten are just what the trees and bushes need to show off the most brilliant fall colors possible.

Temperature highs are still in the mid to low 70's during the days and the upper 50's to 60's which are ideal with the bright sunny days. This current trend will allow leaves to produce the most sugar and staying power for the brightest reds and oranges.

Early predictions for fall color in 2013 are very good and seem to be getting better by the day. The temperature drops have been consistent and steady and huge swings upward which would stress the leaves more have just not happened yet.

This year's Smoky Mountain acorn mast crop is also fairly sub-par, especially in white oaks. Combine this with a very good apple crop and all indications are for a long and brilliant fall peak leaf season for 2013.

So what will be peak fall color for the Great Smoky Mountains this year? Going by the spring wild flowers, bird and insect movement and the elk rut which was about a week late, it looks as though depending on elevation peak will fall from the early part of the last week in October for the valleys and as early as the 2nd week of October from 3,000 to 4,500 feet, sooner for up to 6,000 feet. Above that there is not really any color as you are in more fir environment which stays green year round.

While with a very damp Spring and Summer is behind us, current long term predictions are for an average fall precipitation and potentially cooler than normal temperatures. My opinion is it is just too soon to call it.

Some minor leaf color changes can already be observed at 1,500 feet and higher, dogwoods and sourwoods getting a burgundy to flame red color in a few branches above 3,000 feet today and lighting of the deep greens can be observed on Cove Mountain in Wears Valley, Some spots on Bluff Mountain, Shields Mountain near Dollywood, Mount LeConte and just below the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains national park.

I just returned from the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way to Mount Mitchell and so far a few bushes in the highest elevations are showing of color but we are a week or more away from brilliant color covering large swathes on Grape Yard Ridge, Looking Glass and the Balsam Mountain area which looks even further away.

Cades Cove and Roaring Fork are also showing no lighting and real fall color yet however there are a few spots high up on Rich Mountain Road the unimproved road between Cades Cove Loop Road and Townsend Tennessee.

You are sure to find nice color from the 1st week in October, great colors the second week and breathtaking the 3 and 4th week. Expect some color to still be good through the first week in November in areas such as Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. If conditions continue, it is possible there can be great fall color in some place for 2013 as late as the second week in November. It has happened before and so far the conditions are good for long staying color.