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

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.

Shades of the Past and Fall Grand Rod Run in the Pigeon Forge Great Smoky Mountains.

Though the Shapes of the Past Rod Run XXXI in the Pigeon Forge Smokies is now over, there are still hundreds and hundreds of museum quality cars from the 1930's to classic muscle cars of the 1970's parked along the Pigeon Forge Parkway and cruising all around the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Why are these classic car owners sticking around the Great Smoky Mountains still and what are the Pigeon Forge Rod Runs?

Could they be sticking around the enjoy the great weather we have here in the Smokies during September where it's warm enough to be wearing short sleeves and enjoying outdoor activities, but much cooler than the dog days of summer.

It's also a great time to take in the sights in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or a long breathtaking cruse with your classic car or hot rod along the Blue Ridge Parkway which is right next to the national park.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is bathed in the color green everywhere you look, except for the occasional burst of color from wildflowers still blooming. Look carefully and you will see a few leaves here and there just starting to lighten and are a prelude to the fall colors soon to come.

The waterfalls and streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are running higher than they will in a few months when the dry winter season begins and the sky still fills with the sights and sounds of birds now ready to migrate to warmer places for the winter.

The bear and deer are very active in the park now as a few green acorns have started to fall and make for an easy snack and in the North Carolina parks eastern parts, the bugling of rutting elk can be heard as these massive animals chase one another trying to collect as many females into their harems as they can.

All of this beauty and excitement means that it is a perfect time to cruise through the park and see the sights in a gleaming classic vehicle. There are not 1 but 5 great auto tours to take in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Cades Cove Loop, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail of Cherokee Orchard Road, Cataloochee Tour, Newfound Gap Road and finally the Tremont Auto Tour.

The longest of these scenic drives is Newfound Gap Road which is 35 miles of climbing, twisting, and turning roadway with spectacular views from Sunrise to Sunset off its many overlooks. Some of the views are beautiful at night where you can see the city lights twinkling below.

Just as the Newfound Gap Road ends, or begins, depending which way you come is the 469 mile long Blue Ridge Parkway which is beyond compare. You can keep the top down on your sports car right now when riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but in another few weeks you will need a jacket and you may need to put the top down.

Thousands of visitors with their beautiful cars came for the Shades of the Part Rod Run which took place along the parkways and events were held at the Dollywood's Splash Country, but in 2 more days from September 12th to the 16th the Grand Fall Rod Run will take place!

We here in the Smoky Mountains look forward to both the Spring Road Run and the Fall Rod Run as we not only enjoy seeing miles and miles of cherry car, trucks and motorcycles, the Rod Runs are always taking place during moderate temperatures with the beautiful backdrop of the Smokies, along with the most fun roads to cruise along.

Whatever American made car floats your boat, you will be sure to find it here and more than likely, a bunch of them together. This year for example I say more 1930s Ford's and Packard's than I have in years, many in showroom or better condition.

There were also more classic pickups, tow trucks, delivery trucks from the 40's and 50's than I have ever seen here as well. Already trailer loads of motorcycles have been making their way into Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg as well as more muscle cars from the 60's and 70's than were here last week.

So you now see what so many who were showing their cars for the Shades of the Past are sticking around for the Fall Rod Run in Pigeon Forge right around the corner!

Dolly Parton and Her Huge News about the Dollywood Theme Park in the Smokies!

When you think about the Great Smoky Mountains, of course you think about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After all more than 9,000,000 people a year come to the park, but did you know that more than 2,000,000 people each and every year now come to the Dollywood Theme Park too?

Since 1986, close to 30 years, Dolly Parton's Theme Park Dollywood in the Tennessee Smokies set the standards for clean, safe, family friendly fun, just like the Disney theme parks in California and Florida.

When you add in Dolly's Splash Country Water Park next to Dollywood and the fabulous unique dinner show Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, you have entertained more than additional 1,000,000 people, many of which keep coming back every year.

As staggering as those figures are, what Dolly Parton just announced today makes all of those numbers seem quite small in comparison. How does a $300,000,000.00 investment in the Dollywood Theme Park and new 300 room resort sound? Intriguing? Exciting? Truly amazing!

Since opening day, the Dollywood theme Park wins award after award. This is no backwoods carnival, but a true world class amusement park and destination for young and old from around the world. Just last year Dollywood was awarded the distinction of having the friendliest hosts of any theme park in the world.

Get ready to be able to enjoy the first major improvement made this with 300 million dollar investment this spring when the exciting new FireChaser Express dual-launch "family-style" roller coaster. This amazing new roller coaster launches both forward and backward as it winds along the 2,427-foot track.

What makes this coaster also very unique is that takes riders 39 inches and taller from zero to 20 miles-per-hour in 1.1 seconds and when it reaches the end of the track, goes backward from 0 to 20 mph in 1.1 seconds back to the coasters starting point! The FireChaser Express Roller Coaster is slated to open in March of 2014.

Of course the Dollywood Theme Park has so much more to do already for young and old alike. Great Roller Coasters, adventure rides of all shapes and sizes, zip lining, live shows indoors and out, traditional artisans blowing glass, blacksmithing, and so much more.

Wait! Don't forget all the great water rides, splash zone, street performances, museums, eagle aviary, delectable mouth watering food and drinks and that all before you even get to the Splash Country Water Park!

Tourism in the Great Smoky Mountains has grown up quite a bit since Dolly Parton came back home and created Dollywood in the same type of hills and hollers and just a stone throw from where she was born and raised. Entertaining millions of guests a year in a family friendly safe environment is what she wanted to provide, and that is just what she got.

There is no better way to enjoy Dollywood and explore the Great Smoky Mountains in privacy with all the peace and quiet you deserve on your vacation than from renting a secluded cabin close to Dollywood. Not only will you have lots of room, your own hot tub, fireplace, outdoor decks with breathtaking views, game rooms and so much.

The price of a cabin rental is about the same as a decent hotel and look at how much more you get! Do you really think you have enough privacy and space in a hotel room? Is there enough to do if the weather turns bad and you are stuck inside with the kids? Of course not. Renting a log cabin style vacation is no longer a luxury but a wise investment so that your vacation can be the best ever no matter what!

When you are on vacation, do you have any desire to wait in long lines in a restaurant to pay about $10 a person for some eggs, toast, bacon or sausage, juice and coffee and have a view of seeing dozens of other people eating or would you have to enjoy a home cooked breakfast for far less sitting on your own deck with a stunning view? Easy choice right? Nothing like having your own full kitchen and even a BBQ grill in the Smokies!

To make a good deal even better, when you stay in one of the American Mountain Rentals Cabins or in the luxurious Brothers Cove Resort not too far away, you not only get a great deal on a cabin rental, you even qualify to be able to buy the cheapest discounted Dollywood and Splash Country Theme Park Tickets!

If for some reason you insist in staying in a hotel to enjoy the Dollywood Theme Park we suggest you wait until the park's 30th anniversary in 2015 when Dollywood's DreamMore Resort is set to open. The resort will have 300 rooms, an indoor and outdoor resort pool, spa, and a full-service farmhouse-style restaurant.

The Dollywood DreamMore Resort may not be a cabin rental with tons of space and privacy but it will have fire pits, swings and hammocks, and story spots scattered throughout the grounds and will surely live up to the high expectations we all have.

While a 300 million dollar investment spread over 10 years sounds likes a tremendous commitment which it is, Dollywood, which is the biggest ticketed attraction in the state of Tennessee is committed to further expansion and improvements with plans already stretching out for the next 25 years!

Come to the Smokies and see what all the fuss is about. You won't be disappointed!

Cabins for rent by the Dollywood Theme Park

Wilderness Wildlife Week Day 8 Schedule for Saturday, January 19 2013 in Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountains

Sadly, today is day 8 of Wilderness Wildlife Week, the last day of this awesome program taking place in the Pigeon Forge Great Smoky Mountains. While many roads are still closed in the Great Smoky Mountains national park cancelling many of today's guided hikes, there still promises to be a good time to be had by all here at the Music Road Hotel and convention center.

Today like all the others days of the Wilderness Wildlife Week will be filled with fun like the kids Safari, Music such as the Old Time Music Concert performed by the Boogertown Gap band, history as such as The Life of Tom Sparks as told by Larry Sparks, crafts such as basket making and of course the various photography classes being given today.

• 9:00am - 10:00am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Take a Liken’ to Lichens. Presented by: Kris Light leading an outdoor expedition to locate lichens in their natural habitats. and taking place in the Dobro Room and outdoors. Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 25.
• 9:00am - 10:00am: The Appalachian Trail: An Entertaining Adventure Video Presentation. Presented by: Jeff Alt and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 9:00am - 10:00am: ProShowGold: Taking Your Photos and Videos to the Next Level: Harry Dunn and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 9:00am - 1:00pm: Photography Workshop. Presented by: Kendall Chiles, Don McGowan and Warren Bedell and taking place in the Violin Room
• 9:30am - 10:30am: Discovering the Cumberlands Video Presentation. Presented by: Stuart Carroll and taking place in the Harp Room
• 10:15am - 11:15am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Kids Program. Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep It Fun. Presented by: Jeff Alt and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 10:30am - 11:30am: Sanctuary: Meditations From Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Presented by: J. Greg Johnson and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 10:30am - Noon: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: What Separates a Snapshot from a Fine Photograph and How They Are Judged. Presented by: Douglas Hubbard and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 11:00am - Noon: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Life in Cades Cove Panel Discussion. Presented by: Ruth Caughron Davis, Lois Caughron and Dorothy Gregory Sutton and taking place in the Harp Room
• 11:30am - 12:30pm: Kids Program. Silly Safari Show. Presented by: Amazon John and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• Noon - 1:00pm: Wild Hog Management: Are We Too Late? Presented by: David Whitehead and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The ABCs of Bird Photography. Presented by: Weldon Lee and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Cades Cove: Sacrifice to Preservation Video Presentation. Presented by: Kate Marshall and taking place in the Harp Room
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: O! Possum. Presented by: Lynne McCoy and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Litter Clean Up Event: Keep Sevier Beautiful and taking place in the Breakfast Room. Help participate in an organized clean up outside around Music Road Hotel and Convention Center and learn about litter in Tennessee. Dress for being outdoors!
• 1:30pm - 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Kids Program. Children’s Sing-A-Long. Presented by: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 1:30pm - 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Turn Your Photography into Art. Presented by: Karen Jones and taking place in the Violin Room
• 2:00pm - 4:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Lightroom 4: Come Take a Test Drive. Presented by: Colby McLemore and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 2:15pm - 3:15pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: More About Life in Cades Cove Panel Discussion. Presented by: Bernard Myers, Judy Myers Johns and Vera Myers and taking place in the Harp Room
• 2:30pm - 3:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Family Fun in the Smokies. Presented by: Katy Koontz and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 2:30pm - 5:30pm: Basket Making. Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 10. Presented by: Theresa Tyler and taking place in the Breakfast Room
• 3:00pm - 4:30pm: Old Time Music Concert. Presented by: Boogertown Gap and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 3:00pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Trial and Error - Fast Track to AHA! Photos in the Digital Age. Presented by: Paul Hassell and taking place in the Violin Room
• 3:00pm - 6:00pm: Photography Contest Pickup in the Cello Room
• 3:30pm - 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The Life of Tom Sparks. Presented by: Larry Sparks and taking place in the Harp Room
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: A Year in the Life of a Bear. Presented by: David Whitehead and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: In Search of the Winning Image. Presented by: Weldon Lee and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 5:00pm - 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Kids Program Ages 6 - 12. Limit 30 and you must pre-register at Information Desk. The Red-Headed Boogertown Bunch: A Tall Tale of the Mountains. Presented by: Mary Phillips and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 5:30pm - 7:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Crossfire Image Critiquing: Colby McLemore and Ron Plasencia and taking place in the Violin Room
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Building Slideshows with Your Images: Dale Knight and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 7:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Ride for the Brand Video Presentation: How Does a Cowboy Fit Into Nature? presented by: Ken Jenkins taking place in the Dobro/Harp Rooms

Remember, if you didn't make it to Wilderness Wildlife Week this year, there is always next year as this wildly popular program in the Smokies is not going to go away, so be sure to plan your winter vacation in the Smoky Mountains around this great event! Don't forget to use your discount code when renting a cabin!

Wilderness Wildlife Week Day 7 Schedule for Friday, January 18 2013 in Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountains

Day 7 is the second to last day of this years Wilderness Wildlife Week program for 2013 and the winter storm which rolling into the Smokies last night has closed virtually every road in the Great Smoky Mountains national park and unless some open very shortly, sadly there will be no guided hikes today.

Though the weather is lousy right now along the Pigeon Forge Parkway, it is clear enough to be bale to make the trip to the convention center to enjoy the all the Wilderness Wildlife Week programs going on today as log as the road where you are spending the night are clear.

This is why we always suggest staying in premium accommodations where even if you rae trapped, would you rather be stuck in a hotel room with nothing to do but watch TV, or watch TV in your own living room, play pool in your own game room, surf the web with free WIFI and then go outside and take in the winter beauty with a great view while soaking in your hot tub? I thought so!

• 8:00am - 11:00am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Famous Searches/Rescues of the Great Smoky Mountains. Presented by: Joe Kelley, Bob Swabe, Judy Wasak and Joey Holt and taking place in the Harp Room
• 8:30am - 9:30am: Kids Program. Animal Olympics. Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 25. Presented by: Mike Meldrum and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 8:30am - 10:00am: Bird Songs of the Smokies. Presented by: Mark A. Dunaway and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 9:00am - 10:00am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Saving the Eastern Hemlock. Presented by: Stuart Carroll and taking place in the Violin Room
• 10:00am - 11:00am: Kids Program. Let’s Make Music: Children’s Workshop. Presented by: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 10:00am - 11:00am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Conservation Efforts at Pogue Creek State Natural Area. Presented by: Travis Bow and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 10:15am - 11:15am: Do It Yourself: Building a Backyard Bird Habitat. Presented by: Mark A. Dunaway and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 10:30am - 11:30am: Bringing Bluebirds to Your Yard Video Presentation. Presented by: Steve Garr and taking place in the Violin Room
• 11:30am - 12:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Tennessee State Natural Areas 101 Video Presentation. Presented by: Robin Wooten as she presents Tennessee’s 82 natural areas and the ones most accessible to nature lovers. Takes place in the Dobro Room
• 11:30am - 12:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The Birds and Bees of Wildflowers. Presented by: Kris Light and taking place in the Harp Room
• 11:30am - 12:30pm: Kids Program. Silly Safari Show. Presented by: Amazon John and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 11:45am - 12:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Discovering New Species in the Smokies: 922 and Counting! Presented by Todd Witcher and taking place in the Guitar Room
• Noon - 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Journey on the French Way, Spain, 2011. Presented by: Olga Pader and taking place in the Violin Room
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Civil War in the West, 1864. Presented by: Jack Carman and taking place in the Harp Room
• 1:00pm - 2:30pm: Our National Parks: America’s Best Idea Video Presentation. Presented by: Chuck Summers and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 1:00pm - 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Advanced SLR Flower Photography. Presented by: Robert Hutson and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 1:00pm - 2:30pm: Learn Clawhammer Banjo, Workshop Two. Must have attended Thursday workshop and bring own five (5) string banjo tuned in the key of G and you must pre-register at Information Desk as there is a limit of 10 people. Presented by: Boogertown Gap and taking place in the Breakfast Room
• 1:30pm - 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Kids Program and you must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 30. Fred the Fish: Keep Sevierville Beautiful and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm: The Amazing Diversity of Fall Creek Falls State Park Video Presentation. Presented by: Stuart Carroll and taking place in the Violin Room
• 2:30pm - 4:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: They Road into History. Presented by: Kathy Gwinn who will cover the development of America’s earliest transportation routes, as well as why they were made and who used them. Takes place in the Harp Room
• 3:00pm - 4:00pm: Lakes, Lighthouses and Landscapes of the North Woods. Presented by: Kendall Chiles and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 3:00pm - 4:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: My African Adventure with Earthwatch. Presented by: Kathy Sherrard and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 3:00pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Basic Watercolor. Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit of 12. Presented by: Louise Bales and taking place in the Breakfast Room
• 3:30pm - 4:30pm: Challenger Opens Doors. Presented by: Bob Hatcher in the Violin/Guitar Rooms
• 4:00pm - 5:30pm: Walking in the Beauty of the Natural World Video Presentation. Presented by: Don McGowan and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 4:30pm - 5:00pm: Birds of Prey - Live Eagles! Presented by: American Eagle Foundation taking place in the Violin/Guitar Rooms
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Wicked Weeds: Deadly Weeds and Their History. Presented by: Theresa Williams and Elizabeth Ballard and taking place in the Harp Room
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Using Alternative Photo Editing Programs. Presented by: Dale Knight and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: My Favorite Smoky Mountain Birds Video Presentation. Presented by: Dr. Fred Alsop and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: Quill Pens and Handmade Inks: Adults and Children ages 12+. Limit 15 and you must pre-register at Information Desk. Presented by Pat K. Thomas and taking place in the Breakfast Room
• 5:30pm - 7:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Lords of Nature: Life in a Land of Great Predators: Cougar Rewilding Foundation Video Presentation with Panel Discussion(Panel Discussion with Christopher Spatz, Ben Shrader, Dr. John Laundre, Dr. Ron Sutherland and Helen McGinnis) and taking place in the Violin Room
• 6:15pm - 7:15pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Trekking Planet Earth in Search of Wildlife Video Presentation. Presented by: Weldon Lee taking place in the Dobro/Harp Rooms
• 7:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The Living Desert Video Presentation. Presented by: Chuck Summers taking place in the Dobro/Harp Rooms
• 7:30pm: Slow Jam: Bring Your Own Instrument or Simply Plan to Enjoy and Listen. Presented by: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson and taking place in the Guitar Room

Next year Wilderness Wildlife week will be taking place later in the month so we hope these weather issues won't occur again.

Wilderness Wildlife Week Day 6 Schedule for Thursday, January 17 2013 in Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountains

As day 6 of Wilderness Wildlife Week is about to start in Pigeon Forge, many roads within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park still remain closed due to high water. Fortunately, none of these closures should affect any of the guided hikes today.

Today is yet another jam packed day with great Wilderness Wildlife Week calluses and demonstrations and the top 3 we recommend today are: Wendell Liemohn disusing Three Must Considerations for Hiking Safety, Black Bear Management in Great Smoky Mountains National Park presented by park ranger Bill Stiver and Old Hymns and Songs of Faith presented by the Whaley Family Singers.

A winter storm warning is in effect so you may get a chance to see some more white stuff high up top on the Great Smoky Mountains!

• 8:00am - 11:00am: Introduction to Tracking People in the Outdoors. Presented by: Joe Kelley and taking place in the Harp Room
• 8:30am - 9:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Pack a Wagon for the journey west to the Smokies and must make the hard decision of what to take and what to leave behind. Presented by: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and taking place in the Violin Room
• 8:30am - 9:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Three Must Considerations for Hiking Safety. Presented by: Wendell Liemohn and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 9:00am - 9:30am: Water Quality and Its Effects on the Biota and People of Our Area. Presented by: Matt Kulp and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 9:30am - 10:30am: Nature Recording in the Smokies. Presented by: Mark A. Dunaway and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 10:00am - 11:00am: Arches Along the Way: A Presentation of Arches and Natural Bridges Along Tennessee’s Trails. Presented by: Keith Garnes and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 10:00am - 11:00am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The People Who Shaped Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Presented by: Bill Deitzer and taking place in the Violin Room
• 10:00am - 11:30am: Wolves of Bays Mountain. Presented by: Rhonda and Rick Goins and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 11:00am - Noon: Flying Bullets and the Resplendent Badge. Presented by: Ersa Rhea Noland Smith as she shares riveting stories about her father Sheriff Ray C. Noland’s years in office in Sevier County. Takes place in the Ukulele Room
• 11:30am - 12:30pm: Kids Program. Photography for Kids and Parents. Presented by: Jim Eastin and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 11:30am - 12:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: America’s Newest Long Distance Trail: The Great Eastern Trail. Presented by: Warren Devine and taking place in the Harp Room
• 11:30am - 1:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Journey on the Camino Primitivo, Spain, 2010: Olga Pader and taking place in the Violin Room
• Noon - 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: What Separates a Snapshot from a Fine Photograph and How They Are Judged: Douglas Hubbard and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm: The Story of Appalachian Bear Rescue: Who We Are: Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: Orioles: Spring and Summer Video Presentation: Regina Garr and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 1:00pm - 2:30pm: Civil War in the West, 1863: Jack Carman and taking place in the Harp Room
• 1:00pm - 2:30pm: Learn Clawhammer Banjo, Workshop One. Presented by Boogertown Gap. Must bring own five (5) string banjo tuned in the key of G and since there is a limit of 10, pre-register at Information Desk. Takes place in the Breakfast Room
• 1:30pm - 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: European Explorations Video Presentation. Presented by: Sharon and Brad Cottrell and taking place in the Violin Room. Join them as they present photos from 21 European countries taken over a 91-day trip to Europe using 28 different modes of transportation.
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Lost Attractions of Sevier County. Presented by: Tim Hollis and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm: Kids Program. Wild Wonders. Presented by: Knoxville Zoo's Animals in Action Show and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 2:30pm - 3:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Point and Shoot Flower Photography. Presented by: Robert Hutson and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 3:00pm - 4:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Anchors Aweigh in the Great Smoky Mountains. Presented by: Tom Harrington and taking place in the Harp Room
• 3:00pm - 4:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Wildlife on White: The Story Behind the Global "Meet Your Neighbors" Project: Paul Hassell and taking place in the Violin Room
• 3:00pm - 4:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Kids Program. Limit 20. Must pre-register at Information Desk. Learning About Black Bears. Presented by: Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard and taking place in the Breakfast Room
• 3:30pm - 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Cool Gadgets for Tech Savvy Hikers. Presented by: Jim Richards and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 3:30pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Memories of the Old Country Store. Presented by: Kathy Gwinn and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Special Places, Special Creatures. Presented by: Joel and Kathy Zachry and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm: Black Bear Management in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Presented by: Bill Stiver and taking place in the Harp Room
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm: Old Time Hymns. Presented by: Don Huskey, Marcia Huskey Nelson and Roger Helton and taking place in the Violin Room
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm: Kids Program. Whooo Did This? Fascinating Owls. Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 20. Presented by: Lynne McCoy and taking place in the Breakfast Room
• 5:00pm - 7:00pm: My Experience Through-Hiking the Appalachian Trail Video Presentation. Presented by: Bert Kunze and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: Bears, Boars and Bulls: A Wild Life in the Smokies! Presented by: Kim Delozier and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Rocky Mountain High: Life on the Edge Video Presentation. Presented by: Weldon Lee taking place in the Dobro/Harp Rooms
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm: Old Hymns and Songs of Faith. Presented by: Whaley Family Singers and taking place in the Violin Room
• 6:00pm: Saturday Hike Signups taking place at the Holiday Inn Express
• 7:15pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Spiritual Lessons from Nature. Presented by: Chuck Summers and Ken Jenkins taking place in the Dobro/Harp Rooms
• 7:30pm: Slow Jam: Bring Your Own Instrument or Simply Plan to Enjoy and Listen. Presented by: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson and taking place in the Guitar Room

Wilderness Wildlife Week Day 5 Schedule for Wednesday, January 16 2013 in Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountains

As day 5 of Wilderness Wildlife Week begins, the effects of the past few days rain has forced the cancellation of some of the guided hikes and bus trips into Cades Cove, but there is still plenty to see and do inside the Music Road Hotel and Convention center where lost of demonstrations and classes take place.

Now that the rain is going to slow down, a winter storm watch is in effect until 10 pm tomorrow night so expect to be able to see some snow high up on the peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains national park.

Programs to try not to miss today will be Volunteering in Great Smoky Mountains National Park which will be presented by Christine Hoyer the new volunteer coordinator, Creative Photo Editing Made Easy presented by Richard Iceland and The Story of Pittman Center presented by former park ranger and Mayor Glenn Cardwell.

• 9:00am - 10:00am: The Art of Dowsing: Do You Have the Gift? Presented by: Charlie Monday and taking place in the Harp Room. Limit of 30 so you must pre-register at Information Desk.
• 9:00am - 10:00am: Returning the Whooping Crane as a Nesting Species in the United States. Presented by: Ken Dubke and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 9:00am - 10:30am: Civil War in the West, 1862. Presented by: Jack Carman and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 9:30am - 10:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Mountain Chores. Participants have an opportunity to experience how families took care of the home place. Chores include gathering wood, collecting eggs and sweeping the cabin floor. Come dressed to "work"! Presented by: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 9:30am - 10:30am: Energy, Effort and Passion: Volunteering in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Presented by: Christine Hoyer and taking place in the Violin Room
• 10:30am - 11:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: "Heavens to Betsy" It’s a Whole "Kit and Kaboodle" of Expressions Bound to Make You "Crack a Smile". Presented by: Kathy Gwinnand taking place in the Harp Room
• 10:30am - 11:30am: Selective Bird Feeding Video Presentation. Presented by: Regina Garr and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 11:00am - Noon: The Spirits of Cades Cove Video Presentation. Presented by: Mike Meldrum and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 11:00am - Noon: Carolina Bluegrass Boys and Appalachian Cloggers taking place in the Violin/Guitar Rooms
• Noon - 1:00pm: Wildflowers of Tennessee Video Presentation. Presented by: Jack Carman and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm: Learn to Play the Spoons and Washtub Bass. Presented by: Boogertown Gap and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: Air Quality Update at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Presented by: Jim Renfro and taking place in the Harp Room
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Old Time Banjo and Fiddle. Presented by: Roger Helton and taking place in the Violin Room
• 1:00pm - 3:00pm: Creative Photo Editing Made Easy. Presented by: Richard Iceland and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 1:00pm - 3:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: History of Pigeon Forge Bus Tour. Presented by: Jane Scott. Limit 20 and you must Pre-register at Information Desk and meet at Information Desk at 12:50pm.
• 1:00pm - 3:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Carving a Dogwood Friendship Spoon, Session Two. Presented by: Don Taylor and taking place in the Breakfast Room. Must sign up and attend both sessions and pre-register at Information Desk.
• 1:30pm - 2:30pm: The Art of Dowsing: Do You Have the Gift? Presented by: Charlie Monday and taking place in the Ukulele Room. Limit of 30 so you must pre-register at Information Desk.
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The Story of Pittman Center. Presented by: Glenn Cardwell and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 2:30pm - 3:30pm: Putting the Pigeon Back in Pigeon Forge. Presented by: Paul James and taking place in the Harp Room
• 2:30pm - 3:30pm: The Music of Appalachia: Past and Present. Presented by: Lost Mill String Band and taking place in the Violin Room
• 3:00pm - 4:00pm: A Ranger Family’s Recollections. Presented by: Joe Kelley with his sons Nelson, Kevin and Travis Kelley and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 3:30pm - 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Images and History of Sevierville. Take a step back in time as Carroll discusses the history of Sevierville. Presented by: Carroll McMahan and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Watching Wandering Wildlife. Presented by: W.C. and Glenna Julian and taking place in the Harp Room
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: Songs of the Carter Family. Presented by: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson and taking place in the Violin Room
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Playing Music by Ear. Presented by: Tim Simek and taking place in the Breakfast Room. Must bring own instruments and pre-register at Information Desk. Limit of 20 people.
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Mock Trial from the Past: Sevier County High School students will reenact a local trial from Sevier County’s past to illustrate how the judicial system worked in early courthouse history while the case will portray those of that bygone era. Taking place in the Guitar Room
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm: Wild Ones Among Us. Presented by: Lynne McCoy and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 5:00pm - 6:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Vintage Views Video Presentation: A Collection of Old Film and Photos from Around the Great Smoky Mountains area. Presented by: Kevin Tierney and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: Carolina Bluegrass Boys and Appalachian Cloggers taking place in the Violin/Guitar Rooms
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Kids Program. Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 25. The Blue and the Grey: Learn About Life as a Soldier During the Civil War. Presented by: Mike Meldrum and taking place in the Breakfast Room
• 6:00pm: Friday Hike Signups taking place at the Holiday Inn Express
• 6:30pm - 7:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Let’s Meander: Continuing the Meanderings of a Silly Man. Presented by: Doug Mills taking place in the Dobro/Harp/Ukulele Rooms
• 7:45pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Appalachian Tales and Heartland Adventures. Presented by: Bill Landry taking place in the Dobro/Harp/Ukulele Rooms

Wilderness Wildlife Week Day 4 Schedule for Tuesday, January 15 2013 in Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountains

It is now day 4 of the Smoky Mountains Wilderness Wildlife Week taking place in Pigeon Forge Tennessee and boy is there a packed schedule, although the weather and road conditions are not cooperating so some of the hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains national park may have to be cancelled.

For example, as per the Great Smoky Mountains national park twitter feed @GSMNP, Upper Tremont Road is closed to all traffic due to high water as well as Sparks Lane and Forge Creek Road in Cades Cove.

Even if you can only stay inside today, today is a great day to be inside in the Smokies as Wilderness Wildlife Week continues is the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center.

• 8:30am - 9:30am: Green Power Switch / Generation Partners: Lucas Harkleroad and taking place in the Harp Room
• 9:00am - 9:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Wiley Oakley Portrayal. Presented by: Tyler W. King who will share his love of mountain heritage through the stories of Smoky Mountain Guide, Wiley Oakley. Taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 9:00am - 10:00am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The Good News! 40 Years with Tennessee Nesting Osprey. Presented by: Ken Dubke and taking place in the Violin Room
• 9:30am - 10:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: 2012 Grand Canyon Rim to Rim. Presented by: Bill Deitzer and Bob Turney and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 9:30am - 10:30am: Mountain Marvels: Waterfalls of the Southern Appalachians Slide Presentation (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky). Presented by: Bill Carter and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 10:00am - 11:00am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: It’s Puppy Time: Bays Mountain Cubs. Presented by: Rhonda and Rick Goins and taking place in the Harp Room
• 10:00am - 11:00am: Mr. Herbert Clabo Tells Stories of Old Gatlinburg. Presented by: Herbert Clabo with Veta King and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 10:30am - 11:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The Garden Unseen Video Presentation. Presented by: Dr. Alan S. Heilman and taking place in the Violin Room
• 11:00am - Noon: Kids Program. Wild World of Animals. Presented by: Knoxville Zoo's Zoomobileand taking place in the Dobro Room
• 11:00am - 1:00pm: Digital and Film Photography: How to Shoot Like a Pro: Richard Iceland and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 11:30am - 12:30pm: The Art of Dowsing: Do You Have the Gift?. Presented by: Charlie Monday and taking place in the Harp Room. Since there is a limit of 30, you must pre-register at Information Desk.
• Noon - 1:00pm: Meditations on Nature. Presented by: Phylis Rollins and taking place in the Violin Room
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Meet Some of East Tennessee’s Most Famous Residents. Presented by: Maranda and Elisa Vandergriff and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Old Time Dessert Tasting Event. Lifelong residents of the Great Smoky Mountains area will prepare some of their favorite old time family desserts for guests to sample including cobblers, stack cakes, pies, molasses cookies and more!Presented by: Veta King and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 1:00pm - 3:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Carving a Dogwood Friendship Spoon, Session One. Presented by: Don Taylor and taking place in the Breakfast Room. You must pre-register at Information Desk as there is a limit and 10 and you must sign up and attend both sessions. All registrants must bring own sharpened woodcarving tools.
• 1:30pm - 2:30pm: Leave No Trace: The Rules and Regulations of Backpacking and Leave No Trace Guidelines. Presented by: Mike Braun and Pamela Rodgers and taking place in the Harp Room
• 1:30pm - 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: 60 Years of Fun at Bays Mountain. Presented by: Joe Taft and David Taylor and taking place in the Violin Room
• 1:30pm - 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: National Wildlife Refuges in Tennessee. Presented by: Jim Wigginton and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 2:30pm - 3:30pm: Civil War in the West, 1861. Presented by: Jack Carman and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 2:30pm - 3:30pm: The Trail of Tears and the Cherokee in the Great Smoky Mountains (Before and After the Removal). Presented by: Jon Elder and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 3:00pm - 4:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: How to Get Eaten by a Bear. Presented by: Joel and Kathy Zachry and taking place in the Harp Room
• 3:00pm - 4:00pm: Identifying Local Birds of Prey. Presented by: Stephen Lyn Bales and taking place in the Violin Room
• 3:30pm - 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program for Adults and ages 12+ only: Intro to Beginning Bluegrass Dancing. Presented by: Jack and Doris Parton and taking place in the Guitar Room. You must pre-register at Information Desk as there is a Limit of 40.
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Growing Mealworms for Backyard Birds Video Presentation. Presented by: Steve Garr and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The Iron Works and the Forge - Pigeon Forge’s Namesake. Presented by: Jerry Wear who will discuss the manufacturing of iron in Pigeon Forge around 1820. Takes place in the Ukulele Room.
• 4:00pm - 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Intermediate / Advanced Mountain Dulcimer. Presented by: Tim Simek and taking place in the Breakfast Room. You must bring own instruments and pre-register at Information Desk nice there is a limit of 10.
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Guarding the President: NPS Special Events Team, 1970s. Presented by: Joe Kelley and taking place in the Harp Room
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Photographic Fundamentals: From Composition to Proper Exposure and Everything in Between. Presented by: Daniel Dempster and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 6:00pm: Thursday Hike Signups taking place at the Holiday Inn Express
• 7:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: America’s Favorite Drive: The Blue Ridge Parkway. Presented by: Charles Maynard - taking place in the Dobro/Harp Rooms

APPALACHIAFEST!
A Free Musical Celebration of Our Heritage! Taking place in the Violin/Guitar Rooms

• 5:00pm - 6:30pm: Smoky Mountain Inhabitants and Their Music presented by the Boogertown Gap
• 6:45pm - 7:45pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Of Home and Hearth presented by Hills-N-Hollows
• 8:00pm: Carolina Bluegrass Boys with clogging from the Appalachian Cloggers. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun!

Wilderness Wildlife Week Day 3 Schedule for January 14 2013 in Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountains

As day 3 of Wilderness Wildlife Week starts, many of us are looking to the skies as though the past few days were unseasonably warm, today an aerial flood watch is in effect which could be an issue for some of the free guided hikes today in the Great Smoky Mountains national park.

Even if you decide not to hike, or the hike is called off, there is lost to see and so inside in the comfort of the Music Row Hotel when the free demonstrations and classes take place.

Some of the Wilderness Wildlife week classes we strongly recommend today are: Black Bear Ecology presented by Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard, taking better wildflower pictures presented by Bob Stephenson, and the Burns of Cades Cove Video Presentation presented by Alice Beers a local passionate about Cades Cove. If you visit Cades Cove often, you have seen Alice filming bear, deer and other wildlife.

• 9:00am - 10:00am: Wonderful Waterfalls of Tennessee Slide Presentation. Presented by: Bill Carter and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 9:00am - Noon: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Printing Your Photography and Artwork. Presented by: Dick Ensing and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 9:30am - 10:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: 10 Hints for Creating a Successful Backyard Habitat - Advice from a Lifetime Master Gardener. Presented by: Dr. Leo Lubke and Linda Lubke and taking place in the Harp Room but you must pre-register at Information Desk as there is a Limit 25.
• 10:00am - 11:00am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The Civilian Conservation Corps: FDR’s "Tree Army". Presented by: Bill Deitzer who will discuss the legacy of this corps of young men from the 1930s who built several of America’s national parks, including Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks. Takes place in the Dobro Room
• 10:00am - 11:00am: Hosting Hummingbirds Video Presentation. Presented by: Regina Garr and taking place in the Violin Room
• 10:30am - Noon: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: By George, What A Family!. Presented by: Kathy Gwinn and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 11:30am - 12:30pm: Learn to Play Washboard and Washtub Base. Presented by: Boogertown Gap and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 11:30am - 12:30pm: Black Bear Ecology. Presented by: Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard and taking place in the Harp Room
• 11:30am - 12:30pm: Wildflowers of the Smokies Video Presentation. Presented by: Jack Carman and taking place in the Violin Room
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The Story of Greenbrier Cove. Presented by: Glenn Cardwell and taking place in the Ukulele Room (highly recommended)
• 12:30pm - 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Prescribed Burns of Cades Cove Video Presentation. Presented by: Alice Beers and taking place in the Guitar Room (highly recommended)
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Old Time Music and Instruments. Presented by: Roger Helton and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Invasive Exotic Plants: Making Intelligent Landscaping Choices. Presented by: Kristine Johnson and taking place in the Harp Room
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: Bird’s the Word: Bird Stories, Songs, Lore and Natural History. Presented by: Doug Elliott and taking place in the Violin Room
• 1:00pm - 2:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Beginning Hammer Dulcimer. Presented by: Tim Simek. Must bring own instruments and pre-register at the Information Desk as there is a Limit of 10 people. Takes place in the Breakfast Room
• 2:30pm - 3:30pm: Introduction to the Autoharp: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 2:30pm - 3:30pm: Wild Hog Management in the Great Smoky Mountains. Presented by: Jay Carr and taking place in the Harp Room
• 2:30pm - 3:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Goldfinches and Cardinals: Bring Some Color to Your Bird Feeders. Presented by: Steve Garr and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 2:30pm - 3:30pm: John James Audubon’s "The Birds of America". Presented by: Stephen Lyn Bales and taking place in the Violin Room
• 3:00pm - 4:00pm: Tennessee Butterflies and How to Raise Them. Presented by: Lois English and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 3:00pm - 6:00pm: Basket Making. Presented by: Theresa Tyler and taking place in the Breakfast Room. As there is a limit of 10 you must pre-register at the Information Desk
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Broken Lives in a Broken County: The Civil War in Cocke County. Presented by: J. Duay O’Neil and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The Makin’s of Granny. Presented by: Theresa Williams who will tell of her experiences playing Granny Lydia in the Store Britches play. Takes place in the Harp Room
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: Ranger Recollections. Presented by: Joe Kelley and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Being Bear Smart Video Presentation. Presented by: Kate Marshall and taking place in the Violin Room
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: What’s in My Pack?: The Fundamentals of Lightweight Backpacking. Presented by: NOC Gatlinburg and Backpacking Light and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: Of Ginseng, Golden Apples and the Rainbow Fish: Ancient Tales and a Modern Mythic Adventure. Presented by: Doug Elliott and taking place in the Dobro/Harp Rooms
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: Be Careful Out There: Hazards in the Outdoors. Presented by: Joe Taft and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Taking Better Wildflower Pictures. Presented by: Bob Stephenson and taking place in the Violin Room
• 6:00pm: Wednesday Hike Signups taking place at the Holiday Inn Express
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Appalachian Mountain Beauty and Scottish Highland Video Presentation Tour. Presented by: Daniel and Denise Dempster and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 7:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: And Heaven and Nature Sing. Presented by: Ken Jenkins, Judy Felts and Friends taking place in the Dobro/Harp/Ukulele Rooms

Day 2 Sunday Schedule for 2013 Wilderness Wildlife Week in the Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountains

Day 1 of the Wilderness Wildlife Week was a huge success with a large attendance helped by the fact that the weather didn't prevent anyone form coming as it had in years past.

Todays program will all also take place at Music Road Hotel and Convention Center at 303 Henderson Chapel Road in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The information desk will be open from 7:00am to 9:00pm, the Vendor and Exhibit Hall from 9:00am to 6:00pm and you can see the Photography Exhibit in the Cello Room from 9:00am until 6:00pm.

Wilderness Wildlife Week Program Day 2 Sunday Jan 13th 2013

• 9:00am - 10:00am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program. Nature Photography: From the Mountains to the Sea. Presented by: Tom and Pat Cory and taking place in the Dobro Room.
• 9:00am - 10:00am: Sunday Morning Sing-A-Long. Presented by: Tony Thomas and taking place in the Violin Room
• 9:00am - 11:00am: World Class Stream Smallmouth Bass. Presented by: Greg Ward and taking place in the Harp Room
• 9:30am - 10:30am: Marking Time: A Guide to Historical Markers in East Tennessee. Presented by: Fred Brown and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 9:30am - 10:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: A Smokies Murder Mystery: "Murder at the Jumpoff". Presented by: Jenny Bennett and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 10:30am - 11:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Learning to See Photographically. Presented by: Bill Fortney and taking place in the Dobro Room
• 10:30am - 11:30am: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Amazing Bears. Presented by: Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard and taking place in the Violin Room. Strongly suggest this program!
• 11:00am - Noon: Across the Alps: Italy to Austria Video Presentation. Presented by: Peter and Gudrun Seifert and taking place in the Ukulele Room.
• 11:00am - Noon: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Seasons on the Trail: Hiking Through Nature’s Bounty. Presented by: Ila Hatter and taking place in the Guitar Room.
• 11:30am - 12:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Native Trees, Shrubs and Vines of the Southern Appalachians. Presented by: Leon Bates and taking place in the Harp Room.
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm: Groundhogology: Of Whistlepigs and World Politics. Presented by: Doug Elliott and taking place in the Dobro Room. Doug tells through traditional songs, mountain dialects and lively harmonica riffs how groundhogs have been a source of food, clothing, medicine and music for Appalachian folks for generations.
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program. Chickadee the Bringer of Truth. Presented by: Stephen Lyn Bales will discuss 20 plants and animals important to the Native Americans of the Tennessee Valley. Takes place in the Ukulele Room.
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Kids Program: Kiddin’ Around: A Concert for Kids of All Ages. Presented by: Lost Mill String Band and taking place in the Violin Room
• 1:00pm - 1:45pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Smoky Mountain Llama Treks and Hiking with Llamas in the Smokies. Presented by: Steve Garrett and taking place in the Harp Room
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Africa: A Wildlife Photographer’s Dream Trip. Presented by: Harry Dunn and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 1:00pm - 3:30pm: Casting a Fly Rod. Presented by: Greg Ward and taking place in the Breakfast Room. Bring your own rod if possible.
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Smoky Mountain Bears, Whitetails and Wildflowers Video Presentation. Presented by: Kate Marshall and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Preaching the Glory Down. Presented by: Hills-N-Hollows and taking place in the Violin Room
• 2:00pm - 3:30pm: Old Harp Singing. A group of area shaped-note singers will sing traditional songs which were taught in music schools in the early 1900s in the Great Smoky Mountains area. Presented by: David Sarten in the Dobro/Harp Rooms
• 3:00pm - 4:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen. Presented by: Rosemary Deitzer and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 3:30pm - 4:30pm: Climb Every Mountain, Ford Every Stream. Presented by: Carroll McMahan with Stan Creswell, Frank Maples, Coppley Vickers and John Cotter and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 3:30pm - 4:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Smoky Mountain Ballads, Part Two. Presented by: Boogertown Gap and taking place in the Violin Room.
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Advanced Possumology: Songs, Stories, Lore and More About the Possum. Presented by: Doug Elliott in the Dobro/Harp Rooms
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Kids Program. Learning About Black Bears: Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard and taking place in the Breakfast Room but you must pre-register at Information Desk as there is a Limit 20.
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Characters Met While Hiking the Appalachian Trail. Presented by: Joel and Kathy Zachry and taking place in the Guitar Room
• 5:00pm - 6:00pm: The Walker Sisters of Little Greenbrier. Presented by: Robin Goddard and taking place in the Ukulele Room
• 5:00pm - 6:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Explorers of the Smokies in the 1920s. Presented by: Paul James and taking place in the Violin Room
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: Kids Program Ages 8 - 12. Quill Pens and Homemade Ink. Presented by: Pat K. Thomas and taking place in the Breakfast Room. Since there is a limit of 15, you must pre-register at Information Desk
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Old Time String Band and The Sound of Days Gone. Presented by: Tony Thomas and Friends in the Dobro/Harp Rooms
• 6:00pm: Tuesday Hike Signups at the Holiday Inn Express
• 6:00pm-6:45pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Knoxville Tennessee Pastor a Titanic Hero taking place in the Guitar Room
• 7:00pm: New Wilderness Wildlife Week Program: Being Open to New Beauty. Presented by: Ken Jenkins in the Dobro/Harp Rooms.
• 7:30pm: Slow Jam: Bring Your Own Instrument or Simply Plan to Enjoy and Listen. Presented by: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson and taking place in the Guitar Room

Want to stay longer than your original cabin rental reservation so you can stay longer? Ask about a last minute discount and adding onto your original stay!

Last Minute Cabin Rental Specials for Fall Smoky Mountains Leaf Season 2012

If the weather continues to cooperate, we have about another week in the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains where you can find nice fall color. Better yet, we have a few cabins and chalets for rent left for this last weekend of peak fall color and you can grab them now for a discount!

If you rent any of these cabins listed below which all available as of writing this article for this weekend, you can save 10%! This Last Minute Special Cabin Rental Special is only good for cabins are chalets being booked 7 days or sooner before arrival. You also MUST use the discount coupon code TLMR10 when making your reservation.

You cannot combine discounts and this Last Minute Cabin Special is only valid on new rentals only and Last Minute Cabin rental Discounts are not valid during holidays!

Update Friday 10/26 9:35 am. We now only have 6 cabins or chalets available to rent starting today and leaving this Sunday morning. These units are:

• Mountain Laurel Retreat
• A Smoky Retreat
• A Smoky Getaway
• Rippling Water
• A Sweet Retreat
• All in the Family

Colder weather coming into the Smokies Monday morning. This will make the rest of the color left on the trees really punch out but will probably mean little or no color after next weekend.

King of the Mountain VII 7 Bedroom Cabin Gatlinburg 7 Bedroom Log Cabin rental with stunning views above the city of Gatlinburg that will sleep 16 people with 7.5 Bathrooms, 3 King Size beds, 4 Queen size beds, 1 Sleeper sofa, Pool Table in Game Room, Hot Tub, Gas Fireplace, Lots of Deck space with breathtaking views. Steep driveway with parking for 5 cars, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels and this luxury cabin has Seasonal Swimming Pool Access. There is also free Unlimited Long Distance phone service and FREE Wireless HIGH SPEED Internet Access via WIFI! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

River Chase 4 Bedroom Chalet Pigeon Forge 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath Chalet for rent in the River Pointe area of Pigeon Forge Tennessee, Sleeps up to 8 people, walk to the river, Nature Trail along the River, Gas Fireplace, Jacuzzi, TV, DVD, VCR, Pool Table, Air Hockey, Sony PlayStation, Washer and Dryer, Dishwasher, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels. In the Pigeon Forge City Limits! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

All In the Family 4 Bedroom Cabin Sevierville 2 story 4 bedroom log cabin in the Echota resort in Sevierville TN that sleeps 10, 4 baths, 2 king size bed, 2 Full size beds, 1 sleeper sofa, gas fireplace, private hot tub, Jacuzzi, Game room, pool table, TV, VCR, great room, living room, dining room, eat in kitchen, 2 decks, wooded view, gas grill, 3 car parking, Washer, dryer, iron and ironing board, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels. Bring your laptop, there is free HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS via WIFI! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Hoot 'n Hollar 4 Bedroom Cabin Pigeon Forge 4 Bedroom Log Cabin located in Brothers Cove Resort Development in Pigeon Forge TN that will sleep 12 people with 3 Bath and 4 Queen size beds, 2 Sleeper sofa beds, 2 Jacuzzi tubs, Hot tub, Pool Table, Big Screen TV in Living Room and TV's in the bedrooms, charcoal grill, Picnic Table for 8, Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels. PET FRIENDLY! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

3 Bears Lodge 3 Bedroom Cabin Gatlinburg 3 Bedroom Log Cabin with Good Mountain View located in Gatlinburg's Chalet Village that will sleep 8 people with 4 Bathrooms, 2 king size beds upstairs, 1 queen size bed on lower level and 1 sleeper sofa in game room, Hot Tub, 2 Gas Fireplaces: 1 in living room and 1 in the Game Room with Pool Table, Jacuzzi in bathroom, Seasonal Access to Swimming Pool next door, 4 TV's, Charter cable bundle with unlimited long distance phone service, 3 steps into cabin, 4 car parking, Charcoal grill, Washer Dryer, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels and bring your laptop as there is Free WIFI High Speed Internet Access. Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Changes in Attitude 3 Bedroom Cabin Pigeon Forge 3 Bedroom, 3 story, semi private Log Cabin in Pigeon Forge will sleep 10 people with a good mountain view, 3 Baths, 3 King size beds, 1 Sofa sleeper, and 1 Futon bed, Gas Fireplace, Hot Tub, 2 Jacuzzi's, Pool Table, Foosball, 5 TVs with Cable service, Living Room, Dining room, 2 decks, 1 charcoal grill, 3-car gravel parking area, Washer, Dryer, Iron and Ironing Board, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels. Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Breathless Chalet 3 Bedroom Rental Gatlinburg 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath Premier Chalet, Sleeps 10, Gatlinburg, Chalet Village area, Hot Tub, 2 Jacuzzi's, Sauna, Gas Fireplace, Pool Table, TV, DVD, VCR, 4 Decks, Access to Swimming Pools, Kiddie Pools, Playgrounds, Tennis Courts, and Game Rooms, Washer and Dryer, Dishwasher, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels, Large Master Bedroom with Double Walk-in Shower and Jacuzzi. Free unlimited long distance for numbers is the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. Bring your laptop, there is free HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Halfway to Heaven 3 Bedroom Cabin Pigeon Forge 3 Bedroom Log Cabin located in the Brothers Cove Private resort community outside of Pigeon Forge that will sleep 8 people with 3 private bathrooms each with a shower/tub combo, 3 Queen size beds and 1 sleeper sofa, Hot Tub, 2 Jacuzzi tubs, Pool table in loft area, and WIFI throughout. All bedrooms have TVs with satellite service and 2 have Gas fireplaces, living room has real wood burning fireplace, a large flat screen TV with satellite service and surround sound system. 8 person dining room table, bar seating with 4 tall chairs, gas grill, 9 steps to enter cabin, 3 car parking, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels, Seasonal Pool Access and don't forget the Free High Speed Internet Access! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Berry Delightful 2 Bedroom Cabin Pigeon Forge 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Chalet for rent, Sleeps 6 in Pigeon Forge Tennessee in the River Pointe area, Scenic Mountain View, walk to the river. No steep roads, Hot tub, Gas Fireplace, TV, DVD player, VCR, Washer and Dryer, Dishwasher, River Nature Trail, Rocking Chairs, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels, large level parking under Chalet. Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Rippling Waters 2 Bedroom Chalet Pigeon Forge 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath riverfront Chalet for rent, Sleeps 4 in the Pigeon Forge Tennessee River Pointe Area and on the River, Hot Tub, Gas Fireplace, TV, DVD, Dishwasher, Washer and Dryer, Covered Deck with River View, Nature Trail, City Limits, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels. Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Bear Paw Chalet 2 Bedroom Chalet Pigeon Forge 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Chalet on the river that Sleeps 6 in Pigeon Forge Tennessee, River Pointe area, sits on the banks of the Pigeon River. There are no steep roads, large level parking, Nature Trail, Hot Tub, Gas Fireplace, TV, DVD player, VCR, Washer and Dryer, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels and a Dishwasher. City Limits. Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Morning Mist 2 Bedroom Cabin Gatlinburg 2 bedrooms, 2 story Gatlinburg TN log cabin, sleeps 5, 2 king, 1 twin, 2 baths, gas fireplace, hot tub, pool table, 3 TV's w/cable, VCR, DVD, stereo, living room, eat in kitchen, 2 decks, gas grill, 3 car parking, washer, dryer, iron and ironing board, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels. Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

A Smoky Getaway 2 Bedroom Cabin Pigeon Forge 2 bedroom, 2 story PET FRIENDLY Log Cabin in Pigeon Forge Tennessee with only 1 step to enter the cabin that Sleeps up to 8 people with 2 baths, 2 King Size Beds, 2 Sleeper Sofas, Seasonal Pool Access, Gas Fireplace, Hot Tub, Jacuzzi in Master Bath, Foosball Table, Playstation 2, Living Room, Eat in Kitchen, 2 TV's with cable service, 2 DVD players, VCR and Stereo, 2 Car Parking, Washer, Dryer, Iron and Ironing Board, Central Air Conditioning and Heating. Don't forget to bring your laptop as there is FREE Wireless HIGH SPEED Internet Access! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Mountain Laurel Retreat 2 Bedroom Cabin Pigeon Forge 2 Bedroom Secluded Cabin for rent that Sleeps 6 in the Pigeon Forge, Dollywood Area with Scenic Mountain Views on 2 very private wooded acres with no neighbors, 2 Bathrooms, very private Hot Tub, Wood Burning Fireplace, Flat screen with surround sound, Game Room, Air Hockey, Foosball Table, large screened in deck, large BBQ area with picnic tables, Dishwasher, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels. Seasonal Pool Access and this Cabin for rent is PET FRIENDLY! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Secret Falls 2 Bedroom Cabin Pigeon Forge 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Cabin, Sleeps 7, Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley area, Scenic River View, Cascades and Waterfalls, Loft, Covered and screened in Hot tub, Wood Burning Fireplace, Pool Table, Washer and Dryer, Dishwasher, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels. 100 year old Historic Cabin. Towels, linens and firewood are included. Smoking allowed but discouraged. PET FRIENDLY! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Pooh Bear Lair 1 Bedroom Chalet Gatlinburg 1 Bedroom, 2 Bath Chalet, Sleeps 2, King Size Bed, Gatlinburg, Chalet Village area, Scenic Wooded Views, Hot tub, Jacuzzi, Gas Fireplace, Bumper Pool Table, TV, DVD, VCR, Private Deck, Charcoal Grill, Dishwasher, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels, Access to Swimming Pools, Kiddie Pools, Playgrounds, Tennis Courts, and Game Rooms. Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Log Heaven 1 Bedroom Cabin in Gatlinburg 1 Bedroom, 1.5 bath Cabin, Sleeps 2, King Size Bed, Gatlinburg, Chalet Village, Scenic Wooded View, Loft, Hot tub, Jacuzzi, Wood Burning Fireplace, Pool Table, 2 TV's, VCR, Covered Deck, Charcoal BBQ Grill, Dishwasher, Central Air Conditioning and Heating, linens and towels, Access to 3 Clubhouses with Conference and Wedding Reception Facilities, Swimming Pools, Kiddy Pools, Playgrounds, Tennis Courts, and Game Rooms. This Cabin Rental is PET FRIENDLY! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now