Beat The Summer Heat With A Vacation In The Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Outside the Smokies, record-breaking heat has gripped the US from sea to shining sea, and there is more than a month to go before cooler temperatures will prevail. Even on the hottest days where 100 degree plus temperatures just will not go away, you can still find cool relief and beat the heat in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Just think, there are places in the Smokies are accessible to everyone where you won't ever see temperatures above the 70's, and there are thousands of miles of cool streams and swimming holes within minutes from any vacation cabin rental in the Smoky Mountains.

Don't feel like going for a short drive to cool down? Just sit on the deck with a cool glass of ice tea and look out over the mountains, woods or river right by your cabin. Some of these cabins have swimming pool access too!

What could beat being under the shade of trees on a hiking trail or picnic grounds in the Great Smoky Mountains national park just minutes away or holding a fishing rod in your hand along or in a cool mountain stream? Maybe taking a long lazy tubing trip down the river is the cool mountain fed streams and rivers in the Pigeon Forge - Gatlinburg area, or even a guided white water rafting trip in exciting rapids!

Maybe the water and all that nature is just not your thing to beat the heat and you prefer to walk around a world-class top rated theme park like Dollywood and fell the rush of cool wind on your face on some of the exciting rides or the brand new zip lines in the Dollywood Theme Park. Don't forget the cool drinks, air conditioned restaurants and delicious ice cream all around the park...and yes, there are tamer rides for visitors of all ages all around Dollywood.

As if the Dollywood theme park was not great enough, from August 19th until September 5th, Dollywood is throwing its annual Barbeque and Bluegrass festival, a free concert series featuring the biggest names in bluegrass music such as Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, not to mention the what many call the country's tastiest barbeque. Would you believe they serve three-pound slices cut from a whopping 25-pound apple pie?

Better still, to beat the summer heat, purchase Discount Splash and Play Discount Tickets and you can enjoy both the Dollywood Theme Park AND Dollywood Splash Country - one of the most fun, exciting, clean and safe water parks around the world, and it is right here in the Smokies!

Better hurry up as besides a few blackout dates, Dollywood Splash Country is now open from 10 am to 6 pm until September 5th for the 2011 season. No one sells Dollywood and Splash Country tickets cheaper than American Mountain Rentals, not even Dollywood!

Everything in the Great Smoky Mountains is so green and lush as it is actually a temperate rain forest. There are such an abundance of beautiful plants and animals, some of which are extremely rare and endangered, that the United Nations designated the park as an International Biosphere. For a unique vacation, you can even help maintain some of the 850 miles of hiking trails this August. After clearing brush or moving logs, nothing will be more relaxing than a soak in hot tub under the stars back at your cabins.

One of the most popular large animals in the Great Smoky Mountains is our beloved black bear. In the national park alone, there are and estimated 1,700 black bear and the best places to see them are in Cades Cove and on Cherokee Orchard Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature trail just outside downtown Gatlinburg.

Black bears in the Smokies are a remarkable sight and often during late summer you will see momma bear called a sow with 2 or more cubs. It is important to keep your at least 50 yards from them...it's the law and it is for your and the bears safety. It is also important to not feed them or let them have access to garbage.

There are now 150 elk residing in and around the Great Smoky Mountains national park. During August the bulls antlers will start to lose their velvet covering as their hormone levels rise and by September their mating ritual called "the rut" is in full swing. During the rut, the large bulls make loud calls to one another called bugles. When 2 large bulls meet up they fight mostly ritually to earn as many cows that they gather into harems.

Right now, the momma elks called cows are still nursing their young that were born in May and June. The calves still have their baby spots, but they will gradually fade as their winter coat comes in during the fall. Bring a lawn chair and sit in the shade to watch these majestic animals. Just as with the bear it is important that no matter how docile they may appear, stay at least 150 from the elk.

The best place to see the elk is in Cataloochee North Carolina, about and hour's drive from Gatlinburg Tennessee. Just like the black bear, the first 2 hours after sunrise and before sunset is the best time to see them. As it gets cooler in late September, you may be able to see them all day long.

Speaking of cooler, another way to beat the heat on the Smokies is to zip along on one of the many new zip line attractions in the Smokies. After climbing into your safety harness and putting on a helmet, you are ready to zoom high above the ground and through the trees - what a rush having the wind on your face...Not for the faint of heart!

So many ways to beat the summer heat on the Smokies! Which will you choose?

Cades Cove Loop Road to Reopen This Weekend to Cars, Pedestrians and Bikes.

It has been almost 2 long months since the Great Smoky Mountains national park has closed the enormously popular Cades Cove Loop Road for a long overdue repaving project that has been planned for years. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and the contracted hustled to collect their early completion bonus so that the park will be opening the 11-mile long Cades Cove Loop this weekend - almost a full month ahead of schedule.

During the time that it was closed, more than 60,000 cars would have normally driven through the Cades Cove Loop during the time to see its historic cabins, churches, gristmill, and barns as well as the abundant wildlife such as deer, bear, coyote, fox, otter, turkey, hawks and so much more. Also closed were numerous popular hiking trails and other connecting roads.

The hiking trails that were closed before will all be open this Saturday at noon: Cooper Road Trail, Abrams Falls Trail and Rabbit Creek Trail off of Cades Cove Loop Road, Indian Grave Gap Trail off of Rich Mountain Road, the Gregory Bald Trail off of Forge Creek Road, the Gregory Ridge Trail and the Hannah Mountain Trail which are both off Parsons Branch Road.

Besides the 11 mile Cades Cove Loop Road, repaving has also shut off all access to Sparks Lane, Rich Mountain Road, Hyatt Lane, Forge Creek Road and Parson Branch Road which will now all be open to pedestrians and bicyclists at dawn on April 24th and to vehicular traffic at noon.

It has been more than 3 decades since the last time that Cades Cove Loop Road was repaved. Because of this, the roadbed and surface was in such bad shape, the entire existing road was ground up, pulverized, and reused, and concrete poured on top of the crushed roadbed and a new layer of asphalt put on top of the concrete bed. This road reclamation process saved time, money and the environment because the old roadway did not have to be carted way and dumped but was effectively recycled.

The new Cades Cove Loop Road does have some significant improvements that were made during the reclamation and repaving this winter although you shouldn't expect the road to be wider or have a designated bike lane. The roadway could not be made wider as that would disturb some of the historical landmarks some of which are fence posts, but you will find a few more small pullouts and far better drainage along the roadway.

Sadly, in order to improve the Cades Cove Loop Road and because of so many significant wind storms this winter, a few dozen old trees had to be removed or they would otherwise be a hazard or, would have prevented some minor road widening.

Drivers will notice that a few places where the Cades Cove Loop dipped down especially near creek crossings, the roadway has been slightly elevated so that low riding vehicles, and longer RVs or buses will no longer bottom out as they have in the past. If shuttle trams are ever used in the future in Cades Cove they should be able to navigate the entire loop now where it was not possible to do so in the past.

Sparks Lane, Rich Mountain Road, Hyatt Lane, Forge Creek Road and Parsons Branch Road will remain unimproved dirt roads as well as the short road from the Cades Cove Loop road to the Abrams Falls trailhead parking area on the back end of the Cades Cove.

The historic Cades Cove Methodist Church normally sits on some fieldstones instead of a solid foundation, but because of the vibrations created by all the heavy equipment used in the Cades Cove valley, special temporary large wood braces were placed under the church to protect it.

Another challenge during the road construction project in Cades Cove included making sure that the constructions environmental impact was minimal, especially to the creeks and 2 swamp wetland areas in the Cove.

Even though there are fairly accurate historical records of where the European settlers in Cades Cove were, the parks archaeologist and his assistant had to conduct shovel test hole surveys along the roadway and where new pull outs would be. This way if there was anything historically significant, it could be preserved before the roadway would cover it up.

When the shovel test holes were made, the soil was first examined for staining which could be a sign of a wooden posts used in a structure or some other human activity. If no staining was noted, the soil was passed through a wooden framed screen and the sifted material checked for artifacts such as those made by Cherokee Indians and the first European settlers who inhabited the park.

Cades Cove not only has the best auto tour in the Great Smoky Mountains national park and stunning scenery, it has the best wildlife viewing in the park, the most historical buildings, many hiking trails, a fantastic picnic area, bicycle rentals, horseback riding, carriage and hay rides, an outdoor amphitheater, and campgrounds.

Because Cades Cove has mountain surrounding the entire valley blocking out light pollution, stargazing at night is unequaled as you are clearly able to see the Milky Way and many other astronomical features that you would be unable to see just a few miles away outside of the park. As you walk through the cove at night which is closed to traffic at dusk, look overhead at the many bats flying around some of which will be the endangered Indiana bats.

The best time for wildlife viewing in the Cades Cove Loop is the same as for the rest of the Great Smoky Mountains national park, the first 1- 2 hours of just after sunrise and just before sunset. Look along the edges of the fields near the treeline for deer and black bear.

Speaking of bear, they can also often be seen up in the trees - especially cherry and persimmon trees when in season and oak trees in the fall when they are looking to fatten up on acorns. Remember to stay at least 150 feet from a black bear or you can get a fine for as much as $5,000!

Now that the construction work is done, the trees are filled with fresh green leaves, there are wildflowers all around the fields and forests in Cades Cove and the black bear are out posing for pictures, it is a perfect time for Cades Cove to be reopened.

The first day Cades Cove will be reopened will be this Saturday April 24th and only pedestrians and bicyclists can use the road on opening day until 12 noon at which time the newly resurfaced Loop Road will be open to everyone.

Sunday the park is closing the Cades Cove Lop Road for the first ever race. The Cades Code Loop Lope will have runners running either the full 11 miles or a shorter loop of just over 3 miles. Access to all of Cades Cove will be limited Sunday morning only to participants that have already registered for the race and Cades Cove will open to everyone by 12 noon.

Come out and see why Cades Cove received more than a million visitors last year many of which have come here many time to enjoy the crown jewel of the Great Smoky Mountains national park.

There are still some cabins for rent close to Cades Cove that qualify for the Last Minute Booking discount!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cabins with free high speed wireless internet access in the Smoky Mountains.

When you think about renting a cabin in the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg or Sevierville Smoky Mountains you imagine a rustic secluded log cabin perched high up on the Mountains with a great view. What you might not know is that more than 25 deluxe cabins rentals in the Smokies now have free wireless internet access!

Renting a Smoky Mountains cabin in the past meant that the best you could hope for to keep in touch with the outside world for was a dial up connection and a big long distance bill at check out.

Now you can rent a cabin or chalet in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge and get FREE wireless high speed internet access! There are even a handful of cabins for rent in Sevierville Tennessee that came with free high speed internet service!

So save your money and save yourself a trip into town to find a Starbucks with Wi-Fi You would have to pay for and site on the comfort of your own cabin and check the weather, your emails and post pictures of all the fun you are having in the Smoky Mountains on your Facebook page!

4 more vacation rental homes just got free wireless high speed internet access installed making great cabin rentals in the Smokies ever better so check them out and rent them!

A Grandview - Sleeps 4 2 Bedroom Chalet with 2.5 Bathrooms, 2 King Beds, Hot Tub, Fireplace: wood burning, Pool Table, 2 Jacuzzi, Washer and Dryer. Bring your laptop there is FREE Wireless HIGH SPEED Internet Access! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Angels Abode - Sleeps 6 2 king size bed, 1 queen size bed, 1 sleeper sofa, 2 Fireplaces: gas, Hot tub, Jacuzzi, Pool table, Washer Dryer, Swimming Pool Access. Enjoy the partial mountain views, sunset view, seasonal swimming pool access and bring your laptop, there is FREE Wireless HIGH SPEED Internet Access! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Evening View - Sleeps 6 2 King size beds, sleeper sofa, Hot tub, Fireplace: gas, Jacuzzi, Pool table, Swimming Pool Access, Smoky Mountains views, loft, spiral staircase, seasonal swimming pool access and bring your laptop there is FREE Wireless HIGH SPEED Internet Access! Click Here To Visit This Cabin or Rent This Cabin Online Now

Instead of surfing the internet from inside your cabin that you take your laptop out onto the deck and do your web surfing from the glider or picnic table and take in the fresh Smoky Mountains air and the stunning views.

What will you do first with your free high speed internet access? Will you download music for your I-Pod, stream music, chat with your friends or perhaps download a movie from Netflix of Blockbuster? The world is at your fingertips here at the cabin and it's all free access for you!

All cabins for rent in Gatlinburg and Pigeon with free high speed wireless internet access.

What to expect in the Smoky Mountains during January

One of the best times to come to the Smokies is in January. Most people who come to vacation in the Smoky Mountains have been here at least once before and often they are looking to come here and enjoy one of the seasons when they have not been here before and January is one of the favorites of the locals.

January in the Smoky Mountains is unpredictable when it comes to the weather, but you can be guaranteed that you will have a great time, find off season prices everywhere including cabin and chalet rental rates and no crowds!

Stay here long enough in January and you can be pretty well assured you will see snow in the highest elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains national park.

The weather in Smoky Mountains during January changes day to day for example last weekend it was almost 70 degrees in Gatlinburg and today we are expecting up to 6 inches of snow!

When it does snow during January in the Smokies, it almost never sticks around for more than a few hours in the lower elevations but the upper elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains national park can see snow stay for days or even weeks.

Of course outdoor water parks in the Smokies are closed during the winter and you will find some other attractions close down as it is so quiet here in January but don't despair - there is still plenty to do!

During January you will find that Winterfest is still going on strong. Winterfest takes place in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville and starts in November as a holiday celebration with events and millions of holiday lights decorating the Smokies and turning the area into a winter wonderland.

During January one of the most popular events of Winterfest takes place called Wilderness Wildlife Week and this year marks the 19th anniversary of Wilderness Wildlife Week.

Wilderness Wildlife Week is based out of Pigeon Forge and has guided hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains national park, wildlife classes and lectures, photography classes and exhibits, historical lectures and demonstrations and musical performances and so much more.

Spending time during January in the Great Smoky Mountains national park is a fantastic time to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet and the beauty of the Smokies.

In January the wildlife in the Smokies can be a little harder to find as snakes, spiders and mosquitoes are not around and active in the cold. The black bears are also in their quiet hibernation mode and almost impossible to see as they are almost never active.

Take a tour of Cades Cove by car or bike and you will see that not only is there almost no traffic, the deer are everywhere and the male deer called bucks are sporting their antlers from the December rut.

In the Cataloochee valley section of the national park you will be able to see our North American Elk that have been reintroduced in the park which are an awesome site to behold.

Look carefully all around the park and you should be able to see coyote in the hour or so after sunrise or before sunset and if you are really lucky, red or grey fox as well.

If there is a dusting of snow on the ground you usually don't have to look too hard or go too far to find tracks of deer, rabbit, squirrel fox and coyote.

What to get away from it all and take a hike in the Smokies and see awesome views. Drive up US 441 to Newfound Gap and park at the Newfound Gap parking area and walk up the Clingmans Dome Road which closes December 1st. Walk a few hundred yards or walk the whole 7 miles up to the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower and look out at the 360 degree view of the Smokies - breathtaking!

Make sure if you walk up Clingmans Dome road to check out the walls of ice that form white and transparent curtains that glistens in the sunlight - a perfect backdrop to the evergreen trees above.

Came back after enjoying a great day outside in the fresh air of the Smoky Mountains to a delicious hot meal in of the hundreds of restaurants in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for some good southern cooking, delicious steaks are any type of food you can imagine.

January is a great time to enjoy the Smokies and avoid the crowds, enjoy the winter beauty and get great off season rates on cabins and chalets for rent in the Smokies!

How great are the rental rates for an extended stay in the Smokies? How about cabin rentals for less than $100 a night in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee!