North America’s Longest Footbridge
Gatlinburg sky bridge is America’s longest footbridge. Photo credit: wideopencountry.
Fourth Annual Appalachian Bear Fest
Appalachian Bear Fest 2019 will be fun for the entire family!
Fourth Annual Appalachian Bear Fest is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 11 a.m. til 3 p.m. at the ABR Visitor and Education Center, 121 Painted Trillium Way in Townsend, TN. This family friendly event benefits the Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) in Townsend.
Come join the fun at the fourth annual Appalachian Bear Fest. This year will be celebrating International Black Bear Day with live music, Fisher Farm Petting Zoo, Lynne McCoy’s Live Critters, delicious food, plenty of kid’s games and a whole lot of Black Bear Education. Black Bear experts will be on hand to share their knowledge on Black Bears and the National Park.
The Zoo Knoxville will bring some of their Reptiles to teach a Happening Herpetology Class as part of the event (pre-registration required). Who does not love the chance to handle some “creepy-crawly critters?” This is a chance for you and your kids to be hands on while learning all about what makes these creature so interesting and invaluable to the natural world.
For more information and to pre-register for the class, please visit www.appalachianbearrescue.org
Line Up:
11:00am – 11:30am: Mike Clemmer on the Dulcimer
11:35am – 12:25pm: Jared Hard & Chris Long in the Round
12:30pm – 1:30pm: The Good Thymes Ceilidh Band
1:45pm – 3:00pm: Pistol Creek Catch of the Day
Smoky Mountain Trillium Gap Rehabilitation Closes Trail
Trillium Gap trail closure for renovations in Great Smoky Mountains.
Smoky Mountain Trillium Gap Rehabilitation Closes Trail. Beginning May 13, 2019 work begins on improving the much loved Trillium Gap trail. This trail is one of our favorite routes to the summit of Mount LeConte. Park officials announced the 2-year project will begin next week. Due to the construction process on the narrow trail, a full closure is necessary for the safety of both the crew and visitors. The trail and associated parking lot along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail near Gatlinburg will be closed May 13 through November 15, Monday mornings at 7:00 a.m. through Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. weekly. The trail will be fully open each week on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and on federal holidays.
Trillium Gap Trail is one of the busiest trails in the park as it provides access to the popular Grotto Falls and the summit of Mt. Le Conte. There will not be any access to Grotto Falls during the weekday closures. Hikers can still reach Mt. Le Conte, LeConte Lodge, and the Le Conte Shelter by using one of the other four trails to the summit including the recently restored Rainbow Falls and Alum Cave Trails.
“We recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Trails Forever partnership with the Friends of the Smokies and I couldn’t be more proud of the amazing work accomplished by our crews, youth interns, and volunteers in transforming trails across the park,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “While we hate to disappoint hikers with weekday closures, the results are well worth the inconvenience and allow us the opportunity to continue to protect these special places for generations to come.”
HighlandersUnite Highland Games Gatlinburg
HighlandersUnite highland games return to Gatlinburg!
HighlandersUnite Highland Games Gatlinburg. The Highlander Games of Gatlinburg (HUGG) are always a Smoky Mountain special event! The games return Saturday, June 15, 2019 and Sunday, June 16, 2019 to Mills park in Gatlinburg. The games are hosted by HighlandersUnite.
The event kicks off at 12:00 p.m. Saturday with the Alhambra Shrine Highlander Pipes and Drums performing as the athletes march in. The games consist of five events; male and female athletes Master masters, Master, Class A and Class B. This promises to be fun through the entire day! The musical stylings of BAMM will warm up the crowd in the evening at 6:00 p.m. thru 7:45 p.m.. The headliner, Tuatha Dea, will take the stage at 8:00 p.m. so be ready to rock!
Delicious Celtic food will be on hand to keep you palate happy and your stomach full. Those that are in the mood for a libation will not be disappointed. The spirits will be flowing so come thirsty! If you are worried about the weather stay dry with all the food and drink you desire in the VIP tent. Servers will be on hand no matter what kind of day Mother Nature serves up. Get your tickets today at HighlandersUnite.org or on Eventbrite! Tickets range from $10 to $150.
Smoky Mountain Tamale Recipe
Smoky Mountain Tamales are yummy in my tummy!
