Chimney Tops Trail – Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains

Before the fires of November 2016, we went hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a cold, cloudy day in December. The Chimney Tops Trail, accessed from the New Found Gap Road, is a 4-mile, round-trip moderate to difficult trail. Hiking through the clouds for almost the entire approach, we were pleasantly surprised when we neared the summit and finally walked beyond a thick fog into sunny, clear blue skies. Only the tops of the mountains were poking out through the dense smoke, resembling islands in an ocean of clouds. What a glorious moment!

Late Summer Wildflowers in the Smokies

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There are still plenty of wildflowers blooming in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in August and September. This Turk’s Cap Lily (pictured right) was photographed from Newfound Gap Road. It is typically found in moist woods, balds or trail side thickets from July through September. This spectacular lily can also be seen on Kanati Fork Trail.

The Yellow-fringed Orchid (pictured below) can be seen on Cades Cove Loop Trail and Fork Ridge Trail. The blossoms range in color from bright yellow to deep orange. This delicate beauty also blooms from July through September.

Dolly Homecoming Parade in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

On May 6, 2016, the 31st Annual Dolly Homecoming Parade makes its way down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge to welcome the grand marshal, Dolly Parton, home. Join the celebration and enjoy local entertainers, colorful floats, military veterans, and marching bands. Pigeon Forge’s most popular parade draws over 50,000 Pigeon Forge and Dolly Parton fans alike, so plan to arrive early to ensure a good viewing spot. The parade travels from traffic light #6 to traffic light #3, and starts at 6 p.m.

The Dolly Homecoming Parade is a free event with a variety of participants to entertain the entire family. In 2016, there will be 126 different groups involved. Enjoy the creatively decorated floats against the beautiful backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, and get a glimpse of Dolly in person!

Up the Creek RV Camp in the Smokies has campsites available for this much-anticipated event! Reserve your campsite now!