Be sure to check out the 32^nd annual “Festival of Christmas Past” which will take place at the Sugarlands Visitor Center on December 8^th. This popular event celebrates the culture of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, especially the Christmas traditions.

 Visitors at this event can expect a full day of activities. There will be old time bluegrass music, demonstrations of basket weaving, quilting, and soap making, storytelling, a visit from Santa, short walks led by costumed guides, basket weaving workshops presented by the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and more.   The event is free, but there is a fee to participate in the basket weaving workshop. For more information about this fun event, contact the Sugarlands Visitor Center at 865-436-1291.

Well, winter is upon us, and with it comes Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s road closures. Many roads have closed already, and there are several more that will be closed by the end of the month.
Balsam Mountain Road, Heintooga Ridge Road, Parson Branch, Rich Mountain, and Roundbottom/Straight Fork have all closed for the winter.Clingmans Dome and Roaring Fork will be closed as of November 30^th. All these roads will reopen again in the spring.

To keep track of temporary road closures, either due to weather or road work, check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service’s road and facilities closures or call (865) 436-1200.  

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons, and it’s one of the best times to visit the park. Mid- to late October is prime leaf peeping season in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Because of the diversity in trees growing in the park, visitors are treated to an especially glorious array of colors. The colors start changing at the highest elevations, and slowly make their way down through the mountains.

Keep in mind, if you’re planning a trip to take in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park fall scenery, you won’t be alone. The fall colors are a big draw, and some of the main roads and paths can get congested this time of year, especially Newfound Gap Road and the loop around Cades Cove.

The National Park service has some great ideas on their site for viewing the scenery while avoiding the heaviest crowds. These include the drives on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some of their suggested hikes include the Appalachian Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.