Areas Now Open in Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Gatlinburg Parkway and River Road May Open by Wednesday, December 7, 2016

December 1, 2016 VISITOR ALERT – Some areas are now open, like Cades Cove Loop Road, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Downtown Gatlinburg Parkway and River Road hope to be open back to the public by Wednesday, December 7, 2016. This visitor alert report comes from this morning’s press conference in Gatlinburg along with local reports and information from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, NC has re-opened; however, Sugarlands Visitor Center and Clingmans Dome remain closed due to wildfires and smoke. Highway 441, Little River Road, Cherokee Orchard Road, and Parsons Branch also remain closed.

For the latest information on what trails and areas are closed in the national park, visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the latest from the National Park Service. The threat of fire in the area is still extremely high despite recent rainfalls, all visitors and residents alike are asked to please exercise caution.

In Gatlinburg, from the post office, located on Highway 321 East, to city limits on the east side of  town is now open to the public. Even though city officials hope to have both the Gatlinburg Parkway (Highway 441) and River Road open to the public by Wednesday, December 7, the side streets will remain closed until deemed safe.

Many roads within Sevier County should be open by the weekend according to County Mayor, Larry Waters. Areas in the county that will not open are Wiley Oakley/North Chalet Village, Westgate Resort area, and Beech Branch/Walker Trail area.

Wildfire Search and Recovery Efforts Ongoing in Gatlinburg and Sevier County

Reports today increased the wildfire coverage to over 17,000 acres with the damage half in the National Park and half in Sevier County.

Officials stated that three people were rescued yesterday. Two people were rescued from an elevator in Westgate Resort and another rescued at a home on Ski Mountain. About 70% of the affected area still needs to be checked by rescue teams. The number of wildfire victims remains at seven with the number of injured people treated at LeConte Medical Center up to 53. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) still cannot release the identities of victims. Approximately 240 people remained in the two area shelters overnight.

A Facebook Page, Chimney Tops 2 Fire has been set-up to act as a general clearinghouse for both residents and visitors seeking information on property. Officials are currently setting up a GIS mapping system so that home owners can check on their properties; there will be a link on the Facebook page to the map. The map will be updated on a regular basis.

The Sevier County Humane Society is working with animal control officers and others to check homes for pet owners whose pets are missing. If you have a missing pet, please visit the Humane Society’s Facebook Page and give a detailed description with your street address.

How You Can Donate To Smoky Mountains  Wildfire Relief Efforts

The amount of in-kind donations has been so overwhelming that officials have asked for a halt on all in-kind donations at this time. For those wishing to make donations, a donation clearinghouse of sorts has been set up at Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg to help direct your donation to the appropriate agency; you may call them at 865-430-7384 or 866-586-4483.

The Dolly Parton Foundation has also stepped up to serve the community by organizing the My People Fund where each family in Sevier County who’s lost their home will receive $1,000 each month for six months to get back on their feet. Dolly Parton is asking her fans world-wide to donate and make this big dream come true for her beloved people in the Smoky Mountains.

Another press conference will be held at 4:00 p.m. today. We’ll keep you posted on the latest news at HeySmokies.com.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Remains Closed on Nov. 30, 2016 as Wildfire Damage Assessed | Visitor Alert

November 30, 2016 VISITOR ALERT: Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains closed on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 as officials assess damage from the firestorm that swept through the area, including Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on Monday night. The following report has been compiled from local news reports and two press conferences with city and county officials held this morning and afternoon.

Known as the Chimney 2 Wildfire, officials report it as the largest wildfire in Tennessee in over 100 years with over 17,000 acres burned in Sevier County and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The wildfire event was fast and furious and caught many people off guard. The Chimney 2 Wildfire is believed to be human-caused.

Currently over 200 firefighters are on the ground with teams working to remove debris to access areas for ongoing search and rescue efforts. Eight new brush fires erupted last night with one residential structure being burned. Operations have been complicated by today’s thunderstorms dumping 1-3 inches on an area that hasn’t had any significant rainfall in five months. Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller reports that downed trees have limited access. There are plenty of first-responders to help but they’re having to go back and re-check some of the same areas due to mudslides.

On Monday night, the hurricane force winds, clocked at 87 mph in some places, created a double-whammy by trees falling on power lines and igniting sparks causing many fires at once. The current thunderstorms moving through today will help suppress and may aid in prevention of future fires if the rain can penetrate deep enough through the debris to reach the hot spots.

How you can best help the evacuees and first-responders for the Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park Wildfires

Officials at this morning’s press conference confirmed that evacuees in area shelters went from 2,000 to 300 overnight. It’s estimated that these 300 people will require shelter for at least 3 weeks. The donations of in-kind items has been so overwhelming that they are asking for folks to please hold off on any more in-kind donations until what has been received can be organized and transported to the proper agencies and given to those in need. Monetary donations are being graciously accepted by American Red Cross by calling 800-RED-CROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 for their disaster relief fund. The Tennessee Volunteer Spirit is alive and well in Sevier County! Words cannot express what the outpouring of kindness has meant for those who live and make their homes here.

LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville treated 53 people; 15 remain hospitalized. Three brothers were flown to Vanderbilt University Burn Center and remain in critical condition. The young adult men’s parents remain unaccounted. At this time, officials do not have a number on those unaccounted. Seven unidentified people are confirmed dead; three at  North Chalet Village on Ski Mountain, three in the Campbell Lead area of Ski Moutain, and one at Travelers Motel in Gatlinburg just off Highway 321 East. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has set up a hotline at 1-800-TBI-FIND to report missing persons. Officials are asking for people in the area to please limit cell phone and internet use during this time of search and rescue operations. A Facebook page: Chimney 2 Fire has been set up to act as a clearinghouse for property owners seeking information and for those who are seeking missing persons.

The devastation of the firestorm was random as seen by the following areas affected. Over 700 structures in the county have burned. This is not a complete list; updates on individual businesses can be found at WBIR-TV.com. For those of you readers who are familiar with the area, you’ll be amazed at the sheer randomness of the firestorm.

  • Dollywood and DreamMore Resort unharmed although fire came within a mile of the theme park which did receive wind damage. The theme park is scheduled to re-open on Friday, December 2, 2016 after repairs from wind damage are made. Several Dollywood Cabins located in the Upper Middle Creek area were destroyed and damaged in the fire.
  • 70 homes in Wears Valley burned in the Hidden Mountain and Cove Mountain areas.
  • 70+ homes in Cobbly Knob near Gatlinburg burned.
  • 30 condominiums off Cartertown Road in Gatlinburg burned.  Alamo and Mountain Lodge restaurants on Hwy. 321 destroyed.
  • The Lodge at Buckberry Creek and Highland Condominiums on Campbell Lead Road on Ski Mountain  are destroyed.
  • Park Vista Hotel and Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts both suffered significant damage but still intact. Ober Gatlinburg damaged but still intact.
  • Westgate Resort, located on the “Spur” between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge almost completely destroyed.
  • 31 condominiums at Condo Villas of Gatlinburg destroyed.
  • Carr’s Cottages and Tree Tops Resort in Gatlinburg destroyed.

On a Positive Note

  • Pigeon Forge proper is unharmed with their evacuation lifted which means it’s open for business. So please visit Pigeon Forge and the rest of the beautiful Smokies while Gatlinburg rebuilds.
  • Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner, father of seven, who’s lost his home and business (Highland Condos) summed it up in this morning’s press conference. Mayor Werner stated, “We’ll be okay, we’ll rebuild and we’ll be okay.” Mayor Werner stated his biggest concern was helping the uninsured families with their needs.

Wildfires in Great Smoky Mountains Park | November 28, 2016 Visitor Alert

November, 28, 2016 VISITOR ALERT: This report on Wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been compiled from official press releases issued by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) throughout the day. This afternoon ashes from the fire were falling like snowflakes in Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. The sky was an eerie shade of yellow with the sun glowing like an orange moon in the sky.

Several park roads, trails, campsites and shelters are closed for safety. Due to erratic winds, the fire is very unpredictable. An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the National Park Service. For a complete listing of closures in the park, visit GSMNP Visitor Advisory Alerts.

Concentrations of particulate matter from smoke, along with the strong winds from the south has exceeded the human health standard. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory and pulmonary disease are at risk.  People should refrain from strenuous or prolonged physical outdoor activities and limit exposure.

At 1:00 p.m today on Monday, November 28, 2016, Great Smoky Mountains National Park recorded average wind speeds of 20 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. The forecast is for wind speed to increase throughout the night. Fire growth is expected. The park continues to experience very dry conditions with relative humidity less than 50%. Because of extreme weather conditions today, air crews were unable to fly to view the fires or drop water in suppression efforts. According to the National Park Service, wind gusts of up to 85 mph are being predicted.

Fortunately, rain is in the weather forecast for tonight. According to Knoxville’s WBIR-TV meteorologist Todd Howell, the Smokies are expected to see rainfall of 2 to 3.5 inches during the next 48 hours. The station’s viewing  area is under a High Wind Advisory until 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2016 with a 60% chance of rain expected. Wednesday, November 29, 2016 is expected to bring more rain at 90%; however, thunderstorms with high winds may accompany this front.

The first fire, known as Chimney 2 Fire, started on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 on the north spire of the Chimney Tops. The fire was first reported at less than 2 acres and grew to 8 acres by the following Saturday. Today, reports stated that almost 500 acres was on fire.

Another small fire was reported at approximately 11:35 a.m. today near the Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion off of Cherokee Orchard Road. It is unknown if this is a spot fire from the Chimney 2 Fire or if it is an independent ignition. The cause of the fire near Chimney Tops appears to be human caused and is under investigation. If anyone has information regarding the origin of this fire, or other fires in the park, please call the National Park Service’s Tip Line at 865-436-1580.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee Orchard Road, Elkmont Road, and several trails due to the Chimney 2 Fire. National Park Service fire crews are focusing on suppression efforts to ensure public safety and protect park facilities at locations such as Chimneys Picnic Area.

The fire is currently moving northeast, burning primarily along the ground layer through duff and leaf litter. Gusting winds have caused the fire to spot across the ridges in the Chimney Tops and Bullhead Ridge areas. On Sunday, November 27, three helicopters dropped water throughout the area to help suppress the fire over the extremely steep, rough terrain. Additional ground firefighters from Utah have been brought in to aid with suppression efforts in anticipation of predicted winds for this Monday night.

Backcountry areas are unsafe for travel and the following trails and backcountry campsites are currently closed until further notice. Closed Backcountry Trails include Chimney Tops, Road Prong, Huskey Gap, Sugarland Mountain, Rough Creek, Little River, Cucumber Gap, Jakes Creek, Miry Ridge, Goshen Prong, Old Sugarlands, Bullhead, Rainbow Falls, Alum Cave, Brushy Mountain, Trillium Gap, Baskins Creek, Porters Creek, and Grapeyard Ridge trails. Closed Backcountry Campsites include 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, Mt. Le Conte shelter, and Mt. Collins shelter.

Insider Note: Many folks have wondered why the Dollywood Express steam engine hasn’t been running at Dollywood theme park; well, that’s been due to the extreme drought conditions in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Residents of the Mynatt Park neighborhood near the Twin Creeks area have been asked to voluntarily evacuate as an extra-precautionary measure. HeySmokies is sending extra good thoughts for the firefighters, residents, and visitors to GSMNP. Stay safe everyone! We’ll update again just as soon as possible.

Unique Smoky Mountain Holiday Gift Ideas

The holiday shopping season has officially begun and we wanted to offer a little help this year. We traversed the Smokies for some of the best local gifts for the special ones in your life. All of these products are somehow related to the Great Smoky Mountains – they’re either made in Tennessee or North Carolina. Give the gift of the Smokies!

1. For the person who loves coffee: Pigeon River Pottery

2. For the friend who has everything: Sky High Air Tours

 3. For the little tykes on your list: Sabrina by Lisa Horstman

4. For the person who has a lot of love to give: A Rescue Animal from Pets Without Parents Animal Shelter

5. For the fruit lover on your list: Ole Smoky Moonshine Cherries

6. For your friend  who loves cornbread: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

7. For the bean lover in your life: Bush’s Beans Cookbook and Duke Christmas Ornament

8. For the man with a cave on your gift list: Man Cave Metal

9. For the real gem in your life: Jen Aly Designs

10. For the friend who loves beer and hygiene: Nantahala Brewing Company Beer Soap

11. For the person you want to bee your honey: Asheville Bee Charmer

12. For the friend who needs a break from social media: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Gift Certificate

13. For the person with whom you’ve forged an iron-clad friendship: Iron Mountain Metal Craft

Continue reading…

Snow Tubing at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area! It’s SnowMagic Fun for Everyone!

Oh what fun it is to ride on a snow tube all the way! Hey! That’s right, it’s snow tubing time at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area! And it’s SnowMagic fun for everyone! Utilizing an advanced technology called SnowMagic, Ober Gatlinburg kicked off snow tubing season early on November 19, 2016!

When we say snow tubing is fun for everyone, we mean everyone! Ages 3 and up can experience this fun winter recreational activity! Ages 3-5 must ride with an adult; children age 6 and up must be at least 42″ tall to ride alone.

Ober Gatlinburg’s professionally designed snow tubing area offers guests a custom tubing experience. There’s no trudging up the hill; Ober’s “Magic Carpet” surface lift escalator quickly takes you back up to the snowy hills of joy!

Tubing sessions are 90 minutes and tickets are $25 per person. Advance Tickets are available online this year at Ober Gatlinburg Snow Tubing. Same Day Tickets, if available, are only sold in person at Ober Gatlinburg’s ticket offices in the Tramway Mall on the downtown Parkway or on the mountain at the Snow Tubing Ticket Office. Same day tickets are not available online.

Tubing tickets are limited each session and tend to sell out in advance during holidays and weekends, so purchase your tickets early. Also note that due to the popularity of snow tubing there can possibly be long delays with parking on the mountain or arriving by the tram. Please call Ober Gatlinburg at 865-436-5423 or advice on arrival times.

Snow Tubing Session Times:
Monday – Thursday
11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm
Sunday includes a 9:00 am session.
Friday and Saturday includes a 9:00 am and 7:00 pm session.

And while you’re at Ober Gatlinburg, don’t forget a ride on the Ski Mountain Coaster and a visit to the Wildlife Encounter…and ice skating, and snowboarding and skiing…there’s snow much fun at Ober Gatlinburg!