The Abrams Creek Experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is great for hikers, bikers, campers, equestrians, and anglers! Nestled on the northwest tip of the National Park, the Abrams Creek Campground and Ranger Station are definitely on the quieter side of the Smokies making it the perfect destination for making family memories to last a lifetime!
Directions to Abrams Creek To reach the Abrams Creek Campground (elevation 1,125 feet) and Ranger Station from the Foothills Parkway West and Highway 129 junction is approximately 8 miles. Turn left on Highway 129 to Happy Valley Road. Turn left onto Happy Valley Road and turn right on Abrams Creek Road. Proceed about a mile to the Campground.
Abrams Creek Campground
Abrams Creek Campground does not accept reservations and has an on-site, first-come first-served, self-registration system. Cost per site is $14. The small campground has 16 sites for tents or RVs up to 12 feet in length. There are no electric hookups or shower facilities; only cold, running water and bathroom facilities available. Each campsite does have a picnic table and fire grate. The campground will close October 13, 2015 and re-open in mid-May 2016.
Popular Hiking Trails at Abrams Creek
Rabbit Creek Trail – 7.8 miles in length
Rabbit Creek Trail begins near the Ranger Station and will take you into Cades Cove near the Visitor Center. Back country campsite #15 is located on this trail. Be watchful as this trail is used by both humans and horses.
Cooper Road Trail – 10.5 miles in length
Cooper Road Trail begins at the eastern end of the campground and meanders along an old road bed to access backcountry campsite #1 and then on to Cades Cove. Cooper Road Trail can be combined with Little Bottoms Trail and Abrams Falls Trail to also access Cades Cove by way of the popular Abrams Falls. Cooper Road Trail is open to equestrian activities.
These are just a couple of our favorites of the many trails in the Abrams Creek area, there’s also Hannah Mountain Trail, Cane Creek Trail, Gold Mine Trail, Hatcher Mountain Trail and Beard Cane Trail. So much to explore! One of our favorite resources for trail information is the book, Hiking Trails of the Smokies, available for about $20 from the Great Smoky Mountains Association.
Fishing in Abrams Creek
Because of the high-quality water chemistry of Abrams Creek, it is considered by many anglers to offer some of the best fishing in the National Park. Abrams Creek accessed from the Abrams Creek Campground contains more smallmouth bass than trout during most of the season. Better opportunities for rainbow trout are available upstream near the area known as Little Bottoms. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required in National Park streams and rivers.
The Foothills Parkway East Experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This scenic drive over Green Mountain is lovely any time year; however in the fall, it provides some of the most vibrant displays of color we’ve ever seen in the Smokies! The road begins at the Foothills Parkway Exit #443 on Interstate 40, approximately 21 miles east of its interchange with Interstate 81. This section of the Foothills Parkway East is 6 miles long ending at the intersection with Highway 321 in Cosby, Tennessee.
Along with your standard displays of red, orange and yellow, the foliage colors along the Foothills Parkway West are vibrant shades of fuchsia, peach, maroon, and neon yellow. The forest truly looks like a giant bowl of Kellogg’s Froot Loops cereal! Sounds outrageous we know, but it is unbelievably spectacular! It’s hard to say when it’s peak viewing time; however we usually start checking it out in early October so we don’t miss out.
The Foothills Parkway East is a favorite of motorists and cyclists, and offers Three Scenic Pullouts which we’ve outlined east to west:
The First Pullout faces north with a splendid view of English Mountain. This high ridge which dominates the north rises 3,629 feet above sea level. Part of its imposing appearance is due to the lowland expanse separating the two. The valley below averages 1,300 feet above sea level. The difference in these two elevations is comparable to a 140 story skyscaper. To offer some perspective, consider the the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building in the world, has 163 stories.
The Second Pullout is after the drive crests and you begin to descend into the Cosby watershed. This amazing view to the south is sometimes referred to as the Heart of the Park. The high ridge stretching out to the left and right is the state line divide of Tennessee and North Carolina which is considered the “heart of the park.” The state line divide is also the path of the famous Appalachian Trail. The left most knob of the ridge is Mt. Cammerer with its historic fire tower (an awesome hike but that is another blog). Scanning to the right Low Gap is easy to pick out as seen rising above the Cosby Campground. Further right and the second highest peak in the park, Mt. Guyot, rises 6,621 feet above sea level. Far to the right you may even see the third highest peak in the park, the “Island in the Clouds,” Mt. LeConte rising 6,595 feet above sea level.
The Third Pullout offers an excellent view to the west of the Cosby community with the spine of the Smoky Mountains working their way toward Cades Cove. It’s not unusual in this large parking area for families to gather in the evening with their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the sunset.
The Foothills Parkway West dead ends at Highway 321 in Cosby, Tennessee. Taking a left here and traveling west is a 23-mile scenic drive to beautiful Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
INSIDER TRAVEL TIPS: Since the Foothills Parkway East is a short jaunt, we want to suggest a few other fun and interesting things to do while you’re in the Cosby neck of the woods. Don’t miss a visit to visit Carvers Orchard and Applehouse Restaurant and take a short walk on the enchanting Cosby Nature Trail near Cosby Campground in the National Park. Stop by the the Sub Station Italian Restaurant and have a killer meatball sub…and tell Chef Frank his friends at HeySmokies say hello! For more info, check out our HeySmokies blog …feeling great in COSBY!
The Foothills Parkway West Experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a beautiful 18-mile scenic drive along the crest of Chilhowee Mountain connecting U.S. Highway 129, about 22 miles south of Maryville, Tennessee, to U.S. Highway 321 about 9 miles from the Townsend, Tennessee entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The scenic Foothills Parkway West is a favorite drive for motorists, bicyclists, and motorcyclists any time of the year.
The narrow Chilhowee Mountain stretches for about thirty miles from the Chilhowee Reservoir/Little Tennessee River to Sevierville, Tennessee.
The highest point on the ridge is Look Rock at 2,700 feet above sea level. The Foothills Parkway West offers amazing views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the south and, in stark contrast, the lowlands of the Tennessee Valley to the north.
The Miller CovePullout is a fine opportunity to ponder the unique geology of the Smoky Mountain region. Like it’s nearby cousin Cades Cove, Miller Cove shows us the effects of eons of erosion creating a low bottom land comprised of a stone substrate that is softer and faster eroding than the surrounding mountains.
Further along the Foothills Parkway West and looking north, you will notice the low, uniform bump-like hills stretching out towards Maryville. They are called Woodpecker Knob and Black Sulfur Knob. These Knobs represent the most northerly advance of the Smoky Mountain Foothills.
Beyond the Knobs the land flattens and stretches out in a more uniform appearance. This area was easier to traverse for native Americans and became known as the Warrior’s Path. Despite the militaristic implications of this moniker the route was largely used for commerce and trade over vast distances. It is believed that settlements in Georgia and Alabama could trade as far north as the Ohio River using the trail. The path was a major thoroughfare passing through the Cumberland Gap, America’s first western frontier.
Look Rock Observation Tower
Look Rock is a popular spot to take a break from driving and stretch your legs. There is a great view of Happy Valley from the parking lot. Walking the half-mile long trail which begins across from the parking lot is rewarded with a fantastic 360 degree view from the Look Rock Observation Tower. Checking out the unique design of the tower itself makes the walk worth it; however, combined with the view, this experience really should not be missed.
The left turn onto Look Rock Campground Road above the tower parking area travels a half-mile to the Look Rock Campground. Unfortunately, the campground is currently closed. For information on other campgrounds in the National Park, visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Frontcountry Camping.
Happy ValleyPullout is a great spot to view Gregory Bald and SlickrockWilderness to the southwest. Happy Valley has been subjected to the same geologic forces as Miller Cove giving it a similar appearance.
Foothills Parkway West dead ends at the intersection with U.S. Highway 129 at the Chilhowee Reservoir. Highway 129 is a popular ride for motorcyclists heading south towards North Carolina and the “Tail of the Dragon.”
Foothills Parkway West is marked in red in the top left quadrant of the map.
The Tremont ranger district is found in the northwest section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This former logging community is now home to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont which has a small visitor center and bookstore.
A self-guided Auto Tour, describing the amazing logging history of Tremont, is available. The tour is on a gravel road (closed in winter) for three miles beyond the Institute. A tour booklet is available from a box on the roadside.
Getting There
From Townsend – 2 miles via Laurel Creek Road. From Cades Cove – 7 miles via Laurel Creek Road. From Sugarlands Visitor Center – 17.5 miles via Little River Road to Laurel Creek Road at the Townsend “Y”.
Fishing in Tremont
Middle Prong Creek and all its tributaries feature an abundant wild trout population. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required within park boundaries and may be acquired at nearby communities or online from North Carolina at ncwildlife.org or in Tennessee at tn.wildlifelicense.com.
Hiking in Tremont
Lumber Ridge Trail – Climbs out of the drainage at Tremont Institute heading east 4 miles to its junction with Meigs Creek trail. Lynn Camp Prong Trail – Begins where Tremont road dead ends three miles south of Tremont Institute. Lynn Camp Prong is a lovely walk any time of year with many fine views of waterfalls and cascades. From the trailhead walk south 1.3 miles to Middle Prong Trail or continue on to Lynn Camps terminus at Miry Ridge 3.7 miles from the parking area. West Prong Trail – Beginning on the west side of the Middle Prong from Tremont Institute, West Prong strikes a path west 2.7 miles to its junction with Bote Mountain Trail.
Horses in Tremont
Lynn Camp Prong trail has ample parking for horse trailers three miles upstream from Tremont Institute. This trail is a former logging railroad bed wide enough for two horses to walk abreast. Lynn Camp Prong is a lovely ride any time of year with many fine views of waterfalls and cascades. From the trailhead ride south 1.3 miles to Middle Prong trail or continue on to Lynn Camp Prongs terminus at Miry Ridge 3.7 miles from the parking area.
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
This non-profit organization is the only residential education center in the National Park. Their partnership with the park allows them to work with park rangers and scientists to develop and deliver educational experiences like no other. The Smokies provide an awe-inspiring classroom through all four seasons for everyone ages 5 to 95. With a variety of excellent programs for schools, colleges and universities, the Institute also hosts adult and family workshops, teacher workshops, summer youth camps, and citizen science programs. The Institute at Tremont programs are a life changing experience for anyone, most especially a young person. For more information on programs and to register, visit gsmit.org. Financial aid is available.
Tremont History
The Tremont area was once a thriving community for generations of mountain pioneers. In 1901 the Little River Logging Company began buying land and a clear cutting frenzy began. For the next three decades they sawed, skidded, and hauled away one of the greatest old-growth, deciduous forests on Earth. Tremont was the last area of the National Park to be logged and almost two thirds of the trees were removed before the advent of the Park.
Hey 2017! To get this brand-new year started off in the right direction, HeySmokies has compiled a list of the 17 Best Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains 2017 Winter Edition! There are some things that you can only enjoy in the Smokies during winter, so don’t let this wondrous season pass you by. On the list, you’ll find some of our tried and true favorites along with a few new places that we’re looking forward to exploring and hope you will too! Happy New Year! We’re so glad you’re here!
HeySmokies’ List of the 17 Best Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains | 2017 Winter Edition:
#1 Newfound Gap Car Snowmen and Icicle Viewing
There’s nothing quite like the sight of little snowmen atop vehicles around Gatlinburg, especially when there’s no snow on the ground in the downtown valley. From where do these little snowmen come? A short 14 mile drive on U.S. Highwy 441 (Newfound Gap Road) takes you to the highlands of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and during the winter season there’s usually a good chance of snow on the ground. And if there’s no snow, you’ll still be amazed at the beautiful icicles that hang off the rockfaces alongside the road. Newfound Gap Road can be temporarily closed 15-20 times each winter, so check current driving conditions by calling 865-436-1200 or check GSMNP’s Twitter.
#2 Cross Country Ski on Clingmans Dome Road
Although Clingmans Dome Road is closed to vehicles in winter it is not closed to people. On any given day, you’ll find folks out and about with their cross-country skis and snowshoes enjoying the snow-covered road. Or, you could just grab your snow boots and enjoy a walk in the highlands of the Great Smoky Mountains. For more info, visit The Clingmans Dome Experience in the Smokies.
#3 Downhill Skiing and Snow Tubing at Ober Gatlinburg and Cataloochee Ski Areas
Cataloochee Ski Area, with a summit elevation of 5,400 ft., is located in Maggie Valley, NC. Cataloochee offers 18 slopes with 740 ft. vertical drop. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area, with a summit elevation of 3,300 ft., is located in Gatlinburg, TN. Ober offers 9 slopes with 600 ft. vertical drop. Both ski areas offer snow tubing and snowboard free-style terrain parks. Ober Gatlinburg also has an indoor ice skating rink! For more info on lift packages, rentals and lessons, visit Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area 800-251-9202 or Cataloochee Ski Area 800-768-0285.
#4 Alum Cave Trail Hike
Take a hike on the new and improved Alum Cave Trail. Be one of the first to check out the great works of the Trails Forever crew and volunteers who’ve spent the last two years rehabbing one of the Smokies’ most popular trails to Mt. LeConte Lodge. Wide and graceful native stone and timber stairs have replaced the rutted gulleys on the trail. Even if ice prevents a hike to the Bluffs, you can still enjoy a walk in the old-growth forest at the trail’s beginning off Newfound Gap Road. The ancient forest here boasts a thick under-story of 10-foot high, evergreen rosebay rhododendron, dog-hobble along with a variety of mosses and ferns.
#5 Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
If you need to take the chill off and you’re feeling lucky, head to Cherokee, NC to the beautiful Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort for live Blackjack and Roulette and, of course, rows and rows of the latest slots. However, if gaming isn’t your thing Harrah’s offers a spa and some great restaurants you can check out while attending an upcoming concert: Air Supply on January 13, Jamey Johnson on January 28, YES on February 3, Purple Reign – Prince Tribute Show on February 18, Michael Bolton on February 24, and Rodney Carrington on March 25, 2017. For more info and tickets, visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort or call 828-497-7777. Events at Harrah’s are for guests at least 21 years old.
#6 FACE Amusement Group’s Arcades in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
The under 21 set will love an afternoon of bright lights, great music and games at one of FACE Amusement Group’s arcades in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. They offer a squeaky-clean environment, friendly staff, and great prizes! Visit Arcade City and 7-D Dark Ride Adventure at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Also in Pigeon Forge is Rockin’ Raceway and Big Top Arcade on the Parkway. In Gatlinburg, you’ll find 7-D Dark Ride Adventure in the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler on the downtown Parkway. For more info, check out our Top Five Favorite Arcades in Gatinburg and Pigeon Forge!
#7 Cades Cove
Everyone knows Cades Cove is beautiful anytime of the year, but there is a special quietness to be found there during wintertime. Fill your thermos with some hot cocoa, pack a picnic, and take a drive around the 11-mile loop, or if you’re looking for some extra adventure, plan a camping trip. Cades Cove Campground is open year round and reservations can be made by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting www.recreation.gov. For more info, check out The Cades Cove Experience.
#8 The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant in Gatlinburg
When it’s chilly outside who doesn’t love a little heated pot of cheese or chocolate with your favorite dipping munchies. And with Valentine’s Day coming up, what better place to cozy up for a romantic meal. The Melting Pot on the downtown Parkway in Gatlinburg is a great place for a unique and delicious dining experience. For more info, visit The Melting Pot Gatlinburg or call 865-430-4430 for hours and reservations.
#9 Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge
More weird and wacky fun has arrived in Pigeon Forge in the form of the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. Open 365 days a year from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. this new attraction offers a unique glimpse into American crime history. Originally located in Washington DC, the museum features OJ Simpson’s famous white Ford Bronco among hundreds of other artifacts. Surprisingly, Alcatraz East is super kid-friendly and offers some great programs for children of all ages. For more info, visit Alacatraz East Crime Museum or call 865-453-3278.
#10 Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Tuckasegee River Excursion
Climb aboard one of the enclosed and heated train cars of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, NC. During the winter season, they offer an 11:00 a.m. trip on Saturdays. The Tuckasegee River Excursion is a 32-mile round-trip train ride that takes about 4 hours as you travel to the town of Dillsboro. You’ll have a 1 1/2 hour layover in historic Dillsboro to enjoy dining and shopping. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful western North Carolina countryside, you get to pass by the movie set of Harrison Ford’s The Fugitive. Choose from First Class, Crown Class and Coach Class seating. For prices and reservations, visit Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
#11 Score some Big Deals at Tanger Outlets Sevierville
Polls report that shopping is a top activity of visitors to the Smoky Mountains, and budget-minded shoppers know that now is the time to score some awesome bargains. Extra-savvy shoppers may even get their next Christmas’ shopping done now! And why not with all the huge discounts and great brands to be found at Tanger Outlets? For more info on winter hours, visit Tanger Outlets Sevierville.
#12 The Donut Friar in The Village, Gatlinburg
Early birds flock to The Donut Friar at 5:00 a.m. to gather up some of the warmest, tastiest donuts in the Smokies. The Donut Friar in The Village has been a fixture in Gatlinburg for generations. Just smell your way there and enjoy some time in the cozy, old-world atmosphere of The Village with 27 unique shops. For more info, visit The Village Shops.
#13 WonderWorks Pigeon Forge
When the weather outside is frightful and little natives are restless, we’ve got just the thing for you! WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge is 35,000 sq. ft. of lively “edu-tainment” and will delight the senses of kids of all ages. With interactive, learning fun WonderWorks offers an indoor ropes challenge course, laser tag arena, live magic show and more! For info on the 100+ hands-on exhibits and tickets, visit WonderWorks Pigeon Forge.
#14 Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge
Built to half-scale of the original luxury liner RMS Titanic, the museum’s collection contains over 400 personal artifacts from passengers and crew and is valued at more than $4.5 million. A unique self-guided tour tells the stories of people who were part of Titanic’s fate. Visitors can walk an exact replica of the $1 million Grand Staircase, put their hands in icy waters of 28 degrees, and learn the history of world as it was in 1912. Prepare to spend a few hours here if you want to take it all in and read everything. For more information and ticket prices, visit Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge.
#15 Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend
Learn all about east Tennessee’s Native American and Euro-American history at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, TN. With both indoor and outdoor exhibits on the center’s six-acre property, this is a great place to take a historic journey back in time from the early 1800’s to the establishment of the national park in 1934. For more info and tickets, visit Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center or call 865-448-0044.
#16 Horseback Riding in the Smokies
For those of you who just don’t like the heat of summer, perhaps a horseback ride in the brisk, winter air will suit you. With no flies out this time of year, it’s a great opportunity for a bug-free ride! Waldens Creek Stables in Pigeon Forge will be open beginning February 14, 2017. Davy Crockett Riding Stables in Townsend is open by appointment during the winter season. Five Oaks Riding Stables in Sevierville is open on weekends during winter.
#17 Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Fishing is permitted year-round and in all streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, however, you must have a valid North Carolina or Tennessee fishing license. Fishing licenses can be obtained at area fly shops and even at Walmart. The streams within the national park boundary protects one of the last wild trout populations in the eastern U.S. For more info, check out our Reel Fly Fishing Experience.
