Climate
The climate of East Tennessee is perfectly mild. Springs are pleasant as nature begins its life cycle once
again. Early spring snow dustings are quite
common yet never an obstacle. Those light
snows gently turn into spring showers. Summers are mildly hot, with temperatures rarely surpassing
90 degrees. Fall is by far the most beautiful
season here in the mountains. The air is crisp
with cooler temperatures as the leaves vividly
change colors. The year ends as winter rolls in
with colder weather. Three to four inch snows
are not uncommon.

East Tennessee Taxes
And if the climate is not enough to lure you to
East Tennessee, did you know that Tennessee
does not have a state income tax? Furthermore,
Sevier County's property taxes are extremely
low.

Surrounding Cities
Four main cities surround the East Tennessee area.  Gatlinburg is renowned for its shops and entertainment including putt-putt golf and even
ice skating and snow skiing at Ober Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forge has become known as a major
entertainment destination and is home of
Dolly Parton.  Sevierville is the county seat
and most general errands and shopping will be
done in Sevierville. Lastly, Townsend is a quiet
area. There you can find tube rentals to float
down and swim in the mountain river. If you
need the amenities of a metropolitan city,
Knoxville is less than an hour away.

AREAS OF INTEREST:

PICNICKING, HIKING AND HORSEBACK RIDING
METCALF BOTTOMS: A beautiful and peaceful place for a picnic,
with picnic tables along the banks of The Little River.

THE LITTLE GREENBRIER SCHOOL TRAIL: This trail leads from
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area on The Little River Road to the Little
Greenbrier School. This log building was used by the Primitive Baptist
Church as a school from 1882 to 1935. The trail begins just after
crossing the Little River Bridge.

LAUREL FALLS TRAIL: Four (4) miles one-way with a paved path on
the first part of the trail. The 75 foot waterfall crosses the trail at the 1.3
mile mark. Points of interest: waterfall, rhododendrons, mountain laurel,
silverbell, poplar, hemlocks and old growth oaks. Trailhead is left
towards the Sugarlands Visitor Center on Little River Road after
crossing the Little River Bridge at Metcalf Bottoms. The parking area
for the trail is at Fighting Creek Gap.

THE ELKMONT NATURE TRAILS: This 3/4 mile long trail is located
about halfway between Metcalf Bottoms and the Sugarland Visitor
Center on Little River Road. Turn right into Elkmont (from Metcalf
Bottoms)and then left at 1.3 miles before the entrance to Elkmont
Campgrounds. The trail takes you to Mids Branch where a spur line on
the Little River Railroad once hauled logs out of the mountains.

CADES COVE: Turn right after crossing the Little River Bridge at
Metcalf Bottoms on Hwy. 73 ( Little River Road ) toward Townsend.
Continue on this road to the Laurel Creek Road, and then another 7.5
miles to the beginning of Cades Cove Loop Road.

BICYCLES: Available at Cades Cove Store, Spring to Fall.
Call 865-448-4105 to reserve.

HORSEBACK RIDING: Cades Cove Stables,865-448-6286.
Next to Heaven Stables between Wears Valley & Townsend.

RANGER STATIONS: 865-436-1200 OR 436-1294 Nights and Weekends!

Great Smoky Mountains
National Park
www.gsmnp.com
A helpful site regarding the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Wedding Chapels and Honeymoons
www.weddingsinthesmokies.com
This site will offer information for your destination wedding

Wedding Information & Licenses
www.gatlinburgwedding.com
Another great site for those planning a wedding


Official Gatlinburg Attractions Web Site
www.attractions-gatlinburg.com/
Offers information about what to do while you’re here

Attractions of the Smokies
www.smokymountainmall.com
Contains information about attractions and dining in the Smokies

Attractions, Theater Shows,
and more
www.gatlinburginsider.com – Informative site with information about weddings, dining, shopping and local weather in Gatlinburg

Attractions, Restaurants,
and more
www.aboutgatlinburg.com
More information about area restaurants, attractions and shopping

Pigeon Forge Arts and Crafts, Weddings, and more
www.pigeonforge411.com
Another great site for those looking for information about Pigeon Forge

Things to do in the Smokies
www.smokiesguide.com
Offers suggested itineraries, information about trout fishing, wildlife, fall colors and hiking

What's In the Area
www.rodsguide.com
Includes information about the national park, surrounding towns, attractions and shopping

What's Going on In the Smokies
www.the-smokies.com
Information regarding arts & crafts, events and entertainment

Dining, Shopping, Weddings
and more
www.g-d-c.com
Another site devoted to Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas