VISITING THE SMOKIES SPRING EDITION - 2021
Take a hike! The Grapeyard Ridge Trail offers historical landmarks, a train wreck Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is the glamping getaway you need Smoky Mountain Trail Map Hot Springs Trail Map Discover Downtown Historic Dandridge
2 Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
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Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
VISITING THE SMOKIES Visiting The Smokies is published by The Newport Plain Talk 145 East Broadway | Newport, TN 37821 423-623-6171
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Features Inside a hike! 4 Take The Grapeyard Ridge Trail offers
historical landmarks, a train wreck
Rafting 6 Whitewater continues to grow in Cocke County Despite virus, GSMNP saw more 9 than 12 million visitors in 2020 Arrow Outdoor Resort 10 Little is the glamping getaway you need to extend Cades Cove 12 Park vehicle-free Wednesdays festival planned for 13 Bigfoot May 16 Smoky Mountain Trail Map 18 Hot Springs Trail Map Downtown Historic 21 Discover Dandridge Ashes to wings: 25 Wildfire research reveals bee species new to park records
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4 Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
Take a hike! The Grapeyard Ridge Trail offers historical landmarks, a train wreck
You do not have to be an expert to enjoy some of the 800 miles of hiking trails that run throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) – the park offers several easy trails for visitors who want to enjoy their visit in a different way – away from the hustle and bustle of the abundant touristy things the surrounding area offers. Many of the trails offer panoramic views, old growth forest, historical landmarks and cemeteries, and a perfect way to take in the beautiful fall foliage that the Smokies are known for. One of the less visited areas of the park, Greenbrier maintains a true wilderness feel and harbors some of the oldest forest in the park. It lies just six miles outside of Gatlinburg via Highway 321 North, 12 miles from Cosby via Highway 321 South, in the Pittman Center Community. Once you turn onto the one-lane road, this unique part of GSMNP showcases the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River with plenty of pull-offs and parking lots for visitors to take in the beauty – or take a dip in the pristine mountain water, if it’s warm enough! One of the less advertised, but popular trails in Greenbrier is the Grapeyard Ridge Trail that spans 7.6 miles from Greenbrier Road to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. There is a small parking area on the left at the junction of Greenbrier Road and the road to the Ramsey Cascades Trail. From 1933 to 1936, just south of the Grapeyard Ridge Trail at Porters Creek was the Greenbrier Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. The CCC men built this trail, and you can see some of their handiwork in a rock wall on the right, at the beginning of the trail. This trail gently climbs for about a quarter mile then passes over a small bridge to the Rhododendron Creek Valley. Small roadbeds intersect with the main trail and may throw you off. Take caution and stay straight. Trees along the Rhododendron Creek area are relatively small compared to others throughout the park because this area was heavily populated with small farms and cultivated cornfields.
Trail head of Grapeyard Ridge Trail. PHOTO BY:<a href=“https://smokymountains.com/ park/hikes/grapeyard-ridge-trail/” > SmokyMountains. com&nbsp;</a>
Continue on page 5
Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021 From page 4
Settlers Avery Whaley and Louis Messer had homes on the level area where the trail joins Rhododendron Creek. Whaley once owned 61.8 acres, 15 of which supported 50 apple trees and a garden. He had a three-room frame house, a woodhouse, a smokehouse, and a corncrib that he sold for $1,750 to the state for the national park in 1929. The Grapeyard Ridge Trail winds back and forth across the creek six times. In dry weather, rock hopping is not difficult, but take caution if it is raining. Another settler to the area was Walter Parton, country singer Dolly Parton’s grandfather. He once lived above the creek on the left. .After crossing the creek for the fourth time, look for fence posts with the remains of barbed wire on them. Near the top of the hollow is a pile of stones that marks the way to the Dodgen-Rayfield cemetery. The trail moves away from the creek and climbs upward toward James Gap. From his home in James Gap, settler Andy Rayfield would hike to Mount Winnesoka and other nearby peaks to tap Fraser fir trees. At the turn of the century, fir sap sold for 75 cents a pint and was often purchased by medicine companies who bottled it as a remedy for burns and cuts, and for internal use as a kidney medicine. .At 2.9 miles, the trail climbs to James Gap, then winds down toward the headwaters of Injun Creek. In this creek, you can see the remains of a steam engine, a Nichols-Shepard
Remains of a steam engine as you travel along Grapeyard Ridge Trail. PHOTO BY:<a href=“https://smokymountains.com/park/hikes/grapeyard-ridge-trail/” > SmokyMountains.com&nbsp;</a>
No. 4246, which overturned into the creek in the 1920s. According to park sources, the steam engine was brought to Big Greenbrier Cove to saw timber for a new school and crashed on its return to Webb’s Creek. No one was injured in the wreck, but the owner managed to salvage many of the parts. .The turbine and a couple of wheels remain in the creek bed today. Injun Creek derives its name from the engine wreck; however, many people refer to it as Indian Creek, as they believe the name comes from the Native Americans who once populated the area. .The trail gently goes downhill on the west bank of Injun Creek on what is thought to be an old railroad bed. After a quarter-mile, you will see campsite number 32 on the right of the trail, near the creek. That is a sign that you have trav-
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eled 3.2 miles. .The Grapeyard Ridge Trail travels down to the campsite and follows a rock wall that borders an old farm site, settled prior to the turn of the 20th century. The trail then begins a long climb, crossing a wet-weather branch, then zigzagging up Grapeyard Ridge. At this point, you can see for yourself why the trail and ridge are called “Grapeyard,” because here, tangled vines form large Gordian knots in the hemlocks, cucumber trees and red oaks. On the ground surrounding the trail are large patches of Galax and dog-hobble. Striped Pipsissewa can be found near the base of large trees, and can be identified by its green, leathery leaves that are mottled with lighter-green veins. .As you descend the west side of the ridge, a stream crosses the trail and you reach the site of the Preston Ogle homestead. You can still see signs of a stone foundation belonging to the tub mill he built here. Ogle’s farm consisted of 123 acres, 38 apple trees, a two-room log cabin, and a barn. He was paid $1,900 for this property in 1929, when the state acquired the land for the national park. Several rock walls line Dudley Creek. Just past this creek, a trail forks off to the right to a horse trail that follows the creek down to Smoky Mountain Riding Stables on Highway 321 in Gatlinburg. .The trail continues west, as it climbs steeply uphill through more open woods. The trail at the gap is 3,000 feet in elevation, 1,300 feet below the top of Mt. Winnesoka. Just beyond the gap, the trail to the right is another unnamed bridle path leading to Indian Camp Branch. There are a number of fence posts nearby suggesting a former property boundary. .After crossing Indian Camp Branch, a long downhill stretch winds through dense rhododendron thickets, then the trail turns to the left. You can begin to hear Roaring Fork, which means you are near the end of the trail. As you continue downward, the trail comes to an intersection marked with a sign. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is only 0.1 miles downhill to the right. The trail ends abruptly in a clearing, which contains a 4-stall barn, corncrib, and cabin. .Many hikers use two vehicles, allowing them to complete the entire 7.6 miles of the Grapeyard Ridge Trail. Several hikers utilize the trail from Greenbrier Road and hike to campsite number 32, turn around and travel back to the parking lot in Greenbrier, only hiking a total of 6.8 miles. .The trail offers a look into the history of the area and a great way to take in the fall weather. Keep in mind that the leaves change in the GSMNP at higher elevations, reaching their peak color from late September through October. At lower elevations, the colors will reach their peak from mid-October into early November. Editor’s Note: This information was gathered from two books, ‘Hiking Trails of the Smokies’ and ‘The Best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A Hiker’s Guide to Trails and Attractions’. These books, and others, are available at various visitors’ centers in and around the GSMNP. They are also available online through the Great Smoky Mountains Association.
6 Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
Thousands of thrill seekers head down the Pigeon River from Waterville to Hartford every year using one of the county’s many rafting companies. Tourism is the state’s second largest industry and Hartford is one of the crown jewels of Cocke County’s tourism offerings.
Whitewater Rafting continues to grow in Cocke County
Tucked away in the mountains of Cocke County, Hartford sits along I-40 East at exit 447, serving as the next to last exit before the North Carolina state line. This small town is home to numerous whitewater rafting companies, gas stations, a post office, and unique restaurants. Settled along the Pigeon River, Hartford is a quiet town filled with outdoor enthusiasts and curious tourists. For one who wants to be away from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, yet still within reasonable driving distance, there are many riverside camping options. The Downtown Hartford Citgo and the BP serve as the only gas stations along I-40 between Newport and Maggie Valley, NC. The Pigeon River Smokehouse, located at the BP, serves up the best-known BBQ in the area. Across the street sits The Bean Trees Café — a unique dining experience with riverside dining and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. The Bean Trees features a vegetarian and kid friendly menu and serves specialty coffee drinks, beer, and wine. Each whitewater rafting company utilizes the public putin, located at I-40 East, exit 451-Waterville. This access point is used for the upper Pigeon River trip, which consists of 12 class III rapids and three class IV rapids. Rapids in the Southeast are rated on a class scale of I to VI, with I being slow moving flat water and VI being deemed experts only or closed for commercial and recreational use. The public put-in lies on the North Carolina state line in Haywood County. Each rafting company uses a different put-in, most located on the company’s property, for the lower Pigeon River trip, consisting of class I and II rapids with a mild class III at the end of the trip before taking out at the public take-out in Denton.
The whitewater rafting companies are located along Hartford Road. Each trip will vary in length depending on which company you choose. For the majority, the upper trip is at least five miles long, and the lower trip is approximately six miles long. For the more adventurous person or someone looking for a thrilling ride that guarantees you’ll be getting wet, the upper Pigeon River trip is perfect. Children are welcome to join the excitement as long as they follow the general rules of being at least eight-years-old or weighing 70-pounds (this is for a child who may be younger than eight but is still “big” enough to with stand the physical aspects of the trip). A trained, CPR-certified raft guide will journey with you through rapids such as Power House, Full-of-Water, VegO-matic, Snap Dragon, The Lost Guide, Double Reactionary and The Accelerator. The upper Pigeon River provides scenery and photo opportunities when you are not concentrating on the white water. For families with smaller children or those looking for a calmer ride, the lower Pigeon River awaits. Consisting mostly of class I and II rapids, the lower allows children as young as three to enjoy the rafting experience. Be sure to bring a waterproof camera to capture memories, as this trip is more scenic, winding around the mountains and following Hartford Road downstream to Denton. Large areas of slow moving flat water provide a way to cool-off on a hot, summer day. Even if you are unable to swim, each guest is provided a PFD-personal floatation Continue on page 8
Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
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8 Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021 From page 6
device-and a raft guide will accompany you for the duration of the trip. Figures released by the Cocke County Clerk’s office show a total of 238,861 rafters paid to enjoy the local streams in 2020, which brought in a total of $398,770 to the county coffers. Added to that is $5,500 in permit fees paid by the eleven licensed rafting companies. The $398,770 figure is up more than $23,000 from the $375,568 paid by 225,651 rafters in 2019. However, it still falls below the all-time high $405,742 figure from 2016 and the $391,960 in 2015. Cocke County has benefited tremendously from the rafting industry, which welcomes visitors from around the world to the waters of the Pigeon River. In 1995, the first full year of the rafting industry, 17,337 paid customers and a total of 21,154 total rafters added $35,674 to the local budget, along with $3,000 in permit fees. From 1995 until 2020, nearly every year has seen a significant increase in the number of visitors and the money derived from the business.
In fact, more than $6.4 million has been garnered over the 25 years that Cocke County has had a rafting industry. Cocke County Clerk Shalee’ McClure is currently preparing to issue rafting permits for 2021 to company owner. McClure said the industry has been able to grow due to the partnership between the community, businesses and the county. “The success of our rafting industry is the result of a tremendous partnership among the rafting companies, local community and political leaders, landowners, and, of course, our tourists. Because of this cooperation, Cocke County has undergone a positive growth with a tremendous economic impact over the years.” For more information regarding whitewater rafting prices and trips on the Pigeon River, please contact the following companies in Hartford: Big Bear Rafting, Five Rivers Adventures, Big Creek Expeditions, NOC Adventure, LLC, Outdoor Adventures, Inc., Rafting in the Smokies, Rapid Expeditions, Rip Roaring Whitewater Adventures, Inc., Smoky Mountain Outdoors, USA Raft and Wildwater Rafting.
Figures released by the Cocke County Clerk’s office show a total of 238,861 rafters paid to enjoy the local streams in 2020, which brought in a total of $398,770 to the county coffers.
Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
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Despite virus, GSMNP saw more than 12 million visitors in 2020 Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced Tuesday it welcomed a total 12,095,720 visitors in 2020, despite closures and alterations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the announcement, 2020 marks the second time in park history that visitation exceeded 12 million. Park data from 2019 shows 12,547,743 visited that year — GSMNP’s annual record. “I’m proud of our staff and partners who worked diligently to develop COVID-safe protocols that enabled us to safely provide access to the park during a time when people were desperate to spend time in this special place for healing and refuge,” Park Superintendent Cassius Cash stated in the park press release. Between June and December 2020, most roads were open and the park had 1 million more visits than in the same period in 2019 and 2.3 million more visits than the 10-year average for this time period. The park set individual monthly visitation records between August and December, according to the announcement, with roads, trails, frontcountry campgrounds and backcountry campsites all were busier than usual.
Following the reopening of all frontcountry campgrounds in September, use increased more than 33% for the remainder of the year over the same period in 2019. In the backcountry, camping increased 47% for the same time period between June and December over the previous year. This surge in use follows a 20-year trend of increased Smokies visitation, the park says. Over the past year, park managers have been working with local communities and visitors to discuss challenges with extremely high visitation. Visitors are more consistently reporting extreme traffic congestion, busy restrooms, litter and crowded parking areas throughout the year, the press release states. Park managers are stressing the importance of “leave-notrace” principles during periods of high visitation. Litter and food scraps are not only unsightly, managers explained, but they also draw wildlife close to park roadways, resulting in hazardous situations for motorists and iconic animals like black bears.
Courtesy of GSMNP The Great Smoky Mountains National Park saw more than 12 million visitors in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The photo above was taken pre-pandemic at Laurel Falls. Short Drive To Pigeon Forge & P Gatlinburg 141 Lower Bogard Rd. (close to I-40) Newport, TN 37821 Located at 2765 Cosby Highway, Cosby TN 37722 Open everyday 7am-8pm *Breakfast until 10:30am
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10 Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021 From page 9
PHOTO SUBMITTED- Guests can choose to stay at one of the 90 RV spots, 15 tiny houses, eight glamping tents, two Airstream trailers or other vacation rentals at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort.
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is the glamping getaway you need By Allie Clouse
TOWNSEND, Tenn. (AP) — Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend could be the pandemic panacea we all need. The hidden retreat sits steps away from the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it perfect for pandemic-wary travelers. The retreat has accommodations ranging from traditional to trendy, including glamping tents, tiny houses and RV sites. The site’s simple yet luxurious quarters feel rustic without the roughing it attitude of conventional camping. Little Arrow landed on USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards for Best Glamping Resort. The Readers’ Choice Awards recognizes 20 nominees in a variety of travel categories each year, and voters choose the top 10. Little Arrow has climbed the rankings and took the No. 1. Marketing director Cassie Simpher provided a tour around the grounds to give readers a look at the glamping getaway that is expected to be a hot travel destination.
A ‘CAMPING COMMUNITY’
The smell of campfire and sounds of children playing is always in the air at Little Arrow. Simpher said the campsite community is one reason why the resort is unique. Little Arrow’s Point & Feather Coffee Lounge is a 24/7 hub for visitors with access to Wi-Fi for remote work
and school assignments. Fresh coffee flows to help keep guests focused, and interactive elements like movies, book exchanges and a playroom keep the little ones entertained. The resort also offers outdoor amenities to encourage guests to explore the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. A dog park, playground, shared fire pits and more are open for visitors to enjoy. Little Arrow recently added a quiet hiking trail that leads to an overlook of Townsend to its long list of outside activities. “Everyone is so friendly here, and guests always make friends during their stay,” Simpher said. “It’s like it’s own camping community.
SOCIALLY DISTANCED STAY
Little Arrow’s popularity skyrocketed amid the pandemic. Simpher said she’s seen more guests from farther away within the past six months because many people feel unsafe flying and want to stay at socially distanced destinations. “We’ve been so much busier during COVID because people are realizing that camping is a great form of social distancing,” Simpher said. “We usually see a decline in August and September, but last year was our best on record. It’s not slowing down at all either.” Continue to page 11
Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021 From page 10
Guests can choose to stay at one of the 90 RV spots, 15 tiny houses, eight glamping tents, two Airstream trailers or other vacation rentals at Little Arrow. Most guests check-in for weekend stays, but Simpher said more people are extending their visits because they can work and go to school remotely while at the resort. The glamping tents are the most in-demand rentals and put Little Arrow on the Best Glamping Resort list. Guests can choose from a luxury or primitive tent during their stay. The accommodations are similar, but luxury tents include a full bathroom and kitchen. People staying at primitive tents can use the nearby bathhouse with premium features. Little Arrows tiny houses were designed by Clayton Homes and pack more elements than you may expect. Each house sleeps at least four people and includes a full bathroom and living space. The vintage Airstream trailers feature full bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces for small families or groups looking for a one-of-a-kind stay. Lines of RV neighborhoods line the front of the property and are perfect for visitors interested in a private yet communal long stay. Simpher said Little Arrow is planning a major expansion this winter on the property’s more than 30 undeveloped acres. Information about Little Arrow’s accommodations and reservations are available at camplittlearrow.com.
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EXPLORE AND ESCAPE
Little Arrow provides a variety of experiences and events for visitors to help them fill their vacation time. The resort’s schedule includes Sunday services, local food trucks on the weekends, a chili cook-off, holiday celebrations and more. Simpher knows most guests stay at Little Arrow to see the Smokies. The retreat is located right outside the entrance to the park and about a half-hour drive to Cades Cove. Hikers and bikers alike will enjoy the picturesque views of the park and the accessibility from Little Arrow. “We want to make you feel like you’re in the mountains,” Simpher said. “So the resort is really focused on providing a place for people to enjoy the beautiful area we’ve been given.”
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12 Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
Park to extend Cades Cove vehicle-free Wednesdays
After receiving positive feedback from 2020’s test period, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced it will extend a pilot project for vehicle-free access in Cades Cove one day each week. The area’s Loop Road will be closed Wednesdays starting May 5 through Sept. 1. Park managers implemented this weekly, full-day opportunity beginning in 2020, attempting to improve visitor experiences and reduce congestion. Before that, the park did vehicle-free mornings at the Cove mornings until 10 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. According to the park, more than 60% of feedback submitted to the park regarding the vehicle-free-day pilot project — including 47 comments through mail, email, phone and comment cards — was extremely positive. But some campers still were impacted by early-morning parking congestion and some visitors were disappointed by the lack of vehicle access on Wednesdays. The full-day opportunity provided a “more enjoyable and safe experience” for the nearly 30,000 bicyclists and pedestrians who participated in the vehicle-free-day opportunities, according to the announcement.
Additionally during the 2020 season, 25% more pedestrians and cyclists participated in vehicle-free-access periods per week as compared to the 2019 season, with an average of 1,800 participants taking advantage of the closure each Wednesday. GSMNP managers are still concerned about parking congestion at the Cove and are keeping an eye on how the situation evolves in 2021. According to data collected in 2020, parking lots were full during 30% of the observation period, and roadside shoulders along Laurel Creek Road were used for parking during 60% of the observation period. That means park workers will have to implement some changes in parking access this season to ease pressure on campground and picnic area parking lots, ultimately preventing roadside parking along Laurel Creek Road. Roadside parking damages shoulders and creates unsafe conditions for visitors walking from their vehicle to their destination, the announcement explained. Visit www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/management/ves. htm for more information about congestion monitoring in the park.
Hikers and bicyclists spend the day going around Cades Cove in spring 2020 as part of a pilot program to keep to Cove Road closed to vehicle traffic on Wednesdays through the summer. That program was extended through September 2021.
Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
Bigfoot festival planned for May
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Set appropriately at the “foot” of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival is an epic full-day event for the whole family. Festival goers can meet at the Townsend Visitors Center where the Bigfoot 5k begins at 9 a.m., followed by the 1-mile fun run at 10 a.m. Race participants receive a Bigfoot swag-bag that includes a t-shirt, medal, a neck gaiter and much more. The festival starts at noon May 22, followed by other themed events at the Heritage Center to keep the younger ones constantly entertained. “Blount County is excited to bring the Bigfoot festival to Smokies this year,” said Blount Partnership Director of Tourism Kim Mitchell. “This outdoor festival will offer unique events for all ages.” Bigfoot enthusiasts will enjoy chainsaw carving in the likeness of the beast as well as tethered balloon rides with Bigfoot himself. Well-versed Bigfoot experts will be on hand to answer all attendee questions and talented storytellers will enlighten the crowd with thrilling Bigfoot encounters. Plus, a surprise Bigfoot and Sassy Squatch event will headline the festival. “Nothing compares to the mysterious world of Bigfoot,” says Brian Johnston, event coordinator. “This festival is a rare glimpse into the life of the reclusive creature.” Robby Bowman, a third-generation Sevier County blacksmith, will heat, mold and bend metal into impressive knives. Enjoy square dancing and live music throughout the day, vendors with Bigfoot merchandise and food truck vendors with unique Bigfoot festival menus. The Blount County and the Townsend Visitors Center will continue to closely monitor CDC guidelines as well as any state-issued orders pertaining to COVID-19. Visitors are also encouraged to view the most up-to-date travel advisories on the CDC website at cdc.gov/coronavirus.
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Smoky Mountain Trails
Trail
Location
Trail Features
Greenbrier / Cosby Area
Albright Grove
Maddron Bald Trailhead
Old Growth Forest / Wildflowers / Historical
Brushy Mountain (Greenbrier)
Greenbrier
Views
Grapeyard Trail (Greenbrier)
Greenbrier
Historical / Injun Creek steam engine wreckage
R/T Miles
Elev. Gain
Difficulty Rating
7
1500
10
11.7
3000
17.7
6
850
7.7
Hen Wallow Falls
Cosby
Waterfalls
4.4
900
6.2
Mt. Cammerer
Cosby
Panoramic Views / Historical
12
2470
16.94
Gatlinburg / Mt. LeConte Area
Old Settlers Trail (Maddron Bald)
Maddron Bald Trailhead
Historical / Tyson McCarter Barn
8.8
1650
12.1
Porters Creek Trail
Greenbrier
Waterfalls / Stream / Flowers / Historical / Old Growth Forest
4
699
5.4
Ramsey Cascades
Greenbrier
Waterfalls / Old Growth Forest
8
2375
12.75
4.4
1125
6.65
3
953
4.91
Newfound Gap /
Alum Cave
Newfound Gap Rd
Views / Interesting Geological Features
Baskins Creek Falls
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Waterfalls
Brushy Mountain (Trillium Gap)
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Views / Wildflowers / Falls
6.8
1745
10.29
Bullhead Trail
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Views / Interesting Geological Features
5.9
1607
9.11
Chimney Tops
Newfound Gap Rd
Panoramic Views
4
1350
6.7
Grotto Falls
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Waterfalls
2.6
585
3.77
Huskey Gap (Newfound Gap Rd)
Newfound Gap Rd
Quiet Forest Hike
4.2
1240
6.68
Mt. LeConte (via Alum Cave)
Newfound Gap Rd
Panoramic Views / Geological
11
2763
16.53
Mt. LeConte (via Bullhead)
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Panoramic Views
14.4
3993
22.39
Mt. LeConte (Rainbow Falls)
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Panoramic Views / Waterfalls
13.8
3993
21.79
Mt. LeConte (via Trillium Gap)
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Panoramic Views / Waterfalls
13.9
3401
20.7
Rainbow Falls
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Waterfalls
5.4
1685
8.77
Andrews Bald
Clingmans Dome Road
Panoramic Views
3.5
899
5.3
Charlies Bunion
Newfound Gap
Panoramic Views
8.1
1640
11.38
Deep Creek Headwaters
Newfound Gap Road
Stream
5
1480
7.96
Fork Ridge Trail
Clingmans Dome Road
Old Growth Spruce-Fir Forest / Wildflowers
8
1500
11
The Jump Off
Newfound Gap
Panoramic Views
6.5
1275
9.05
Mt. LeConte (Boulevard Trail)
Newfound Gap
Panoramic Views / Old Growth Forest
15.6
3000
21.6
Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
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18 Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
Come enjoy the adventure and beauty of our County. You’ll love it as much as we do!
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Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
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Tourists search out this bargain destination
D
uring the past five decades thousands of people, many tourists driving through Cocke County, have discovered the unique retail world that is Newport Dry Goods and its creator, Carroll Kyker, who has lost track of the number of times he’s traveled to New York in search of great values for his Newport store.
Carroll Kyker
Legend in Retailing
swimsuit sale. “We just recently received more swimsuits with more to come.” Junior, misses, and plus swim suits sold in dept. stores to $69.99 carry a Dry Goods’ price of $10.99. After a recent Memorial Day, two different women, one from Alabama and another Local residents already know about the from Georgia, shopped at Newport Dry While many are accustomed to Newport home of “legendary low prices since 1959” Goods and had to get one of Mr. Kyker’s facing the railroad tracks at Main Street Dry Goods, they might take the store for popular T-shirts. And, they asked him and just off Highway 321. Tourists and granted, says Mr. Kyker, who tells the to autograph it. The Alabama woman new arrivals learn of it as if it is a must- story of a Japanese couple who picked remarked: “You’re the rock star of retailing.” visit historic site presenting low prices up a Visiting the Smokies publication at While he is somewhat embarrassed by all every week in a large white-letter-on-black the Hartford I-40 Welcome Center, saw the excitement over him and the store, he the article about the store and stopped advertisement in the Newport Plain Talk. is glad to keep customers satisfied and The 1920s era brick buildings, wood overnight to visit. It was like meeting a signed the shirts. celebrity to have a photo made with the floors, tin ceilings, are packed so tightly People in other towns would like Dry with racks and tables stacked with name Legend of Retail Low Prices. Goods to share this success and open in The store name is known across America brand shoes, clothing for men, women their towns too. But that probably will not and children, you can’t walk more than a from California to Florida and tourists’ happen. So, folks will just have to keep few feet before finding another low price. stories often refer to Mr. Kyker. Floridians driving to Newport and that suits him. More Mr. Kyker says the main reason the store were puzzled when they came across an than a third of his shoppers come from is successful and so much different than East Tenn. friend who had not shopped outside Newport. Tourist shoppers make others is “rarely a day goes by we don’t in Newport Dry Goods. Others reported repeat trips every year to find the latest have a delivery truck with goods arrive for seeing the Dry Goods logo T-shirts in bargains by the railroad tracks. our customers.” If you shop major retailers, California: “Don’t miss a day or you will Sandals, logging boots, overalls, dress the merchandise may be priced from miss a bargain.” You can always find men’s shirts, socks, dresses, ties, belts, even $19.95 to $159.95, but at Dry Goods the sports coats for $14.99 and it is not unusual motor oil, chances are good you will find it for Nashville businessmen to drive three tags most likely carry $1.99 to $29.99. here and cheaper than anywhere else. “One customer told me he had just hours and buy several suits and coats. Newport Dry Goods is located at 255 East moved to Newport and what he liked about Men’s casual and dress shoes sold in retail Main Street across from the old railroad the store was we had quality merchandise chains at $79.99 sell for just $29.99. depot and open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 If you chance to meet Mr. Kyker, who likes but at cheap prices.” For example, Dry p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday Goods has sold thousands of pairs of to walk the floor and greet customers, he hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday might tell you: “We just got in a shipment of ladies department store brand panties that from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday would list for $10.00 and Dry Goods’ price ladies’ tops, eight different famous brands. from 1-6 p.m. For more information, call is $1.99. “New merchandise, name brands, We are selling these $4.99 to $6.99” as (423) 623-2921. arrive everyday and we sell these 25% to he points to full racks. “One of our most popular sales in spring and summer is the 70% off.” PAID ADVERTISEMENT
20 Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
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Tennessee River Valley Geotourism street view of historic downtown Dandridge.
Discover Downtown Historic Dandridge! Dandridge, Tennessee holds several distinctions. It is Tennessee’s second-oldest incorporated town, having been established as a frontier settlement along the French Broad River in 1783 during the days of the ill-fated State of Franklin and named for Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, America’s first First Lady and being the only town in America to be so named. .In 1793, it became the county seat for the newly formed Jefferson County, named for Thomas Jefferson, then Secretary of State in President George Washington’s government. In 1796, it became Dandridge, Tennessee upon the Volunteer State’s admittance into the Union. Like Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough, and . other early settlements, Dandridge began life as a collection of small log structures huddled together for protection from the elements, marauding Indians, and other dangers.
. s both Tennessee and Jefferson County grew in A both numbers and strength, so did Dandridge. Many of the earliest settlers acquired their land as payment for their services to the United States during the Revolutionary War. Five of them are buried in the historic cemetery downtown, where a monument to John Blackburn, Abednego Inman, Samuel Lyle, Richard Rankin, and Samuel Rankin calls attention to their patriotic contributions. .The tiny village’s initial taverns, trading posts, and inns eventually grew and welcomed other businesses. Citizens carried their drinking water from a spring near Hynds house. Among the earliest businessmen was Samuel McSpadden, who operated a gunpowder mill and supplied ammunition to General Andrew Jackson’s forces during the War of 1812. Continue to page 22
22 Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021 From page 21
During the first half of the nineteenth century, Dandridge prospered, evidence of which remains today in the many pre-Civil-War homes, both brick and frame, in the area. In 1845, a new brick courthouse in the Greek Revival was erected and continues to serve Jefferson County’s population today, one of the oldest such structures in America to remain in use. A museum on the first floor houses numerous interesting relics, including Davy Crockett’s marriage license to Polly Finley. .Several churches, schools, and businesses were also built as the county’s population and prosperity grew. Maury Academy opened in 1806, its name still present as Maury Middle School. .When civil war ripped the nation apart in 1861, Dandridge’s families faced the same choices as all others. Many local families remained loyal to the Union, as did hundreds of other citizens in Tennessee’s eastern portion. Other pledged their support to the Confederacy. In December 1863, Dandridge remained under control, with soldiers commanded by General James Longstreet stationed in the area. Longstreet’s army challenged the forces of Union General Anderson Burnside and pushed them northwest to New Market, where they engaged them in battle.
Once peace returned, Dandridge slowly recovered its equilibrium. New homes featuring the ornate gingerbread trim of the Victorian era appeared. .With the coming of the twentieth century, first one, and then another horseless carriage appeared in downtown Dandridge. Local boys marched off to war, first in 1898 when America and Spain came to arms, and later in 1917, when America entered World War I. Some of these gallant young men made the supreme sacrifice for their country. Those who returned quickly resumed their lives as Jefferson County citizens. .Dandridge is now over 250 years old, and it’s storied history continues to grow.
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Ashes to wings:
Wildfire research reveals bee species new to park records Great Smoky Mountains National Park had record-breaking attendance in 2019, but the most surprising visitor was extremely small and decided to move in. Permanently. Its taxonomic name is “Epeolus in ornatus” and it’s a bee. The story of what kind of bee it is and how it got to the Smokies is an odd one, as told by Discover Life in America’s (DLIA) Director of Science and Research Will Kuhn, who discovered the bee’s presence in 2019 but only announced it in a Dec. 10 social media post. The bee is one of the few positives that derived from a hellish event: 2016’s Chimney Tops 2 Fire, which tore through the GSMNP over story. Picking up the pieces from that disaster, part of a series of wildfires, is an ongoing process, but not all of it is bad.
In recent years, scientists have been assessing how an estimated 11,000 incinerated park acres have brought new life to the area. After large fires, nature doesn’t just grow back: It diversifies. Kuhn told The Daily Times in a recent phone interview he found the bee because of a “BioBlitz” in summer 2019, a DLIA-sponsored, short but intense effort to discover as many species as possible in one location. This one was called the “Fire Recovery BioBlitz” and yielded a biological treasure trove. Bee-eat-bee “We wanted to look at the effects of the ... fire, so we collected insects from a high burn area and a low burn area to compare them,” Kuhn explained. “The Baskins Creek area was a severe burn: It scalded the hillside Continue on page 26
26 Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021 From page 25
Photos Courtesy of Will Kuhn
A bee species discovered in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2019 is one of many forms of life that emerged to scientists after 2016’s wildfires.
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and took out all the overstory, all the trees there. It really opened up all this habitat.” Since the fire, invaders have moved in — what Kuhn called “colonizing species” that lay dormant until the fire created the right conditions for them to emerge. It starts with new plant life and, therefore, new flowers. Then you get new pollinators, like “Epeolus inornatus,” which is a cellophane-cuckoo bee. Moreover, it’s a cleptoparasite, Kuhn said, an animal that lays its eggs in other bees’ nests, which then hatch and devour the native egg. “Cellophane bees make these little nests in the ground and line them with something that looks like cellophane,” he explained. “Then they stock their nests with pollen, lay an egg in there. Their young feed on the pollen and eventually emerge as a new bee.” This newly discovered GSMNP insect — which is not a hive species but a solitary insect — uses other nests’ pollen stores to feed their young. When Kuhn found the bee during the BioBlitz, he knew what it did, but he didn’t know if he was seeing something new to the area. So he did what most 21st century people do when they’re trying to identify something: post it on the internet. It was more scientific than querying a Facebook group, of course. Kuhn posted images of the bee on a site Continue to page 27
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“They’ve been here diligently pollinating native plants likely for millennia before people brought the western called iNaturalist, a sort of social media hub for budding honey bee over from the old world,” Kuhn said. biologists and professionals looking for a revelation. That’s what scientist Thomas Onuferko found when Ongoing science he came across Kuhn’s pictures and identified them. It While the discovery of this fascinating apid is great, it’s was a sort of honor for him, too: Onuferko was the first part of a bigger picture, Kuhn said. scientist to describe the species and has published nu- “There’s a whole lot of other effects that this fire had merous papers on bees, both cleptoparasitic and oth- on the environment,” he said. “It’s not just this one erwise. bee. ... There are probably tens of thousands of species “I have a whole drawer of insects from this event in that we just haven’t detected yet even after 22 years of 2019,” Kuhn said. “Lo and behold, the world expert on studying them for this big project we’re doing in the this genus of bees saw it and identified it.” Smokies.” He added not only is the bee new to the park, it’s Researchers have discovered 10,411 species in the park also somewhat knew to human knowledge because over more than two decades, according to DLIA data: Onuferko’s description of the bee was first published 1,028 of those are new to science. And those efforts are in 2018. ongoing. Kuhn said Blount Countians and visitors can participate Here for a while in ongoing science through park-based DLIA’s “SnapIt Even though the bee has parasitic tendencies, Kuhn & MapIt” program, in which biologists of all ages can said local honeybee owners have nothing to worry use their phone, the iNaturalist app and a downloadabout. able guide from the program to archive their observa“This species poses no threat to the western honey tions. bee,” he emailed. “I believe cleptoparasitic bees tend Readers can learn more about this to be pretty specific regarding what species of bee they interactive community at will parasitize and social species are not that list.” Nevertheless, he still informed the park about his disdlia.org/snapit-mapit. covery, noting the bee has likely been around for years, but is only one of approximately 3,500 native bee species in North America, most of which are solitary. From page 26
Photos Courtesy of Will Kuhn “Epeolus inornatus,” a cuckoo-cellophane bee, may have lived in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for years, but it was only recently identified by scientists at Discover Life in America.
28 Visiting The Smokies Spring 2021
WELCOME TO THE ADVENTURE SIDE OF THE SMOKIES Cocke County, Tennessee
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