Smoky Mountain Overnight Rentals

18/08/2024

News, crime, weather, photos, video, University of Tennessee, Tennessee Vols football, and sports for Knoxville, Tennessee, from the Knoxville News Sentinel.

07/08/2024

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So sad.. THIS has to end.. we can live together… PLEASE do your part… we need to hold those accountable who feed bears or are irresponsible… sad sad sad. Those poor baby bears… 😢

August 6, 2024: ABR Newsflash - Make that 24

Though we didn't receive any rain, it didn't stop pouring yesterday. Late yesterday, we received three more cubs of the year. These bears are siblings from here in Blount County, Tennessee. Sadly, their mother was euthanized and the cubs were trapped and brought to Appalachian Bear Rescue.

Over the past few weeks, TWRA received calls about a mother bear and three cubs in a neighborhood with both permanent residents and rentals. The bears were repeatedly getting into broken bear-resistant trash bins, opening and entering unlocked vehicles, and visiting porches and decks when humans were present. This past weekend, both TWRA and ABR received multiple calls from someone vacationing in a home in this neighborhood. The bears repeatedly opened and entered unlocked vehicles, wrecked a grill on a deck, and came much to close to people. We and TWRA advised these people to lock vehicles multiple times, but that didn't always happen. We know that people are busy, but when you live in or visit bear country, LOCKING VEHICLES and KEEPING CAR WINDOWS COMPLETELY CLOSED is mandatory.

Yesterday, when TWRA officers and biologists were at the AirBnB location, the bear family returned. Officers used many hazing techniques to get the family to move along. Nothing worked. In fact, the mother bear would come within inches of people in search of human food. It was clear that this bear had been hand fed. There was no option other than to euthanize the female bear and safely trap her cubs for transport to ABR.

We know that you don't like reading that this has happened again. We can't believe we are writing about this again. It makes us and our wildlife agency partners sick and frustrated. We know you will ask why the family could not be relocated. There is no place in Tennessee remote enough to take a bear that no longer has any fear of people. Some point out that Great Smoky Mountains National Park has hundreds of thousands of acres. That is true. Many of those acres are filled with backcountry campsites and hiking trails that visitors enjoy every day. Remember, our Park is the most visited National Park in the United States. Also, most of those acres are not accessible by vehicle. Even if there was a spot far, far away, you can't hike to that spot with a large bear and her three cubs. You certainly can't relocate these bears and this behavior to someone else's back yard.

For all of us who live in these beautiful mountains, all who visit, all who's businesses benefit from our natural resources, and all who lead our communities, it's time to look deep inside ourselves and ask WHY? Are we so selfish that we no longer care? Is our desire to see a bear up close so strong that it makes us willing to kill the very animal that we want to see? Can we not be bothered to secure our trash and to lock our vehicles? Can we not find and implement better community solutions for trash and pass and enforce laws that prohibit the intentional and unintentional feeding of bears and other wildlife?

One way or the other, our choices are shaping the future of our beautiful mountains and natural resources.

Please help us welcome ABR 416 Velma (10.5kgs), ABR 417 Daphne (10kgs) and ABR 418 Scooby (11kgs).

https://appalachianbearrescue.org/room-in-your-heart-campaign/

07/08/2024

Appalachian Bear Rescue says more people in East Tennessee could pose risk for bears

04/08/2024

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GATLINBURG, Tenn.— A total renovation of the Gatlinburg Trout Facility is underway at Gatlinbu...

04/08/2024

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02/08/2024

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Sevierville Police Department schedules Cookout with the Cops community event August 13

The Sevierville Police Department is hosting a Cookout with the Cops community event on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The event will take place outdoors at Smokies Stadium, 3540 Line Drive. SPD will be joined by many of our local partners, including the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Sevierville Fire Department, and many more.

Follow the event on our page for event updates and information!

Cookout with the Cops is a community building event to promote police-community relationships.

“The support we receive from our community is very appreciated and not something that we take for granted,” said SPD Chief Joseph Manning. “We hope events such as this will serve to enhance our relationship with our residents.”

Officers and staff from many agencies will be available to answer questions. The event will include free food, and numerous first responder vehicles and equipment will be on display.

02/08/2024

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Register TODAY!! Just a few days left!!

We are giving away a Gatlinburg Vacation for four! You have to be 21 to enter. For more details and to register visit this link https://bit.ly/3zrU7pX

01/08/2024

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Tomorrow's the big day! Don't miss the 2024 Wildfire Preparedness Expo from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Sevier County Fairgrounds (754 Old Knoxville Hwy).

There's something for everyone: door prizes, interactive exhibits, and safety experts. Bring the whole family!

01/08/2024

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Congrats to our Smoky Mountain Medalist!! WooHoo!!

29/07/2024

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UPDATE 7/28/24 8:30 PM

Due to heavy rainfall in the last couple of hours, parts of Sevier County are experiencing significant flooding. The Sevier County EOC is open and monitoring road conditions.

Current road closures:
- Foxview Lane
- Walker Trail
- Jayell Road
- Windy Lane
- Upper Middle Creek @ Boogertown Road
- Pittman Center/
- McCarter Hollow Road
- Seaton Springs Road
- Veterans Boulevard (Jake Thomas Extension to Forge Hideaway Road - Southbound Blocked)
- 775 Chestnut Drive - Downed Tree(s)
- 1471 McCarter Hollow Road - Downed Tree(s)
- 2065 Lones Branch Lane - Downed Tree(s)
- 1259 McCarter Hollow Road - Collapsed Road
- Walker Trail/Foxview Lane - Mudslide
- Arron Way/Upper Middle Creek Road - Sinkhole

With more rain in the forecast for the next 3-4 hours, additional flash flooding is a possibility. If you are driving, please use extreme caution and turn around if you come across a flooded road.

26/07/2024

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The program offers $45 Dollywood admission to qualifying employees.

20/07/2024

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Looking forward to seeing everyone!!

17/07/2024

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PLEASE be SAFE & stay aware of traffic pattern changes!!

17/07/2024

“The Mountains Are My Soul” … “It’s like life anywhere you live.. it’s what you make it!” Grateful that KnoxNews did an article on living in my hometown of Gatlinburg! Thankful Honey Norris & I could contribute!

16/07/2024

Honey Norris & I are sending prayers for one of our bears who appeared injured tonight.. sure hope he is ok… 😢🙏❤️

15/07/2024

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It’s almost time!! THIS Saturday July 20, 2024!! We will be along the stream early Saturday morning! Please RSVP so we can plan how many burgers & dogs to cook! Bring your lawn chair, bring your float, bring your own drinks, & definitely bring your appetite!

Lovin' Life in the Smokies is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Metcalf Bottoms Float & Picnic on July 20, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's open to all members, not just the local ones. Join us for a day of fun, laughter, and networking along the beautiful stream at Metcalf Bottoms in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Bring your inner tube, favorite drink, and a side item to share. The LLIS team will be grilling and serving burgers and hot dogs. Prepare for a fantastic day filled with delicious food and great company. Please note that a parking pass is required. We can't wait to see you there!

https://bit.ly/4bFYRpY

Signup at

13/07/2024

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Please do YOUR part! Take action. Save our bears. This HAS to stop. Educated yourself, your family, your employees, our visitors. Imagine ALL of these little baby bears growing up without a parent because a human intentionally fed their mama, or left food in a vehicle, or left trash or food unsecured. Mama paid the ultimate price with her life. Sad, sad, sad. So do the right thing. Help us save our bears by doing the right thing.

July 11,2024: Three More Arrive

As many of you know, it's already been a long summer filled with dangerous human-bear conflict issues, particularly in Gatlinburg. You've likely seen the viral videos of bears approaching and touching people at Bearskin Lodge and Anakeesta. You may have seen local news reports two weekends in a row about bears swatting and injuring guests at the Super 8 Motel. These instances and others at rental cabins in the area are driven by the availability of unsecured trash and food. Whether it's an open food vending building at a local attraction, unsecured trash cans around a motel, construction dumpsters filled with household garbage, bear-safe trash bins with broken latches, cabin cleaner vehicles filled with bags of trash...the list goes on and on...trash is available and draws bears closer to humans. Yes, tourists (and locals) sometimes intentionally feed bears, but they get the opportunity because bears are always around to find the trash. The people and the bears aren't going anywhere. It's time that businesses realize that providing secure trash solutions is simply the price for doing business in bear country.

When a bear hurts a person it is a threat to everyone's personal safety. There's nowhere to move a bear that has escalated to this behavior. Lots of folks ask "Why can't you move the bear somewhere else?" The fact is, there is nowhere else. Would you want a bear that has hurt someone moved to your back yard? to your remote campsite? to your favorite hiking trail? to your favorite fishing hole? Of course, you would not.

Our day began at 5:00 a.m. yesterday. Our partners at TWRA called to ask for our assistance. They had worked hard for several days to prepare for trapping and euthanizing the bear that hurt someone at the Super 8 Motel. Sadly, this bear was a mother bear to four cubs of the year. TWRA was successful trapping the bear and three of her cubs. Greg was onsite before 6:00 a.m. to assist with watching a trap for the fourth cub. Curator Jamie arrived shortly after to pick up the three cubs that were already trapped and take them to ABR and on to The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine for medical checkups.

Greg watched the trap until early evening when Curator Jamie returned to take a shift. Curator Haley arrived before 8:00 p.m. and stayed until midnight. Curator Katrina arrived at midnight and stayed through early this morning. TWRA biologists Janelle Musser and Dan Gibbs have spent hours driving around the area and talking with everyone to alert the public to call if they see an orphaned cub. Gatlinburg police officers are also patrolling and asking local businesses and the public for assistance. We are doing everything we can to try to find and trap the fourth sibling.

Curators Haley, Jamie and Katrina took the three cubs to UTCVM yesterday. Curator Tom came in on his day off to be at the bear facility. ABR Intern Lindsey was at UTCVM and helped with the exams on the three cubs. We thank Drs. Cushing, Swanepoel, and Heniff and their team for providing expert care for these cubs. The cubs are back at ABR and are residing in Hartley House Rooms 1&2. They are generally in good health and are only taking the normal course of worm meds. ABR 408 is female and weighs 6kg. ABR 409 is female and weighs 10.5kg. ABR 410 is male and weighs 7.5kg. The two female cubs both have white chest blazes.

It's been a long summer for everyone involved, and it's only the middle of July. All of us at ABR are working long hours to give our orphaned cubs a second chance at life in the wild. We see the toll it takes on the biologists and officers at our agency partner, TWRA. Euthanizing a healthy bear is devastating to the professionals who have dedicated their careers to helping wildlife. We see the criticism heaped on our partners when these bears are euthanized. We ask that you remember that these biologists and officers are not the ones who left the unsecured trash. They did not attempt to feed a wild bear. In fact, they work every day to try to keep our bears and all of us safe. They always go the extra mile to trap the cubs orphaned by these situations and bring them to ABR for a second chance.

Please welcome The Gatlinburghers, ABR 408 Patty Bear, ABR 409 Pickles Bear, and ABR 410 Mac Bear. Know that we and our partners will continue to do all we can to find and rescue their sibling. Thank you for keeping all seventeen of our cubs in your heart. You give each of them a second chance.

https://appalachianbearrescue.org/room-in-your-heart-campaign/

All the other bears at ABR are doing well. Tori will talk more about all of them tomorrow during Facebook Live.

12/07/2024

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We are a week away!! If you plan to come, PLEASE register! We will LOVE to see everyone! But registering is important so we have enough hamburgers & hotdogs for all that join us! Please bring your own drink & any side or dessert you desire! There will be PLENTY of food! And even more laughter, friendship & FUN than you can imagine!! So please register & join us next Saturday July 20, 2024 for our 3rd Annual Metcalf Bottoms Picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Lovin' Life in the Smokies is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Metcalf Bottoms Float & Picnic on July 20, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's open to all members, not just the local ones. Join us for a day of fun, laughter, and networking along the beautiful stream at Metcalf Bottoms in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Bring your inner tube, favorite drink, and a side item to share. The LLIS team will be grilling and serving burgers and hot dogs. Prepare for a fantastic day filled with delicious food and great company. Please note that a parking pass is required. We can't wait to see you there!

https://bit.ly/4bFYRpY

Signup at

11/07/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/kUeJjj7AxFVvsoU5/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Don’t forget to sign up! It’s going to be a BLAST!!

Lovin' Life in the Smokies is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Metcalf Bottoms Float & Picnic on July 20, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's open to all members, not just the local ones. Join us for a day of fun, laughter, and networking along the beautiful stream at Metcalf Bottoms in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Bring your inner tube, favorite drink, and a side item to share. The LLIS team will be grilling and serving burgers and hot dogs. Prepare for a fantastic day filled with delicious food and great company. Please note that a parking pass is required. We can't wait to see you there!

https://bit.ly/4bFYRpY

Signup at

07/07/2024

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The perfect ending to any day! A walk with Rich Benjamin & Honey Norris on the Gatlinburg Trail!

05/07/2024

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GATLINBURG, Tenn .—Due to construction activities related to the City of Gatlinburg’s Trout Fa...

03/07/2024

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Sign up today! Enter to win a chance to stay & play in Gatlinburg!!

We are giving away a Gatlinburg Vacation for four! You have to be 21 to enter. For more details and to register visit this link https://bit.ly/3zrU7pX

03/07/2024

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See YOU July 3 at 10:30pm EST!!!

30/06/2024

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Take a look at this beauty inside & out! Ever dream of living in a cabin? Or having a short term rental in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains? Light, bright, neat, SUPER CLEAN & LOTS of outdoor living space! MLS #1267131. Call Missy Norris, Broker, New Direction Real Estate, 865-599-2886, for more details or to schedule your showing today!

2 bedroom, 2 bath cabin nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains minutes from Gatlinburg! LOTS of outside living space. Light & bright interior! Excellent short ...

30/06/2024

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NEW listing! In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains minutes from Gatlinburg! Income producing! Neat & clean & ready for new owner to enjoy the Smoky Mountain views!! Click on link below for more pictures. Call Missy Norris, Broker, New Direction Real Estate, 865-599-2886 for more details or to schedule your showing today!!