| According to the National Park Service, the Great | | | | only for a day. In that case, take a hike on one of |
| Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited | | | | the many trails that wind through the park. Trails |
| national park in the country. The Smokies are filled | | | | range from those for novice hikers to ones for the |
| with wildlife, waterfalls, and historic buildings. While all | | | | tried and true experts. Hiking gives you an up close |
| of these are definitely sights worth seeing, one of | | | | and tranquil view of the gorgeous fall foliage instead |
| the main attractions comes during fall when the | | | | of seeing it through the window of your car. |
| Smoky Mountains show off their artwork in the form | | | | That Good Ole Gospel Music |
| of beautiful scenery, inspirational music and traditional | | | | During the month of October you can enjoy the art |
| crafts. | | | | of music at Dollywood's National Gospel & |
| During the month of October, the leaves begin to | | | | Harvest Celebration. Over 30 popular gospel groups |
| change and Mother Nature puts on her annual art | | | | will perform more than 250 free concerts that are |
| show with exhibits of amazing color. Enjoy the | | | | sure to lift your spirits. Jeff and Sheri Easter, |
| performance art of music as numerous entertainers | | | | Kingdom Heirs, Paid In Full and The Kingsmen are just |
| fill the air with toe-tappin', hand-clappin' gospel music | | | | a few of the groups that will be there to entertain |
| during this month as well. Artisans from all over the | | | | you at the biggest southern gospel festival in the |
| south will also gather in the Smokies to display the | | | | Smokies. |
| art of craft making that has been handed down for | | | | If you find yourself hungry at the end of the show, |
| generations. Just take a peek at the opportunities | | | | visit one of the many booths offering dishes |
| that await you in October. | | | | prepared from local ingredients. Traditional favorites |
| Your Own Private Viewing | | | | such as fried green tomatoes are just one of the |
| October starts a pilgrimage to the Smoky Mountains | | | | many treats available to purchase. |
| for those who love the turning of the leaves. Once | | | | Generation after Generation |
| green and brown, the trees make an unforgettable | | | | Voted one of the top 20 events by the Southeast |
| transformation into brilliant shades of red, gold, and | | | | Tourism Society, the Craftsmen's Fair in Gatlinburg is |
| orange. The mountains suddenly become a canvas | | | | truly amazing. You'll find this collection of more than |
| that could have been painted by Monet himself. This | | | | 200 artisans at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Not |
| great show of color is a must see, but with so many | | | | only can you buy their works of art, but you can also |
| visitors the roads through the mountains can quickly | | | | watch as they create these treasures using |
| become crowded. Don't let that discourage you. Here | | | | techniques that have been passed down for |
| are some tips for taking in the beauty without | | | | generations. Looking for a birthday or Christmas gift? |
| becoming part of the multitude. | | | | What about a treat for yourself? You'll find countless |
| If you plan an overnight trip to the Smoky | | | | unique works of art at the October Craftsmen's Fair. |
| Mountains, make arrangements to rent a nearby | | | | With magnificent exhibits of all types, the sights and |
| cabin. By staying in a cabin you'll find yourself nestled | | | | sounds of the Smoky Mountains are quite impressive. |
| in the middle of the breathtaking scenery where you | | | | There's plenty to do in October, so make your plans |
| can enjoy the peace and quiet. Perhaps your trip is | | | | now. You don't want to miss a minute of the fun. |