ROCKS, RIVERS, AND ROLLERCOASTERS
THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Last month, my friends and I set out on an expedition to the Smoky Mountains. On our trail we went through several mountain towns making a few stops at some promising places.
After leaving Georgia and making it to North Carolina, we stopped in Bryson City, North Carolina for some good food and sweets. Every time I go to the mountains I can’t not stop by the Snak Shack. There are plenty of things to choose from, but overall it is good, quick, and easy American food. After leaving the Snak Shack, I stopped by the Chocolate Shoppe for not only the amazing ice cream and countless choices of chocolate, but the wonderful experience. This place is magical and reminds both me and my family of Willy Wonka. The last stop in Bryson City is for the BCO shop for some amazing merchandise.
Other times that I go to Bryson City I make sure to go by the NOC for river adventures, fishing, kayaking, and even white water rafting. The Nantahala river is an amazing place to be when you’re on a trip in the Smokies. For breakfast I love to stop by the Iron Skillet before heading to Deep Creek for the world’s greatest tubing. Before I go tubing, I make the hike to Tom Branch and Indian Creek falls. Both are worth the sight seeing, and if it is a summer month, the swim of your life.
Pictured: NOC Bryson City
On our way up through the mountains in this specific trip we had a 6 1/2 hour drive to Sevierville, so we didn’t have much time do anything at night. Our cabin choice was a 3 bedroom house full of amenities including pool tables, a foosball table, a huge TV, and an arcade. When you go to the mountains, if you play it right, you can find a cabin that suits the amount of people, type of things you are going to be doing, and the ages of the group. Our cabin was perfect for us because we got to go straight to the cabin and play pool and foosball all night.
In the morning we headed to the Little Pigeon River for white water rafting. The only river I have ever rafted at this time was the Nantahala, which is still fun, but this river was exactly what I was looking for. We rafted the upper section which had several class 4 and class 3 rapids. Our guide was perfect for our group and he made sure to give us the exact adventure we wanted; the feeling when you’re about to fall in the river hitting a huge rapid is uncomparable.
Our Group White Water Rafting on Little Pigeon River 8/4/2021
After drying off from our expedition we headed to the Island in Pigeon Forge. This place is pretty cool for younger families, as there are several things for kids to do, but all we did was get some food. The lines were long and tedious, so we went to Mellow Mushroom, which had ordering at the front (instead of table sitting and waiting) and was super fast. After eating we had a little drive back to the cabin. Once home, we went to bed as we had a big morning ahead of us.
The Island Pigeon Forge
Riding the TRAM like it’s a ride at Dollywood through The Island parking lot.
At about 8 A.M. we woke up and headed to Dollywood. The park opens at 10, but we learned after watching YouTube videos (this one in particular, by ohcoasters) that getting to the park one hour to 45 minutes early is worth it. Getting into the park was smooth because of this. We parked and got straight in at 10, headed to Lightning Rod and it was closed! Obviously, we were all a little upset, but we rushed straight to Mystery Mine for a great thrill and warm up. This is a minecart ride that will definitely give you a thrill, especially as the first ride of the day.
Next was Firechaser Express, it looks like a kiddie ride, but trust me it’s very fun as it goes backwards and has an inferno element in the climax of the ride. We walked all the way to the end of the park for Tennessee Tornado and after a few crazy loops on this one, the lines started to get really long. The Wild Eagle, a suspended ride that gets 200 feet in the air, was a 50-minute wait.
Wild Eagle POV Ride, Dollywood
At this point it was lunch-time and being on coasters with no breakfast definitely wasn’t the move. Most of the places were still closed, or had weird hours, due to the pandemic, so our group landed at Aunt Granny’s. When we were refueled, we headed to Thunderhead, a great choice as I love wooden-coasters, and then to Dragonflier. Both of these coasters were really fun to hit more than once, especially since Lightning Rod was under for maintenance.
Finally, as it was getting later in the afternoon, we were ready to wait in the line for Flying Eagle. Everyone around us was hyping it up and I can’t lie, I was a little hesitant to ride a 135 drop coaster, however it was definitely worth it. When we got close up to the ride it was go time. Each side of the coaster has two seats, like wings, and it flies over the park with a few loops. I made sure to keep my eyes open the entire time, because this ride was extremely smooth and had the greatest views out of all of the attractions in the park.
Lastly we went by the Grist Mill to grab their #1 rated cinnamon bread for breakfast the next morning. Then we hit Mystery Mine once more and Thunderhead. Back at the cabin we all took naps. Headaches and exhaustion are a real thing if you’re going to hit an amuesement park in the middle of the summer. We finished our last night with a little pool tournament and went to bed somewhat early.
On our way out we went back by Bryson City, tubed Deep Creek, and visited the waterfalls. Then back in GA we hit up a diner in Athens and even played Among Us in the car.
Tom Branch Falls, Bryson City NC
Overall we learned a few things about mountain trips. First off, you have to soak in the view, especially if you live in a town with flat lands. In Middle GA, there are hills and whatnot, but nothing like The Smokies. I made sure to take several pictures and breathe in the fresh air. Sitting in the back of a GMC acadia, going 50 miles an hour around mountains is almost built to make you sick. One downside to the trip was the windy roads, and that’s why I recommend that you stock up on motion-sickness medication, because that was our savior.
If you ever get a chance to go to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Bryson City, or any of the amazing little towns in The Great Smoky Mountains, make sure to enjoy every moment you have. Packing events and activities in the trip isn’t even necessary, because the view and cabin alone is extremely enjoyable. I know for a fact that my group can’t wait to take another trip back there in the near future!
