VISITING THE SMOKIES
VISITING THE SMOKIES
People travel from all over to
CARVER’S ORCHARD AND APPLEHOUSE RESTAURANT
There are plenty of apples to choose from at Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse Restaurant located at 3460 Highway 321 in Cosby. Danny Ray Carver, who has been in the orchard business for his entire life, owns the business.
Carver’s Orchard was established by Carver’s father, Kyle Carver, in 1942. The orchard covers 75 acres and offers more than 100 varieties of apples.
Carver explained that the early harvest starts in late June and depending on the variety of apples, the harvest will continue through late fall.
The last variety that will be harvested will be the Pink Lady variety, and they aren’t harvested until around Thanksgiving.
While many locals visit the apple house and restaurant, there are also many customers who live out of state who schedule an annual visit to pick up their apples and other items, such as canned goods.
The apple house offers more than just apples. It has homemade fried pies, nuts, and other fruits and vegetables. There is also a candy store and a restaurant on the premises.
The restaurant hours are currently Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The apple house store is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse Restaurant are located at 3460 Cosby Highway. A candy store is also located at Carver’s Orchard. It offers a variety of old-fashioned candies.
Apples are shown hanging from the trees at Carver’s Orchard. Apples will be harvested throughout late fall. Photo by Kathy Barnes.
A basket of freshly picked apples is shown by the conveyor belt at Carver’s Orchard.
BUSH’S history in the SMOKIES
CHESTNUT
HILL - While most people know the name of Bush’s for its canned beans, it has long had a role in the history of the Smoky Mountains. The Bush’s company history started before the plant opened its doors.
A.J. Bush was born in Chestnut Hill, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. He established the A.J. Bush and Company General Store, which offered a place to sell local goods as well as goods from other locations.
Because of the need for jobs in the area, Bush decided to open a hosiery factory. As construction got underway, Stokely
Brothers Tomato Cannery in Newport approached Bush with an offer. If Bush provided a building and workers, they would supply the equipment for him to open a cannery.
The partnership came to fruition, and in 1904 the cannery opened, providing the jobs the community needed. In four short years, Bush bought out the Stokely Brothers partnership interest and formed a business with his sons, Fred and Claude, creating Bush Brothers and Company.
The cannery did well, and they worked with distributors in many areas, including Knoxville as well as Asheville, North
Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. As World War I came around, the demand for canned goods increased, but as the war ended, so did the demand for canned goods.
The family business was incorporated and management was turned over to A.J. Bush’s sons, while the senior Bush focused on operating the general store. By 1930, the cannery produced and distributed a variety of canned products.
During the Great Depression, the company sought out affordable products to offer the country.
Among those goods were hominy,
sauerkraut, and pork and beans. When the Tennessee Valley Authority flooded Douglas Lake, a lot of prime farmland was lost and the Oak Grove plant of Bush Brothers was also lost.
During 1944, the company bought a cannery in Blytheville, Arkansas, so it could increase production figures again. While various vegetables were being canned, it focused on beans and hominy, which were its top sellers. In 1947, the board of directors chose to go with a new identity, Bush’s Best, and the double B logo
The historic Bush home is across the road from the visitor center. It has a Christmas open house every year.
that became known nationwide.
It was the 1990s when the baked beans market transformed Bush’s into a champion in the canning industry.
The company’s headquarters are now in Knoxville, but the Chestnut Hill factory has grown. The general store is also in operation, and the Bush family home is open during the Christmas holidays for tours.
Thousands of people make their way to the visitor’s center in Chestnut Hill each year, located at the intersection of Highway 411 and Highway 92 in Chestnut Hill, where the general store and a diner welcome guests.
The museum and the store are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The cafe’s hours are seasonal, open from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. January through March and 11 a.m. -
4 p.m. April through December. Closed Sundays.
To schedule a tour group for 30 or more people at the museum or cafe, call (865) 5093077. For additional information, go to bushbeans.com/ en_US/about-us/ visitor-center.
Experience the magic of autumn at the 12th annual Wears Valley Fall Festival, taking place from October 17 - 19. The festival is next to Tennessee State Bank off Route 321 in Sevieville. With 16 acres dedicated to family fun, this event promises excitement for all ages. Explore over 240 talented crafters showcasing unique handmade goods, perfect for finding that special treasure or gift. Get ready for a plethora of interactive activities designed to engage and entertain. From live performances to children’s events, families will discover countless opportunities to create lasting memories together. Indulge in a wide variety of food
options that celebrate the flavors of the season.
As you enjoy the festivities, take in the breathtaking beauty of fall in the Smokies, making this an unforgettable experience for everyone. Join us for a weekend filled with joy, creativity, and the spirit of community. Don’t miss out on this celebration of family, fun, and the vibrant fall season!
The Wears Valley Fall Fest is not your typical Fall Fest! While it features classic autumn elements like talented artisans, pumpkin patches, tractors, and mouthwatering southern cuisine, its primary goal
is to promote the mission of Keep Sevier Beautiful – reducing waste, preventing litter, and transforming public spaces into beautiful places!
Throughout the Fest, participants can discover ways to care for our environment both in Sevier County and beyond. From craft vendors creating items from repurposed materials to entertainers using unconventional instruments like spoons and washboards, you’ll learn how to reduce, reuse, and recycle to help make our world a better place.
This event serves as the largest fundraiser for the local affiliates of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Tennessee
Beautiful, specifically Keep Sevier Beautiful. Not only can you learn about reducing your environmental footprint and protecting the beautiful mountains we call home at the Wears Valley Fall Fest, but by participating, you’re supporting community-based programs like recycling drop-off events, community gardens and plantings, educational programs teaching our youth to be good stewards of the community, and vital projects that assist our neighbors in need through initiatives like Project Restore.
Want to learn more about Keep Sevier Beautiful and our work? Visit www. keepsevierbeautiful.org.
Newport Harvest Street FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 4-5, 2025
One of the longer running fall festivals in the Smokies, the Newport Harvest Street Festival returns for its 38th annual event to the streets of downtown Newport the weekend of October 4-5 and brings with it many activities, crafts, music and more.
Among the highlights are the many booths set up by vendors along the downtown streets showcasing arts and crafts, including pottery, quilts, paintings and toys. Several downtown businesses and food establishments will also be open during the festival welcoming festival goers.
The weekend will be filled with entertainment with live performances from popular acts Sammy Shults, Exit 8, Khloe Grace and Southern Addiction performing on Saturday in addition to the
high-energy performance of talented kids from Newport Dance & Cheer Academy and Max Movement Dance and Fitness.
Sunday will feature a full afternoon of gospel music from Carson Creek Singers, The Crumbley Family, Memorial Baptist Praise Team and First Baptist Praise Singers.
There will be plenty of entertainment and activities for kids as well, including the ever-popular Kiwanis train and a special appearance from Natasha The Dinosaur.
What would a festival be without a pageant? The Harvest Queen Pageant is a mainstay of the event with winners being awarded in several age categories on Saturday.
The festival is free to attend.
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SMOKY MOUNTAIN TRAIL
HOT SPRINGS TRAIL MAP
Fall glows during DOLLYWOOD’S HARVEST FESTIVAL
Dollywood.com
PIGEON FORGE - Fall glows brightest at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, where autumn days burst to life in vivid color and nights glimmer with illuminating surprises. Explore among enchanting Hoot Owl Hollow, hear a mystical melody from Dolly’s giant, glowing guitar, and gaze up at a towering 40-foot pumpkin tree exclusively during Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health.
By day, celebrate the season of many colors with the return of Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, which runs through Oct. 27. Dozens of talented musicians
perform Southern gospel, country and bluegrass melodies, the scents of fall treats waft through the streets and the sounds of thrilling rides like Big Bear Mountain fill the air with adventure.
GREAT PUMPKIN LUMINIGHTS
Award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights returns to light up the night with thousands of creatively carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin icons. Back to delight for another year, family favorite Hoot Owl Hollow is the enchanting hideaway of a gigantic, glowing owl and its dozens of friends roosting in the trees, atop buildings and across the hillside. Explore a world of not-so-spooky nighttime fun, Great Pumpkin LumiNights is the highlight of
Harvest season at Dollywood.
A family favorite since its inception, Great Pumpkin LumiNights grows again this year with 10 ride-themed pumpkin displays, including representations of guest favorite family coaster Big Bear Mountain and the ever-thrilling Wild Eagle.
Pumpkins aren’t only visually present throughout the park; they’re in many new culinary offerings as well. Warm, hearty lunch and dinner options include spiced pumpkin bisque, everything toasted garlic knots with pumpkin cheese sauce, and hickory smoked ribs with pumpkin spiced rub, found at seasonal culinary booths and restaurants.
Other fall flavors are found in various stuffed sweet potatoes, including the maple brown sugar pecan cinnamon apple stuffed sweet potato and refreshing beverage options like harvest apple lemonade.
SMOKY MOUNTAIN SPLENDOR
Just like Dolly’s beloved Smoky Mountains, Dollywood transforms every fall into a haven of harvest beauty. Thousands of fabulous fall flowers in traditional hues of red, yellow and orange bring autumn to life, while mountain-fresh touches like white and green gourds, purple blooms and
Feel the rush of a fall breeze when you grab a seat on any of Dollywood’s world-class rides and attractions.
Join the expedition on Dollywood’s newest and longest coaster ever: Big Bear Mountain, traverse the mountainside with a thrilling ride on Mystery Mine as bright fall foliage rushes by, or soak up the splendor of the Smoky Mountains during a relaxing train ride on the classic Dollywood Express.
LIVE MUSIC
A tradition deeply rooted in the Great Smoky Mountains, live music is the heart and soul of fall at Dollywood. Be serenaded by the sounds of a Smoky Mountain fall with Southern gospel, bluegrass, Americana and country tunes to tap your toes to.
More than 1,100 live performances will take place during the festival run. A wide range of musical talent — including bluegrass, Southern gospel, jazz, country and points in between — will be on display.
For more information about Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, Great Pumpkin LumiNights tickets and other events, visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
Gatlinburg CRAFTSMEN’S FALL FAIR October 2-19
The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair October is the premier holiday shopping destination! We are your one-stop-shop for everyone on your list. Join us in our 50th year of celebrating arts and crafts in the Smokies. Visit over 200 of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States. Watch as they demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Artisans in nearly 400 fairs voted our Fair as the 5th All-Time Favorite Fair in the nation!
Filling the 150,000 square feet of downtown Gatlinburg Convention Center, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair hosts
artisans and craftsmen from all over the nation. Two hundred booths with unique and one-of-a-kind handmade products are beautifully displayed, as these skilled craftspeople demonstrate their talents. Each participant is subject to a rigorous jury process to ensure the uniqueness and quality of their respective products. All items represented are handmade and of utmost quality and without duplication. Look for exceptional pottery pieces, leather, copper art, local candy makers, and many more unique items.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair October offers exceptional arts and crafts made by
local craftsmen as well as talented artisans from around the country. Many of our artists make holiday-themed items and unique gifts for the upcoming season.
Some of our seasonal items include holiday wreaths, ceramic trees, festive reindeer, a variety of Christmas ornaments, painted wall hangings, and holiday-themed treats.
Finish your holiday shopping early! Our craftsmen offer a wide array of one-of-akind gifts for everyone on your list.
There is something for everyone at the Fair. Be sure to stop by one or all of our daily music shows included with the price of admission. Check out the stage and
enjoy contemporary country, bluegrass, and your favorite gospel tunes at noon and at 3 p.m. daily.
Admission is $10 for adults, children 17 and under are free with paid adults. Concessions are available for sale through the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair usually takes most of the day to see. If you didn’t quite get through it all, multi-day passes are available at the Craftsmen’s Fair office located at the end of aisle 500. For more information visit craftsmenfair. com.
FALL IN LOVE with TN’s great outdoors this fall
Tennessee is a year-round outdoor playground, with countless fresh-air adventures available for visitors.
Tennessee is a year-round outdoor playground, with countless fresh-air adventures available for visitors.
But the destination positively glows during the fall months, offering spectacular foliage, picturesque hiking trails and awe-inspiring waterfalls throughout the state. Below, find out how to fall in love with Tennessee’s great outdoors this autumn.
GATLINBURG’S GOLDEN DAYS
Best time to visit: Early to MidOctober (depending on altitude)
Gatlinburg has been nominated as one of the “Best Places to View Fall Foliage” by USA Today, thanks to the kaleidoscope of warm red, gold and orange that blanket the city’s downtown and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Leafpeeping options abound, including the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook, Ben Morton’s Overlook and more. Even better, many views are easily accessible from the comfort of your vehicle including such scenic drives as the Cades Cove Loop and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Gatlinburg Fall Tip: Wake up early for a Smoky Mountain Sunrise at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. Lifted to the SkyDeck, the day starts with
an immaculate bird’s eye view of a grand illumination of the Great Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg.
GREAT SMOKY COLORS
Best time to visit: Early to midOctober (depending on altitude) If finding seasonal scenes on foot is more your style, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s 800 miles of trails offer beautiful panoramas and vistas that show off fall’s colorful tapestry of changing leaves. Guests to the area can also chase some beautiful waterfalls, including such gems such as Rainbow Falls or
Grotto Falls – the only waterfall you can walk behind in the Smokies, standing 25 feet tall. For those in search of a challenge, try the eightmile scenic roundtrip trek to Indian Flats Falls.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fall Tip: Fall is one of the best times for wildlife in the Smokies, with chances to see black bears, elk, deer, wild turkey, foxes and barn owls.
AN APPALACHIAN AUTUMN
Best time to visit: Early to MidOctober
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and
surrounded by Cherokee National Forest, Unicoi County offers autumn outdoor adventurers more than 50 miles of Appalachian Trail, eight waterfalls, Rocky Fork State Park (Tennessee’s newest state park), and dozens of walking and hiking trails. No matter where you are, you’re sure to see stunning fall foliage. A few favorite spots for leaf peeping include the aptly named Beauty Spot (crowned as a “best sunset hike” by Travel and Leisure) Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower and Nolichucky Ridge Cliff.
PHOTO BY ADAM JONES.
View of Thomas Divide at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina.
Unicoi County Fall Tip: Viewing the vibrant colors of fall is accessible for even more travelers and residents in Unicoi County since one of the state’s colorblind viewfinders is located at the I-26 Westbound Scenic Overlook. From this viewfinder, you’ll see views of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina’s stunning hills and valleys.
REAL FALL BEAUTY AT REELFOOT LAKE
Best time to visit: Late-October to early-November
Located in the Northwest corner of Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake State Park is a beautiful place for fall outdoor activities. Fall color pontoon cruises take place on the weekends during October and November at Reelfoot Lake. See the changing leaves and water birds on a two-hour tour with an experienced naturalist. Tour guides will share their knowledge of the area’s history and ecology while helping you find the best photo ops for fall foliage.
Reelfoot Lake State Park Fall Tip:
Large groups of eagles and ducks migrate to Reelfoot Lake for the winter, arriving just as autumnal colors reach their peak, adding to the
natural wonder.
A TRACE OF TENNESSEE COLOR
Best time to visit: Late-October to early-November
Spanning more than 48,000 pristine acres in Middle Tennessee, Natchez Trace State Park has some of the best scenic locations in the state, with endless trails to explore and snap some photos. For an onthe-water adventure, rent a kayak to take out on Pin Oak Lake to see a stunning display of autumnal colors reflecting off the water. Mountain biking is also a great way to experience this state park during fall, with more than 50 miles of multi-use fire trails that take riders through colorful forests and meadows.
Natchez Trace State Park Fall Tip: Pin Oak Lake is also a favorite for anglers, with waters that are filled with largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish.
NASHVILLE’S ACCESSIBLE OUTDOORS
Best time to visit: Mid- to lateOctober
Discover the first ADA accessible colorblind viewfinder at Nashville’s Radnor Lake State Park. Outfitted with innovative EnChroma® lenses, the viewfinder has been designed to alleviate red-green colorblindness. Special lens technology enables those with colorblindness to see a broader range of clear, vibrant colors. Additionally, the park’s Lake Trail is accessible to people with all-terrain wheelchairs.
Nashville Fall Travel Tip: Urban leaf-peepers should pay a visit to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, where the main lawn is lined with a variety of trees that come alive with color in October.
For more information on fall color in Tennessee, visit tnvacation.com
PHOTO BY RANDALL SPRADLIN
Watauga Lake at Cherokee National Forest near Johnson City.
PHOTO BY JAY HURON
Kingsport Reservoir at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport.
PARKING in Great Smoky Mountain National Park
There are three parking tag durations available for purchase. A daily pass is $5, a weekly pass can be purchased for $15, and an annual parking tag is $40. The prices are the same for all vehicle types and sizes.
Parking tag guidelines
Physical parking tags must be displayed in the vehicle, and digital tags will not be accepted.
Each tag is only valid for a single vehicle and it must include the license plate number of the vehicle it is displayed in.
Parking tags may be purchased online and onsite at locations within the park.
Parking tags will be required anywhere within the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for vehicles parked for more than 15 minutes.
• Annual parking tags must be displayed in the front, lower passenger side windshield.
• Daily and weekly tags must be placed face-up on the lower side of the passenger side dashboard.
How to purchase a parking tag
There will be a variety of options for those who are looking to purchase their parking tags, including:
• Purchasing an annual parking tag through Great Smoky Mountains Association and having it shipped straight to your door.
• Purchasing both daily and weekly parking tags through recreation.gov and printing them off at home. Note that the park will not be able to print your parking tag for you.
• Purchasing all variations of parking tags onsite at welcome and visitor centers across the national park. The locations where you can purchase your parking tag in person include the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, Sugarlands Visitor Center, Townsend Visitor Center, Cades Cove Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store, Clingmans Dome Visitor Center, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Swain County Visitor Center, and Visit NC Smokies Visitor Center.
• Daily and weekly parking tags are available for purchase by credit card from automated machines available throughout the park. Guests will be able to access machines year-round, 24 hours a day.
Do parking tags guarantee a parking spot?
No, parking tags will not guarantee a parking spot at a specific location or for a specific time.
What are the consequences of failing to purchase a parking tag?
Failure to comply with the parking tag guidelines may result in a warning, citation, or your vehicle being towed at your expense.
When do daily and weekly tags expire?
Daily and weekly parking tags will expire at 11:59 pm ET on the date that is listed on the tag.
Are vehicles with disabled parking placards exempt?
Yes, visitors with valid, state-issued disabled tags are exempt from having to purchase a parking tag.
How are proceeds from the parking tags being used?
All revenue generated from the parking tags is being directly put back into the operational costs for managing and improving services for guests, including trail maintenance, trash removal, and staffing increases.
Will there be a limit on the number of parking tags sold?
No, the park does not limit the number of parking tags sold on any given day or week.
Information from smokymountainnationalpark.com
ROARING FORK Motor Nature Trail In Gatlinburg
AAn exuberant mountain stream gave this area its unusual name. Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster flowing mountain streams in the park. Drive this road after a hard rain and the inspiration behind the name will be apparent.
The narrow, winding, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail invites you to slow down and enjoy the forest and historic buildings of the area. The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. It offers rushing mountain
streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, gristmills, and other historic buildings. Please note that the road is closed in winter.
Before entering the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a stop at the Noah
“Bud” Ogle self-guiding nature trail offers a walking tour of an authentic mountain farmstead and surrounding hardwood forest. Highlights include a streamside tubmill and the Ogle’s handcrafted wooden flume plumbing system. Just beyond the Ogle farmstead is the trailhead for Rainbow Falls, one of the park’s most popular waterfalls. The hike to the falls is 5.4 miles roundtrip and is considered moderately strenuous. If you plan to attempt this hike, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and carry plenty of water and snacks.
The entrance to the motor nature trail is located a short distance past the
This waterfall is within walking distance of the Ephraim Bales cabin off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
parking areas for Rainbow Falls. Several homes and other buildings have been preserved in this area.
The trailhead for Grotto Falls, another of the park’s most popular waterfalls, is located along the route. And a “wet weather” waterfall called Place of a Thousand Drips provides a splendid finale to your journey. An inexpensive booklet available at the beginning of the motor nature trail details landmarks along the route.
DIRECTIONS
To access Roaring Fork, turn off the main parkway in Gatlinburg, TN at traffic light No. 8 and follow Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard entrance to the national park. Just beyond the Rainbow Falls trailhead you have the option of taking the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (closed in winter). Please note that buses, trailers, and motor homes are not permitted on the motor nature trail.
