Pure Mountain Pleasure

05/15/2026

Yes, we see bears.
Let's us know if YOU see some!

05/14/2026

Come and find me!
You'll hear me at night.
I'm a Whip-poor-will.

https://youtu.be/_HNAp_BPf9E?si=2yjvOAypmwMr_RJ7

A ground-nesting species, the Eastern Whip-poor-will lays its 2-egg clutch directly on leaf litter of the forest floor. Adults remain motionless on the nest or on a roost site during daylight hours and become active only at dusk. Eastern Whip-poor-wills usually forage at dawn and dusk, but on moonlit nights they may catch moths, beetles, and other insects throughout the night. The hatching of chicks seems to be closely tied to periods of full moon so the parents can meet the energy demands of their rapidly growing young.

05/06/2026

Smoky Mountain night as I go to bed
A whip-poor-will call still in my head.

The stars like pin lights are thick in the sky.
The mountains are silent
A breeze wafts by.

A bear waddles near, I scarcely can see.
I see him. He's doesn't see me.

Legends and tales of days long ago,
Tell me more. I want to know.

05/17/2021

05/02/2026

Do you know these TN Secrets?

2.2K likes, 232 comments. "Tennessee Is Hiding Something Nobody Talks About"

04/28/2026

Best swimming/water holes in Gatlinburg

- Midnight Hole: A popular spot with a 6-foot waterfall and deep pool, accessible via a 1.4-mile hike on the Big Creek Trail. Look for a tree with a white circle painted on it to find the spot.

- Townsend Wye: A family-friendly swimming hole with shallow waters near the shore and deeper waters further out. Perfect for swimming and tubing, with plenty of parking available.

- Metcalf Bottoms Swimming Area: A convenient spot between Gatlinburg and Townsend, featuring shallow creeks and a picnic area. Great for families and fishing enthusiasts.

- The Sinks: A scenic spot with a waterfall and deep pools, but be cautious of strong currents and slippery rocks.

- Greenbrier Swimming Hole: A peaceful spot on the Little Pigeon River, ideal for swimming, tubing, and fishing. Accessible via the Greenbrier entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

- Deep Creek Trail Swimming Hole: A great spot for swimming and tubing, with a deeper area perfect for kids and non-swimmers.

- Abrams Falls Swimming Hole: A picturesque spot with a 20-foot waterfall and a 100-foot pool, accessible via a 2.5-mile hike.

- Indian Creek Falls Swimming Hole: A serene spot with a 25-foot waterfall, perfect for cooling off and relaxation. Accessible via a 1-mile easy hike.

- The Chimney Top Trail: A more challenging hike with scenic views and a swimming area, but be prepared for a 2-mile hike with elevation gain

04/28/2026

04/23/2026

Kuwohi (Clingman’s Dome) We**am!

Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingman’s Dome, is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Kuwohi we**am provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy these stunning views from wherever you are.

Kuwohi We**am:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/air/we**ams.htm?site=grcd

04/15/2026

April 28–30! Set your reminder if you'll be in the Smoky Mountain National Park from late May to early June.

Pure Mountain Pleasure has room from May 31 to June 5th.

The 2026 Great Smoky Mountains Synchronous Firefly viewing lottery for the Elkmont area typically runs in late April (expected April 28–30) on Recreation.gov, offering roughly 960 total permits to over 20,000+ applicants. Peak viewing, where fireflies flash in unison, is projected for late May to early June 2026.

Search for
Smoky Mountains firefly lottery 2026

04/15/2026

🎡✨ The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is getting a $1 million Glow Up. We are installing a brand-new, state-of-the-art lighting package to make your next ride even brighter.

To accommodate this massive enhancement, The Wheel will have temporary opening hours from April 13 to May 11:
🗓️ Monday – Friday: Opens at 5 PM
🗓️ Saturday: Opens at 10 AM (Regular Hours)
🗓️ Sunday: Opens at 12 PM

During this time, all other attractions, shops, and restaurants will operate without interruptions. Click the link to read all the exciting details!
https://islandinpigeonforge.com/blog/great-smoky-mountain-wheel-glow-up

04/11/2026

Don't wait too long to book your reservation. If someone else takes your days, they're gone.
https://puremountainpleasure.lodgify.com/

03/24/2026

Child's teddy bear dances because the Pure Mountain Pleasure cabin is an upbeat place where families with children can enjoy each other and create wonderful memories by Dollywood, Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.