Archive for the ‘December’ Category

Smokies visitation slightly down in 2010

Saturday, January 22nd, 2011
The Great Smoky Mountains reported a total of 9,463,538 visitors to the park in 2010, a 0.3% decrease from the prior year. Although Gatlinburg (1.5%), Townsend (3.2%) and Cherokee (4.6%) each saw year over year increases, the park's 13 outlying entrances reported an overall decrease of 9.1%. Much of that decrease was driven by declines at the Foothills Pkwy East portion of the park, which has been closed for much of the year due to the reconstruction project. This section of the park saw a decline of just over a half million visitors, or 46.2% versus 2009.

The 9.46 million visitors to the park in 2010 represented the second highest total in the last decade. Only 2009, the 75th Anniversary year, was higher.

For the month of December, the entire park saw a sharp decline from the same period in 2009. Visitors arriving through the Gatlinburg entrance were down more than 40%, while Townsend dropped 20%, and Cherokee plummeted more than 56%.

Nearby Parks:

* The Blue Ridge Parkway reported a total of 14,517,119 visitors in 2010, which represented an 8.9% decrease from the previous year. This is a bit of a surprise given that the park celebrated its 75th Anniversary this past year. Road closures likely played a large part in this decline.

* Shenandoah National Park reported 1,264,347 visitors for the year, an 11.7% increase versus 2009.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Posted in 2010, December, Great Smoky Mountains, Smokies, visitation, visitors | Comments Off

Holiday Specials on Cabins in the Smokies

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
As a way of thanking our advertisers on HikingintheSmokys.com, I wanted to let readers of this blog know about the specials they’re offering on overnight lodging during the month of December. You can find a variety of cabins and chalets in Townsend, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge as well as the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you or anyone you know is planning on visiting the Smokies this month, please check out these outstanding offers:

Auntie Belham's makes cabin lodging affordable for HikingtheSmokys.com bloggers. You can hike, soak in a hot tub and relax by a fire. The third night is free on stays in early December. During the holidays, get the sixth night free when paying for five. Restrictions may apply.

Boyd Mountain Log Cabins offer 7 hand hewn antique log cabins, restored on a 130 acre family farm. The cabins have 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedrooms with modern conveniences including full kitchens and wi-fi. We offer Kids Stay and Ski Free program with Cataloochee Ski Area. Offer valid Sun-Thur., Non-Holidays. For info 828-926-1575 or www.boydmountain.com.

Cherokee Realty is offering a 25% discount on any of their rentals booked between now and April.

Cramers Creekside Cabins, Inc. is offering 40% off for HikingintheSmokys.com customers who arrive between 12/1/09 and 12/19/09. Please use promo code; HIKING (in caps) on the home page to receive your discount. Phone: 877-357-1777

Great Outdoor Rentals December specials: Pay for 3 or more nights, get an additional night FREE.

Moose Creek Crossing Cabin Rentals: GET ONE NIGHT FREE: Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free from 10/24/09 thru 3/14/10. Offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Not valid on holidays. 15% OFF: Stay 2 nights or more from 10/24/09 thru 3/14/10 and get 15% off the nightly rate. Must call office at 1-888-972-2246 to receive discount. Year-round specials are also available, please call for more information.

Our Favorite Cabins.com offers better quality vacation rentals in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. These cabin owners believe in giving you the best value for your vacation dollar, personal attention and superior service. Each cabin has special rates for all remaining dates in December, so visit www.ourfavoritecabins.com to get your best deal!

Timber Tops Luxury Log Cabins is offering 3 Nights for the Price of 2 during the month of December (Excludes Holiday Rate Seasons). Their also offering a Weekday Special: 15% off a 2 night stay during the week (Sun-Thu)!


**When making a reservation, please be sure to mention that you saw these specials on HikingintheSmokys.com**


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Posted in Cabins, December, Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina, Townsend, chalets, gatlinburg, holiday, pigeon forge, specials | Comments Off