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BRYSON CITY, NC (RAILFAN JOURNAL) – All aboard! Experience the magic this holiday season and join the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMRR) for a truly magical recreation of the classic holiday story, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a captivating wonder awaits those who venture along the lesser-known path of Sugarland Trail. Along this picturesque route, where nature's grandeur unfolds at every turn, lies a hidden gem that has stood the test of time—The Rock House. A place steeped in mystery and charm, this time-worn structure is a testament to the resilience of nature and the enduring spirit of human exploration.

In June of 1969, Dennis Martin was a precocious 6-year-old boy, just days away from his 7th birthday. Dennis had some mild learning disabilities and was thrilled that this year his dad would be taking him on a traditional camping and hiking trip over Father’s Day weekend. This trip would be Dennis, his father, his older brother Douglas and his grandfather, Clyde. A real guys' weekend in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Smoky Mountain National Park is full of old cemeteries. You can find them off trails and hidden high up on hills. The Old Elkmont Cemetery was the cemetery for the former Elkmont Community in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Elkmont area was first settled in the 1840s. However, the community was originally known as “Little River” because of its location in the upper Little River Valley. The town became a popular tourist destination in part thanks to the logging train! Follow our NewsBreak account for more content. Click the link on the profile to check out all of our social media accounts. Thanks! ✉️ Email ► anadventurewithnickamndrachel@gmail.com

The Dark Island Swinging Bridge stands proudly as one of the last swinging bridges in the Great Smoky Mountains area that remains open to the public. Nestled in the picturesque town of Townsend, Tennessee, this magnificent bridge offers visitors a unique and exhilarating experience. As you spend time in the area, make sure to set aside a few minutes in your day to explore this remarkable bridge, and if you dare, take a courageous walk across it to gaze down at the stunning Little River below. However, keep in mind that access to the bridge is limited to one end, as the other end leads onto private property.

Baskins Creek Falls. If you are on the search for beautiful waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park then Baskins Creek Falls should be on your list. It is a relatively short hike at 3 miles in the middle of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail loop. Not only do you get to see the beautiful 40-foot two-tiered waterfall, but you can also see an old cemetery along the way. Follow our NewsBreak account for more content. Click the link on the profile to check out all of our social media accounts. Thanks! ✉️ Email ► anadventurewithnickamndrachel@gmail.com

On October 8, 1976, Mr. Wayne Dunlap was excited to take his students on a field trip. This was going to be a trip to the Clingman Dome area of the Great Smoky Mountains. The class was going to hike and see the sights at the Dome, spend the day exploring, and head back to their school, Beardman High School, that afternoon.

At age 58, Thelma Pauline Melton was living her best life- Or so everyone thought. It was 1981 and Thelma- who usually went by Polly- was living in an Airstream camper with her husband. They lived part of the year in Jacksonville, Florida, and would spend a few months every fall camping in the Great Smoky Mountains.

There are a lot of gluten free restaurants in the Pigeon Forge area. Not only are there many in Pigeon Forge, but some are in Gatlinburg and Sevierville too. Below you will find a list of all the gluten free restaurants in the Pigeon Forge area, click on each restaurant name to be linked out to their website.

Abandoned in the Great Smoky Mountains are houses from times gone by, steam engines derailed, cemeteries of those who planted their roots here. There are so many great hidden gems within the Smoky Mountains. We did the Old Sugarland Trail recently to find a few of those things. Way back in the woods off the trail lies an old abandoned rock house that was once one man's escape into the wilderness. Much to our surprise, also off the trail is a cemetery high up on a hill with significant names from the region. Join us as we search out the ruins of the abandoned game cabin and discover other abandoned features along the way. Follow our NewsBreak account for more content Click the link on the profile to check out all of our social media accounts. Thanks! ✉️ Email ► anadventurewithnickandrachel@gmail.com

The Oconaluftee Baptist Church, also known as the Smokemont Baptist Church is a historic Baptist church in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This hidden gem is almost in plain sight right when you enter the Smokemont campground, although it is kind of tucked away on top of a hill. It's a beautiful, picturesque old church definitely worth checking out the next time you are in the Smoky Mountains. Follow our NewsBreak account for more content Click the link on the profile to check out all of our social media accounts. Thanks! ✉️ Email ► anadventurewithnickandrachel@gmail.com

You can buy them at the visitors center and they will print them for you. But, if you but them online you have to print them yourself. Don’t forget! I’ve seen many vehicles being towed for not having them. 😬

If you like to seek out the more unusual places to visit — the stranger sights to see — then you need to check out the Dark Island Swinging Bridge in Townsend, TN. Dark Island Swinging Bridge is one of the last swinging bridges in the area that is still open to the public. This is definitely a really great hidden gem in the Smoky Mountains. Add this to your list of things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains the next time you're here. Follow our NewsBreak account for more content Click the link on the profile to check out all of our social media accounts. Thanks! ✉️ Email ► anadventurewithnickandrachel@gmail.com

No One Is Talking About These Hidden Gems in the Smoky Mountain National Park! In part 4 of our series, we explored 5 more hidden gems! From hidden cemeteries to one of the last swinging bridges around, these are some of the best kept secrets in the Smoky Mountains! Follow our NewsBreak account for more content Click the link on the profile to check out all of our social media accounts. Thanks! ✉️ Email ► anadventurewithnickandrachel@gmail.com

Our last full day at Pawley's Pine Tree retreat starts off this weeks episode. Where else would we spend it but... the BEACH! As we begin the trek home we have one stop to make for another day or two of adventures. The weather ruins my filming plan and forces me to improvise. We still managed to put together a video for Ye' Faithful Few so we hope you enjoy. Location: Pawley's Island South Carolina + Others Duration: 17 Nights Total Adventurers: (4) RMD, RMM, RMS, RMm Temperature: 52 - 72 degrees F Conditions: Vary

Want to explore one of the oldest remaining cabins in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Avent Cabin is a beautiful cabin in the Elkmont section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that was built over 165 years ago. Avent Cabin was built long before the formation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Avent Cabin is listed on the national register of historic places and is preserved by the park service. From the 1920s to the 1940s, Avent Cabin served as a vacation retreat and art studio for Mayna Treanor Avent. Follow our NewsBreak account for more content Click the link on the profile to check out all of our social media accounts. Thanks! ✉️ Email ► anadventurewithnickandrachel@gmail.com

Music Arkansas Traveler by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum

Mostly, mountain bike trails and, in many cases, riding off designated roads (dirt, paved, or otherwise) inside America’s National Parks is not allowed. Mainly, this is because much of it is managed as wilderness. Now, finally, one of our most visited parks has decided that Mountain Bikes are OK, and has opened the door to trail building.

A lot of people who visit Mingus Mill in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have no idea that there is a slave cemetery adjacent to the parking lot. Off the trails of Mingus Mill and up a hill, lies a small cemetery beneath the trees. It is not known exactly who’s buried here. It is recognized by the National Parks Service as the Enloe Slave Cemetery. Follow our NewsBreak account for more content Click the link on the profile to check out all of our social media accounts. Thanks! ✉️ Email ► anadventurewithnickandrachel@gmail.com

Here's where to buy your Great Smoky Mountain National Park parking pass!