PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.-
January is a slow month in many national recreation areas, but it’s a great time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during its annual Wilderness Wildlife Week, scheduled for Jan. 13-21.
The event is sponsored by the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, and includes an array of nature photography classes, wildlife seminars, cultural history programs, hikes, excursions, children’s programs and musical events.
Programs include courses on sketching, digital landscape photography, backpacking, wilderness first aid and fly fishing. A retired park ranger who led searches for people who go missing in the park will lead a session, “Lost: Tales of Lost People.” Visitors can take part in as many classes or programs as they like.
All of the programs are free, except for AppalachiaFest, a night of traditional Smoky Mountain music on Jan. 16, featuring an appearance by the legendary Doc Watson and other performers, including Phil and Gaye Johnson, Jack Pearson, William Howse, and the Carolina Bluegrass Boys. The music event is new this year to Wilderness Wildlife Week and will take place at the Country Tonite Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for ages 17 and younger, and are available at the theater or by calling 800-792-4308.
For details, visit or call 800-846-1601.
