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Gatlinburg, TN Real Estate News

By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
Autumn is just around the corner and that means many “leaf lovers” will be heading to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the annual display of brilliant Fall foliage. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a unique outdoor experience for visitors of every level of expertise and physical condition. There is an extensive series of backcountry trails and campsites for those that really want to get back to nature and “rough it” and there are also auto trails where you can see the park up close and personal from the comfort of your car! If you plan to hike anywhere in the park, be aware not only the length of the trail, but also the amount of elevation change and the terrain. Even a two mile hike can be strenuous if the trail is steep and rocky. You can get maps and plenty ...
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By Sara Homan, Realtor, Homes, Farms & 55+
(Coldwell Banker Ellison Realty 352-209-4044)
Vacations are a wonderful thing.  Gatlinburg Tennessee is such a great place to take a vacation, it's beautiful, picturesque and quite a bit to do.  After driving through the breathtaking mountain pass that could break a sweat on the best of us, we drove by this beautiful stream and noticed these folks fishing.  Wow!  Life doesn't get much better than this.
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By Jane Terrell, Broker Gatlinburg Homes for Sale
(Century 21 Four Seasons)
Gatlinburg Falls Resort Communities in Gatlinburg  were built with privacy and luxury in mind, and are some of the newest and most desirable rental cabin resorts in the area.  There are 4 locations in the Gatlinburg area: Gatlinburg Falls at Hidden Valley (Off Dudley Creek Bypass) Gatlinburg Falls Parkview Resort (Just past Hidden Valley) Gatlinburg Falls At the Glades (Off Glades Road out 321) Gatlinburg Falls At the Park (off the Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge) Homes in the resorts range from 1 to 9 bedrooms, and are all log construction.  All the communities are located within minutes of downtown Gatlinburg, and some have heavily wooded lots.  A variety of rental companies offer the rentals, which have remained some of the strongest in the area.  Ammenities offered in the c...
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By Jane Terrell, Broker Gatlinburg Homes for Sale
(Century 21 Four Seasons)
On Ski Mountain Road, about halfway up at the intersection of Skim Mountain and Wiley Oakley (and incidentally right across the street from my office!) is the Chalet Village Market-- this is one of the few places to grab a sandwich, pizza, and various libations before heading up to your cabin!  Our staff at Century-21 are great fans of the subs!!  
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By Jane Terrell, Broker Gatlinburg Homes for Sale
(Century 21 Four Seasons)
Chalet Village is one of the very first resort areas in the Gatlinburg area, with some oroginal cabins dating to the 1950's!  This community, snuggled into the mountains with the National Park on 3 sides, boasts large lots with mature trees and some of the premier views in the area-- probably 'cause them that got there first got first pick!  Over the years the community has matured into a mix of rental cabins, second homes and permanent residences. There is a Home Owners Association, and membership includes use of 2 Chalet Village Homeowner's Association Club Houses and swimming pools-- a great perk for summer guests.  And... the monthly fees are about $30, making it one of the best values around!  Click Here for more information on the Owners Club! The original Village has some of the ...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the United States, That’s because over 2/3 if the country’s population live within a day’s drive from the park boundaries. Summer visitors often take advantage of cooler temperatures in the higher elevations. The Balsam Mountain Campground is the highest in the park and at over 5000 feet in elevation provides pleasant sleeping conditions during the hot months. And of course, one can wade in an icy cold mountain stream that will chatter the teeth and offset the blazing southern sun! Be please be careful while you are in the water, because the rocks can be slippery and water levels can change suddenly. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a favorite destination for many summer vacationers. Why not plan a trip to se...
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By Jeff Schoenfield
(All Pro, Realtors, Inc.)
Because they are in such demand, at this point, we sell primarily foreclosure properties in our Smoky Mountain real estate market.  By the grace of God, I saw this current situation coming early and built relationships with several of the larger institutions that manage foreclosed homes here in the Gatlinburg area.  In fact, my first exposure to our local foreclosure home market was in 2005 when I started listing REO properties.  Although I only sold a few foreclosures in 2005 it has become a huge part of our business.  In fact, the majority of all of my 2009 sales were bank owned properties and that will unfortunately likely be the case in 2010 as well.  I say unfortunately because the business is a little hard on the stomach.  There is nothing in my work day quite as unpleasant as hav...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
  The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to visit during any season of the year, but winter offers special opportunities not available during the other three seasons. Due to the fact that the leaves are off of the trees, views are enhanced from nearly every vantage point, and on a clear day in winter you can see an exceptionally long way! However, if you plan to visit the park in the winter, please be aware that many of the secondary roads are closed during cold weather. The roads that are seasonally closed include Clingman’s Dome Road, Heintooga Ridge Road, Roundbottom/Straight Fork Road, Rich Mountain Roada and  the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The roads that are open all year (weather permitting) are the Newfound Gap road (U.S. 441,) Little River Road, Laurel Cr...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
The flame upon the candlewickOn draughts aflutter pirouetteAnd waltz and reel to tempo quickThen lay in wait for Winter’s breath.                         R Weisser Oct. 2009 As another Autumn foliage season comes to a close, I begin to look back to all of the falls of my past with fond remembrance. It’s always been my favorite season. Full of color, and football, and the smell of leaves and the tastes of apples and pumpkins! It’s the last hurrah of temperate weather before winter sets it, a time of warm days and cool, crisp evenings. A most pleasant time of year for both dreaming and reflection! Each fall is different with it's own personality, and presents it's own special touches. As for me, I am going to observe, and taste and savor each offering of the season. And enjoying every mo...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
Flutter and flurry and winter's chillToss fire-hued petals aloft untilThe caress of earth,  then lay in placeFor one last show of nature's grace!                                R. Weisser 2009  The one question that comes up the most this time of year is this: "Will it be a good leaf season?" There are many scientific factors that affect leaf color. The amount of sunlight, recent rainfall, temperature and elevation can all affect leaf color. But if there is one thing that I have learned over all of the years that I have been taking fall foliage photos is this: There is always good leaf color somewhere! And like any good treasure hunter, I seek to find the caches of color wherever they may be! It's a ritual of autumn that I have repeated every year for more than I care to remember. And i...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
There is always a lot of confusion about how to correctly spell the word "smoky." Or is it "Smokey?" You see it spelled both ways so often because it is actually the correct spelling of the word either way! But if you are referring to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is only one official way to spell the word, and that is with no "E" included. Now you can call them the the Smokey Mountains, as do many of the locals, especially on the North Carolina side. But the more prevalent Tennessee spelling is "Smoky" and was chosen as the official adjective of the park! Perhaps it was a cost saving measure. The elimination of all of those "E's" over all those years must have saved a small fortune on signage and printing costs. I mean, that could be millions of "E's" saved over all of...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
In mid to late October, the fall foliage colors will peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Nearly two million visitors will travel to the Park to experience the most colorful season of the year! In addition to autumn leaf color, fall is also a great time for wildlife viewing. Visitors are treated to deer, bear and elk in their natural habitats. A lucky few will see wolves, coyotes or bobcats too. And although the park is crowded, there are still quiet places to get away from all of the hustle and bustle of the myriad of tourists. There are many less traveled trails and nature paths that can bring you face to face with the beauty of creation. It's my favorite place in the world. It renews my spirit and revitalizes my soul! Fall foliage photos in the Great Smoky Mountains Nation...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
In part three of this series The Cataloochee Valley! we learned about an out-of-the-way valley that offers big rewards for those that venture there. This is a series about accessibility in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and I have saved the best for last. Just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg and by far the most accessible way to get a true park experience is the The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail! The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a one way five mile auto trail through one of the most beautiful environments in the park. It's a terrific way to get inside the bowels of the geology of the park and see for yourself this ancient place carved from the mountain with the power of flowing water. It is a cool and moist place, with beautiful forests, some overlooks, and incredible...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
In part one of this series "Cades Cove is an accessible area easily toured by auto!" we explored the history and beauty of Cades Cove. Now we'll travel from the coves to the highlands, for some of the best views in the park that can be seen from the car. The park features many overlooks in the high elevations, each one featuring its own special beauty. But some are more specual than others. No trip to the park is complete without stopping at Newfound Gap. Sitting on the state line that divides Tennessee and North Carolina, there is a huge parking lot that can accommodate many vehicles. It was at this very spot that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on September 2, 1940 "for the permanent enjoyment of the people." There are incredible v...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
It has been an interesting and controversial weekend. I have engaged in mental sparring with a lot of people that are much smarter than me, and it has taken its toll! My ability to move quickly on my feet has diminished with each passing year. It is a new world, completely different from the one I grew up in so many years ago. The best part the passing of time, though, is that each year the Great Smoky Mountains revert one year more back to a more pristine state. In the nearly forty years that I have frequented the park, the changes are dramatic. The trees are bigger, the balds are grown over, and the overall look and feel is more natural and serene. Have a great day! Photos courtesy of Smokyphotos All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive prope...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a popular and pleasant diversion from the hustle and bustle of busy downtown Gatlinburg. Although it takes just minutes to get there from the heart of town, the visitor is transported to a completely different time and place! The fifteen mile, one way loop is not well-suited for those on a tight schedule. You will rarely be able to maintain the 10 mph speed limit, and you will be compelled to stop the car many times to get out and experience the ancient stream bed and the verdant forest. There are some overlooks with good views, but this trail is more about Roaring Fork itself. It is a world of rocks and moisture and moss and shade loving plants. You are likely to spot a deer, or if you are really fortunate and observant, a black bear! A few brave ...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
The black bear is the most popular and sought-after photography subject in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park visitors all want to catch a glimpse of the large mammals, and will cast reason and good sense aside in order to land a "trophy" photo. But black bears are wild animals. The park is not a zoo, but a habitat. A she-bear with cubs is a wondrous sight, but she will defend her offspring with her life, and will attack if she feels threatened. In 2009, park officials have indicated that extraordinarily large black bear populations have led to an increased number of incidents with visitors. Some back country campsites and trails have been closed as a result. The good news is that you'll have an excellent chance of seeing a bear during a visit to the park this year. The bad n...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
The Cherokee people called the Great Smoky Mountains "Shaconage," or "place of blue smoke."  It is a place of remarkable natural beauty, incredible views, and sparkling streams. It is an ancient place, created by the cataclysmic collision of the continents which forced the formation of the tallest mountains on earth. But because these are also among the oldest peaks on the planet, they have been worn down and eroded over millions of years into their present state. So although they are no longer the tallest or the biggest mountains in the world, they remain among the most beautiful. Photos courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used wit...
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
To climb o'er root and rock aloftThrough rhododendron tunnel shaftsCreation's ancient crevice seepsAlong the way to Chimney's peaks.                              ( R Weisser ) The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the system. It lies within a day's drive of half of the population of the United States. The park is designated as an international biosphere preserve and contains a wide variety of flora and fauna specimens. Of all of the mountain peaks in the park, none are more easily recognized that the Chimney Tops. The Chimneys owes their name to chimney like stone outcropping at the top of the mountain. From these rocks, you get a spectacular 360 degree view of the Tennessee side of the National Park. The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popul...
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By Julie Ferenzi, Julie Ferenzi
(john greene Realtor)
This week we returned from our 4 day road trip to Gatlinburg TN and back.  This was our 3rd year in a row traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains and it was just a beautiful the 3rd time as it was the first time I saw them. Vacations are definitely more difficult with a 2 year old in tow, but couple that with 3 other kids deep in the throws of sibling rivalry, a mom 7 months pregnant for the 5th time, and a dad who is used to the sweet retreat of a 9-5 day job, and you have the makings of a Griswald family vacation! What doesn't kill you on a road trip... will make for the stories that become well-told family folklore :) I won't go in to the gory details of the vacation that almost put all of us in the funny farm, but I will share some of my favorite photos from the beautiful Smoky Mount...
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