gatlinburg, tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is absolutely one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the world. Gatlinburg sits on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in far eastern Tennessee, nestled between Ski Mountain and Mount LeConte. Gatlinburg, Tennessee is accessed from the north by a five mile Parkway which is also part of the National Park. Touring Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just outside your door if you and your party are guests of Eden Crest Vacation Rentals.

This stretch of Parkway is actually a divided road that sits on either side of the fabledWest Prong of the Little Pigeon River. On the West Prong, just a couple of miles upstream, is a world class whitewater kayaking stream that may be safely run only by well seasoned and conditioned athletes with state of the art paddling gear. Occasionally Gatlinburg tourists staying in Eden Crest vacation cabins catch glimpses of these whitewater paddlers as they negotiate rapids of shocking intensity and danger levels.

Much more often sighted just outside of Gatlinburg are deer, wild turkey and large black bears, who often stop traffic, resulting in the infamous "bear jams".

Just outside the city limits both east and west are horseback riding stables, for those who would like a more in-depth tour of the forests. And of course there are over 800 miles of backcountry hiking trails in the Park for the more adventurous. Proper gear, supplies, and physical conditioning are all of paramount importance on these trails, which traverse the largest true wilderness in the eastern United States. Out here, there are no restaurants, shops, or medical facilities for hundreds of square miles.