The Big Mack Lodge

08/15/2025

08/15/2025

08/15/2025

08/15/2025

The 7th Annual JEEP TRAIL COURSE at The Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge is almost here! Get ready for an unforgettable ride through 80 acres of twists, turns, steep climbs, descents, and stunning Smoky Mountain views.

📍Jeep owners will enter next to REI (2655 Teaster Ln Pigeon Forge, TN)
📆 : Thursday, August 21st - Saturday, August 23rd: 9am - 7pm
💲 : Cost per Jeep is a $30 on-site course fee and a waiver must be signed.

*This is a stock friendly course, but 4WD may be needed on certain hill climbs and
descents. Winches are not required. Due to the steep inclines and descents, the trail is weather permitting. More info & tickets: https://gsmji.com/merchandise/mountain-mile-trail-course

08/15/2025

Bear safety reminder: never feed a black bear.

Feeding bears is illegal, with penalties up to $5,000 in fines and 6 months in jail.

In just the past week, there have been three separate incidents of visitors feeding black bears in the park. One occurred at Maloney Point, where a visitor was cited for feeding a mother bear and her two cubs.

Why it matters:
Feeding bears can be extremely dangerous for both bears and visitors. Bears learn quickly. Feeding a bear even once can lead to that bear seeking out humans for food. Feeding a bear even once can result in that bear becoming conditioned to human food, losing its natural fear of humans. A food conditioned bear is more likely to be hit by a car as it seeks out human food and may exhibit more aggressive behavior toward visitors. In some cases, feeding a bear can result in the euthanasia of the animal.

How you can help:

- Never feed any wildlife (including birds and squirrels).

- Stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) away from black bears.

- Store food and scented items securely.

- Leave pets at home.

- Stay alert and aware.

- Report any violations or unusual bear behavior to park officials.

Let’s work together to keep our bears wild. Your actions make a difference.

Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-reminds-visitors-that-feeding-bears-is-illegal-and-dangerous.htm



NPS Photo

08/15/2025

🎉 Dollywood Thanks Our Everyday Heroes! 🎉

Public Employees Appreciation Days return to Dollywood starting July 28! As a special thank-you, military members, first responders, teachers, medical professionals, and government employees can score $59 one-day tickets (plus tax) with verification through ID.me.

This limited-time offer runs through September 14, and up to six tickets can be purchased per verified employee at Dollywood.com/PublicEmployee. Plus—special resort rates up to 15% off are available at DreamMore and HeartSong Lodge!

Now’s the perfect time to enjoy Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration or plan ahead for the dazzling Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights starting September 12. 🎃🍂

08/15/2025

A new pour is coming! 🥃
Our 2025 limited release for Grains & Grits drops this fall featuring our Seven Year Straight Bourbon and a NEW Pecan Wood-Finished Tennessee Whiskey. Pre-orders open September 1st. Mark your calendars! ✍️

08/03/2025

Bears are always looking for food. They have noses that can smell lunch from a mile away and the tastebuds of the average two-year old; they’ll eat just about anything, including stuff that’s not even food.

Some simple precautions will keep bears out of your vehicle, your home away from home and your garbage, leftovers and picnic lunch.

* Lock vehicles, and don’t leave windows open even a crack. Bears are very strong, with nimble claws that can easily peel down the window.
* Remove anything with an odor from your vehicle, including all food, drinks, trash, pet food and anything that smells, such as gum, air fresheners, suntan lotion and scented toiletries. If it still smells like a food truck, spray the inside with an unscented sanitizer.
* Keep porches and decks clean; they’re not safe places to leave food, trash, recycling, beverages or coolers.
* Close and lock your doors at night. Ask your host if there have been bear visits in your area. If the answer is yes, close and lock all bear-accessible windows, not just those on the ground floor.

Heading to bear country for the weekend or vacation? Check out this BearWise article to help you prepare and plan ahead: bearwise.org/vacationing-in-bear-country-what-to-know-before-you-go

08/03/2025

From our friends at WonderWorks Pigeon Forge
“So long summer! 👋 We're wrapping up the season with an epic BOGO deal on online tickets this weekend only!

✴️ Use code SUMMERBOGO at checkout online to buy one ticket and get the second of equal or lesser value for FREE. ✴️

Deal ends at midnight, so don't miss out! Buy now, go later: www.wonderworkstn.com/ticket-prices “

08/03/2025

🎢 Dollywood Midweek Closure Reminder 🎢

If you’re planning a visit soon, just a quick reminder: Dollywood will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from August 12 through September 4. 🗓️

❌ Closed Dates:
August 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
September 2, 4

This has been on the official park calendar, but it still catches some guests off guard—so plan ahead!

✅ The park remains open the rest of the week, with all your favorite shows, rides, and cinnamon bread waiting! 🍞🎠✨

Tag your Dollywood crew and make the most of those open days in the Smokies!

08/03/2025

🚧 Road Update: Newfound Gap Road 🚧

US 441/Newfound Gap Road is now open on the North Carolina side between Cherokee and Newfound Gap. Visitors are welcome to drive this section of the road, but must turn around at the Newfound Gap overlook. Visitors can access Kuwohi from the North Carolina side.

Thanks to our facilities staff who worked through rain to place signs and barriers and to quickly open this section of the road ahead of schedule!

US 441/Newfound Gap Road remains closed to all traffic between Sugarlands and Newfound Gap due to a landslide event. Please follow signage and do not enter any closed areas--the closure is in place for your safety!

Stay informed on road conditions and updates:
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm