Winter isn't just coming - it's HERE

About a month ago, I posted some information about winter coming to the Smokies. Well, it has arrived! Check out this story from WBIR-TV - http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=146545. They actually closed all the Sevier County schools yesterday, even though they got "a dusting."

If you're coming to Gatlinburg this winter, please be prepared. Here are several things you can do:

1. Check the weather forecast just before you plan to travel. There are a couple of good sites, which you'll find on our Web sites under "Favorite Links." Click here to go to the All Decked Out links page.

2. Bring extra blankets, boots and a good working flashlight. You never know when the snow will hit. It's pretty easy to get to All Decked Out, but there's a very steep hill on the road up to Smoky Mountain Tower. We've arranged to have the road plowed and salted each time it snows, but you never know what will happen. There's actually a back way into Smoky Mountain Tower that requires a short (50-feet) walk through the woods. It's not the best, but it works in an emergency. That's why you need the boots and flashlight!

3. The road up to our cabins is posted, saying chains or 4-wheel drive vehicles are required from December 15 to March 15. I've never seen anyone stopped - but they CAN do it. So plan accordingly.

4. The National Park roads can close on very short notice. If your trip takes you through the Park, please call them just before you get off the Interstate to make sure the road through the Park is open. The number is 1-865-436-1200, ext. 631. This number is in the directions on our Web site, but make sure you have it with you.

We also encourage you to buy the Travel Insurance available on our reservation Web site. It's really cheap (only 7% of your rental cost), and we're told it works for weather situations where you can't get to the cabin. You can find more information on our Web site by clicking here.

As always, please contact us if you have any questions about travel to Gatlinburg this winter. We want you to come and stay with us, but we especially want you to be safe and sound!