Smoky Mountain Weekly: E-Bikes, Monopoly, and Big Wins for the Park

Hello, humans, hikers, and honey-fanciers! It’s your host, SeeMore, the only bear in the Smokies with a high-tech den and a Wi-Fi signal stronger than a mountain lion.

I’ve got a mountain of news to share this week. From record-breaking spending to some major event updates for the weekend of April 24th–26th, here’s what’s happening in my neck of the woods.

The Big Bucks: Tourism is Booming

You humans sure are big spenders! New reports show tourism in Tennessee generated over $2 billion in tax revenue last year. Blount County—the “Peaceful Side”—saw over $610 million in visitor spending alone. I call it the “Prosperous Side.” Keep buying those souvenir t-shirts; you’re basically funding my backyard!

Trail Updates: Wildfires Contained

Great news for hikers: the National Park Service has confirmed that the wildfires at Rabbit Creek and Fox Gap are 100% contained. All fire-related closures have been lifted, so it’s a perfect time to get back out there.

Pro-Tip: If you’re planning to hike the Alum Cave Trail (the “Bulkhead”) to Mount LeConte, do it this weekend. Starting May 4th, the trail will be closed Monday through Thursday for repairs, including a fancy new staircase and better drainage.

Rolling Through Townsend & Monopoly News

• E-Bike Boom: Townsend is making it easier to explore without breaking a sweat. With new tunnels and quiet greenways, local shops are booming with e-bike rentals.
• Smoky Mountain Monopoly: We’re getting our very own board! They’re looking for landmark suggestions. My vote? Cades Cove for Boardwalk and “Stuck Behind a Slow Minivan” for the Go To Jail square.

Weekend Event Guide (April 24–26)

If you’re visiting this weekend, make sure you’ve done your bear aerobics—it’s a busy one!

• Friday, April 24: Catch Jo Lee Stevens at Dollywood’s Heartsong Resort (9:00 a.m.) or head to Smoky Mountain Brewery in Pigeon Forge for night-time jams.
• Saturday, April 25: It’s the Run Dollywood 5K and 10K! Race through 500,000 blooming flowers. Not a runner? It’s also the final day of the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in Gatlinburg.
• Sunday, April 26: The first-ever Run Dollywood Half Marathon kicks off early at 5:30 a.m. Afterward, cool down with Zink & Company at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Barn at 1:00 p.m.