Keith Garnes, our Land Specialist, invites you to join him at Wilderness Wildlife Week January 28th – February 1st, 2025.
Below he’ll share more about his experiences, and why he is so passionate about WWW.
The Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge is perhaps the best winter event in the Southeastern United States no one has ever heard of.
Now in its 33rd year, Wilderness Wildlife Week is committed to the education and enjoyment of the public to the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The WWW 2025 is committed to provide an enriching and enjoyable series of walks, talks and workshops plus informative exhibits.
My interaction with WWW goes back to the inaugural year of 1992. I was in awe of a presentation about wolves given by the staff of Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium near Kingsport. In the passing years I found a topic of interest in the outdoors of Tennessee that would allow me to become a “qualified authority” able to share knowledge with those who desire a deeper insight into the outdoors.
The topic is arches and natural bridges that many are surprised to find are prevalent along Tennessee’s trails. My first year as a presenter was 2011. The presentation had 32 slides with 14 arches and I was pressed to go over thirty minutes with the content. To my amazement was the enthusiastic group discussion that followed. So were the days before the widespread knowledge shared by the internet.
For 2025, Arches and Natural Bridges along Tennessee’s Trails presentation will have over 60 slides depicting 24 arches. With the help of Craig Johnston (Big South Fork region expert), we will cover all known arches along trails in Tennessee.
Our presentation will be February 1 @ 10:30 at the Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center, 3230 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
Hope is given that the Wilderness Wildlife Week will become on the radar for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Pigeon Forge.
I believe a deeper connection to the mountains can be had by all who participate.
Online Registration is now open for hikes, bus tours and craft classes are now open!
