Though Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee has technically been running for several days, it’s not too late to catch the tail end of this celebrated outdoor immersion experience! Take a trip to the Smokies this weekend to participate in the 25th anniversary. There will be workshops, lectures, discussions, presentations, and adventures all in honor of the great outdoors.
Wilderness Wildlife Week began in 1990 under the influence of photographer Ken Jenkins, and has skyrocketed in popularity ever since. Today, over 25,000 people travel to Pigeon Forge every year to take part in this unique getaway tradition. Jenkins himself remains surprised at just how successful the event has become, but loves to see his own enthusiasm for the outdoors spread so far.
“I really believed in the idea that the more that we can let people know about these mountains, and the things that are so wonderful about coming here,” he says, “the more they will fall in love with mountains and the more they will want to take care of things.”
Join in on Jenkins’ project and see all that the Smokies have to offer this winter season. Wilderness Wildlife Week packs each day full of exciting outdoor fun, and the events continue through the whole weekend. You can expect lessons on wilderness navigation, Leave No Trace, animal interaction, photography, food sources, music, and even moonshine-making. Plus, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore the trails, rivers, rocks, and forests of the area with your fellow outdoorsmen and women. Check out the full schedule to plan your trip.
The event will use the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge as its headquarters, where participants can register for sessions, get more information, and view photography exhibits. Don’t miss this chance to get outside, even in these colder months, and escape into the wild!
