A duo showcases their musical talent for Winter Heritage Festival. (The Herald/ Archived Photo)

A duo showcases their musical talent for Winter Heritage Festival. (The Herald/ Archived Photo)

The seventh annual Winter Heritage Festival in Townsend, TN, is set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1-2 with a kickoff reception at the Townsend Artisan Gallery (7843 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway) Thursday, Jan. 31 from 5-7 p.m.

The two-day event, complete with hiking, photography workshop, live music, dowsing class, book signings and special presentations about East Tennessee history, Appalachian traditions and the natural beauty of Townsend, Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, takes place at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Centerand the Smoky Mountain Visitor’s Center.

The Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont (9275 Tremont Rd.) is offering a session on winter woody plant identification at its visitor’s center on Feb. 1 at 9 a.m. Director Ken Voorhis will help identify woody plants in the forest.

Two hikes are scheduled beginning with Friday’s trek to Elijah and Polly Oliver’s place in Cades Cove. This 1 ½ hour hike is led by Park Ranger Mike Maslona at 11 a.m. Hikers are asked to meet at Abrams Falls parking lot.

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