Smoky Mountains

If someone mentions the Smoky Mountains, you probably think of the cities, fun attractions, and, of course, black bears! As the unofficial mascot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, several hundred black bears call this area home. How much do you know about these magnificent creatures though? Here are 5 things you need to know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains:

One of the most popular things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hiking! People come from all over the world to explore the trails, but you don’t have to be an avid hiker to go out and romp around in the woods! There are plenty of easy hikes you’ll be able to enjoy while you’re in town! Here are 6 of the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains for beginners:

No trip to the Smokies is complete without a stop at Cades Cove! There are plenty of activities and sights to see at this popular destination in the national park that are sure to keep you and your family occupied for hours! To help you make the most of your trip, here are 5 fun things to do when you visit Cades Cove.

The Great Smoky Mountains are known for being one of the top destinations in the country year-round, but when fall arrives, everyone wants to be in town. One glimpse at the rolling ridges covered in patchwork colors and you’ll understand why it’s one of the most beautiful times to experience Gatlinburg and the Smokies. One of the best things about the season is that there are plenty of options for viewing the autumn hues. Guests of all ages and physical abilities have the opportunity to experience one of the most stunning in Appalachia. Here are 3 of the best ways to take in the fall colors this year!

Over 520,000 acres make up the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park and for every countless sliver of beauty that can be found among the hills, there’s also an interesting fact or piece of history! We wanted to share 15 fun facts with you that may help you decide how to spend your time in the Smokies or that will just be fun to share with the family on your way into town!

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains close to 3,000 miles of streams and tributaries, including 19 major streams and rivers. With numbers like that there’s no surprise that the park is filled with stunning cascades, tranquil pools and a never ending list of waterfalls. Below we have listed 6 of the Smokies waterfalls that are accessible by trail. Not only are each of the waterfalls a sight that you don’t want to miss, but the hike to the destination is just as beautiful in every season as well! Happy hiking!

No trip to the Smokies is complete without a family hike! If you plan on hitting the trails while you’re here, Old Creek Lodge is the ideal place to stay. We are just a few minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it easy to get to and from all the best trails! To help you decide which ones to visit first, we made a list of the top 5 Smoky Mountain hikes that the whole family will love!

The Smokies are gorgeous year round, but there is something about the fall that adds another layer to them. The air is crisp, and the leaves are beautiful. There are so many beautiful places to take fall pictures in the Smokies, and this post will go over the ten best places. You’ll get breathtaking views and memories that will last a lifetime.

The Great Smoky Mountains National park ridges straddle through the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and sits on half a million acres of land. The park is renowned for its plants and animals diversity, beauty and rich mountain Appalachian culture. The Smoky Mountains is surrounded by waterfalls, creeks, and rivers that plunge to form natural swimming spots guaranteed to offer a refreshing and invigorating experience to those who splash and swim in them. Below is a list of the best swimming holes in the smoky mountains where you can enjoy pristine waters with a view of scenic beauty to behold.

Sevier County is recovering from a very unexpected tragedy. On November 28th, numerous structures in Gatlinburg were burned to their foundations. The fire destroyed at least 150 buildings, including iconic homes and a resort. Some buildings and attractions have survived largely intact, including the Dollywood amusement park in nearby Pigeon Forge. Before it was over, 2,460 structures had been damaged or destroyed in Sevier County. The worst price was paid by loss of life. 14 people have been confirmed dead in the wake of the disaster. 191 were injured.

Whether you’ve been coming to Gatlinburg for many years, or you’re a first time visitor, you simply must visit the Smoky Mountains Spring season. Spring time in the Smokies means new life, blooms on the trees and wildlife coming out of hibernation. The town of Gatlinburg holds their annual Springfest for three months as a celebration of warmer weather and the beauty of the season in the mountains. Spring in Gatlinburg also means that there is nearly always some special activity going on like a food festival, a fishing tournament or an arts and crafts presentation.

When it comes to Smoky Mountain vacations in the summer, the only real challenge you may face is trying to choose between all of the enjoyable options that await you. In the Smokies you are sure to find plenty of fun, relaxation, and adventure for the whole family!