Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful place. Visitors love to be out in the fresh air exploring the timeless beauty. Proper planning is the key to a smooth visit! Keep reading for some helpful tips. Here is our list of 3 realities about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

While you can enjoy the magnificent natural wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park all year long, there are some roads that are closed during the winter months due to the weather. These include some of the roads at higher elevations, such as Kuwohi Road, as well as narrow routes at lower elevations, including the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Therefore, you will want to plan your trip accordingly during any winter visit to the Smokies! Here are some important things to know about GSMNP road closures:

When temperatures are at their coldest, the Smokies become a real-life winter wonderland. Snow blankets the ground and rests on the tree branches. The scene looks like something off a postcard. If you choose to visit during the season, be mindful of some additional safety tips. Read on to see what they are! Here is a list of 4 safety tips for visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park in winter.

If you're a frequent visitor to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ve probably seen all the popular things. This includes Kuwohi, black bears, and stunning spring wildflowers. You’ll be happy to know that there is much more ground to cover on future trips! Use this interactive Smoky Mountain scavenger hunt as a guide. See if you can find everything on this list of unique and rare things in the park:

There will never be a dull moment when you come to the Smokies. There are fun activities to do as you enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and rich historical background. Read on to learn about some of them and create the best itinerary for your visit. Here is a list of 3 unique things to do in the Smoky Mountains:

If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you’ve likely heard about the 2025 government shutdown. Many folks, especially those with upcoming trips planned to the Smokies, have the same question: is Smoky Mountain National Park open during the shutdown? With fall colors beginning to paint the landscape during this popular time of year, we want to share all the latest information. Here is what you need to know about visiting the Smoky Mountain National Park during the 2025 government shutdown:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has beautiful scenery year-round, but there’s something extra special about visiting during the autumn season, and seeing the leaves on the trees adorned with vibrant colors. You can see these hues starting in mid to late September in the higher elevations, with peak season being in late October each year. While hiking is certainly the most popular choice for viewing fall colors, it’s not the only option! Here are just a few additional ways to see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains without hiking:

There’s nothing quite like fall in the Smokies! The weather turns crisp and cool, the landscape becomes full of reds, oranges, and yellows that ease the mind, and memories are waiting to be made with those you love the most. But to truly understand the beauty of autumn here, you have to experience it for yourself! Once you arrive you feel like you’ve been transported to a world away, where life becomes about slowing down, taking it all in, and spending quality time with loved ones. Here are 5 reasons you have to experience fall in the Smokies for yourself:

The Smoky Mountains aren’t just a destination; they’re a constantly evolving ecosystem that changes in appearance throughout the year. One of its best looks happens to be during autumn when Smokies fall foliage paints the area vibrant colors of yellows, oranges, and reds! While there are a variety of different ways to take in these colorful sights, one of the best ways to get up close and personal is via hikes in the Smoky Mountains. Here are 5 of the top hikes in the Smoky Mountains to see Smokies fall foliage:

Are you planning your first-ever visit to the Smokies? Are you an avid visitor who just has a specific question about what’s allowed or what’s open? Whatever the case may be, we’ve got some helpful information for you! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Whether you’ve traveled the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail before or you’re planning your first visit, there’s a hidden stop that many folks don’t know about: Ely’s Mill! The 5.5-mile drive along this scenic road includes serene streams, historic homesteads, and stunning forests. But what ties the area all together can be found in Ely’s Mill at the end of the drive! This hidden gem is a place where history, culture, and craftsmanship merge in one scenic spot! Here’s why Ely’s Mill is the perfect finale to the Roaring Fork drive:

Severe rainfall caused a landslide on Newfound Gap Road, also known as US 441, between mile markers 12 and 13, causing the National Park Service to temporarily close the Tennessee side of the road. Because of the landslide, which occurred on August 1, 2025, this section of Newfound Gap Road is impassable. The park service says about 100 feet of the roadway were undercut by rising water from Walker Camp Prong, affecting the southbound lane. Continue reading as we share everything you need to know about the closure of the Tennessee side of Newfound Gap Road:

The Townsend Wye, or the “Y”, is located on the quieter side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it has quickly become one of the most popular areas, especially during the summer! If you’re wondering what you can do there or want to know more before you visit, take a look at some of these frequently asked questions about Townsend Wye:

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, take a trip to the peaceful side of the Smokies. This beautiful portion of the national park is typically less crowded and feels more laid-back, attracting families who want to enjoy some peace and quiet. Can't decide where to visit? We can help! Read about some of our favorite places to visit and things to do in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains:

The Smoky Mountains offer guests gorgeous mountain views, outdoor adventures that are equally relaxing as exciting, history lessons, and chances to see wildlife. Yet, perhaps the most important thing it provides is the opportunity to heal! In a world that’s more fast-paced than ever, the Smokies provide a much-needed break from all the challenges and stresses of life. The region gives visitors a chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect while surrounded by the peaceful beauty of nature. Here’s why the Smoky Mountains are a haven for nature therapy: