Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Are you an adrenaline addict? Boy, do we have the place for you to check out right here in the Smoky Mountains! The Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee is an 11-mile stretch of U.S. Route 129 that has captured the hearts of thrill-seekers from all across the globe. A total of 318 curves in this scenic stretch make the Tail of a Dragon a must for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts! Here’s everything you need to know about driving the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee:

If you’re ready to “pop the question” to your sweetheart, you need a beautiful place to do it. You’ll be happy to know that the Great Smoky Mountains have lots of them. While it may be tough to pick one, we’ve got you covered! Here is a list of the best Smoky Mountain proposal spots in the national park:

You’ve heard about some of the most popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, but many of those can be crowded, especially during peak seasons. Cataloochee Valley is a path less traveled in the Smokies, and one that’s every bit as stunning as some of the more well-known drives. This journey into the quiet wild on the North Carolina side of the national park combines natural beauty, deep history, and remarkable wildlife. Here’s what you need to know about taking a scenic drive through Cataloochee Valley:

Whether you’re a frequent Smoky Mountain visitor looking for a new place to explore or planning your first visit to the area, you should definitely visit the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains, specifically Deep Creek! Keep reading to learn more about the top 3 things to do around Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains:

One fun way to beat the heat when you come to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the summer is swimming. Splash around in the cool water while admiring the timeless scenery. While not all the streams and creeks in the park are safe for swimming, there are several amazing spots to swim. With that being said, let us tell you how to reach some of our favorite Smoky Mountain swimming holes:

Summer is a great time for a visit to the Smoky Mountains. The weather is ideal for hiking, picnics, and more! As you are exploring the area, there are things not to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park you need to know about to ensure you have the most fun and safe experience. Here’s what you shouldn’t do this summer in the Smokies:

The timeless natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to many diverse ecosystems, even wetlands! A wetland is defined as a low-lying area of land that is covered with water, either seasonally or year-round. This moist habitat is vital for water quality, reducing stream erosion, and flood protection; it also provides a home for many creatures and plants, such as salamanders. So far, park scientists have mapped over 600 wetlands in the area, from marshes and swamps to sinkholes and beaver ponds! Read on to learn more about a few places where you’ll find wetlands in the Smokies:

We have some great news for visitors of Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Cataloochee, a popular area on the North Carolina side of the park is starting to reopen after suffering significant damage from Hurricane Helene. Read on to find out everything you to know about part of the Cataloochee Valley reopening:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 1,600 species of flowering plants, including 100 native tree species and 100 native shrub species. The most unusual plant in the park is undoubtedly the Ghost Plant, which is also known as Indian Pipe or Pinesap. The thing that makes this plant so unusual is that it lacks chlorophyll and doesn't need sunlight to survive, thus giving it the unique “ghost-like” appearance! Here are the top 3 things to know about the unusual Ghost Plant in Smoky Mountains National Park:

After major portions of Interstate 40 fell into the Pigeon River during Tropical Storm Helene, the road reopened at the beginning of March and marked a major step towards repairing a critical corridor through the mountains of Western North Carolina! Although the highway is once again open for travel, it will be one-way traffic in each direction until further repairs are completed. Here are the top 3 things to know about the reopening of Interstate 40 at the Tennessee/North Carolina border:

When it comes to visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is never too hard to find an entrance! Whether you are spending your vacation in Gatlinburg, camping in Townsend or visiting Cherokee NC, there is a convenient entrance into the park! This means that you can quickly be on your way to exploring all of the treasures in the park, including scenic hiking trails, fascinating historical structures and incredible wildlife! Here are the top 3 entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Greenbrier near Gatlinburg TN is one of the most beautiful areas of the Smokies, and if you're planning a visit to the national park, Greenbrier should certainly be on your itinerary Why? You can easily spend all day in the Greenbrier area of the Great Smoky Mountains, which is why it has quickly become a visitor’s favorite spot. Here is your guide to spending a day in the Smoky Mountain Greenbrier area:

One of the most unique and fun ways to experience the beauty of the Cades Cove area is with a guided horseback ride! These relaxing trail rides depart from the Cades Cove Riding Stables, adjacent to the Cades Cove Campground, and are excellent for both beginners and experienced riders alike! The rides are approximately one hour long, so you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the hiking trails, historical buildings, and the other sights in this stunning area of the National Park! Here are the top 4 things to know about horseback riding in Cades Cove:

If you don’t mind the colder temperatures for a winter hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll find that your efforts are well rewarded! The winter months offer some of the most dramatic scenery along the park’s trails, including the majestic sight of frozen waterfalls! When water falls so fast, you may have wondered how it finds the time to turn to ice! Here are 3 Interesting things to know about how Smoky Mountain waterfalls freeze:

The Smoky Mountains are home to popular spots you’ll love, like Cades Cove and Laurel Falls, but there are also some hidden gems in the park! If you’re hoping to step off the beaten path on your vacation and explore some lesser known areas, we can help. We’ve made a list of 5 hidden places in the Smoky Mountains you have to find.