Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great attraction to put on your itinerary if you're vacationing in Tennessee or North Carolina. You'll be able to see why it receives more than 12 million visitors each year! This is more visitors than any other national park in the United States. It's time to prepare for your visit. Here is a list of the top 3 things to know before exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open all year long and winter can be one of the best times to explore the park! There are far fewer visitors during the winter months, making it the perfect opportunity to hike along some of the more popular trails. As a bonus, you’ll be treated to some spectacular winter scenery including icy formations in the forest, snow capped mountains and much more! If you have just one day available to explore the park, here are the top 3 tips for planning a perfect day when visiting the Smoky Mountains in the winter:

If you’ve been feeling a bit of “cabin fever” this winter with the colder weather and shorter days of sunlight, boost your mood with a getaway to the Smoky Mountains! The winter temperatures in the Smokies are generally moderate at the lower elevations so that you can get outdoors and enjoy the hiking trails in the national park, all without the crowds of the peak times of year! Here are the top 4 reasons why a winter trip to the Smoky Mountains is good for your mental health:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open all year long for your enjoyment, and the winter months offer some unique activities for those who don’t mind a little cold weather! Whether you want to see one of the park’s famous waterfalls frozen in place or the spectacular sight of snow-capped mountains, the winter is a special time to experience the Smokies without the crowds! Here are 4 unique things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains in the winter:

Do you have plans to visit the national park during winter in the Smokies? Winter offers a serene and magical experience, perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s a great time to visit as the park tends to be less crowded than many other times of the year. Whether you’re a nature lover or a photography enthusiast, the Smokies are a winter wonderland full of breathtaking sights and peaceful landscapes. Check out these 5 must-visit places in the park during winter in the Smokies:

If you ever heard the phrase that the “early bird gets the worm”, this is certainly true with a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Since the park is open 24 hours, you can get an early start on popular trails to beat the crowds, take advantage of excellent parking availability, and more! Here are the top 4 benefits of being an early riser for your day at Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

While visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park are lucky enough to enjoy free entry, many other national parks require an entrance fee. If you’re planning to visit some of our nation’s other parks throughout the year, your best option may be the America the Beautiful Pass! This annual pass covers entrance fees at national parks across the country, and it even offers a significant discount for applicable pass holders who want to go camping in the Smokies! Here are the top 3 benefits of purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass:

If you are planning a holiday trip to the Smokies to experience Smoky Mountain Winterfest and other fun seasonal events in the area, you might be wondering if it’s worth spending some time in the national park! Of course, our answer is a resounding “YES”! The Christmas holidays can be an excellent time to explore some of the hiking trails in the park, complete with dramatic and unique winter scenery! Before making your plans, check out these 4 tips for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the holiday season:

There are certain guidelines to follow when visiting the Smokies during every season, and late fall is no exception. If you're planning a visit for this time of year, let us tell you about what to expect. Read on to learn more! Here is a list of 3 things to know when visiting the Smoky Mountains National Park in late fall:

While hiking along the trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you may have noticed that the clear waters in the streams appear to be immaculate! The water quality affects many aquatic animals throughout the Smokies, including salamanders and frogs. It also affects non-aquatic species, such as birds who find their source of food in park streams. If you have been wondering if this crystal clear water is truly pristine, check out these 4 interesting facts to know about the Smoky Mountains water quality:

If you’ve ever planned a trip to Tennessee or North Carolina, you may have seen the terms “national park” and “national forest” when consulting your map! These names are often confused with each other, especially since they work together to provide us with a wide spectrum of important uses! However, you’ll find that even though there are some similarities, they do serve different purposes. Here are 3 ways to distinguish between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the national forests in Tennessee and North Carolina:

The name of Clingmans Dome has officially been restored to Kuwohi, which is the Cherokee name for the mountain and translates to “mulberry place.” This is one of the most popular sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with more than 650,000 visitors per year, and it is the tallest point in Tennessee and the third-highest summit east of the Mississippi River. Here are the top 4 things to know about the Kuwohi name restored to the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains:

If you’re looking for some creepy fun this Halloween season, don’t miss the chance to explore some of the most haunted destinations in the Smokies! The Smoky Mountains have a rich history with many local legends of hauntings, so keep your eyes open as you never know what you might see! Here are 4 haunted places to visit in the Smoky Mountains this Halloween:

Are you unsure of the weather during your visit to the Smokies? You'll be glad to know that a little rain won't put a damper on the fun. We can help you be properly prepared, which will make for both a safe and fun time. Read on to learn more! Here is your guide to visiting the Smoky Mountains when it rains:

The beautiful national parks in our country have always drawn people to enjoy stunning natural landscapes, hiking adventures, and other exciting outdoor activities! Nowadays, people are flocking to U.S. national parks more than ever to experience all of the natural and historic wonders that they offer! If you’ve always wondered which parks are the most popular in terms of visitation, the National Park Service has released an official list based on 2023 data! Here are the top 5 most visited national parks in the United States: