Great Smoky Mountains National Park

sun shining mountain range in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Top 3 Ways to Avoid the Peak Crowds at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

June 28, 2023

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country and has received more than 12 million guests per year! While that may sound a bit intimidating for a first time visitor, the good news is that there are some easy ways that you avoid the majority of the crowds! Once you see the beauty of the Smokies for yourself, you’ll realize just why so many people have fallen in love with this stunning area of the country! Here are the top 3 ways to avoid the peak crowds at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Read More
Grotto Falls

4 Beautiful Waterfalls Along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

June 26, 2023

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is an exciting destination that features the stunning natural beauty of the Smokies, including some spectacular waterfalls! This popular one way loop road runs for 5.5 miles and offers several waterfalls hikes through the forest, as well as one waterfall where you don’t even need to get out of your car! Here are 4 beautiful waterfalls along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Read More
newfound gap road in the smoky mountains

Adventure Awaits: Your Ultimate Guide to Newfound Gap Road

June 23, 2023

As the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has no shortage of opportunities for amazing adventures. But with so much to do, where should you start? Let us suggest Newfound Gap Road, a scenic drive through the mountains with lots to do along the way! Read on and find out about this exciting spot in the Smoky Mountains National Park.

Read More
sign at one of the entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

5 Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids

June 21, 2023

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages! If you’re planning a family vacation to this breathtaking destination, you’ll be delighted to discover the wide variety of kid-friendly activities available. From hiking through scenic trails to becoming a Junior Ranger, the park offers a selection of unforgettable experiences for families with children. Here are some of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains National Park with kids:

Read More
tail of the dragon scenic route

Top 4 Motorcycle Rides in the Smoky Mountains

June 20, 2023

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Smokies is by riding your motorcycle through the Smoky Mountains! There are hundreds of miles of prime motorcycle rides throughout the Smokies, delivering the perfect combination of hairpin turns and spectacular scenery! It is no wonder why thousands of riders are attracted to the area each year, so get ready to hit the open road and cruise with the wind in your face! Here are the top 4 motorcycle rides in the Smoky Mountains:

Read More
Metcalf,Bottoms,Creek,Long,Exposure

Top 4 Reasons Why You’ll Love Visiting the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area

May 31, 2023

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to nearly a dozen picnic areas, so you might be wondering which one is the best for a meal in the great outdoors! While there is no wrong answer, the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area offers just about everything that you would want for a delicious lunch in the Smokies! You’ll not only find multiple tables and charcoal grills, but a beautiful environment to create the ultimate picnic experience! Here are the top 4 reasons why you’ll love visiting the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area:

Read More
Clingmans Dome at night

Top 3 Things To Do in the Smoky Mountains at Night

May 24, 2023

You might be surprised to know that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open 24 hours a day and 365 days per year! While some secondary roads, campgrounds, and other visitor facilities close during the winter months, the majority of the park is open all the time for your enjoyment! While hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing are popular during the daylight hours, you’re probably wondering what to do in the evening! Here are the top 3 things to do in the Smoky Mountains at night:

Read More
Smoky Mountains

Top 4 Reasons Why Great Smoky Mountains are the Most Visited National Park

May 13, 2023

You might be surprised to know that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! In fact, it receives more than the visitation of Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon national parks combined! The park experienced its second busiest year ever in 2022 with 12,937,633 visits, which marks the fourth time the park has exceeded 12 million yearly visits! Here are the top 4 reasons why the Great Smoky Mountains are the most visited park:

Read More
horses grazing in Cades Cove

4 Reasons to Go on a Smoky Mountains Horseback Riding Adventure

May 9, 2023

If you’re looking for an interesting way to discover the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, consider exploring the park on horseback! There are so many reasons to go on a Smoky Mountains horseback riding adventure, but here are a few of our favorites:

Read More
cataloochee valley

4 of the Best Things to Do in Cataloochee Valley

May 4, 2023

If you’re looking for an adventure in the mountains, look no further than Cataloochee Valley, one of the hidden gems of the Smoky Mountains! With rich history, incredible wildlife, and plenty of ways to experience the beauty of nature, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience when you visit Cataloochee Valley. Here are some of the best things to do when you visit:

Read More
mountains in the great smoky mountains national park

3 Things You Didn’t Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

April 30, 2023

Since the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was founded in June 1934, it has become a popular tourist attraction in both Tennessee and North Carolina. It is the most visited national park in the United States, as it attracts more than 12 million visitors each year. The picturesque natural scenery and the area’s rich history are just some of the things that keep everyone coming back. Get to know this awesome place a little better with a list of 3 things you didn’t know about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Read More
controlled burn in the Smoky Mountains

3 Interesting Things To Know About the Management of Wildland Fires in the Smoky Mountains

April 27, 2023

You might be surprised to know that the National Park Service uses wildland fires to preserve plants and animals within Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Due to extensive research by scientists in the southern Appalachians and other areas, park managers have learned that fire is a natural process that helps to maintain a healthy ecosystem. In fact, they have determined that at least a dozen of the park’s plants and animals benefit from fire! Here are 3 interesting things to know about the management of wildland fires in the Smoky Mountains:

Read More
Newfound Gap

3 of the Best Outdoor Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

April 24, 2023

One of the best parts of coming to Tennessee or North Carolina is being outdoors in the beauty of the Smokies. There is a lot to see and many ways to explore it. With that being said, here are 3 of the best outdoor activities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Read More
Black Bear in a field in the Smoky Mountains

3 Frequently Asked Questions About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

March 27, 2023

If you’re looking for more things to do on your Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Sevierville vacation, then come explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors love this attraction for its gorgeous natural scenery and rich history. It is no surprise that it has become the most visited national park in the United States. No matter how many times you’ve been there, get to know the area a little better! With that being said, explore this list of 3 frequently asked questions about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Read More
kuwohi winter

How to Get to Kuwohi When the Road is Closed

March 7, 2023

Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in Tennessee overall, coming in at 6,643 feet. Since the observation tower was built in 1959, visitors love to come back time and time again to see the breathtaking views. When planning your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is important to keep in mind that Kuwohi Road is closed from December through March. This is due to the hazardous conditions that snow and ice can cause in the winter months. This road may also close unexpectedly at other times of the year because of other conditions, such as heavy rain. Don’t worry, though! There are still ways to get to the Kuwohi observation tower throughout the year. With that being said, here is how to get to Kuwohi when the road is closed:

Read More