Great Smoky Mountains Info

You may be surprised to know that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open 24 hours, 365 days per year! There are a few roads that may close seasonally, particularly those at higher elevations, while others such as the Cades Cove Loop Road are open daily from sunrise to sunset. You may also find a few campgrounds, historic sites, and visitor centers closed during the winter months, but it is otherwise business as usual in the park all year long! Here are the top 4 reasons why Great Smoky Mountains National Park never closes:

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:

One of the best things to do when you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is admire the breathtaking views. The Smokies are some of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, yet the beauty never ages! Let us tell you about some of our favorite places to go and see them! Here is a list of 3 spots in the park that offer the best Smoky Mountain views:

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.

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:

The Laurel Falls Trail offers one of the most popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as the 2.3 mile roundtrip trail leads to a spectacular 80 foot waterfall. The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway which crosses the stream at the base of the upper falls. The National Park Service has announced that the trail will close for 18 months starting in January of 2025 as crews make improvements to the trail and parking areas. Here are the top 5 things to know about the major rehabilitation of the Laurel Falls Trail:

Did you know that the Smoky Mountains have a total of 150 different trails scattered across the one-of-a-kind natural landscape? That can make it difficult to decide exactly which trails you want to explore. If you’re looking for a shorter hike, you’re in luck! There are plenty of trails that offer the perfect balance of adventure and accessibility where you can get an up-close look at all the things that make the Smokies so special. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, here are 5 Smoky Mountain trails under 5 miles:

Many visitors to the Smokies love hiking, and this activity is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery. Of course, a successful hike involves proper planning to ensure it will be both fun and safe, so keep reading to learn how to set up a rewarding hike and have a memorable day exploring and hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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:

The Alum Cave Trail is one of the most beloved hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains, and for good reason. This scenic route is packed with breathtaking views, some fascinating history, and one-of-a-kind natural wonders that make every step an adventure. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a first-timer or a nature enthusiast, this trail offers plenty of surprises along the way. Here are 5 unique spots along the Alum Cave Trail:

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: