Great Smoky Mountains Info

We know you’ve heard a lot about the Tennessee side of the Smoky Mountains, but if you haven’t visited the North Carolina side of the park yet, it’s definitely worth exploring! From gorgeous waterfalls to wildlife viewing opportunities, there is so much to see and do on this side of the park. To make sure you don’t miss out on the top activities, we’re sharing the top things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

If you always wanted to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and you’re not into hiking, you’ll still find plenty of ways to enjoy this spectacular destination! You can have a fantastic time in the Smoky Mountains without ever setting your foot on a trail, as the area offers everything from excellent visitor centers to gorgeous scenic overlooks! Here are 4 unique things to do in the Smokies that non-hikers will love:

Are you looking for a relaxing thing to do on your Tennessee or North Carolina trip to the Smokies? Do you want a chance of scenery at mealtime? If so, you should plan a picnic. Let us help you start planning! Here are 4 tips for visiting picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains:

Are you planning a romantic getaway to Tennessee or North Carolina and looking for things to do? If so, you should definitely visit the Smokies. The national park has lots of great things to do with your sweetheart! Let us tell you more about them. Here is a list of 3 fun things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains for couples:

Have you been longing for a late summer visit to the Smokies? If so, this is your sign to start planning one! Let us tell you about all the fun that’s in store! Here is a list of 3 reasons to plan a late summer visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

When you’re planning to camp in the Smoky Mountains, we’re sure that you want to have a campfire under the stars at night! After all, this is the quintessential camping experience and there is nothing like making s’mores and relaxing around the warmth of the fire with your family and friends! Before you pick up a bundle of wood for that campfire, keep in mind that there are some important firewood restrictions in place to protect the ecosystem! Here are the top 4 things to know about the firewood policies at Smoky Mountains National Park:

One of the most unique ways to experience Cades Cove Loop Road is with a guided hayride! Sit back and relax in a comfortable truck-pulled, hay-filled trailer as you enjoy a nostalgic ride around the loop with your family and friends! On your fully narrated adventure, you may even catch a glimpse of the wildlife inhabiting Cades Cove, such as white-tailed deer, black bears, raccoons, turkeys, and woodchucks! Here are the top 4 things to know about the Cades Cove hayrides:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country, with an average of more than 12 million visits per year over the past decade! This is not only due to the park’s convenient location within an easy drive of many major cities, but also the beautiful setting, historical buildings, abundance of wildlife, and more! Since the park can get quite busy during peak times, one of the toughest challenges can be parking at your favorite trail! Here are the top 4 Smoky Mountain parking tips for your visit to the National Park:

Hiking is a widely beloved activity at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you love the area and want to stick around after your hike, there is much more to experience. Read on to learn more! Here is a list of 3 fun things to do after hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

If you always dreamed about holding your wedding or other special event within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can make that a reality by reserving the Spence Cabin! This large cottage was built in 1928 as a vacation home for Alice Townsend, wife of Colonel Townsend, who owned both the Little River Lumber Company and the Little River Railroad. The National Park Service has restored the cabin to its historic appearance and it’s now available for day-use rentals! Here are the top things you need to know about renting the Spence Cabin:

One of the best parts of being in the Smokies is enjoying nature. A popular way to do so is by setting out on a relaxing hike. If you're planning your first hike here, we want it to be the best time. Follow these helpful tips in our guide to planning a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

The Smoky Mountains are a fantastic destination for motorcyclists, as you’ll find plenty of scenic roads to explore throughout the area! Some of the area’s most breathtaking rides include the Foothills Parkway, Newfound Gap Road, and the iconic Tail of the Dragon, which features 318 curves within just 11 miles of twisting road! Before heading out on your Harley, you’ll want to use some extra precautions while cruising through the Smokies! Here are the top 4 tips for staying safe on your Smoky Mountain motorcycle ride:

One of the benefits of visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the summer months is that you can enjoy long days of daylight, giving you plenty of extra time to hit the trails! While the summer temperatures in the Smokies are generally moderate, especially at higher elevations, there can still be heat waves where you’ll want to be extra careful on the trails! If you happen to visit the Smokies when it’s a bit warm outside, check out these top 4 ways to keep cool while hiking in the Smoky Mountains this summer:

If you’re looking for a unique insight into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, don’t miss the chance to join one of the ranger-led activities that are offered from spring through fall! You’ll discover everything from guided hikes to historic mill demonstrations and talks about the wildlife in the park! The best part is that most of the activities are free, and you can just show up to join the fun! Here are the top 4 reasons to take advantage of the ranger activities in the Smoky Mountains:

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is always an adventure, and you never know what you’ll encounter while exploring the trails! Some of the things that you may discover are footbridges, narrow bridges that lead over small creeks and streams to connect trails. You’ll also find several unique pedestrian bridges that are fun to cross, including one that is directly behind a waterfall! Here are 3 unique Smoky Mountain bridges to experience during your hike in the national park: