Great Smoky Mountains Info

Elkmont Ghost Town

5 Fun Facts About Elkmont Ghost Town

March 27, 2024

Before the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the popular tourist attraction that it is today, it was a popular settlement where people lived and worked. Because of this, some parts of the Smokies have a unique and fascinating history. Take some time to learn more about one of them! Here is a list of 5 fun facts about Elkmont Ghost Town:

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fireflies

Top 3 Things to Know About the Smoky Mountains Synchronous Fireflies Event

March 26, 2024

Each year from late May to early June, thousands of lucky visitors gather near the Elkmont Campground to witness a fascinating light show from a firefly species called Photinus carolinus! They are one of only a couple species in North America that are known to synchronize their flashing light pattern, creating a rare phenomenon that is incredible to witness at night! Due to the popularity of this special event within the park, a lottery process is held to gain access. Here are the top 3 things to know about the Smoky Mountains Synchronous Fireflies Event:

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National Park Sign

3 Things to Know About Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

March 20, 2024

More than 10 million visitors come to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year. They love the fresh air, stunning natural scenery, and rich history. If you’re currently planning your first visit, you’re in for a treat. Take a moment to learn more about the area! Explore this list of 3 things to know about visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

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Timber Tops Cabin

Everything You Need to Know About Where to Stay in the Smokies

March 4, 2024

When you are planning a trip to visit Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the main things you will have to consider is where you want to stay while you are here in the area! While a day trip to the Smoky Mountains can be lots of fun, it is not feasible for everyone and staying overnight allows you to truly immerse yourself in the magic of the area. With that in mind, we have got you covered when it comes to where to stay in the Smokies with these excellent choices:

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snow in the Smoky Mountains

Your Guide to Visiting the Smoky Mountains During Every Season

February 29, 2024

If you are planning a trip to Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the top things you will want to consider is what time of year to visit! While there are incredible sights to see and lots of fun activities during each season, there are some differences in terms of what you can expect from your visit, depending on when you come to the park. Fortunately, we have got you covered with our helpful guide to visiting the Smoky Mountains during every season:

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general store sign

Top 4 Reasons Why General Stores Were an Important Part of Smoky Mountain History

February 29, 2024

In today’s modern society, it’s difficult to imagine a world without online shopping and big box stores! Just like shopping is important to us, it was also essential to the thousands of people in communities who lived in the Smokies before the creation of the national park in 1934. Along with schools, churches, and gristmills, many communities supported general stores. Here are the top 4 reasons why general stores were an important part of Smoky Mountain history:

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smoky mountains park view

4 Things to Know About Having Your Wedding in the Smoky Mountains National Park

February 28, 2024

If you ever dreamed about holding your wedding ceremony among the gorgeous backdrop of the Smokies, you can make that a reality with one of the approved wedding locations within the national park! There are many beautiful and iconic scenic landscapes throughout the park to create an ideal setting, so it’s no wonder why so many couples come to the Smokies to tie the knot! Here are the top 4 things to know about having your wedding in the Smoky Mountains National Park:

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Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls Trail to Receive Major Improvements in 2024

February 21, 2024

Every year, more than 10 million visitors come to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see the stunning natural scenery. While the beauty is timeless, the National Park Service (NPS) may make changes to some areas in an effort to improve the visitor experience. With that being said, take some time to read about the major improvements that Laurel Falls Trail is going to receive in 2024:

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spring in the Smoky Mountains

Have You Heard of Holy Butt in the Smoky Mountains?

February 15, 2024

By now, you’ve probably heard about some of the most popular places to visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, Elkmont, Roaring Fork, Newfound Gap and others all have a unique charm and a natural beauty that’s forever ingrained in your memory. Butt wait, there’s more! Among the many peaks that dot the Smoky Mountain skies is a lesser-known mountaintop with an unusual name: Holy Butt! Yes, you read that correctly! Continue reading to learn more about Holy Butt:

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National Park Sign

5 Reasons to Come Visit Smoky Mountains National Park

February 8, 2024

Are you looking for the perfect place to go on your next vacation? If so, you should consider coming to visit Smoky Mountains National Park! The Smokies are home to the most visited national park in the United States for a reason, with lots to explore and incredible sights to see. Here are just some of the top reasons to come visit Smoky Mountains National Park:

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Engine Grapeyard Ridge Trail

The Old Steam Engine: A Great Hidden Gem in the Smoky Mountains

January 31, 2024

Are you looking for unique spots and interesting sights in the Smoky Mountains? Well, you’re in luck! There are so many places to discover throughout the Smokies, including the Old Steam Engine — a fantastic hidden gem in the Smoky Mountains. If you want to learn more about the story behind this fascinating sight and find out how to visit it yourself, just read on to find out everything you need to know!

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river otters

4 Things to Know About River Otters in Smoky Mountains National Park

January 31, 2024

The Smoky Mountains are home to a fascinating variety of wildlife, including the North American River Otter! These adorable animals range throughout the lower elevation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and inhabit the areas around the various creeks and rivers. While taking a hike through these types of scenic areas in the park, keep your eyes open for otters at play! Here are the top 4 things to know about the river otters in Smoky Mountains National Park:

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sunset in great smoky mountains national park

3 Things You’ll Love About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

January 30, 2024

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great tourist destination in both Tennessee and North Carolina. It attracts more than 10 million visitors each year, making it the United States’ most-visited national park. If you’re in the process of planning your first visit, read on to learn more about it! Here is a list of 3 things you’ll love about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

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hikers in the smoky mountains national park

4 Hiking Shuttles That Provide Easy Access Into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

January 29, 2024

If you are planning a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during one of the busier times of the year, the last thing you want to worry about is parking hassles! While you can easily purchase the required Parking Tag to display while you’re in the park, you may have to arrive very early in the morning to secure a spot! Rather than dealing with this headache on busy days, consider taking one of the independent shuttle rides to and from the park! Here are 4 convenient hiking shuttles that provide easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

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cades cove primitive baptist church

3 Historical Structures on Cades Cove Loop Road

January 25, 2024

Cades Cove is the most popular area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as it receives about 5 million visitors each year. Long before it was a popular tourist spot in the United States’ most visited national park, the area was a thriving settlement. Some historical structures have been preserved, and visitors can see them when they drive along Cades Cove Loop Road. This is an 11-mile scenic loop that is jam-packed with beautiful views. Read on to learn more about it! Here is a list of 3 popular historical structures along Cades Cove Loop Road:

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