Great Smoky Mountains Info

Did you know that the most populous animal in the Great Smoky Mountains is also one of the smallest? The Smokies are deemed the “Salamander Capital of the World” because the area is home to over 30 species. During your visit, one of the best places you can find them is around Grotto Falls. The rocks, water, and cool climate make for an excellent salamander habitat. Before you begin your search though, take some time to learn a little more about these small creatures. Here is a list of 4 interesting facts about salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains:

If you love the gorgeous sight of Smoky Mountain wildflowers in the springtime, you won’t want to miss the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage! This popular annual event takes place in late April and features professionally-guided walks, exhibits, and other learning opportunities to explore the region’s rich natural and cultural resources! Here are the top 4 reasons why you’ll want to experience the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage:

Are you looking for a low-maintenance activity on your next trip to Tennessee or North Carolina? If so, you should consider spending the day looking at gorgeous natural scenery. Did you know you can do that from the comfort of your car? Scenic drives offer some of the best opportunities to explore the Smokies. With that being said, here is a list of 3 reasons why you should embark on one of the Smoky Mountain scenic drives:

When planning a vacation to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Sevierville, you may be wondering, “When is the best time of year to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?” You’ll be happy to know that many people visit the park year-round to see the beautiful natural scenery. Even so, there may be more ideal times of year to do certain activities, and we want to help you decide the best time to visit based on what you’re looking for. Here is when you should visit if you want to see fall foliage or snow, or if you just want to get out and explore:

The Cades Cove Riding Stables is preparing to open for another exciting season at the beginning of March, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy this family-friendly destination! This is the only national park-authorized riding stables of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cades Cove, and they offer several unique ways to experience the stunning beauty of the Cades Cove section of the park! Here are 3 fun activities at Cades Cove Riding Stables for the whole family:

One of the primary reasons why so many folks love visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is for the chance to see some of the park’s wildlife! While much of the park is covered in dense forest, there are several open areas where you can see white-tailed deer, black bears, elk, raccoons, turkeys, and many other animals! While it may be tempting to get up close for that perfect photo, you’ll want to keep safety in mind at all times- both for yourself and for the animal. Here are the top 3 safety tips about viewing the Smoky Mountain wildlife:

Are you taking a family vacation to Tennessee or North Carolina and looking for more things to do? If so, you should definitely consider taking a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains! With over 800 miles of hiking trails, there is no shortage of routes to take. Here is a list of 3 reasons why your kids will love hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful park filled with many areas to explore! In order to maintain the beauty and keep it thriving for generations to come, a parking fee will be required starting in early March 2023. Here is everything you need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains parking fee coming 2023:

While the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park will continue to be free, the park is instituting a parking tag program that begins on March 1, 2023. Therefore, if you are visiting the park anytime on/after that date and plan to park your vehicle for more than 15 minutes at any location within the park, a paid parking tag will be required. The tags are available for daily, weekly, and annual use in the amounts of $5, $15, and $40, respectively. Here are 3 convenient ways to purchase your Great Smoky Mountains parking tag:

Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can explore its natural beauty in a couple of ways. They can go on foot and take advantage of the over 800 miles of hiking trails. On the other hand, visitors who don’t prefer hiking can enjoy the views from the comfort of their own vehicle on the motor trails. If you want a different experience, you’ll be excited to know that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is planning on making it easier for visitors to explore the area in another way. With that being said, read about all the details of the new mountain biking plan in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 150 documented historic cemeteries that are an essential element of the park’s collective history, providing a fascinating insight into past religious beliefs, burial customs, cultural influences, and landscape design principles! These cemeteries often provide one of the last real connections to the past and many of the gravesites are the final resting place for war veterans. Here are 4 interesting facts about the veteran gravesites in Smoky Mountain cemeteries:

People love coming to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see its natural beauty. Hiking is one of the most popular ways for visitors to explore, as the park has over 800 miles of trails. If you don’t enjoy hiking or want to try a new activity, explore the beautiful views while riding on the back of a majestic four-legged friend. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 4 riding stables that are open from mid-March to late November. Here is a list of 4 reasons why you will love Smoky Mountain horseback riding:

The Smoky Mountains are a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts all year long, even during the winter months! In fact, many folks consider this their favorite time of year to visit the Smokies as there are far fewer crowds on the hiking trails and the scenery is especially wonderful! As long as you have the proper gear for the conditions and don’t mind a little chilly weather, this can be a fantastic time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Here are the top 4 reasons why outdoor enthusiasts love visiting the Smoky Mountains in the winter:

You may be surprised to know that there are 30 salamander species that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In fact, the population of salamanders in the park is so high that they would collectively outweigh all the mammals in the park! While most mammals, amphibians and reptiles spend the colder months in Tennessee hunkered down in burrows waiting for the warmer weather, winter is actually a busy time for salamanders! Here are the top 3 reasons why you can see salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the winter:

The Great Smoky Mountains’ beauty draws in visitors year-round. Even though nature is technically always open, there may be some areas in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are closed throughout the year, particularly in the colder months. Before you visit this winter, find out what areas of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park are going to be open and closed: