Great Smoky Mountains Info

Leconte Lodge

Top 3 Things to Know About the New Recreation Building Coming to the LeConte Lodge

July 30, 2026

The LeConte Lodge, the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States, is preparing to build a brand new recreation building that is set to open in 2027! Exposure to harsh weather at 6,500 feet elevation had caused significant deterioration to the original recreation building, so it was recently demolished for the safety of visitors and employees. The exciting news is that a new facility will take its place! Here are the top 3 things to know about the new recreation building coming to the LeConte Lodge:

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gravel road in Cades Cove

The History of Parson Branch Road in Cades Cove

July 21, 2026

While Cades Cove is known for its beautiful hiking trails, the popular spot is also home to popular scenic drives as well. The main Cades Cove loop is the most well-known. However, there are a couple of roads that branch off from the main route. We are going to tell you about one of them. Here is a list of everything you need to know about the history of Parson Branch Road in Cades Cove

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woman riding a horse in the Smoky Mountains

3 Unique Ways to Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

July 14, 2026

Visitors love to explore all that the Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer. While a classic hike or scenic drive is always a go-to, there are other ways to enjoy the area. We can tell you about them so that you can make plans for your next visit! Just keep reading. Here is a list of 3 unique ways to explore the Smoky Mountains National Park:

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Cosby Creek in Cosby area

Your Guide to the Cosby Area of the Smoky Mountains

July 10, 2026

If you’re looking for a great place to visit on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, let us tell you about an excellent area. We’ll let you in on all the reasons why we love it so that you can start planning the perfect day. Ready to find out what it is? Here is your guide to the Cosby area of the Smoky Mountains:

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National Park Sign

All the Details About the Potential 600+ Acre Addition to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

June 30, 2026

Great Smoky Mountains National Park could potentially increase by 638 acres with a large piece of forestland that has been acquired by a conservation project! The Foothills Land Conservancy recently shared that it has officially acquired the Oliver Tract, which borders the National Park near Townsend and Cades Cove. The conservation project plans to transfer that land to the National Park Service after a federal review and acceptance process is complete. Here are all the details about this potential 600+ acre addition to Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

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mules in the smokies

Steady & Dependable Mules: The Behind-the-Scenes Workers of the Smokies

June 26, 2026

The NPS employs hundreds of workers and volunteers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but there are some behind-the-scenes workers you probably aren’t as familiar with! You might know about the llamas that carry supplies to LeConte Lodge, but did you know that mules also help transport supplies to backcountry sites? Keep reading to learn more about these hard workers and some interesting facts about mules in the Smokies!

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swimming holes great smoky mountains

4 Tips for Visiting Swimming Holes in the Smoky Mountains

June 24, 2026

When the sun is shining and temperatures are up, it’s a great time to hike and explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But you’ll definitely want to find ways to beat the heat! Luckily, we've got a great recommendation: swimming and cooling off in the fresh mountain water! Read on to discover some helpful information before you take the plunge. Here is a list of 4 tips for visiting swimming holes in the Smoky Mountains:

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cades cove smoky mountains

3 Ways to Save on Your Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

June 20, 2026

Going to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular activity because visitors love its gorgeous scenery and fresh air. It is also very affordable! We want to share some easy ways to help you save even more money, so keep reading to learn more:

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Happy Birthday

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Celebrates Its 92nd Birthday!

June 15, 2026

We want to wish the Great Smoky Mountains National Park a very happy 92nd birthday! It’s now been 92 years since the beautiful Smoky Mountains have been established as a national park. The government approved the creation of a national park in 1926, but it wasn’t until June 15, 1934 that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was officially established! To celebrate the park’s birthday, we want to share some of our favorite things about the park with you:

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house of the fairies

Everything You Need to Know About the House of the Fairies

June 14, 2026

Sometimes it can be hard to remember that people lived in the Smokies before it officially became the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, there are still some structures in the mountains that remind us of this history, including those from the Voorheis Estate. If you love finding hidden gems in the Smokies, then you’ll love paying a visit to the House of the Fairies! Here’s everything you need to know about the House of the Fairies in the Smoky Mountains:

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mingus mill north carolina smoky mountains

4 Reasons to Visit the North Carolina Side of the Smoky Mountains

June 10, 2026

Most folks tend to concentrate on the Tennessee side of the Smoky Mountains and for good reason! It offers excellent highway accessibility, borders action-packed towns, and features iconic destinations like Cades Cove! However, the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina are equally as beautiful and much less crowded, creating a more laid-back atmosphere that you’ll love! Here are the 4 reasons to visit the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains:

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little bottoms trail cades cove

Hiking & Camping in Cades Cove: Your Guide to the Little Bottoms Trail

June 2, 2026

Do you like to go for a nice hike in Cades Cove? Do you also enjoy sleeping under the stars? If you answered "yes" to both of these questions, plan a backcountry camping trip for your next visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park! One of our favorite spots for hiking and camping in Cades Cove is the Little Bottoms Trail. Keep reading to learn more!

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romantic getaways smoky mountains

4 Fun Ways to Enjoy a Romantic Getaway in the Smoky Mountains

May 27, 2026

With such a beautiful atmosphere and natural surroundings, it is no wonder that so many couples love coming to the Smokies! In fact, you can even get married at the historic churches in Cades Cove with a Special Use Permit! Whether you are heading to the area to celebrate a new love, an anniversary, or other special occasion, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend some special time together with your sweetheart! Here are some fun ways to enjoy a romantic getaway in the Smoky Mountains:

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trout fishing great smoky mountains

4 Tips for Trout Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains

May 23, 2026

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a perfect destination for trout fishing, as the park safeguards one of the last remaining wild trout habitats in the eastern United States! About 800,000 visitors fish for wild brook, rainbow, and brown trout every year, and you’ll find roughly 2,900 streams available for a wide array of fishing experiences! There are just a few things to keep in mind before heading into the park with your gear, so check out these 4 tips for trout fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains:

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Chimneys Picnic area

Top 4 Reasons to Visit Chimney Tops in the Smoky Mountains

May 19, 2026

You’ve probably heard of Chimney Tops and its iconic hiking trail, but that’s not all this area has to offer! As one of the most popular places to visit on the Tennessee side of the Smoky Mountains National Park, many people miss out on some of the lesser-known spots. Keep reading for an in-depth guide to Chimney Tops in the Smoky Mountains!

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