Great Smoky Mountains Info

Cataloochee Valley is a popular place in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park known for its beautiful views. It is also one of the best places in the area to spot elk. What you may not know is that the Cataloochee Valley was once a thriving settlement, home to about 1,200 people. Even though no one lives there anymore, a few buildings still stand as remnants of the community. They remind present-day visitors of people’s hard work. With that being said, here are 4 historical structures that you will see in Cataloochee Valley:

Are you planning a Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg vacation for your family and looking for more things to do? If so, going to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent option, as its natural beauty is captivating at any age. With that, here are 5 things that make the Great Smoky Mountains National Park family-friendly:

Make the most of your holiday season this year by planning a visit to the Smoky Mountains for Christmas! This is a very special time of year to experience the magic of the Smokies, as you’ll find lots of festive seasonal events, spectacular light displays, and maybe a few snowflakes in the mountains! You can even take a few hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to work off those big holiday meals! Here are the top 4 reasons why you’ll love visiting the Smoky Mountains for Christmas:

While hiking is fun any time of the year, the colder weather brings beautiful sights to the Smoky Mountains that you do not want to miss! See a real-life winter wonderland as the snow blankets the picturesque natural scenery that you know and love! With that, here are 4 tips for visiting the Smoky Mountains in winter:

The first European settlers arrived in the Smoky Mountains during the late 1700s and they quickly learned how to live by hunting wildlife and producing crops. A typical life for an early settler in the Smokies included tasks such as farming with hand tools, hauling grain to the local mill, and raising cattle and sheep. While there were always challenges to face, the winter months were particularly harsh due to the cold temperatures and lack of farming activities! Despite these conditions, here are 3 ways that the early settlers spent winter in the Smoky Mountains:

Cades Cove is a popular place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park known for its stunning views and abundant wildlife. The area is packed with a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy! You can embark on scenic hikes to beautiful places such as Abrams Falls as well as tour the area on horseback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more laid-back activity, you can explore the natural scenery from the comfort of your own vehicle as you travel down Cades Cove Loop Road. Whether you’re planning to go for the first or 50th time, get to know this iconic place a little better before your next visit! Here are 4 interesting facts about Cades Cove:

If you’re enjoying a winter hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you might be shocked to catch a glimpse of a black bear in the forest! Many folks tend to believe that bears hibernate throughout the winter season, but the truth is that the black bears in the Smokies are not true hibernators at all! While they do spend most of their time in their dens during the winter for long periods of sleep, it is not uncommon to see bears actively roaming around Cades Cove Loop Road and other areas of the park in January, February, and March! Here are the top 3 reasons why black bears in the Smoky Mountains don’t truly hibernate:

Sometimes, we all need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is the perfect escape. It will clear your mind when you see the gorgeous views and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Who can be stressed when you’re surrounded by all that the Smokies have to offer? Here are 4 ways that hiking in the Smoky Mountains can help reduce stress:

Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As the tallest point in the national park with views over 100 miles away, it makes sense! This is one of the first areas to experience changing colors in the fall, and the views are breathtaking. Plus, sunrises and sunsets here are a sight you don’t want to miss. But what about your journey to get to the top of the observation tower? Check out these 5 secret stops you should make on the way to Kuwohi:

The Smoky Mountains are a perfect destination for stargazing, as there is very little light pollution from nearby towns to impact the views of the night sky! The remote location of the Smokies and the higher elevations allow you to experience our breathtaking galaxy like never before! While you can enjoy the celestial wonders from virtually anywhere in the area, there are several places that offer the best night views! Here are the top 3 places to visit in the Smoky Mountains for stargazing:

The Great Smoky Mountains are widely known for their beautiful nature scenery. However, it may surprise you to find out that this crowned jewel wears many hats! It does not have to be Halloween to explore all things spooky. With that, here are 4 places to visit in the Smoky Mountains that might be haunted:

Clingmans Dome is a must-visit spot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The high elevation makes visitors feel as if they are on top of the world. They also love it because of the breathtaking views of the sky and nature scenery! Whether you’ve visited once or 50 times, get to know this famous landmark a little better. Here are 5 interesting facts about Clingmans Dome!

The Smoky Mountains bring millions of people to East Tennessee every year, and there are several activities people can enjoy when they visit! From exploring the trails to finding a great spot to fish, you’ll find something fun to do while you’re in the national park! Check out these top 5 popular things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains:

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains National Park is a fun and free activity. However, it can also require a lot of planning to ensure that you have both a fun and safe time. As you are planning your next hike in the Smoky Mountains National Park, whether it’s the first or the 50th time, here are 4 items you should bring with you to make your hike more enjoyable:

The Great Smoky Mountains are a must-visit place for many reasons. They are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world, yet their beauty remains timeless. Another important aspect of the Great Smoky Mountains is the wildlife. This iconic landmark has an expansive population of animals that call it home. In fact, the Smoky Mountains has over 65 species of mammals, over 200 varieties of birds, and more than 67 native fish species. We’re going to tell you about some of our favorite Smoky Mountain wildlife. Here are some interesting facts about 3 popular animals in the Smoky Mountains!