Great Smoky Mountains Info

grotto falls

3 Reasons to Explore Grotto Falls in the Smoky Mountains

September 22, 2022

Make the most of your Smoky Mountain vacation with an exciting expedition in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Grotto Falls offers an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a blood-pumping scenic hike while also taking the chance to see a beautiful Smoky Mountain waterfall! Here are 3 reasons to explore Grotto Falls in the Smoky Mountains:

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black bear climbing a tree in Cades Cove

Top 4 Ways to Increase the Odds of Spotting Wildlife in the Smoky Mountains

September 20, 2022

If you have your heart set on seeing wildlife during your visit to the Smokies, there are several things you can do to increase your chances! While there is never a guarantee you’ll spot a specific animal, there are certain places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities! You’ll also find that the time of day, as well as the time of year, plays an important role in increasing your chances of seeing black bears, white-tailed deer, and other critters! Here are the top 4 ways to increase the odds of spotting wildlife in the Smoky Mountains:

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decrepit cottage in elkmont ghost town

Exploring the Abandoned Elkmont Ghost Town in the Smokies

September 19, 2022

It doesn’t matter if you love history, spooky sites, or the Smokies, you won’t want to miss visiting the Elkmont ghost town. This little area is now considered a hidden gem, but it was once a popular area for vacationers coming to the mountains. So what happened to this town and why is it abandoned? It’s all part of the Great Smoky Mountain history, and you can experience it when you see this ghost town in person.

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Dog hiking with owner

Are Dogs Allowed in the Smoky Mountain National Park?

September 9, 2022

Are dogs allowed in the Smoky Mountain National Park? The short answer to this question is yes! We want them to enjoy the picturesque nature scenery of the park with their owners. Even so, there are a few guidelines you must follow during your visit to ensure the safety of yourself, your pet, other visitors, and the wildlife who call the park home!

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rainbow falls

3 Fun Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains on a Rainy Day

September 7, 2022

When it comes to wet weather in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is no reason to let a rainy day spoil your fun! This can actually be the perfect time to explore one of the park’s excellent visitor centers, hike along the most popular trails or watch a majestic waterfall splash into a pool below! As long as you’re properly geared up for the weather conditions, it’s always a fantastic time to visit the Smokies! Here are 3 fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains on a rainy day:

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fly fishing smoky mountains

5 Great Places for Fishing in the Smoky Mountains

August 25, 2022

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is full of endless, exciting activities as you explore the great outdoors and all of its beauty! Fishing has become a popular pastime for both natives and visitors of the Smoky Mountains! So, grab your reel and rod, get your bait ready to go and throw in a line at one of the many awesome fishing holes! Here are 5 great places to go fishing in the Smoky Mountains:

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cataloochee valley

5 Interesting Facts About Cataloochee Valley

August 22, 2022

Cataloochee is a valley located in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. It is known for its picturesque nature views and rich wildlife. You should definitely put it on your list of must see vacation spots. For now, here are five interesting facts about the valley and its rich history.

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cataract falls in the great smoky mountains national park

5 Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails You Have to Try

August 11, 2022

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is chock-full of biodiverse hiking trails that allow visitors to take in scenery unmatched in its beauty! Lace up your hiking boots, get the blood pumping and enjoy some of the best nature has to offer in the more than 800 square miles that make up the national park! Here are 5 Smoky Mountain hiking trails you have to try:

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gatlinburg downtown aerial

4 Benefits of Staying in Gatlinburg TN for a Visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

August 5, 2022

While there are several towns located near entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most convenient locations is Gatlinburg TN! This popular destination is home to a wide assortment of lodging options, as well as plenty of wonderful restaurants, shops and attractions that you can enjoy before or after exploring the park! Here are the top 4 benefits of staying in Gatlinburg TN for a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

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river in the smokies

Top 4 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

August 4, 2022

If you are looking for a pleasant and scenic hike that is perfect for everyone in the family, don’t miss the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail! This easy half mile hike is conveniently located just south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center and offers interpretive exhibits, stunning natural features and unique historical remnants! Here are the top 4 reasons why you should visit the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail:

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sunset at clingmans dome

4 Reasons to Take a Drive on Kuwohi Road

July 29, 2022

When you vacation in the Smoky Mountains, you will have the opportunity to explore numerous scenic drives! It is a common misconception that you have to go hiking to enjoy the natural scenery of the mountains. However, you can get the same experience without ever leaving the comfort of your car! One of the most popular scenic drives in the Smokies travels 7 miles to one of the best scenic lookouts in the area. Here are 4 reasons to take a drive on Clingmans Dome Road:

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Great smoky mountains national park sign

Why There is No Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Fee

July 9, 2022

One of the best things about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is that it doesn’t cost a thing to explore all the beauty it has to offer! While we’re sure you appreciate the fact that you can enjoy the park for free, have you ever wondered why there isn’t any entrance fee? We’re here to give you all the answers.

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woodpecker in the Smoky Mountains in the leaves

Top 3 Reasons Why the Smoky Mountains Are One of the Nation’s Best Bird Watching Areas

July 6, 2022

Whether you’re a serious bird watcher or just love the sight of colorful birds, just wait until you step inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The park is a premier place to find birds as it offers a diversity of habitats and microclimates, thanks to a range in elevations! You’ll want to bring your binoculars and camera along for your adventure in the Smokies as you never know what you might spot in the forest! Here are the top 3 reasons why the Smoky Mountains are one of the nation’s best bird watching areas:

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The Clingmans Dome observation tower stands above the forest floor.

Top 4 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Clingmans Dome

June 30, 2022

If you want to experience the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll want to make the drive out to Clingmans Dome! This popular destination is generally open from early April to late November, depending upon the current weather conditions. However, even if you are visiting in the summer months, you’ll want to bring a jacket as the temperatures are 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in the surrounding lowlands! Here are the top 4 reasons why you need to visit Clingmans Dome:

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An exterior view of the historic John Oliver cabin in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Top 4 Things To Know About the John Oliver Cabin on Cades Cove Loop Road

June 30, 2022

One of the most fascinating historical structures you’ll discover in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the John Oliver Cabin, which happens to be the first historic relic along Cades Cove Loop Road! This building is thought to be the oldest human structure in the park and dates back to the early 1820s, so be sure to include a visit on your sightseeing itinerary in the Smokies! Here are the top 4 things to know about the John Oliver Cabin on Cades Cove Loop Road:

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