Great Smoky Mountains Info

walker sisters cabin

Discover the Walker Sisters Cabin Along Metcalf Bottoms Trail

September 10, 2021

When the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was being created, hundreds of families were asked to leave their mountain homes. While some folks complied and others fought to stay, most families moved immediately. There were a select few who received a special lifetime lease to stay in their log cabin, including the six unmarried Walker Sisters. Today, you can still visit this historic cabin while hiking along the Metcalf Bottoms Trail! Here is everything that you need to know about the Walker Sisters and their cabin on Metcalf Bottoms Trail:

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Engine Grapeyard Ridge Trail

Top 5 Secret Spots on Hiking Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains

August 10, 2021

There’s nothing more exciting than finding cool places that are off the beaten path! That’s why we want to share some of the secret spots in the Smokies you’ll want to try to find while you’re visiting! From caves to secret tunnels, there are all kinds of unique places you’ll want to explore! Here are the top 5 secret spots on hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains:

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cades cove loop road

Everything You Need to Know About Biking in Cades Cove

August 1, 2021

Cades Cove is one of the most visited destinations in the national park, and you can experience all it has to offer when you visit! One of the best ways to explore it is on bike. There’s nothing better than feeling some mountain breeze in your hair while you take in all the gorgeous views around you. To help you prepare for an amazing ride, here’s everything you need to know about biking in Cades Cove:

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Laurel Falls

4 Best Family Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains to Try

July 28, 2021

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful place to explore! From mountain views and waterfalls to peaceful walks in the woods, there’s a lot to see. It makes for a great bonding experience to explore the park with other people. So whether you are visiting with your older parents or small children who like to walk, we’ve made a list of the best family hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains to try:

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Clingmans Dome

Top 4 Hikes in the Smoky Mountains for Photographers

July 1, 2021

One of the best ways to capture memories of your vacation is with photography. When you visit the Smoky Mountains, you will encounter some of the best views that are available. But, if you want to mix in some good exercise while you are vacationing, you might want to check out some of the hiking trails that have perfect photography spots along the way. Here are 4 of the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains for photographers:

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Newfound Gap Road

4 of the Most Popular Spots Along Newfound Gap Road

June 25, 2021

Newfound Gap is one of the most popular drives through the Smoky Mountains. It has an elevation of 5,056 feet, which makes it the lowest drivable pass through the Smoky Mountains. The views as you travel along Newfound Gap Road are amazing, but there are also other things you can see while traveling the 33 miles from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina. Here are 4 of the most popular spots along Newfound Gap Road:

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smoky mountain hiking trail

Top 4 Ways to Beat the Heat for Summer Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

May 21, 2021

The summer months are a wonderful time to explore all of the scenic trails throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! You will find longer days of sunshine, plenty of available trail options, and fantastic weather! It is warm and sunny during the day, and old-growth forests provide shade on especially hot days! If you do happen to experience a heat wave while you are in the Smokies, there are plenty of ways to keep cool! Here are the top 4 ways to beat the heat for summer hiking in the Smoky Mountains:

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cemetery cades cove

4 Cemeteries that are Part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park History

April 30, 2021

When you explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you are constantly reminded that people once lived here with remains such as old cabins, churches, homesteads, and cemeteries. In fact, there are more than 150 documented cemeteries within the boundary of the park that offer a glimpse into past burial customs, religious beliefs, and cultural influences! Here are 4 cemeteries that are a fascinating part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park history:

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wildflower

5 Beautiful Smoky Mountain Wildflowers to Look for This Spring

March 23, 2021

Sometimes known as the “Wildflower National Park”, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is packed with beautiful blooms. This spring has brought a variety of some of the most iconic and unique flowers out, coloring the Smokies with mesmerizing florals. With over 1,600 species of flowering plants to find, visitors are in for a treat! Here are 5 beautiful Smoky Mountain wildflowers to look for this spring in the Smokies:

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ogle place

Top 5 Easy Smoky Mountain Hikes

January 26, 2021

There are lots of reasons you may be looking for an easy Smoky Mountain hike. Maybe you’re traveling with young kids, or you have a busy day planned and want to squeeze a hike in! Whatever the reason, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has plenty of hikes that aren’t too challenging and won’t take all day to complete. Here are the top 5 easy Smoky Mountain hikes:

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Fall scene of little pigeon river

Everything You Need to Know About Fly Fishing in The Smokies

January 13, 2021

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains over 2,900 miles of streams, and over 700 miles of these are large enough to support a trout population. With over 300 streams to fish in, you can choose between remote headwater streams that require a hike to reach, or more easily accessible streams where the fishing is less challenging.

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snow-in-the-Smoky-Mountains

4 Clothing and Gear Tips for a Winter Hike in the Smokies

December 21, 2020

The winter is a wonderful time of year to hike the trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park because the scenery is breathtaking and there are generally fewer crowds on the trails! While the temperatures are generally moderate throughout the winter season in the Smokies, you can still experience freezing temperatures and snow. Therefore, it is important to know how to dress and what you should bring for your winter hiking adventure. Here are 4 clothing and gear tips for a winter hike in the Smokies:

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Clingmans Dome

5 of the Most Popular Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

November 12, 2020

There are some incredible places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park everyone wants to see. When you see these hiking trails and scenic drives, you’ll understand why they are so popular. Here are 5 of the most popular places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

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mount leconte smoky mountains

6 Challenging Trails For Hiking in the Smoky Mountains with Incredible Views

October 8, 2020

There’s nothing more breathtaking than looking out at sweeping views of the mountains. A great way to appreciate the area is to go hiking in the Smoky Mountains. If you are looking for a challenging trip that has amazing views, look no further. Here are 6 challenging trails for hiking in the Smoky Mountains with incredible views:

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light fall colors

Top 3 Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in the Fall

September 21, 2020

When people come to the Smoky Mountains in the fall, they want to take in the beauty of the changing leaves. There are several ways you can get out in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoy the foliage, as well as the other fun things the Smokies have to offer. Here are the top 3 things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the fall:

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