Great Smoky Mountains Info

black bear cub under the mama bear

Top 4 Things You Need to Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains

March 28, 2019

One of the things that visitors most want to see while exploring the Smoky Mountains is the black bear! While bears are fascinating to watch, it is important to keep in mind that they are wild animals with behavior that can be dangerous and unpredictable. Now that the winter season has ended, bears are starting to emerge from their winter dens so this is the perfect time to learn more about these amazing animals! Here are the top 4 things you need to know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains:

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smoky mountain wildflowers

6 of the Best Places to Spot Smoky Mountain Wildflowers

February 28, 2019

During the spring and summer months, the Smokies come alive with a variety of colorful wildflowers! You’ll want to capture photos of all the beautiful flora species along your hike. In order to do that, you’ll have to know where to go to find them. To help you make the most of your experience, here are 6 of the best places to spot Smoky Mountain wildflowers.

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Sugarlands Visitor Center

Your Guide to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Centers

January 31, 2019

If it’s your first time visiting the national park, you might have a few questions about what to see and how to get there. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor centers offer a variety of resources that help you to navigate through the park and have a truly memorable time! For your convenience, here is a guide to each of the visitor centers in the park.

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Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Top 5 Travel Tips for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

January 31, 2019

There are 384 miles of road in the Smokies, and they’re full of scenic views that will blow your mind! Driving through the mountains is an incredible experience, but there are a few things you need to know before you go. Here are 5 helpful travel tips that will make for a safe and smooth ride through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

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national park winter

Everything You Need to Know About Winter Camping in the Smoky Mountains

January 8, 2019

If you are up for a little adventure and adequately prepared for the elements, the winter season can be a spectacular time of year to go camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! You will not only enjoy fewer crowds in the park, but the unique opportunity to see the mountain peaks as they are covered in snow! Here is everything that you need to know about winter camping in the Smoky Mountains:

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GSM view from Clingmans in winter

Top 3 Reasons to Go Cross-Country Skiing on Kuwohi Road

January 7, 2019

If you are a fan of cross-country skiing, you will love the unique opportunity to explore Kuwohi Road! This scenic, 7-mile road leads to Kuwohi, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi! If you are up for the entire journey, the observation tower on the summit of Kuwohi offers stunning panoramic views of the Smokies. Here are 3 more reasons to go cross-country skiing on Kuwohi Road:

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two deer in the smoky mountains during winter

All You Need to Know About Seeing Animals in the Smoky Mountains During Winter

December 31, 2018

The winter season is one of the best times of the year to view wildlife in the Smokies! The trees have shed their leaves so that you can see deeper into the depths of the forest where animals may be lurking. Also, wildlife such as elk and deer are active for longer periods during the daylight hours due to the colder temperatures. If you are planning a winter vacation to the Smokies, here is everything you need to know about seeing animals in the Smoky Mountains during the winter:

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Smoky Mountains covered in snow

Your Guide to Visiting the Smoky Mountains National Park in the Winter

December 31, 2018

If you’re imagining hikes to frozen waterfalls or pictures with snow covered mountains as the backdrop, winter may be the perfect time for you to visit the Smokies! If you’ve never visited or have been before, but in a different season, you may not know exactly what to expect. To help you plan for your winter getaway, we have created a guide to visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the winter.

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mountains in the great smoky mountains national park

5 Must Visit Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

December 31, 2018

Whether you want to hike the trails or go for a scenic drive, the national park is filled with wonders that you are sure to love! Now you just have to decide which destination to visit first. For your convenience, here is a list we put together of the top 5 places to visit in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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Cades Cove

Top 4 Fun Things to Do When You Visit Cades Cove

December 4, 2018

Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Smokies, and it’s easy to see why. This beautiful valley surrounded by mountains offers some of the best opportunities for biking, hiking, and more! To help you make the most of your trip, here are 4 fun things to do at Cades Cove.

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Smoky Mountains

4 Helpful Tips for Birding in the Great Smoky Mountains

November 15, 2018

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited park in the entire country, and it’s no wonder! Its exquisite beauty is found nowhere else, and while the park offers a great variety of scenery, it also provides an environment rich in native species. Over 60 types of birds live year-round within its wide mountain ranges. Even more stop in the Smokies during migration to forage for food. The list of birds that can be found here is always growing. Here are five great tips for Birders to enjoy these natural wonders!

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Snowy trail in the Smoky Mountains

4 Essential Safety Tips for Winter Hiking in Smoky Mountain National Park

November 13, 2018

While there may be some snow and icy patches on the trails in Smoky Mountains National Park during the winter months, it is a wonderful time for a scenic hike! There are not only far fewer crowds than the summer season, but the gorgeous winter landscape is simply breathtaking! If you do decide to head out for a winter hike, there are several preparations that you should keep in mind. Here are 4 essential safety tips for winter hiking in Smoky Mountain National Park:

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smoky mountain sunset

What to Pack Before You Visit the Great Smoky Mountains

November 8, 2018

Imagine spending the night under the stars in the Great Smoky Mountains. As amazing as that sounds, if you forget to pack the essentials, you might be out of luck. There are quite a few things to bring that you may not think of until you need them. So, here is a list of some of the items you should pack before you visit.

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black bear in the smoky mountains

Black Bear Spotted at Margaritaville Resort in Gatlinburg

November 1, 2018

When you visit Gatlinburg, keep an eye out for black bears — even when you’re in your hotel! Recently, a visitor of the Margaritaville Resort in Gatlinburg spotted a bear wandering around the lobby. We’ve got all the info on the sighting of the black bear in Gatlinburg and what to do if you see a bear during your visit to the Smoky Mountains.

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sunrise over the smoky mountains

4 Ways to Enjoy the Smoky Mountains National Park with Your Family

October 24, 2018

There are endless activities and sights for you and your family to see at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With around 100 different species of trees, the mountains are especially beautiful during the changing seasons. To help you make the most of your visit, here are 4 ways to enjoy the Smoky Mountains National Park with your family.

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