Great Smoky Mountains Info

The picturesque Smokies were a thriving settlement before they became a popular tourist destination. If you want to enjoy some Smoky Mountain history, take a hike on the Old Sugarlands Trail! Despite it being so close to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, it actually receives little traffic, making it the perfect trail for a quiet walk in nature, plus it’s full of hidden gemsthat the history buffs will love! Before you visit in person, learn more about the area’s historic background and a few unique structures on the Old Sugarlands Trail you’ll discover along the way:

Whether you’ve traveled the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail before or you’re planning your first visit, there’s a hidden stop that many folks don’t know about: Ely’s Mill! The 5.5-mile drive along this scenic road includes serene streams, historic homesteads, and stunning forests. But what ties the area all together can be found in Ely’s Mill at the end of the drive! This hidden gem is a place where history, culture, and craftsmanship merge in one scenic spot! Here’s why Ely’s Mill is the perfect finale to the Roaring Fork drive:

Severe rainfall caused a landslide on Newfound Gap Road, also known as US 441, between mile markers 12 and 13, causing the National Park Service to temporarily close the Tennessee side of the road. Because of the landslide, which occurred on August 1, 2025, this section of Newfound Gap Road is impassable. The park service says about 100 feet of the roadway were undercut by rising water from Walker Camp Prong, affecting the southbound lane. Continue reading as we share everything you need to know about the closure of the Tennessee side of Newfound Gap Road:

The Townsend Wye, or the “Y”, is located on the quieter side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it has quickly become one of the most popular areas, especially during the summer! If you’re wondering what you can do there or want to know more before you visit, take a look at some of these frequently asked questions about Townsend Wye:

Hiking is a great summer activity in the Smokies. Visitors love being out in the warm sun while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Whether you're new to hiking or a seasoned veteran, we would love to share some helpful information for your next hiking expedition in the national park. Keep reading to find out our best tips for summer hiking in the Smoky Mountains:

The National Park Service (NPS) works tirelessly to ensure everyone has a safe and fun visit to the Smoky Mountains, and one way they do so is by making improvements to national park trails. Currently, the Laurel Falls Trail is closed for rehabilitation; however, we’ve got an exciting update to share about the progress that has been made so far! Read on to learn more:

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, take a trip to the peaceful side of the Smokies. This beautiful portion of the national park is typically less crowded and feels more laid-back, attracting families who want to enjoy some peace and quiet. Can't decide where to visit? We can help! Read about some of our favorite places to visit and things to do in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains:

The Smoky Mountains offer guests gorgeous mountain views, outdoor adventures that are equally relaxing as exciting, history lessons, and chances to see wildlife. Yet, perhaps the most important thing it provides is the opportunity to heal! In a world that’s more fast-paced than ever, the Smokies provide a much-needed break from all the challenges and stresses of life. The region gives visitors a chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect while surrounded by the peaceful beauty of nature. Here’s why the Smoky Mountains are a haven for nature therapy:

Are you an adrenaline addict? Boy, do we have the place for you to check out right here in the Smoky Mountains! The Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee is an 11-mile stretch of U.S. Route 129 that has captured the hearts of thrill-seekers from all across the globe. A total of 318 curves in this scenic stretch make the Tail of a Dragon a must for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts! Here’s everything you need to know about driving the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee:

Are you looking to stay cool in the summer while you hike in the Smokies? If so, you should check out the higher elevation trails in the park. The area can be as much as 20 degrees cooler. Read on to learn more about some of our favorites to add to the itinerary for your next hiking trip. Here is a list of 3 high-elevation trails in the Smoky Mountains:

Are you coming to Tennessee and looking for more outdoor things to do? If so, come visit Cades Cove. It is one of our favorite spots in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tourists love it too, as it receives an estimated 5 million visitors each year. In fact, Cades Cove is the most-visited area of the National Park due to its history, insight into pioneer life, incredible wildlife viewing, and beautiful hiking trails. Read on to learn more about it before you visit! Here are some frequently asked questions about Cades Cove Tennessee.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular tourist destination that extends to both Tennessee and North Carolina. Oconaluftee is a scenic river valley that neighbors Cherokee, North Carolina, and the Qualla Boundary, an area on the North Carolina side of the Smokies that’s quieter, less traveled, and very underrated!. Read on to learn more about 3 awesome hiking trails in Oconaluftee:

Surely you’ve heard of Cades Cove. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This serene and historic valley is a place where time sits still and visitors get lost in its picturesque setting! But beneath today’s beauty is the fascinating legacy of those who used to call Cades Cove home. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1800s and would quickly face challenges of self-reliance, community building, and making the most of the land. Learn more about their story as we provide a glimpse into pioneer life in Cades Cove:

If you’re ready to “pop the question” to your sweetheart, you need a beautiful place to do it. You’ll be happy to know that the Great Smoky Mountains have lots of them. While it may be tough to pick one, we’ve got you covered! Here is a list of the best Smoky Mountain proposal spots in the national park:

You’ve heard about some of the most popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, but many of those can be crowded, especially during peak seasons. Cataloochee Valley is a path less traveled in the Smokies, and one that’s every bit as stunning as some of the more well-known drives. This journey into the quiet wild on the North Carolina side of the national park combines natural beauty, deep history, and remarkable wildlife. Here’s what you need to know about taking a scenic drive through Cataloochee Valley: