Rafting in the Smoky Mountains

There are more than 1,500 species of flowering plants in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is more than any other national park in the United States! These flowers come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. While different species bloom at different times of the year, spring is the most popular time to spot wildflowers. Here are some of the common Smoky Mountain wildflowers that you could see this spring: Read More

If you’ve been to the Great Smoky Mountains before, you’ve probably tried all of the most popular activities, from driving through Cades Cove to having a picnic by the river. While these are always fun things to do, you may be looking for something a little different for your next trip. Here are 3 unique things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park you’ll want to experience on your next vacation: Read More

Why are the Smoky Mountains smoky? Have you ever stopped to ponder this question and think about how the mountains of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina got their unique name? Anyone who has been to the Smokies can confirm that there is definitely a haze over the area that helps to create a magical setting! In fact, even the Cherokee referred to the area as “Shaconage,” or land of the blue smoke, as they considered the mountains to be a sacred place. If you wondered what makes them smoky in the first place or asked yourself, “Why are the Smoky Mountains called the Smoky Mountains,” read on to discover the answer! Read More

Are you planning on going hiking in the Smoky Mountains this winter? If this is your first time embarking on a winter hiking trip, you may be wondering what you need to bring with you. Here’s a list of some of the things you should pack for winter hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains so you can be prepared! Read More

While the hours of daylight may be shorter and the weather a bit chilly, the winter months are still a great time to visit the Smoky Mountains! You’ll find plenty of festive holiday events in the area for those coming in December, while January and February offer a unique opportunity to visit your favorite local attractions without the crowds! The national park is also open year-round for your enjoyment, so bundle up for a scenic hike and soak in the dramatic winter landscapes! Here are the top 3 tips for visiting the Smoky Mountains in the winter: Read More

One of the best parts of visiting the Smoky Mountains is seeing all the wildlife in its natural habitat! This area is known for its abundance of black bears, but do you know about any of the other animals in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains? We want to tell you about the top creatures you might spot and the best places to go to possibly see them. Here are the top 8 animals in the Smoky Mountains and where to find them: Read More