Smoky Mountains

One of the best parts of visiting the Smoky Mountains is seeing all the wildlife in its natural habitat! Gatlinburg and the surrounding area are known for an abundance of black bears, but do you know about any of the other Smoky Mountains wildlife? 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

Summer in the Smokies is generally moderate, though some days can be quite warm. Thankfully, there are a number of great ways to escape the summer heat during your vacation! We’ve put together this list of some of the best ways to cool off this summer in the Smokies: Read More

Looking for great places to drive in the Smoky Mountains? We know some of the best routes to take! Scenic drives in the Smokies are a pretty popular way to see historic sights, incredible views, and possibly wildlife. Some are near our rafting outpost, and others make for a great day trip! Here are the top scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains you should go on: Read More

Are you planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains? You’ll want to spend as much time in the fresh mountain air as possible! There’s so much natural beauty to take in, and so many fun ways to do it! Here are some of the can’t-miss outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains you have to try: Read More

For those visiting the Smokies, some of the most memorable views are of the striking smoky haze surrounding the mountains and the clear, rushing water of the Pigeon River. Though most people know that the Smoky Mountains were named for the blue haze that regularly settles around the hilltops, fewer know the interesting history of the Pigeon River, including how it received its unique name. Read More

There are so many fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains, from exciting outdoor adventures to interactive experiences! With so much to do, it can be difficult to choose where to spend your time during your vacation. To help you decide, we’ve put together this list of the best Smoky Mountain attractions that you definitely need to experience! Read More

If you’re hoping to spot some Smoky Mountain wildlife while you’re in the area, one of the best places to visit is Cades Cove! When you visit this popular area, you’ll have the opportunity to spot black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and more. To help you spot all the animals you want on your trip, we’ve put together a guide of everything you need to know about the Cades Cove Loop wildlife viewing in the Smoky Mountains.  Read More

Are you visiting the Smoky Mountains in April? There are so many great things to do this time of year! You can experience everything from unique spring events to exciting outdoor adventures! Keep reading to learn more about the can’t-miss things to do in the Smoky Mountains in April. Read More

Even when you aren’t in the Smokies, you can still enjoy them! There are several Smoky Mountain webcams set up throughout the park so you can see incredible views when you’re at home. This is the best way to get your Smoky Mountain fix when you can’t come to the area! Here are the top 5 webcams in the Smoky Mountains to watch at home: Read More

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