Smoky Mountains

The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. With a population density of 2 bears per square mile, it’s highly likely you’ll run into one of these creatures while you’re exploring the Smokies. Here are 5 things to know about black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Read More

Whether you are a first-time visitor to the Smoky Mountains or have been enjoying the beauty of the Smokies for years, there is always something fascinating to learn about this magical destination! Therefore, we have made a list of some of the surprising things that you may not know about the area! Here are some fun facts about the Smoky Mountains that might surprise you:

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If you’ve never gone on a scenic drive in the Smokies before, you’re missing out! You can see the beauty of the mountains in a whole new way without ever leaving your car! One of the best scenic drives is Foothills Parkway, and you may be wondering why you should explore this particular road. Here are 5 reasons why you should drive the Foothills Parkway in the Smoky Mountains: Read More

People from all over the world come to the Smoky Mountains to see spectacular mountain views, but there are several natural features you might want to see when you visit the national park. One of the top sights people love to hike to are Smoky Mountain waterfalls. When you’re visiting us in Hartford, you’ll be a scenic drive away from the most amazing waterfalls near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Here are 4 Smoky Mountain waterfalls you need to see during your visit: Read More

One of the most breathtaking sights in the Smokies each spring is the colorful blooming wildflowers! The Smoky Mountains are a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity, and you’ll find more than 1,500 types of flowering plants in the area! While spring ephemerals may appear as early as February, the peak of spring wildflower blooming normally occurs in mid to late April at lower elevations and a few weeks later at higher elevations. Here are the top 4 ways to enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountain wildflowers: 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

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, read on to discover the answer! Read More

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the Smokies this holiday season, you’ll find plenty of fun ways to celebrate the magic of Christmas! From festive light displays to unique holiday events, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy! When you’re ready to get into the spirit of the season, come on down to the Smoky Mountains to experience the joys of the holidays! Here are the top 4 ways to celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains: Read More

Although it’s the off-season for white water rafting in the Smokies, you can still enjoy the great outdoors for some scenic hikes! The winter months are actually a fantastic time to explore some of the popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! While the days may be a bit shorter and the weather cooler, you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds and unique winter scenery! Here are the top 4 winter hikes in the Smoky Mountains that you need to take: Read More

It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year! That means winter is approaching, and it’s time to celebrate in the Smokies. If you are coming into town for the holidays, then you absolutely have to enjoy all the amazing activities at Smoky Mountain Winterfest. This festival is a celebration between Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Sevier County. You and your family will love driving around and looking at the Christmas lights displays all over town. There are so many ways to enjoy Smoky Mountain Winterfest. All you have to do is get ready to have a great time! Read More

If you want to enjoy warm days of sunshine without the peak summer crowds, September is a perfect month to visit the Smoky Mountains! This is a delightful time to experience the great outdoors and everything that the Smokies have to offer, including our white water rafting trips on the Pigeon River! Here are the top 4 reasons why you’ll love visiting the Smoky Mountains in September: Read More