Smoky Mountains

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 most popular destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Cades Cove Loop, a scenic one-way road that travels for 11 miles through a spectacular valley. This road not only offers access to hiking trails and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, but a variety of notable structures that offer a unique glimpse into the history of the area! Here are 4 important things that you’ll see along the Cades Cove Loop: Read More

If you’re hoping to see some wildlife during your visit to the Smoky Mountains, there is a good chance you may get lucky! The Smokies are a sanctuary for a wide assortment of animals, including about 65 species of mammals, more than 200 varieties of birds, and over 80 types of reptiles and amphibians! While some of the wildlife may be difficult to find while exploring the area, there are other animals that are frequently seen! Here are 3 of the most common animals in the Smoky Mountains to spot: 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

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are a scenic drive away from our rafting outpost! If you’re staying in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, start your day off with a delicious breakfast before making the drive to Smoky Mountain Outdoors for a thrilling rafting adventure. Do you need help finding the perfect restaurant? We have created a great list of the best places to eat breakfast in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
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Although we have wrapped up another thrilling season of white water rafting adventures, you can still get outside to experience everything that the Smokies have to offer! If you are a fan of the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you occupied during the late fall and winter months! Here are 4 outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains to enjoy during the rafting off-season: Read More

Autumn is a spectacular time to visit the Smoky Mountains! You’ll not only have the chance to experience some of the best weather of the year, but beautiful fall colors that transform the mountains into a truly magical sight! If you’ve been wondering about the best time to visit during fall foliage season or the top destinations for viewing the colors, we have all the important information that you need! Check out our ultimate guide to the Smoky Mountain fall colors: Read More

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

If you’re lucky enough to visit the Smoky Mountains in September, you’ll find that it’s the perfect time to experience the Smokies! The peak crowds of the summer season are gone, the weather is delightful, and all of your favorite activities are still in full swing! You can even take advantage of our last white water rafting trips of the season, which run right up through the end of the month and into October! Here are 4 things to do in the Smoky Mountains in September: 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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