Smoky Mountains

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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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

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

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

One of the toughest things about planning a summer vacation is picking a destination! While some folks like to head to the beach, there is truly nothing like a getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains! You’ll find tons of fun things to do in the Smokies, as well as unique lodging options, gorgeous scenery and more! Here are the top 3 reasons why a Smoky Mountain vacation is better than a beach vacation: Read More