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Smoky Mountain Wanderings

Author: Matt Heffner

8 Secret Scenic Drives

Leaf-Peeping Without the Crowds: 8 Secret Scenic Drives & Pull-Offs in the Smoky Mountains

When fall colors reach their peak in the Smokies, the crowds usually follow. Iconic drives like Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove are breathtaking,…

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SM Fall Roads

Fall Roads Less Traveled: Smoky Mountains Edition

I opened the car door and inhaled: crisp, woodsy air with a trace of moss and morning chill. The kind that wakes you up…

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Cataloochee Valley

Cataloochee Valley: The Smokies’ Quiet Side of Magic

Tucked deep into the folds of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley is the kind of place that whispers rather than shouts….

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SM by water

Smoky Mountains by Water: Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, & Waterfall Wading Adventures Worth the Detour

Most travelers experience the Smoky Mountains by road or trail, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But, when you explore the region from the…

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Smoky Mountains After Dark

Smoky Mountains After Dark: Where to Stargaze, Wander, & Explore When the Sun Goes Down

The Smoky Mountains are famous for their scenic drives, fog-kissed overlooks, and daylight hikes through ferny hollows. But, there’s something extraordinary that happens when…

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SM Zipline

Soar Through the Trees: Smoky Mountain Ziplining Adventures

Ziplining in the Smoky Mountains can either be the thrill of a lifetime or someone’s worst fear. And often, it’s both. That feeling of…

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Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA town skyline in the Smoky Mountains.

9 Gatlinburg Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is one of those places that promises mountain magic and delivers… if you know how to navigate it wisely. Located near the…

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Pigeon Forge welcome sign

6 Pigeon Forge Travel Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is an exciting destination filled with family-friendly attractions, breathtaking mountain views, and endless entertainment. But if you’re not careful, your trip…

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Cable Grist Mill, Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Grinding Through History: Cable Grist Mill is a Smoky Mountains Must-See

If you’re heading to the Smokies, don’t miss the chance to visit one of its most fascinating historic spots – Cable Grist Mill in…

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a map of a waterfall road trip through the Smoky Mountains

This Waterfall Road Trip in the Smoky Mountains is Totally Worth the Drive

Ready to chase some waterfalls? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has some of the most magical spots you’ll ever see. From easy strolls…

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Sloppy Hog Burger Joint - Wears Valley

Savoring the Best at Sloppy Hog Burger Joint: A New Favorite in Wears Valley, TN

Sloppy Hog Burger Joint, an exciting new casual dining venue in the heart of Wears Valley, TN, delights diners with its mouthwatering burgers, scrumptious…

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Smoky Mountain Horseback Riding

Saddle Up & Discover the Best Places to Ride a Horse in the Smoky Mountains

Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains is one of the most breathtaking experiences in the United States. The area has a host of wildlife and…

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Fall in Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Want to Sneak Away to the Smokies This Fall? Here are the BEST Cabins in Gatlinburg & the Surrounding Area…

Planning an overnight stay in the Smoky Mountains during fall? Book one of these fantastic cabins in Gatlinburg! There’s a beautiful paradox in Gatlinburg…

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Pigeon Forge

8 Best Small Towns in the Smokies to Experience Fall

Looking for a fall getaway in the Smokies? Let’s explore the best Smoky Mountain small towns to visit this fall! The Smoky Mountains, otherwise…

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31 Best Smoky Mountain Tours for Unforgettable Experiences

31 Best Smoky Mountain Tours for Unforgettable Experiences

There are so many fantastic things to do in the Smoky Mountains region that Smoky Mountain tours are a great place to start! East…

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ATV

12 BEST Smoky Mountain Rentals for Your Next Getaway

Are you planning to explore the Great Smoky Mountains? Consider booking one of these Smoky Mountain rentals for your visit! The Great Smoky Mountains…

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Dictionary

50+ Smoky Mountain Words & Phrases: An Applachian English Dictionary

Traveling to the Smokies? Before you visit, prep yourself by learning some of the most common Smoky Mountain words and Applachian English phrases. Also,…

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Don't miss the breathtaking views along these best Smoky Mountains hiking trails!

47 Reasons You MUST Visit the Smoky Mountains During Your Lifetime

When you’re planning your vacation or even a short weekend getaway, it’s hard to figure out what destination to choose. There are so many…

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Sevierville's Winterfest - Sevierville, Tennessee

22 BEST Smoky Mountain Winter Events and Festivals

Looking for the best holiday events and winter festivals in the Smoky Mountains? We’ve got you covered. You may think that not much goes…

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The Sinks - Gatlinburg, Tennessee

ULTIMATE Smoky Mountain Guide to The Sinks Gatlinburg

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its cascading waterfalls. Throughout this massive park, visitors are always traversing along rugged trails that…

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Breakfast in Gatlinburg

6 BEST Places to Enjoy Breakfast in Gatlinburg TN

Find the best restaurants for breakfast in Gatlinburg before you start exploring! Located at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg…

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Christmas in Gatlinburg

10 Reasons to Visit the Smoky Mountains in December

When you think of December, you probably think of cold temperatures, snow, and staying inside among other things. Cold temperatures or not, the Smoky…

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Troll Bridge - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

10 Best Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in November

The Great Smoky Mountains are truly a sight to behold no matter the time of year that you visit. But, the Smoky Mountains in…

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Fall - Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Top 10 Reasons to Plan a Smoky Mountains October Getaway

Visiting the Smoky Mountains is a real treat no matter the time of year that you go. But, planning a Smoky Mountains October getaway…

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12 BEST Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails for Fall Foliage Views

12 BEST Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails for Fall Foliage Views

Looking for the best Smoky Mountain hiking trails for fall foliage views? You’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas and be surrounded by awe-inspiring displays of autumnal…

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Fall in Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg, Tennessee

11 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg in the Fall

Gatlinburg Tennessee has the atmosphere of a small Southern town and the excitement of a vibrant tourist destination. While the city is packed full…

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Wears Valley Fall Fest - Sevierville, Tennessee - Smoky Mountains Fall Festivals

16 Fantastic Smoky Mountain Fall Festivals & Events This Year

Fall is a festive time of year in the Smoky Mountains, and there are many communities, local groups, and organizations that want to celebrate…

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Abrams Falls

20 Best Fall Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

Looking for the BEST fall things to do in the Smoky Mountains? Use our carefully curated list to start planning your Smoky Mountain fall…

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Blue Ridge Parkway - North Carolina - Fall Colors in the Smoky Mountains

9 Best Places to See Fall Colors in the Smoky Mountains

If you’re on the hunt to see colorful foliage this fall, the Smoky Mountains offer an incredible spectrum of color, including vibrant gold, crimson,…

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SM Cades Cove

The Can’t-Miss Guide to Exploring Cades Cove

When heading to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a visit to the historic area of Cades Cove Tennessee takes you on a journey into the…

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  • Home
  • Things to Do
    • Events and Festivals
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  • Areas
    • Smoky Mountains Overall
    • Tennessee Smoky Mountains
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    • Pigeon Forge
    • North Carolina Smoky Mountains
  • Best Of
    • Fall Colors Guide
    • Couples Adventures
    • Places to See Fall Colors
    • Gatlinburg for Adults
    • Best Time to Visit
    • Horseback Riding
    • Moonshine Tastings & Tours
  • Contact
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