Sugarlands Visitor Center: The Start of Something Good
If you’re heading into the Great Smoky Mountains from Gatlinburg, there’s one stop you absolutely shouldn’t skip — Sugarlands Visitor Center. It might not…
13 Things to Avoid in Cherokee, NC
When I got back from the Smokies, everyone wanted to know how Gatlinburg was or if I braved Pigeon Forge traffic. The looks I…
Fontana Lake: Where the Smokies Hold Their Breath
Fontana Lake isn’t flashy. It doesn’t sparkle in Instagram geotags or show up on Top 10 Smoky Mountain Destinations lists. There are no boardwalks,…
Proctor, North Carolina: The Smoky Mountain Town That Disappeared
Tucked along the far shoreline of Fontana Lake — accessible only by boat or a long hike — is what’s left of Proctor, a…
No-Hike (or Low Hike) Waterfall Road Trip in the Smoky Mountains
Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains don’t just appear at random. They’re the product of ancient geology, where layers of hard sandstone and softer shale…
12 Best (Mid-Level) Hikes in the Smokies
With more than 800 miles of trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the choices for mid-level hikes are as expansive as the menu…
9 Alternatives to the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway has an almost mystical pull, with its misty ridges, endless overlooks, and that sense of floating above the world. It’s…
Y’All Fixin’ to Make a Big Mistake Going to the Smokies in the Fall
As someone who’s made the mistake of going to the Smokies in the fall more times than I’ll admit, let me warn you about…
16 Sleepy Towns in the Smokies
It might not seem like the busiest national park in the country would be synonymous with sleepy towns. However, the expansive two-state footprint of…
12 Best (Easy) Hikes in the Smokies
So you want to hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but prefer an easy route. Not every trail in the Smokies has to…
12 Crowd-Less Alternatives to Cades Cove
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wouldn’t feel quite as great without its valleys. They give the rolling peaks and ridgelines a stage to shine….
Is Your Most-Asked Question About the Smokies on This List?
Every day, thousands of people turn to Google or their favorite AI assistant to figure out how to plan the perfect Smoky Mountains trip….
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,…
Cabin Fever: 10 Unique Rentals to Soak Up Smoky Mountain Fall Views
Early morning fog drifts across the valley. Outside, maple, poplar, and oak are bursting into flame. You step onto a deck, coffee in hand,…
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…
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….
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…
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…
10 Reasons the Smoky Mountains Are Better Than the Rocky Mountains
The United States is home to two of the most breathtaking mountain ranges: the Smoky Mountains in the Southeast and the Rocky Mountains in…
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…
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…
9 Best Drive-Thru Views in the Smokies (No Hiking Required!)
Growing up, I never understood why people drove for fun. Coming home from lunch after church on a Sunday afternoon often meant getting stuck…
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…
Let’s Take a Scenic Road Trip Through the Covered Bridges of the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains are known for their misty peaks, lush forests, and charming small towns. But did you know this region is also home…
This Two-Mile Hike in Great Smoky Mountain National Park Leads to a Forgotten Artist’s Cabin
Tucked away in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Mayna Treanor Avent Studio is a place most visitors never find. This…
Have You Heard About the Smoky Mountain Ghost Train?!?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is popular for its misty peaks and intriguing history. One of the park’s hidden gems is the Grapeyard…
Hidden Gems Smoky Mountains Road Trip: 8 Secret Spots Most Visitors Never See
The Hidden Gems Smoky Mountains Road Trip is the ultimate adventure for those who love uncovering secrets hidden within Great Smoky Mountains National Park!…
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: The Cherokee Bear Project
If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and surprisingly meaningful way to explore Cherokee, North Carolina, the Cherokee Bears Project should be on your…
8 Smoky Mountains North Carolina Towns to Explore
While Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge get a lot of attention in the Smoky Mountains, numerous North Carolina towns are ready for exploration and adventure!…
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…