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Smoky Mountain Wanderings

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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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Little Greenbrier Hike

Lost in Time: Exploring Little Greenbrier’s Forgotten Ghost Town in the Smoky Mountains

Tucked deep in the woods of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a place where history and nature come together: Little Greenbrier. This…

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Holiday Hidden Gems

Add These 15 Under-the-Radar Holiday Events in the Smoky Mountains to Your Itinerary

In the blissful blur of holiday lights and festive celebrations, the Great Smoky Mountains communities rival even the North Pole for holiday spirit. The…

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Avoid Holidays

12 Things to Avoid in the Smoky Mountains During the Holidays

Nothing can bring out your inner Grinch in Gatlinburg more than making some of the biggest holiday blunders. We want to help you avoid…

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

Visiting the Smoky Mountains? Here are 13 things to avoid…

Visiting the Smokies means narrowing down things to do across 5,000 square miles. That’s the size of Connecticut. While we’re happy to give you…

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Things to Avoid in the Fall in the Smoky Mountains

Visiting the Smoky Mountains This Fall? Avoid These 8 Things.

Fall in the Smoky Mountains is a stunning experience. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that cover the mountains during peak leaf season make…

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

Don’t Fall into the Tourist Trap. Here are the Top Things to AVOID in Gatlinburg Tennessee for an Amazing Smoky Mountains Experience.

While most tourism articles out there tell you about the best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, we’re going to talk about what to…

Read More Don’t Fall into the Tourist Trap. Here are the Top Things to AVOID in Gatlinburg Tennessee for an Amazing Smoky Mountains Experience.Continue

Newfound Gap

Here’s What You Need to Know About What’s Open (& What’s Not Open) in the Smoky Mountains

Updated January 8, 2025: Should I reschedule my visit to the Smokies after Hurricane Helene? Planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains is…

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Smoky Mountain Tips

5 Tips for First-Time Visitors to the Smoky Mountains

Welcome to the Smoky Mountains, a natural playground brimming with endless adventure and breathtaking views that are sure to make your first visit unforgettable….

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Smoky Mountain Traffic

Driving & Parking in Pigeon Forge: Tips for Stress-Free Transportation

Navigating traffic and finding parking in Pigeon Forge can be challenging, especially during the tourist high season or special events. Combining effective driving strategies…

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Smoky Mountain T2Avoid

10 Things to AVOID During a Visit to Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, nestled in the heart of Tennessee, is a vibrant tourist destination known for its beautiful Smoky Mountain scenery and family-friendly attractions. However,…

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No Hike Falls

Discover Western North Carolina’s Ultimate “No-Hike” Waterfall Road Trip

Looking for an unforgettable adventure near the Smoky Mountains that won’t require hiking boots? Western North Carolina’s ultimate “no-hike” waterfall road trip is the…

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Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Not Your Typical Scenic Drive: Discovering the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains

Just off the Parkway in Gatlinburg, one of the most unique car experiences in the country awaits. The Roaring Fork Motor Natural Trail is…

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Foothills Parkway

The Ultimate Road Trip: Driving the Foothills Parkway

The Foothills Parkway skirts the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Tennessee side, creating one of the most beautiful scenic drives…

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

A Scenic Adventure Awaits: The ULTIMATE Guide to Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway reigns as America’s Favorite Drive and the most visited National Park Service site. In 2023, nearly 17 million people rode…

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Pigeon Forge

How to Enjoy Authentic Local Experiences in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a bustling hub of tourist activity with an array of attractions designed to draw visitors. While these can offer fun and…

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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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hiking alum cave trail to mount leconte

10 DOs & DON’Ts for Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers stunning vistas, diverse wildlife encounters, and memorable experiences. However, for newer hikers or even seasoned…

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Townsend

ULTIMATE Guide to Things to Do in Townsend TN | Attractions, Restaurants, & Lodging

Townsend, Tennessee, is the peaceful side of the Smokies and a welcome respite from the lively atmosphere of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. But don’t…

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Elkmont

Exploring the Ghost Town of Elkmont Tennessee

Elkmont, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, offers a unique mix of history and natural beauty. Originally a logging town,…

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SM Mini Golf

Putt Your Way to a Hole-in-One at the BEST Smoky Mountain Mini-Golf Courses

Mini golfing in the Smoky Mountains offers a fun and scenic experience for visitors of all ages. With several mini golf courses set against…

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Tuckaleechee Cavern, Townsend TN

Did You Know There are Caves in Tennessee Near the Smoky Mountains?

With so much to see above ground in the Great Smoky Mountains, you might be surprised to know just how many caves are etched…

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Best Hikes

20 Popular Hikes in the Smokies You Need to Experience

With millions of visitors each year, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers something for everyone from panoramic views and incredible wildlife viewing to…

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Highest Peaks

All the Way Up: Discover the 10 Highest Peaks in the Smoky Mountains

The highest peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains stand as sentinels, overlooking rolling hills, verdant valleys, and even other peaks from unique perspectives. The…

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Cable Grist Mill-Cades Cove-SS

Discover These 10 Grist Mills in the Smoky Mountains

If you’re tired of the daily grind and want to take your turn exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, it helps to have an itinerary…

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Clingmans Dome-SS

Discover Kuwohi: A Window to the Wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains

Anyone can tell you that Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingmans Dome) is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the highest…

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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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The ridges of the Great Smokey Mountains extending across the valley on the BLue Ridge Parkway near Asheville and Cherokee, North Carolina.

Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Here’s the Ultimate Guide.

The signature haze over the Smoky Mountains draws nearly 13 million people to Great Smoky Mountains National Park every year. With lush forests, pristine…

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AnaVista Tower in Gatlinburg

Know Before You Go: Guide to Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park

Spend a few hours at Anakeetsa above Gatlinburg, and suddenly, you become very jealous of birds. From the second you arrive 600 feet higher…

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year-round snow fun at Pigeon Forge Snow

Chill Thrills Await at Pigeon Forge Snow in the Smokies

Pigeon Forge Tennessee averages about 6 inches of snow each year. Yet for the past five years, it has snowed daily. How is that…

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  • Home
  • Things to Do
    • Events and Festivals
    • Fall Colors
    • Outdoor Things to Do
    • Restaurants
  • Areas
    • Smoky Mountains Overall
    • Tennessee Smoky Mountains
    • Gatlinburg
    • 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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