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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…