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Smoky Mountain Wanderings

North Carolina Smoky Mountains

SM Fall Rentals

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,…

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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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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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Cherokee Bear Project

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…

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Franklin, North Carolina at sunset

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!…

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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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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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Tail of the Dragon US-129

How to Tame the Tail of the Dragon: Your Guide to Riding US-129

“The Tail of the Dragon” road in the Smokies is as legendary as the dragon itself. By now, you’ve either heard it’s one of…

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Newfound Gap

Discover the Must-Stop Points of Interest on Newfound Gap Road Trip

Newfound Gap Road is a literal rite of passage through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It threads through the heart of the park, connecting…

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Greenbrier Cove

12 Secret Spots in the Smokies to Explore & Escape the Crowds

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is renowned for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich…

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Clingmans-Dome-Sunrise

18 Smoky Mountain Experiences to Enjoy During Your Lifetime

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited national park in the United States — offers…

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Beautiful flowers blooming in the mountains. A panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains from the Blue Ridge Parkway .Summer mountain landscape. Near Asheville ,Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA.

7 Lesser-Known Places to See Smoky Mountain Wildflowers + Tips for Best Time to Visit

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park — often hailed as the “Wildflower National Park” — stands as a testament to nature’s splendor, showcasing an…

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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.

ULTIMATE Guide to Smoky Mountains North Carolina Attractions & Activities

Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans more than half a million acres, and half of those acres are in North Carolina. While Gatlinburg and…

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Aerial View of Cherokee, North Carolina

ULTIMATE Guide to Things to Do in Cherokee NC

Considering a Smoky Mountains getaway? You’ll find plenty of things to do in Cherokee NC! Cherokee, North Carolina, sits at the south entrance to…

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View from the trail to the summit of Whiteside Mountain near Highlands and Cashiers in North Carolina

Discover Nantahala National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Immerse yourself in the emerald embrace of the Nantahala National Forest, a sprawling section of the Blue Ridge Mountains filled with waterfalls, ancient trees,…

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Turtleback Falls at sunrise in Gorges State Park

Guide to Visiting Gorges State Park | Activities, Restaurants, & Lodging

Gorges State Park in Transylvania County of North Carolina is the “Land of Waterfalls” with 26 cascades in the park and dozens more nearby….

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Cades Cove-Biking-Dog

Your Guide to a Pet-Friendly Smoky Mountains Getaway | Activities, Restaurants, Lodging, & More

Do you like to travel with your dog? Add these pet-friendly Smoky Mountains things to do to your vacation itinerary! A trip to the…

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Jakes Creek-Gatlinburg

13 Haunting Ghost Towns in Tennessee & North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains hold secrets from bygone eras deep in the woods or among the national park attractions. Ghost towns litter the landscape —…

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Abrams Falls

Smoky Mountains Named to List of 10 Best Places for Fall Foliage in the U.S.

As autumn approaches, nature prepares itself for a dazzling display of colors, enchanting countless onlookers. The changing leaves create a breathtaking panorama, attracting leaf-peeping…

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

10 Best Smoky Mountain Small Towns

If you’re looking for places to stay in the Smoky Mountains for your next vacation but aren’t sure where to go, consider the best…

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Mingus Mill | Mingus Creek Trail | Smoky Mountains

Your Guide to Exploring the Mingus Creek Trail

If you venture over to the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you might find that it’s slightly less congested…

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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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