hiking in the Smokies

The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in the Smokies This Summer

June 18, 2026
  • Alum Cave Trail offers wildflowers, log bridges, rock bluffs, and a path to Mt. LeConte
  • Rainbow Falls is a must-see waterfall dropping 80 feet, with rainbows visible in the mist
  • Gregory Bald rewards hikers with panoramic views and blazing flame azaleas
  • Trails range from easy family walks to challenging summit climbs, so there is something for everyone

Read on to learn more about hiking in the Smokies this summer!

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little river road covered in snow

The Best Time and Places to See Gatlinburg Snow in Tennessee

December 15, 2025

It’s been sung about in countless songs, idolized by the masses, and enjoyed by kids and adults alike. No, we’re not talking about a movie star. We’re talking about snow! Just like it makes things look a lot like Christmas and makes for a great winter wonderland to walk around in, it makes your view of the Great Smoky Mountains just that much more special when viewed in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. If you’re wondering when you can see the most snow visibility, where you should go, and what to expect when you get there, we can help. We’ve created a guide for the best time and places to see Gatlinburg snow in Tennessee.

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Newfound Gap in the Smoky Mountains

5 Must-Visit Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

October 7, 2025

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers 520,000 acres of land that is split almost evenly between Tennessee and North Carolina. If you’re planning a trip to the park for the first time you’ll likely find that putting together an itinerary can be overwhelming. We wanted to help make the process easier so we’ve put together 5 must-visit places that you’ll want to explore in the park. If you can’t make it to all of them during your visit then tuck the list away for a future getaway to America’s most favorite national park.

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Fall in Cades Cove

6 Must-See Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives in the Fall

October 6, 2025

The Smoky Mountains become one of the most colorful places in the US each fall. The area turns into a gold, orange and red paradise as the leaves change color against the backdrop of mountain spires. You can enjoy breathtaking views on an afternoon drive or spend a weekend winding your way through mountain roads. There's no doubt there are some great places to drive in the Smoky Mountains. To help you decide where to go, we’ve made a list of the top 6 must-see Smoky Mountain scenic drives in the fall!

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park sign

5 of the Best Summer Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

June 6, 2025

Summer is a great time to explore the outdoors! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is filled with a variety of fun summer vacation activities that allow you to experience the beauty of nature up close! Keep reading to discover the best summer activities in the Great Smoky Mountains that you won’t want to miss this season.

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grotto falls in the great smoky mountains

The Top 10 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Waterfalls You Need To See

February 26, 2024

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the gorgeous scenery of the old-growth forests, peaceful streams, mountain peaks, and rushing waterfalls! Create your bucket list of places to go from our top 10 rankings of Great Smoky Mountains National Park waterfalls, from easiest to hardest.

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cades cove loop

Cades Cove Loop: Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors

December 18, 2023

If you’ve been to the Smokies before but have never experienced the beauty and peace of Cades Cove, then you’re missing out. It’s the most visited area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a reason! Keep reading to learn more about the Cades Cove Loop before you visit for the very first time!

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smoky mountains in the fall

Smoky Mountains in the Fall: Best Time to See Fall Foliage

September 5, 2023

The autumn season in the Great Smoky Mountains is a sight to behold, with its brilliant displays of the changing colors everywhere you look. The fall foliage begins at the higher elevations above 4,000 feet in late September and travels down the mountainsides until it reaches peak season at the bottom between mid-October and early November. That’s quite a long season of beautiful colors– and that’s because the Smokies are home to over 100 varieties of deciduous trees. Combined with the elevation factor, peak viewing time in specific areas depends on the types of trees growing there. Here are a few tips and things to know before you visit the Smoky Mountains in the fall:

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Colorful,Leaves,On,Foothills,Parkway,West,In,The,Great,Smoky

5 Best Places For Fall Colors in the Smoky Mountains

August 16, 2023

The autumn season is the perfect time to visit the Smokies due to the cooler temperatures and bright foliage! From scenic drives to hiking trails, there are nearly endless options for enjoying the great outdoors and soaking in the natural beauty of the changing leaves. Take a look at 5 of the best places to see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains:

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cades cove in winter covered in snow

5 Must-See Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives in Winter

January 5, 2023

While winter is considered the slow season for the Great Smoky Mountains, people still come from all over the world to see their beauty. A popular way to take in the mountain views and explore the area is to take a drive. Although there are several popular roads that close during winter, there are still plenty you’ll want to explore! Check out these 5 must-see Smoky Mountain scenic drives in winter: Important Note: Roads are subject to closing if inclement weather occurs. Keep up with closures on the Smoky Mountain Road Closures Twitter page.

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