Great Smoky Mountains

Are you planning on visiting the Great Smoky Mountains this winter? While it does get cold, this time of year is absolutely breathtaking in the national park. If you want to possibly see frozen waterfalls, snowy views, and just enjoy the trek through the woods, you’ll want to plan some winter hikes! Here are the top 5 winter hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains:

There is nothing quite like the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, especially in the Smoky Mountains! Although the mountains can often block the gorgeous red and orange hues of daybreak and dusk, there are many locations that provide the perfect vantage point for an excellent view. Some of these locations are easy to get to, and all you need to do is park your car, sit back, and enjoy. Others are more of a challenge with steep hiking trails , but you will be well rewarded for your effort with gorgeous views. Here are 9 of the best places where you can enjoy an amazing Smoky Mountains sunset and sunrise.

Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Guests can either take the drive along the 11-mile scenic loop or get out and explore some of the trails in the park. No matter what you decide to do, you are guaranteed to see beautiful mountain views, and maybe even a few critters. Here are 4 fun things to do in Cades Cove:

If you’re interested in seeing some of the most beautiful fall colors in the country, you have to plan a trip to the Smokies! From mid-October to early November, you’ll be able to see the peak of bright reds, yellows and oranges paint the mountains. It’s a sight unlike any other! Here are 4 of the best Autumn hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park :

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is packed full of beauty and opportunities for adventure. The area and its history also come with never-ending facts and information. Here are 10 of our favorite interesting facts about the park!

1. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America. In 2019 the park welcomed 12,247,743 visitors, that’s over twice as much as the second most visited national park, the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

2. The park is currently home to 20,203 species. Discover Life in America is a nonprofit that is located in the park and has the job of keeping count of all of the species in the park as well as documenting species that are new to the Smokies as well as new to science. You can visit their website for updates and to find opportunities for getting involved as a volunteer or as a participant at one of their many events.

3. The Great Smoky Mountains straddle the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. One half of the park lies in each state and you can visit the border at Newfound Gap during your stay with us. Don’t forget to take a picture on each side of the sign!

4. The Smokies have sixteen peaks that are above 6,000 feet in elevation. Kuwohi is the highest, Mount Guyot is second and Mount LeConte is the third highest peak. Kuwohi is also the highest point on the Appalachian Trail.

5. Native Americans wandered the Smokies long before the settlers arrived. The Cherokee were the dominant tribe and referred to the mountains as “Shaconage”, meaning “place of blue smoke”. Today the Eastern Band of the Cherokee that remained in the area called the Qualla Boundary home. Take time during our visit to spend some time in Cherokee, NC, and learn more about the story of the Cherokee, their culture, and life today.

6. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers 522,427 acres of land. Within the area, you’ll find countless trails, waterfalls, overlooks, pristine streams, wildlife, flora, and pieces of the past around every corner.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America. Take one scenic drive through the park and you will easily see why so many people are drawn to the area. However, to truly experience the charm and beauty of the mountains you must take a walk among the trees. We have put together 10 of the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains to get you started on your own adventures in our little corner of Appalachia!

Year after year millions of families come to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in hopes of making memories that will last a lifetime! Spending time on a trail is an excellent way for families to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with each other! Here are 5 family friendly hikes that will help to make your next vacation in the Smokies unforgettable!

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is filled with great things to do for guests of all ages. However, we wanted to list a few of the top things for families to do while visiting the park. A trip to the Smokies is one that families will remember for years to come and often becomes a family tradition that is carried on for decades! Here are some experiences that you won’t want to miss on your next family vacation to the Smoky Mountains!

If you are planning a summer trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, you will likely want to know of some great places to go swimming in The Smokies on hot days. There are various swimming holes throughout the Smokies that offer both fun and beauty, so you will be hard pressed to find an area that doesn’t have a spot to cool down. Here are the top swimming holes in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The history of a place is just as vital to its spirit as present time. When history is appreciated and carried on then it creates a place that people feel connected to regardless of if they are guests for a day or residents for many years. There is no doubt that the history of Gatlinburg and the Smokies play a great part in the way millions of people return to the Smoky Mountains time after time. We decided to share with you a few things that we believe help to make up the charm of wonderful town.