Smoky Mountain News

Are you ready to get away in the Smoky Mountains? With all sorts of scenic beauty and unforgettable adventures to take part in, the Smokies are rightfully a popular vacation destination. If you’re hoping to escape some of the hustle and bustle, particularly during peak seasons, there are several less popular spots to check out. Breathe in that refreshing mountain air and soak up the serenity of the great outdoors! Here are 5 picturesque places to escape the crowds in the Smoky Mountains:

The Alum Cave Trail is one of the most exciting trails you’ll find in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Multiple different spots featuring mountain views and gorgeous geological formations make this a favorite among visitors looking to find the perfect mix of adventure and peace and quiet. Considered to be of moderate difficulty and registering as a 5-mile roundtrip hike to the Alum Cave Bluffs and back, it offers a challenge that includes some of the most rewarding views around! Along the way, you’ll notice some iconic spots you don’t want to miss. Here are 5 special sights to see along the Alum Cave Trail:

Dolly Parton fans, rejoice! Coming to Dollywood next year, the Dolly Parton Experience will be a brand-new attraction that celebrates the incredible career of Southern country icon Dolly Parton. If you want to learn more about this upcoming attraction, you’re in the right place! We’ve got everything you need to know about the Dolly Parton Experience, from what you can expect when you visit to when it will be opening its doors. Read on to learn more about the upcoming Dolly Parton Experience!

If there’s one type of cuisine you absolutely have to try in the Smokies, it’s got to be the BBQ! The area has a long history of smoking delicious meats full of mouth-watering flavors sure to put a smile on your face. BBQ joints across Pigeon Forge put the “smoke” in the Smoky Mountains with a range of dishes including ribs, pulled pork, brisket and more, served alongside your favorite sides! Here are the top 5 restaurants for BBQ in Pigeon Forge:

On Thursday, March 28, the new Jake Thomas Connector finally opened to through traffic in Pigeon Forge, TN! Construction on this multi-million dollar road project began in April 2022 and is now open to give visitors and locals a more direct route between the Pigeon Forge Parkway and Veterans Blvd. Keep reading to find out more about the new Jake Thomas Connector and how it can help you avoid Pigeon Forge traffic.

The Smoky Mountains contain an abundance of fantastic activities, attractions, and more, that can make any vacation to the area fun and memorable. Although you may be wondering if there are many handicap-accessible things to do in the Smoky Mountains, you do not need to worry! There are plenty of handicap-accessible things to do in the Smoky Mountains, meaning that everyone can enjoy the fun this area has to offer. Here are some of our top recommendations for handicap-accessible things to do in the Smoky Mountains:

Newfound Gap Road is one of the most popular scenic drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for good reason! This gorgeous road winds through forests, passes mountain overlooks, and has plenty of great places to stop along the way. And now, there are exciting improvements coming to Newfound Gap Road, thanks to an $11 million allocation from the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act. Read on to find out more about the improvements coming to Newfound Gap Road:

Next time you come to visit the Smoky Mountains, don’t worry about having to leave your pet behind! Instead, check out some of the best pet friendly Pigeon Forge cabins and bring your furry friend along on your next Smoky Mountains getaway. There are tons of benefits of staying at these pet friendly Pigeon Forge cabins, from the ability to explore the area together to saving money on pet care, and more. Read on to learn more about the fantastic benefits these pet friendly Pigeon Forge cabins offer:

It’s springtime in Pigeon Forge, which means it’s time for the annual Music in the Mountains Spring Parade! This family-friendly celebration is completely free for visitors and the best way to celebrate spring in the Smoky Mountains. We’ve got all the details for you below:

SkyLand Ranch is one of the many fun attractions in Sevierville for families, and they are now offering supper and a special show on select nights this spring and summer. Read on to find out all the details about these new dinner shows in Sevierville TN, including dates, times, and what to expect.

Pigeon Forge is well-known for its family-friendly theaters. The many theaters in the area offer a variety of shows, some of which are centered around music, magic, or animal acts. Most of the shows incorporate some comedy into their acts, but there are a few that focus on hilarious antics that are sure to have you laughing out loud. Here’s a list of some of the best and funniest comedy shows in Pigeon Forge that you won’t want to miss!

When you visit Gatlinburg, you’ll have nearly endless options for delicious places to eat. Why not try something different that will satisfy everyone in your vacation group? Read on to find out the best Gatlinburg restaurants off the beaten path!

If you are planning to visit the Smoky Mountains during spring, you are in luck! There are several spring festivals and events that take place in the Smokies each year, giving you the opportunity to celebrate the season and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the mountains. If you want to learn more about the various spring festivals and events in the Smoky Mountains, simply read on!

The Smokies are a spectacular place to take a walk on the wild side! Hundreds of area hiking trails serve up adventurous experiences full of special sights you don’t want to miss. But, have you ever off-roaded on the wild side of the Smokies? A new attraction coming to Pigeon Forge offers guests the opportunity to bike or ride all-terrain vehicles through the great outdoors! WildSide, a Pigeon Forge adventure park expected to open in the summer of 2024, will feature both mountain biking trails and utility task vehicle (UTV) trails! Here is everything you need to know about WildSide:

If you’ve ever driven past this Pigeon Forge restaurant on the Parkway, you’ll always notice the same thing: The parking lot is always full! On any given day, the Local Goat has rows of spaces filled with cars and hungry diners ready to enjoy a delicious meal. Are you interested in learning more about this restaurant that so many visitors and locals go to every day? Here’s your guide to the Local Goat New American Restaurant in Pigeon Forge: