Smoky Mountains

In the Great Smoky Mountains, the weather has changed drastically over the last couple of weeks. The upper elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park experienced quite a few inches of snow last week, and this week the sun is shining and frogs in Cades Cove have started singing.

From the smoky fog that blankets the mountaintops to legendary music icon Dolly Parton, there’s so many things that make the Smoky Mountains different from the rest of the world. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below, but here’s what we think makes the area so special:

What was once a settlement has now become one of the most popular areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stretching 11 miles, the Cades Cove Loop Road is visited by more than two million visitors each year. Since the National Park was formed, Cades Cove visitors can hike trails, discover waterfalls, explore churches and spot wildlife while walking or auto-touring.

What once was started as a way to honor George Washington’s birthday, Presidents’ Day has now become a time where we, as Americans, honor our nation’s leaders. As part of our way of showing respect, we at Visit My Smokies have decided to take a moment and honor all the past presidents that have helped shape our beloved Great Smoky Mountains National Park over the years.

If you love all things about the Smoky Mountains, you may be surprised that there’s a couple of areas you’ve never visited, or maybe never even heard about.

The Smoky Mountains are known for their diverse history and rustic charm, so it should come as no surprise to fans of the area to discover that one of the many beautiful Smoky Mountain churches was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1891, the Rocky Springs Presbyterian Church was one of eight new historical sites added to the register’s list.

If you love the Great Smoky Mountains, you’re going to be so excited about the newest addition to the area!

We all know that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is beautiful to visit, no matter what time of year. However, our favorite nature spot recently gained national attention when on February 4, CNN Travel named our very own Great Smoky Mountains National Park as one of the best winter drives in America.

We all know that the Smoky Mountains are a very popular vacation destination for families during the summer and holiday seasons, but what perks do families have that visit the area during the somewhat “off-season”?

As you may know, Dolly Parton was born into a very poor family, living without electricity or any luxuries of life. Even though she was one of 12 children, she was always encouraged to pursue her dreams. Her supportive family and humble roots have made her who she is today, a legendary country musician, treasured in the eyes of all visitors to the Smokies. But our very own ‘Backwoods Barbie’ has a few insecurities, too.

Update (January 28, 2014): Wouldn't you love to be snowed in, in the Smoky Mountains? This morning, all roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are CLOSED. The snow is pouring down across Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, covering the roads. If you're out and about, make sure to drive safely and enjoy your snow day in the Smokies!

Update (January 26, 2014): The roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are still extremely slick and covered in ice. Some of the roads have reopened for the convenience of visitors.

One of the biggest things we in the Smoky Mountains love about Dolly Parton is that she stays true to who she is, and she isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers along the way. To pay tribute to Dolly and her fearless ways, we at Visit My Smokies took a little time and made a list of the top five moments for Dolly Parton in this past year. If you think of one you think we missed, let us know in the comments below!

The Smoky Mountains are about to get a little more sporty! Organizers with the Rocky Top Sports World are proud to announce that the brand new sporting events facility in Gatlinburg TN is now open!.

FLOOD UPDATE: The heavy rainfall has caused visitors to the area to question whether more rain is on the way.