Smoky Mountains

It’s that time of year again. The time we resolve to create a better lifestyle and set goals for the new year. If you’re anything like us, you probably make these year-long vows to yourself, knowing that you’ll slip right back into your old ways around mid-March. At Visit My Smokies, we want to help you stay true to the goals you set for yourself. Believe it or not, a Smoky Mountain vacation can help keep you focused and ready to tackle your resolutions.

If you’ve been to the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ve heard of Newfound Gap Road. Chances are, you’ve driven along it. Newfound Gap Road is the only roadway that stretches through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, connecting Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC.

There is nothing quite like looking out at the snow-capped mountains in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The picturesque scene appears to be more like a Thomas Kinkade painting than really life. The only issue, however, with these beautiful scenes we also get the cold winter weather that come along with them. To help families find fun and exciting things to do on these chilly days, Visit My Smokies has put together a list of the top three things to do in the Smoky Mountains when it’s cold outside.

UPDATE: The three hikers that were found stranded in the Smoky Mountains on January 3 have now been successfully air lifted to safety by the North Carolina Helicopter and Aquatic Rescue team. No serious injuries were reported. 

Squirrels are everywhere! In fact, there are more than 200 species of the little critters throughout the world, and plenty of those reside in the Smoky Mountain area. On your next vacation to the Smokies, you’re sure to spot one (or two, or three) squirrels throughout your stay. But why are there so many squirrels in the cities around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Believe it or not, its not just because the squirrels have found their way outside of the national park.

Every year, the national park officials send out a number of biologists to report on the wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. According to the biologists, the year 2013 has officially set a new record for the number of elk calves born in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Known for having outstanding views, the Chimney Tops hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a favorite for many visitors. The trail has been closed due to a reconstruction project to correct the erosion problem and rockslides.

Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a sister? Earlier this year officials with the national park signed an agreement with the Khao Yai National Park in Thailand to establish the park’s first ever sister park arrangement.

Nearly 100 years after 7-year-old Homer Mellen wrote a letter to Santa, the letter has resurfaced and touched the hearts of everyone throughout the Smoky Mountains. The letter, written in 1915, was found in a keepsake box with pictures and other small items from family members who had passed. We hope sharing this letter to Santa will remind families of traditional Smoky Mountain Christmas celebrations, where families enjoyed spending time together, making holiday memories. The letter reads:

On your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll find that there are plenty of hiking trails to choose from. When families walk the hiking trails through the Smokies, they’re walking on land filled with history. But where did the trails begin? Read more to explore the origins of the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

In 2010, the United States Mint began issuing 56 quarters, each featuring designs of the national parks and other national sites. Since, we have been patiently waiting for the release of the Smoky Mountain quarter. The quarter will be the 21st out of the 56 quarters to be sent out.

We all know those friends or family members who are just too difficult to buy gifts for. This year, instead of going with the typical gift sets filled with candy and scented soaps, try something a little bit different, like a gift from the Smokies! We’ve put together a few great Smoky Mountain gifts for those ‘hard to buy for’ friends on your Christmas list.

Mark your calendars! Tickets go on sale this week for Dolly Parton's May concert in Knoxville. The show will raise money for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.