Smoky Mountains

Have you ever seen a Smoky Mountain black bear? When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll most likely be keeping your eyes open for any sighting of a black bear. Many people don’t know that our black bears have a hibernation schedule that is a bit different than the northern bears. Where do bears go when they’re looking for sleep, though?

Everyone has winter memories, but which memory tops your list? Did you love standing outside, bundled in layers of clothes, catching snowflakes? Perhaps you liked hiding behind trees during snowball fights? Maybe you remember making your way back inside when it was time to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa overflowing with mini marshmallows.

Year after year, families plan vacations to the Great Smoky Mountains, but why? We all love the unique names of the peaks and the dense fog that makes the mountains so ‘smoky’ but what’s so great about these mountains? Here’s what we know makes our mountains a little different than other national parks:

When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will experience pure relaxation as you take in the mountain scenery and crisp mountain air. Have you ever wondered where the mountains got their names? Here’s what we know:

There is no better way to connect with nature than with a leisurely hike through the scenic Smoky Mountains, especially this time of year. The leaves in the trees are nothing short of spectacular, and all the animals are getting their last bit of energy out before hiding away during the winter.

Vacationers should start planning their trip to the Smoky Mountains if they are looking to experience the scenic views and beautiful photo opportunities from Clingmans Dome. 

As the weather begins to cool off outside we here in the Great Smoky Mountains are preparing to wave goodbye to our favorite mountain mammals as they begin their long naps until spring. We typically hear of bears around this time of year finding a nice warm cave to curl up during the winter, but with the weather in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park being a bit warmer than other parts of the country we find ourselves wondering whether or not our bears really sleep off winter.

We, at Visit My Smokies, know it’s time for those holiday trips to the Smoky Mountains. When you are visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we want you to be as prepared as possible. Here’s a few tips for hiking in the colder weather this holiday season:

On the morning of October 21, at 11:41a.m., Dolly Parton was involved in a two-vehicle car accident in Nashville. She was riding in the front passenger seat of a Nissan Xterra that was struck at an intersection.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been a must-see vacation destination for millions of visitors year after year. When you visit the Smokies, there is always something new to see or learn, so we have put together a few things everyone ought to know about the national park.

Visit My Smokies is pleased to announce that vacationers can bid farewell to the barricades as they make their way into the Great Smoky Mountains! As of Thursday, October 17, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be open and fully operating.

Do you know the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is filled with 130 different types of trees?

Are you thinking about planning your vacation the Smoky Mountains? Millions of families make their way to the Smoky Mountains every year, so Visit My Smokies combined a few of the best ways to see the colors of the mountains.

Are you a Smoky Mountain Insider? A new Youtube channel produced by Visit My Smokies is providing behind the scenes looks at some of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Insiders View is a one of a kind chance to see your favorite places like never before.

Update: On Tuesday October 15 Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory reached an agreement with United States government officials to reopen the Great Smoky Mountain National Park at midnight on Wednesday October 16 through Sunday October 20. Plans extending the park opening past Sunday have not yet been announced.