Smoky Mountains

When people visit the Smoky Mountains, one of the things at the top of their list of things to do is to visit the national park. This is not surprising due to the fact of all there is to see and do there. Within one trip, you can take in the beauty of the mountains, see some wildlife, explore historical buildings, and so much more! Before you set out to explore the area for yourself, take a look at these 5 surprising facts about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

If you are looking to treat your special someone to a romantic vacation this Valentine’s Day, there is no better option than the Smokies! Between all the romantic restaurants and breathtaking scenery, your date will be truly mesmerized by the entire adventure. Here are 4 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Smoky Mountains:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be the most popular national park in the country, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any secrets! There are always secrets swirling around about the Smokies, some fact and some fiction. We thought it’d be fun to talk about some of the most common myths about the Smoky Mountains and whether they’re true or false.

There isn’t anything more special than a family vacation. While you are out having fun, you will want to take plenty of pictures so you can show all your loved ones back home and cherish the memories forever. Luckily, there are numerous places in the Smokies that make for the perfect scenic backdrop for a group picture. Here are 6 of the best places to take family photos in the Smoky Mountains:

The Smokies are beautiful all year round, but there is something magical about the mountains in the wintertime! Once snow begins to fall and coat the peaks of the Smokies, it looks like something right out of a postcard. This is also a great time of year to enjoy some camping! While it may be cold, you’ll never forget the experience! Here is your ultimate guide to winter camping in the Smoky Mountains:

One of the best things about the holiday season in the Smokies is the food. Not only can you enjoy traditional holiday meals, this wonderful time of year also includes some of the best sweets. If you are someone who loves the taste of apple cider or peppermint hot chocolate, this is the list for you! Here are 7 of the best places to get holiday treats in the Smoky Mountains:

Winter is a magical time to visit the Smoky Mountains. There are numerous festivals and events to attend, in addition to all the wonderful attractions that are open year round. If you are planning a vacation with children, you do not have to worry about there not being enough for them to do. Here are 5 things to do in the Smoky Mountains with kids this winter:

If you’re just now getting into hiking, we know that a few of the bigger hikes in the Smokies can seem intimidating. Don’t worry, you don’t have to start with hikes like Chimney Tops or Mount LeConte. Instead, try a few of the beginner-friendly hikes that our national park offers. Here are 7 trails in the Smoky Mountains for beginner hikers:

Spending Thanksgiving in the Smoky Mountains is one of the best decisions you will make this holiday season. Believe it or not, taking a vacation can save you lots of time and work, so you don’t have to deal with the stress of the holiday. Here are 6 benefits of renting a cabin for Thanksgiving in the Smoky Mountains:

When you visit the Smokies, there are a few things you will want to experience while you are here. Not only because they are amazing, but also because you will not find anything like them anywhere else. Here are 5 things you can only find in the Smoky Mountains:

You aren’t the only one who is excited for pumpkin spice and jack-o-lanterns this fall! One hungry black bear in Gatlinburg decided to enjoy some delicious pumpkin right in the streets of downtown. Check out the video here:

While there are a ton of great drives for motorcycle riders in the Smokies, the Tail of the Dragon is the one that reigns supreme! Between the amazing scenery and the breathtaking curves, it is on the bucket list for most motorcycle enthusiasts. Here is a complete motorcyclist’s guide to the Tail of the Dragon and other great Smoky Mountain drives:

If hiking is your hobby, then you probably have hiked quite a few trails in the Great Smoky Mountains! A great trail that’s considered difficult with a roundtrip length of 5.9 miles is Bullhead Trail! This trail boasts breathtaking views of the mountains, and it’s one of the less traveled trails in the park. Check out these 6 things you didn’t know about Bullhead Trail in the Smoky Mountains:

On September 28, park officials and the public celebrated the completion of the John Oliver Accessible Trail in Cades Cove. This half-mile, paved trail is about 8 feet wide in order to accommodate those with wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Meeting the standards of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), this trail in Cades Cove provides access to the John Oliver Cabin for visitors of all ability levels.

While everyone enjoys spending the day taking in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, they might not think of all the people that helped shape what it is today. There are countless people who worked long and hard to transform the beautiful landscape into the place where millions of people congregate every year. Here are 6 people who had a hand in the early history of the Smoky Mountains: