The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an abundance of wilderness beauty and stunning natural formations, which explains why it is the most visited national park in the country. One feature that brings many a curious explore to the Smokies is the more than a hundred waterfalls scattered across the park’s thousands of acres. From gently cascading falls buried deep amongst the wilds to rushing plunges that cover the scene in a blanket of mist and take your breath away with their sheer power and brilliance, and everything in-between can be found in the Smokies. Though in order to witness the glory of these waterfalls for yourself, some hiking will be required but don’t worry – several of the most popular falls are easily accessible for most. If you are wondering which falls to explore during your next visit to the Smokies, keep reading! (more…)

The Smoky Mountain region is renowned for its natural splendor, rich cultural heritage, outdoor adventures, countless attractions and more! . But did you know that the Smokies is also home to one of the largest independent artisans’ organizations in the country? Thanks to the organization’s gathering of talent over the past eighty years, the Smokies has become a hub for creative individuals and their handcrafted works. For many artisans in the area, the skills and knowledge of their craft have been passed down through multiple generations, preserving techniques and styles that are unique to the region. You can purchase these one-of-a-kind creations along an eight-mile loop, known as the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, just outside of Gatlinburg. This community serves as the basecamp for over 100 exceptional artisans and crafters today. As you shop for treasures, you may notice artisans hard at work, but they are typically happy to discuss their work and passion with onlookers. However, once a year, the Hands On Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Weekend provides patrons with the opportunity to explore or refine their crafting skills with the help of skilled craftsmen. (more…)

Spring is in the air and no where is that more apparent than at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. From April 21 to June 11, 2023, visitors to Dollywood will be able to “experience the splendor of springtime in the Smokies” in a completely magical and unforgettable way! Beginning in roughly a week, more than half a million vibrant buds, blooms and blossoms will envelop the park during Dollywood’s Flower and Food Festival. This event is the perfect excuse to spend time with those you love most, soaking in that beautiful Tennessee sunshine as you explore the colorful living sculptures, experience the thrilling rides and savor all the scrumptious flavors of spring. Continue reading to learn more about this year’s Dollywood Flower and Food Festival and all the things you’ll want to see and sample! (more…)

Exploring Cataloochee

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an endless array of natural beauty and historical landmarks, even for those who have lived nearby for years. With more than 800 miles of hiking trails, over 2,100 miles of streams and rivers, a diverse range of flora and fauna, numerous peaks, and a rich cultural history, it could take a lifetime to experience everything this park has to offer. However, there are a few hidden gems that you should definitely check out during your next visit, such as the stunning Cataloochee Valley. Nestled on the North Carolina side of the park, this picturesque valley is surrounded by high ridges and was once home to hundreds of people. Although many of the original settlements are long gone, remnants of them still remain, offering visitors a glimpse into the valley’s rich history. Keep reading to learn more about Cataloochee Valley’s fascinating past and all the incredible sights it has to offer! (more…)

Every year during the warm summer evening in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a breathtaking spectacle takes places. The night sky is illuminated with small orbs of greenish-yellow light, flickering in seemingly random patterns like twinkling stars within arm’s length. These radiant, flitting through the air, are not fairies come to take you to lands unknown, nor spirits warning you of the pending harvest. Instead, they are the equally enchanting – fireflies. For a brief two-to-three-week period during the summer, every evening in the Smokies is home to a surreal display. As these lighting-bugs attempt to attract mates before the brief breeding period concludes, onlookers from all over the world flock to the lush mountains to witness the spectacular show with their own eyes. Never heard of the Synchronous Fireflies of the Smokies before, or unsure on how you can partake in such a unique occurrence? We’ve put together a helpful guide about everything you need to know about The Great Smoky Mountains synchronous fireflies viewing in order to experience the magic for yourself this year! (more…)

Easter is a time of year that maintains varying kinds of significance for different groups of people and, consequently, is celebrated in a myriad of ways. If you’re planning on being in the Smokies during the holy holiday, there are plenty of ways to celebrate, regardless of what your typical Easter may look like. From unique church services to unforgettable bunny meet-and-greets for the kids, Easter in the Smoky Mountains will be one to cherish forever! (more…)

Every year in the Smokies, folks come together to honor Irish culture and history and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true Appalachian style! This year will be no different, with Gatlinburg transforming into a real-world Emerald City, several major attractions hosting special events for the holiday and Celtic music filling the air around every corner. Explore the Smokies for specialty merchandise, Celtic cuisine and drinks, as well as incredible live performances to get you in touch with your Irish ancestry. Whether you’re looking for authentic brews, good eats, fantastic entertainment or an inspired atmosphere to get you in the St. Patrick’s Day mood, the Smokies are here to provide a wonderful (and hopefully lucky) holiday outing! (more…)

Imagine, it’s a mild spring morning deep in the heart of the Smokies, the sun is shining and a soft breeze gently musses your hair. There’s a glistening on the water as you cast your line into the babbling mountain stream before you – the splash of your lure breaking the water’s surface is one of the only sounds you hear. There’s nothing but you, your reel and the pure unadulterated Appalachian wilderness surrounding you as you wait for something to bite. You close your eyes to listen to the birdsong and revel in the blissful, tranquility of your fisherman’s haven. (more…)

The Smoky Mountains is a wonderful destination for all types of travelers – there’s something for everyone in the group to enjoy, a world-renown landscape to explore and plenty of good old Southern cooking to savor. But what if we told you that 2023 is stacking up to be one of the most exciting years in the Smokies to date? With thrilling new attractions, adventures and sites to explore all over Sevier County in the months to come, even seasonal visitors who have been to the region time and time again will find something new to experience. So, get ready for the best year yet in the Smokies by reading up on the newest and greatest attractions coming to the area in 2023! (more…)

Practically a straight shot from Gatlinburg through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, less than a 90-minute drive, resides the community of Cherokee, NC. Located in the Oconaluftee River Valley, Cherokee is the beautiful namesake community and headquarters for the Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Upon entering the town, it’s clear that a strong connection and reverence for the rich history of the resilient and inventive native peoples who fought to remain in their homeland, remains strong. With an enduring and ever-growing legacy to explore, a rich culture to be immersed in, a breathtaking natural beauty to enjoy, it’s well worth the drive to spend a day in Cherokee, NC.

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