fall view in the great smoky mountains national park

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baby black bear clawing a tree in the smoky mountains

8 Safety Tips for Seeing Animals in the Smoky Mountains

December 29, 2022

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws people in from all over the world because of its beauty. They’re excited to see natural wonders, and, hopefully, some native wildlife while they’re here. However, it is important to know how to interact with these creatures so they, and you, stay safe. Check out these 8 safety tips for seeing animals in the Smoky Mountains:

rainbow falls during winter in the great smoky mountains national park

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains in Winter: What’s Open & What’s Closed?

December 1, 2022

Are you planning on visiting the <a href="https://smokymountainnationalpark.com/" title="$3" target="_blank"> Great Smoky Mountains National Park </a> during the winter months? You’ll be glad you did because this area is beautiful this time of year. You’re able to see more of the landscape you can’t see when trees are covered in leaves, and you might just get to experience snow! Due to this unpredictable weather and seasonal closures, not every trail is accessible. Keep reading to learn more about hiking in the Smoky Mountains in winter and what’s open and closed.

elkmont nature trail in the smoky mountains

Hiking the Elkmont Nature Trail in the Smoky Mountains

November 17, 2022

If you’re searching for a simple and easy hike for your young kids, older adults, or anyone else who can’t handle more difficult trails, then Elkmont Nature Trail is the perfect trail for you! People of all ages and abilities will enjoy this beautiful, short walk through the woods, because it really does show how beautiful the Smokies can be! Learn more about this hike now:

clingmans dome at dusk

7 Things to Know About Kuwohi Before Your Hike

November 1, 2022

When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, you can’t miss out on the most popular destinations and that includes Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome)! People come from all over the world to experience the hike and breathtaking views from the 360-degree observation deck. To help you with your trek to the top, we want to share 7 things you should know about Kuwohi before you head out on the hike.

metcalf bottoms river in the smoky mountains

Hiking Metcalf Bottoms Trail in the Smoky Mountains

October 20, 2022

If you’re looking for an easy trail that’s close to a picnic area, Metcalf Bottoms Trail is a great option! Located right beside the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, this trail has everything you could want in a short, simple hike!

little greenbrier school in the smoky mountains

Is the Little Greenbrier School in the Smoky Mountains Haunted?

October 6, 2022

There are several places in the Smoky Mountains that are known for being haunted. But did you know the Little Greenbrier School might also need to be on that list? Several people have spent the night at the school, and they have reported experiencing disturbances or strange occurrences. So if you want to know if the Little Greenbrier School in the Smoky Mountains is haunted, keep reading.

river in the smoky mountains

Hiking Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail in the Smoky Mountains

September 21, 2022

The Smoky Mountains present some of the best opportunities to hike in the entire country! Picturesque mountain views, gorgeous foliage and fascinating creatures make the hiking trails in the Smokies a can’t-miss opportunity! Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is an easy half-mile loop near Gatlinburg that’s perfect for children, families, senior citizens and those with handicaps looking to get a taste of the Smoky Mountains. This paved trail is one of the only trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is designated to be accessible for all.

rainbow cave falls waterfall in the smoky mountains

A Secret Waterfall in the Smoky Mountains: Rainbow Cave Falls

September 15, 2022

We know how much you love secret spots in the Smokies, which is why we want to share another one with you! There’s a secret waterfall in the Smoky Mountains called Rainbow Cave Falls. No, it’s not the same as Rainbow Falls, the well-known 80-foot, single drop waterfall. Learn all about Rainbow Cave Falls and where you can find this hidden gem below:

Smoky mountain sunset

Top 4 Places to Watch the Sunset in the Smoky Mountains

September 2, 2022

The high elevation of the mountains makes it the perfect place to catch one of the most spectacular sunsets imaginable. No matter where you are in the park, there is a good chance you will be able to get some amazing pictures of the sun going down behind the trees. However, there are a few hidden spots to go in order to get the best views! Here are 4 of the best places to watch the sunset in the Smoky Mountains:

Cades Cove

3 Motor Nature Trails in the Smoky Mountains to Visit

September 1, 2022

Not everyone likes to hike, but they still want to enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer. That’s why we are sharing 3 motor nature trails in the Smoky Mountains that are perfect to explore! Each offer beautiful and unique views of the Smoky Mountains all that you can experience from the comfort of your car!

Cataract falls in Smoky Mountains

Top 4 Accessible Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Trails

August 29, 2022

The <a href="https://smokymountainnationalpark.com/" target="_blank">Great Smoky Mountains National Park</a> is a huge park in Tennessee and North Carolina full of hiking trails! The national park includes accessible trails for people in wheelchairs or for people with mobility concerns. Some of these accessible hiking trails are paved while the other trails are hard-packed gravel. Most of the accessible trails are relatively smooth without much elevation. Enjoy your time on the trails without concerns! Here are the top 4 accessible Great Smoky Mountains hiking trails:

Smoky Mountain sunset

5 Tips for Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains for the First Time

August 23, 2022

One of the pull factors to Gatlinburg is the scenic nature. During your vacation, you should definitely block out time to explore the outdoors. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is great for hiking as it has over 800 miles of trails. If you have never hiked before, don’t worry! Read on to discover 5 tips for your first time hiking in the Smoky Mountains.

bridge crossing Big Creek in the Smoky Mountains

Hiking Big Creek Trail in the Smoky Mountains

June 30, 2022

If you’re looking to spend more time on the North Carolina side of the mountains, consider hiking Big Creek Trail in the Smoky Mountains! This is the perfect hike for the spring or summer months because it’s in a heavily wooded area, meaning more shady spots. This hike offers plenty of rewards, too, making it one of our favorites in the North Carolina part of the Smokies.

Gregory Bald in the Smoky Mountains

Everything You Need to Know about Hiking to Gregory Bald

June 21, 2022

If you love nature and flowers, you do not want to miss the hike to Gregory Bald. While this is one of the more difficult trails in the Smokies, you will quickly learn why it is also one of the most popular hikes for visitors. The amazing mountain view and scenic highlights make this a trail you need to experience. Here is everything you need to know about hiking to Gregory Bald:

Kephart Prong Trail in the Smoky Mountains

Top 4 Reasons Why Families Love Hiking Along the Kephart Prong Trail

May 5, 2022

One of the most family friendly hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains is the Kephart Prong Trail, a well-maintained trail that runs for about 2 miles to the Kephart Shelter. The trail crosses over a creek several times via sturdy log bridges and offers several fascinating historic sites along the journey! In addition to the shelter at the trail’s end, you’ll also find the remnants of the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/the-civilian-conservation-corps.htm" target="_blank"> Civilian Conservation Corps </a> camp! Here are the top 4 reasons why families love hiking along the Kephart Prong Trail: