fall view in the great smoky mountains national park

Blog

House of the Fairies in the Smoky Mountains

Hiking to the House of the Fairies in the Great Smoky Mountains

June 19, 2021

There are a ton of unique spots throughout the Great Smoky Mountains you can get to by hiking. One of the lesser known spots is the fairy house along Twin Creeks Trail. We want to tell you all about this cool little spot and how to get there. Here’s more about hiking to the House of the Fairies in the Great Smoky Mountains:

black bears

4 Best Places to See Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains

May 14, 2021

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the country where black bears can live safe and free in their natural habitat. It is estimated that around 1,500 black bears call the Smokies home. While they can be found all around the park, there are a few places they prefer. Here are the 4 best places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains:

hiking trail in the smokies

5 Tips For Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains By Yourself

April 7, 2021

The scenic and diverse hiking trails in the Smokies bring in thousands of hikers every year! Whether you’re hiking in a group or individually, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing hike and see some of the most incredible views in the country! If you do decide to hike alone, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind. Here are 5 tips for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains by yourself:

baskins creek falls

Hiking Baskins Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains

March 16, 2021

Baskins Creek Trail is a great hike to go on when you visit the Smokies. It’s considered easy to moderate, and you’ll get to see an amazing waterfall at the end of the hike. Find out more about hiking to Baskins Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains:

Gatlinburg trail

All About Dog Friendly Trails in the Smoky Mountains

February 24, 2021

Many people want to bring their pooch with them on vacation, and we don’t blame them! You can have a ton of fun with your dog in the area, including some dog friendly trails in the Smoky Mountains. There are only two trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that allow dogs. The other trails in the backcountry are off limits for dogs because they could bring disease into the habitat for wildlife, leave scents and scare off wildlife, or be prey to other animals. But, you can have a ton of fun on the trails that are pet friendly! Here’s everything you need to know about dog friendly trails in the Smoky Mountains.

clingmans dome

Top 5 Paved Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails

February 10, 2021

Most of the trails in the national park are filled with tree roots, rocks, or gravel. However, there are a handful that are accessible for everyone. If you have a wheelchair or need a stroller for your children, you’re probably looking for a paved Smoky Mountain hiking trail. These trails are just as great as any others, and you’ll have a great time being outside! Here are the top 5 paved Smoky Mountain hiking trails:

clingmans dome

All About the Secret Tunnel Beneath Kuwohi

January 15, 2021

<a href=" https://smokymountainnationalpark.com/popular-places-smoky-mountains/clingmans-dome/" target="_blank"> Kuwohi </a> is one of the most popular destinations in the Smokies, but few people truly know what lays below! Underneath Kuwohi Road, an ornately decorated hidden tunnel stands alone. It’s most commonly referred to as the Thomas Divide Tunnel, but it’s also frequently called the Thomas Ridge Tunnel, the Old Mule Tunnel, or other variations. Although it was once located on a hiking trail, the secret tunnel under Kuwohi is now one of the park’s best hidden treasures. Here’s everything you need to know about the hidden tunnel beneath Kuwohi:

troll bridge in elkmont off little river trail

5 Hidden Gems to Find While Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

November 24, 2020

The Great Smoky Mountains have a ton of incredible hiking trails people love to explore. From mountain views to waterfalls, there are all kinds of cool things to see when you’re hiking in the Smoky Mountains. Want to find something really unusual while you’re hiking? Check out these 5 hidden gems to find while hiking in the Smoky Mountains:

twin creeks trail

Hiking the Twin Creeks Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains

October 13, 2020

Are you looking for an easy trail to hike while you’re visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? You should go on the Twin Creeks Trail ! It’s close to downtown Gatlinburg so you won’t have to go very far, and it’s a beautiful hike through the woods. Find out more about hiking Twin Creeks Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains:

Cataract falls in Smoky Mountains

Hiking the Cataract Falls Trail in the Smoky Mountains

September 14, 2020

If you’re looking for a short, simple hike, then you should go on the Cataract Falls Trail in the Smoky Mountains. The path is easily laid out, making it pretty simple to follow. It’s considered easy, so it is perfect for small children and older adults. Find out more about Cataract Falls below:

flame azalea in gregory bald in the great smoky mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reopening Updates

September 1, 2020

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park began reopening on May 9! If you’ve been missing going for a hike through the Smoky Mountains, your wait is over. The reopening will happen in phases, and the first of which included many of the hiking trails and roads. The second phase includes all the trails and more secondary roads. Now, more areas in the the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are opening Sept. 3. We’ve gathered all the information we can about the national park reopening:

rainbow falls in the Smoky Mountains

5 Trails You Can Hike to Get to the Summit of Mount LeConte

August 19, 2020

The tallest mountain in the Smoky Mountains is Mount LeConte. Many hikers come to the area every year to hike to the summit since it’s the tallest peak in the area and it’s incredible for <a href="/blog/places-watch-sunset-smoky-mountains">sunrises and sunsets </a>. What’s unique about hiking to the top of Mount LeConte is there’s not just one trail, but they are all considered difficult. Here are 5 trails you can hike to get to the summit of Mount LeConte:

Roaring fork Motor Nature Trail

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: What You Need to Know

July 22, 2020

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is one of the most popular scenic drives in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This road is a 5.5-mile loop that offers some of the best views in the Smoky Mountains. You’ll get glimpses of an old-growth forest, historic structures and more. We’ve put together a guide for everything you need to know about Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail:

Foothills Parkway in the Smoky Mountains

5 Less Crowded Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains

June 9, 2020

Hiking isn’t the only way you can explore the Smoky Mountains! In addition to hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are a number of motor <a href="/blog/motor-nature-trails-in-the-smoky-mountains">nature trails you can explore by car</a>. We know you’ve heard about the popular scenic drives like Cades Cove and Roaring Fork, but if you’re looking for something less crowded on your visit, we can help! Here are 5 less crowded scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains:

Gatlinburg Trail in the Smoky Mountains

The Top Trails for Hiking in the Smoky Mountains On Your Next Trip

May 20, 2020

Our favorite way to explore the Smoky Mountains is hiking! With more than 850 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll have plenty of trails to choose from when you visit. To help you decide where to hike when you visit soon, we’ve made a list of the top trails for hiking in the Smoky Mountains on your next tip.