Everything you need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains

Voted Best in the Smokies 2026: Top Places to Visit in Western North Carolina
These were voted Best in the Smokies 2026. Now you can explore the top attractions, restaurants, shops, and places to stay across Western North Carolina,

The Spring Food & Drink Trail in the Smokies: Where to Eat, Sip & Savor
Spring in the North Carolina Smokies brings fresh mountain air, blooming landscapes, and the perfect excuse to explore the region one bite at a time.

Best Things to Do in Cherokee, NC This Spring: Culture, Casino & Smoky Mountain Adventure
When spring arrives in the North Carolina Smokies, Cherokee becomes one of the most rewarding mountain getaways of the season. Fresh green landscapes, flowing rivers,

A Perfect One-Day Schedule at Nantahala Outdoor Center
An itinerary of adventure, scenery, and riverside rafting and relaxation in the heart of the Smokies Tucked along the banks of the Nantahala River, the Nantahala

Wildflower Season in the Smokies: Where to See Spring in Bloom
Discover the color, beauty, and quiet magic of spring across Western North Carolina Each spring, the mountains of Western North Carolina transform into one of

5 of the Best Scenic Drives in Western NC
With can’t-miss stops along the way 🚗 🌄 1. The Blue Ridge Parkway: America’s Favorite Drive Cruise the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway for sweeping views, budding trees, and

Following the Appalachian Trail Through the Smoky Mountains
Where Hikers Explore, Refuel, and Experience the NC Smokies Every spring, something special begins happening across the mountains of Western North Carolina. Thousands of hikers

River Legs – Stories of the Southern Smokies – Chapter 2
River Legs There’s a moment that happens in the river. At first, the water feels cold and uncertain. The rocks shift beneath your boots. The

Spring Break in the Mountains
Have you been to the Great Smoky Mountains in the springtime yet? Well, what are you waiting for? The weather is lovely and unpredictable –

🧘♀️ Smoky Mountain Wellness Escapes: Relax, Rejuvenate & Reconnect
Discover serene spas, peaceful retreats, and wellness-centric stays across Western North Carolina As the brisk chill of winter begins to ease and the promise of

🌲 Top Hidden Gems in Western North Carolina: Beyond Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Explore small towns, scenic spots, and local experiences that make the NC Smokies unforgettable Everyone knows the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for its renowned

A Perfect Spring Break: The Smoky Mountain Blueways Trail System
Trophy Water, Wild Fish, and the Backbone of the Southern Appalachians Designated in 2020, the Smoky Mountain Blueways Trail System quietly stitched together one of

Hit the Slopes This Winter at Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley
As winter blankets the Smoky Mountains, Maggie Valley comes alive with one of the Southeast’s most beloved winter destinations — Cataloochee Ski Area. A short scenic

Smoky Mountain Winter Adventures
Many travelers love the NC Great Smoky Mountains in winter! They explore outdoor sports and adventures in the beautiful snowy landscape. Hike the trails without

Stories of the Southern Smokies — Chapter One
Keepers of the Mountains In the Southern Smokies, the mountains are not just scenery—they are shared responsibility. They are shaped, protected, and carried forward by

Haywood County Ice Fest Weekend
Who says all the fun in the Great Smoky Mountains hibernates after the winter holidays? Not Haywood County, that’s who! Enjoy the coolest event of the year

Cozy Winter Escapes in the Smoky Mountains
With winter views that go on for miles, cozy cabin rentals, and plenty of indoor activities to pass the time, winter is a beautiful time

Have a Merry (and Beautiful) Christmas in the Smokies
From all of us at Visit Smokies, and all of us in Western North Carolina, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. We know that when you

🎄 A Festive Christmas Getaway at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Tucked into the snow-kissed peaks of Western North Carolina, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort transforms into a yuletide destination where dazzling entertainment, warm hospitality, and holiday spirit come

Unique Smoky Mountain Christmas Gifts: Shop Local, Shop Cultural, Shop Meaningful
If you’re searching for Christmas gifts with meaning, heritage, and a true sense of place, skip the big-box stores and explore the incredible museum shops

Winter Adventures at Highlands Outpost
Highlands Outpost offers all-day, winter fun for the whole family in Scaly Mountain, NC! Snow tubing, ice skating, and the Scaly Mountain Screamer are open