Everything you need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains

Hidden Waterfalls Now Open to the Public: Discover Western North Carolina’s Newest Waterfall Hikes
For decades, Cover Falls remained hidden on private property just outside Andrews, North Carolina. Today, visitors can finally experience one of Cherokee County’s newest public

Artists of the Southern Smokies
Why artists create here and where visitors can find their work The Southern Smokies draw artists because the land supplies daily subjects, regional traditions value

Best Things to Do in Cherokee, NC This Summer: Museums, Live Shows, Fishing & More
If you’re looking to learn about the culture and heritage of one of America’s native tribes, summer is the best times to discover Cherokee, North

A Creative Summer Escape at John C. Campbell Folk School
When summer arrives in the Smoky Mountains, most visitors head for waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic drives. While those experiences are unforgettable, there’s another side

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: The Ultimate Summer Train Adventure in the Smokies
There’s something timeless about watching the mountains roll by from the window of a historic train. This summer, slow down and experience one of the

Fourth of July in the North Carolina Smokies: Where to Celebrate Across the Region
If you’re spending the Fourth of July in the North Carolina Smokies, you’ll find no shortage of ways to celebrate. Across the region, mountain towns

Blue Hound Barbecue: A Smoky Mountain BBQ Stop Worth the Drive
Great barbecue has a way of bringing people together, and in the Smokies, few places have earned a more loyal following than Blue Hound Barbecue.

The Perfect Summer Ice Cream Treat in the North Carolina Smokies: Jack the Dipper
After a day spent hiking mountain trails, chasing waterfalls, exploring charming downtowns, or enjoying scenic drives through the Smokies, there’s one stop that locals and

15 Must-See Waterfalls in the North Carolina Smokies
The North Carolina Smoky Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Southeast. From roadside cascades and family-friendly walks to towering

Celebrating Scottish Heritage This June in the Southern Smokies
June settles into the Southern Smokies with a familiar rhythm to anyone with Celtic roots in these Highlands. Early Scots and Scots-Irish settlers found a

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