Everything you need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains

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

Celebrate Smoky Mountain Holiday Traditions
Not much beats the Smoky Mountain holiday season! Enjoy a cozy and festive holiday escape with gorgeous winter mountain views and the small-town charm of

Haywood County Ice Fest Weekend 2026
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

All Aboard for the POLAR EXPRESS™
Experience the magic this holiday season! Join us for a truly magical recreation of the classic holiday story, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Climb aboard

Announcement: October Officially Recognized as Rediscovering the Mountains of Western North Carolina Month
Western North Carolina — During the Western Carolina University home football game, where the Catamounts defeated Furman 52–7, the first public presentation of the Proclamation

Federal Government Shutdown Update North Carolina Smokies
As of 12:01 a.m. October 1st, 2025 the federal government has partially shut down. For those planning visits to the Smoky Mountains, it’s important to know that

🍂 NC Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Forecast 2025
Fall is on its way, and the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina are ready for a spectacular show of color. Thanks to healthy summer

Fall Adventures with Nantahala Outdoor Center
Experience the seasonal change from lush summer greenery to spectacular fall foliage. Each year, the Smokies become a canvas of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows

Best Hikes to Enjoy Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage
Experience nature’s best show by hiking through a kaleidoscope of flaming colors. Here are our favorite fall hikes in the NC Smokies.

One Year After Hurricane Helene – The Great Smoky Mountains
Next month will mark the one year anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s unforgettable impact across the Smoky Mountains. Recovery continues in the hardest-hit areas, but destinations

Upcoming Fall Events in the Smokies
There’s something extra special about the Great Smoky Mountains in the fall. Maybe it’s the perfectly crisp chill in the autumn air, or the changing

John C. Campbell Folk School celebrates 100th Anniversary
John C. Campbell Folk School celebrates 100th Anniversary with a fall festival October 4-5th. Expect exhibitors, storytelling, artists showcase, and projects highlighting the impact.

Culinary Experiences in the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains reveal wonderful culinary experiences with unique dishes, regional specialties and places to play along the way.

Self-Care in the Great Smoky Mountains
Fresh mountain air, serene environment, and stunning natural beauty — perfect for self-care in the Great Smoky Mountains.

A to Z: The Best Breweries in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina
Thirsty after a day of outdoor adventure? Here is a guide to some of the best breweries in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.

Horseback Riding in the Smoky Mountains
Make your horseback riding dream a reality in the Great Smokies. Trek through wildflower-filled trails with mountain breezes and mountain views.

Summer Family Fun in the Smokies
The kids are out of school, and those unused vacation days are piling up, so it’s time to plan your visit to the Great Smoky