Everything you need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains

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

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