Everything you need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains

Fall in Franklin, NC: PumpkinFest, Downtown Favorites, & a Visit to Sanctuary Village
There’s something special about fall in Franklin, North Carolina. Cool mountain air, changing leaves and a full calendar of festivals and events make October one

2026 NC Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Forecast: Peak Color Dates & Best Places to See Fall Leaves
Fall color season is approaching in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains, bringing brilliant reds, oranges and golds to the mountains and valleys of Western North

Fall Adventures at Nantahala Outdoor Center in the NC Smoky Mountains
Fall brings a whole new kind of adventure to the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. As the forests surrounding the Nantahala Gorge shift from summer green

2026 Fall Festivals & Events in the NC Smoky Mountains
There’s something extra special about fall in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. Crisp mountain air arrives, forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange and gold,

Best Fall Hikes in the NC Smoky Mountains for Fall Foliage
When fall arrives in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains, hiking trails become front-row seats to one of nature’s best shows. Brilliant reds, oranges and golds

Fall in Maggie Valley: A Cozy Smoky Mountain Stay at The Valley Inn
There’s something special about waking up in Maggie Valley on a crisp fall morning. Mountain ridges glow with shades of gold, orange and red, cool

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