Everything you need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains

Summer Festivals & Gatherings in the Smokies
A summertime visit to the Great Smoky Mountains is truly a special treat, featuring wildflower-filled wooded hikes, beautiful waterfalls, and icy cold swimming holes. The

Top 20 Kid Adventures in the Smokies
Discover the top 20 Kid Adventures in the Smokies! From roller skating and gem mining to scenic railroads and water parks, find family-friendly fun across Western North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains region.

Iconic Smoky Mountain Summer Adventures
Experience Smoky Mountain magic – Cherokee culture, scenic railways, thrilling outdoor adventures, and four stunning national parks nestled in America’s most beloved mountains.

Explorer’s Guide to Highlands and Cashiers, NC
Discover Highlands and Cashiers, NC – mountain havens offering luxury stays, stunning waterfalls, quaint village charm, and outdoor adventures in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Celebrating the 2024 Visit Smokies People’s Choice Winners
The Visit Smokies People’s Choice Awards shine a spotlight on the people, places, and experiences that make the Smokies truly unforgettable. This year’s winners reflect the heart, heritage and hospitality in the Smokies.

Immersive Experiences in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina
Immerse yourself in the Great Smoky Mountains with artist-led workshops, scenic excursions and family-friendly experiences.

Preparing for your Hiking Adventure in the Great Smokies
The Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina boast an impressive collection of trail systems: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, the

A Photographer’s Journey Through Hurricane Helene Aftermath
When Hurricane Helene ravaged North Carolina, it left devastation across 27 counties. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the seven westernmost counties of the

Rainy Day Adventures in the NC Smokies
The Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina have four beautiful seasons – and it rains in all of them! This nourishing rainfall creates the perfect

Easter in the Great Smoky Mountains
As Spring continues to bloom across the Great Smoky Mountains of NC, Easter weekend (April 18th-20th) brings numerous opportunities to celebrate the season with family

Wildflowers are Blooming in the Great Smoky Mountains
Springtime in the Great Smoky Mountains, particularly in the National Park, is paradise for wildflowers enthusiasts. The smallest sprouts have emerged through the forest floor,

Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Great Smoky Mountains
May is a special time to visit the Great Smokies of North Carolina, wildflowers blooming, tree blossoms appearing, green mountain vistas stretching to the horizon,

Pet-Friendly Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are a natural wonderland offering more than just scenic beauty. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, hundreds of waterfalls, iconic

Springtime Festivals in the Great Smoky Mountains
Oh, Springtime, welcome back! We are glad to see you. If you’re longing for fresh breezes, landscapes of ever-changing pastels, and a hometown mountain getaway,

Top 8 Spring Adventures in the Smoky Mountains
It’s official! Spring has sprung in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. The flowers are blooming, wildlife is young and active, and the

The Great Outhouse Races Returns
You Have to See It to Believe It—The Great Outhouse Races in Sapphire, NC Get ready for one of the wackiest winter traditions in the

Buffalo Creek Vacations: Resilience in the Heart of the Smoky Mountains
Nestled in the scenic beauty of Haywood County, Buffalo Creek Vacations offers more than just a place to stay—it provides an experience. With charming mountain

What’s On Tap for 2025 in the Smokies
2025 Brings New Experiences, Milestone Celebrations, and Familiar Favorites in the Smokies The Great Smoky Mountains have long been a place of wonder, but 2025

Christmas Tree Farms in the Smoky Mountains
A perfect way to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains AND support this area after the ill-effects of Hurricane Helene this past fall is to combine

Celebrate Smoky Mountain Holiday Traditions
Not much beats the the Smoky Mountain holiday season! Enjoy a cozy and festive holiday escape with plenty of gorgeous winter-time mountain views to go

Where to Find Beautiful Fall Color in the Smoky Mountains – 2024 Fall Color Report: Nov. 6 – 17
Don’t worry—you haven’t missed out on all the beautiful fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina! There’s still an abundance of rusty