Everything you need to know about the Great Smoky Mountains

Drive the Smoky Mountain Scenic Byway
Every year, thousands of visitors trek to Western North Carolina to enjoy cool summers, take in stunning mountain views, and explore numerous outdoor adventures. One

The Best Golfing in the Great Smoky Mountains
In 1971, astronaut Alan Shepard captured the world’s attention when he golfed on the moon. For your own out-of-this-world experience, you need to go no

Top 5 Adventures in the Pisgah National Forest
Explore 512,000 acres of outdoor playground in the Pisgah National Forest, one of the first national forests established in the eastern US. Located in the

Smoky Mountain Visitor Center – Your Travel Resource in the Smokies
Location & Hours of Operation4437 Georgia RdFranklin, NC 28734828.369.9606 Open Sunday-Saturday9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving GET DIRECTIONS The sprawling North Carolina Smoky

Explorer’s Guide to Murphy, NC
Buckle up explorers and travelers! You’re heading to one of the most charming and peaceful, yet outrageously adventurous small towns in the NC Great Smoky

Traveling the Appalachian Folkways
Adjacent to the Oconaluftee Village in Cherokee N.C., you can step back in time to learn the history of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee

Top 25 Things To Do in the NC Smoky Mountains
Planning a vacation that delivers on thrills, romance, family fun, and relaxation while exploring unfamiliar cultures and unparalleled adventures? The NC Great Smoky Mountains is

Explore Wineries in the NC Great Smoky Mountains
A vacation, or staycation, in the Great Smoky Mountains of NC can have you exploring the ridgetops of a mountain after lunch and then sipping

Where to Get Married in the NC Smoky Mountains
If you imagine your dream wedding somewhere romantic with beautiful, scenic views, then look no further than the Great Smoky Mountains! Whether you want a

Celebrating 50 Years of Outdoor Adventure at NOC
2022 marks the 50th year since the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) opened their adventure outpost along the waters of the Nantahala River in Bryson City.

Explorer’s Guide to Fontana and Robbinsville, NC
Spending time in the natural world is easily the most reliable and enjoyable way to reset your sensibilities. A vacation in Robbinsville, NC and the

5 Places to go Camping in the Smoky Mountains
Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains can be an exciting adventure for families and friends to enjoy together. There are many campgrounds in the Western

Shadow of the Bear in the Great Smoky Mountains
From February through March, and then again in November, a natural, can’t-be-missed phenomenon happens in the Great Smoky Mountains of Jackson County, NC. The Shadow

Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Smokies
Spending time with your loved one in the Great Smoky Mountains is sweet – at Valentine’s Day, or any time of the year! Whether you

The Explorer’s Guide to Franklin, NC
Well known for its neighborly ways and charming historic downtown, Franklin, NC is a destination of its own. With a population of about 4,000 people

Exploring the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in Graham County, N.C., inspires the kind of hushed awe that can only be found in rare old-growth forests. Widely

A Winter Escape to Highlands
If you’re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season – from work, responsibilities, and tackling never-ending to-do lists –

Drive the Indian Lakes Scenic Byway
The Great Smoky Mountains are synonymous with adventure, even when your plan for the day is a serene drive along the Indian Lakes Scenic Byway

Bryson City Exploration Guide – Top Things To Do
Known as the place where you can take “a big vacation in a small town,” Bryson City, NC is a destination for history fans, train

Five of our Favorite Museums in the Smokies
Not all Great Smoky Mountain adventures have to be outdoor excitement. Sometimes the best afternoon is spent at a museum, learning about the region’s Native

Elk Viewing in the Smoky Mountains
An amazing wildlife viewing experience is available in the Smoky Mountains. On any given day you can find dozens of elk in the heart of