Explore the Smokies on Horseback at Smokemont Riding Stables
Of all the ways to explore the NC Great Smoky Mountains, few are as exciting as on horseback. At the Smokemont Riding Stable, you can choose your ride from 10 different adventures featuring beautiful trails, waterfalls, and/or historic landmarks. Rest assured, the health and happiness of the horses are of utmost concern to the owners, […]
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 over a backdrop of forested mountains. The temperature is perfect – warm enough for just a light jacket but cool enough to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably. And you will find […]
Visitors Guide to Gorges State Park in Sapphire, NC
Explore 7,500-acres of natural beauty at the Gorges State Park in Sapphire, NC. Here you’ll find rushing rivers, sheer rock faces, plummeting waterfalls, deep gorges, and rare species of flora and fauna. Trails & Waterfalls Gorges is known for the multitude of beautiful waterfalls located throughout the park. Turtleback Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Bearwallow Falls […]
Explore the Jackrabbit Mountain Trails
Your Trail Quest in the NC Great Smoky Mountains begins with the Jackrabbit Mountain Trail System near Hayesville, NC. Opened in 2011, this system incorporates 14 miles of scenic trails through the southern portion of the lush and tranquil Nantahala National Forest. Although originally created with mountain-biking in mind, the trails are also open to […]
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 southern section of the Appalachian Mountain range, Pisgah includes parts of the Great Balsam range, the Smokies, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. A primarily hardwood forest, Pisgah National Forest includes […]
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. What began as a small motel and gas station in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains has since grown to multiple locations across four Southeastern states providing millions of guided trips […]
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 North Carolina area to visit, all with beautiful views and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Below is a list of some of our favorites. Five Campgrounds to Visit in […]
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 of the Bear occurs when the sun hits a certain point in the sky and a distinct, bear-shaped shadow appears across the mountains. When, Where, and How To Experience The […]
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 undiscovered by most, this forest, part of the Nantahala National Forest, lives under the protective watch of the US Forest Service and has remained untouched by logging and development since […]
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 the Cataloochee Valley. Here the elk roam freely through the valley’s open fields. The elk are most often seen in morning and late afternoon. Bring a camera to take photos, […]
Can’t Miss Adventures in the Smokies
The Smoky Mountains of North Carolina are a dream destination for lovers of the great outdoors. With stunning year-round views that stretch for miles, thrilling whitewater adventure, Southern Appalachian culture and live entertainment, it can difficult to squeeze everything in to only one weekend. Here are some ideas to help you maximize your time while […]
Top Smoky Mountain Spots for Spring Wildflowers
Enjoy an extended wildflower season in the Smokies. As the days lengthen and the weather warms, colorful signs of spring begin to pop up from forest floors and trailside shrubs. Brilliant wildflowers of all shapes, sizes and colors appear across the North Carolina Smoky Mountains in waves from February through late summer, to the delight […]
Four Must-See Waterfalls Near Highlands, N.C.
The Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina are home to dozens of breathtaking waterfalls cascading down slopes and rock faces. These four favorite waterfalls are located in Macon County, just outside of the charming town of Highlands, N.C. While three of them are visible from the roadside of US Highway 64 (also […]
Monarch Butterfly Migration in the N.C. Smokies
Late September in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina brings early signs of fall—cooler weather, the first few brightly tinted leaves, and the fluttering orange flashes of migrating monarch butterflies. The monarchs, with their iconic orange, black and white-patterned wings, pass through the Southern Appalachian Mountains on their way to Mexico, the destination that […]
7 Great Fall Adventures in the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains are one of the most beautiful places to visit during autumn, with cool mountain weather and brilliant fall foliage blanketing the slopes. From late September through early November, numerous fall adventures await leaf-peeping visitors. Check out these popular experiences, from serene mountain lakes to thrilling ziplines. Bonus: Social distancing comes naturally for […]
Birding in the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina are a prime destination for birdwatchers, or “birders,” thanks to a wide range of elevations and a diversity of habitats that welcome both permanent residents and migrating species. The arrival of spring marks the first of the year’s big seasons for birding, when migrating songbirds arrive at lower […]
TOURS/Consierge/Guides: Carolina Bound Adventures, Cataloochee Valley Tours, Alarka Expeditions
CAROLINA BOUND ADVENTURES is a concierge vacation planning service in the Bryson City area. They are passionate about creating a memorable adventure for everyone, from the first time visitor to the experienced traveler. With their expertise and familiarity in the area, they help you create an unforgettable family vacation experience. Different adventure packages are available, ranging […]
Whiteside Mountain among ’25 Best Fall Hiking Trails’
Wow, one of my favorite hikes was just named one of the “25 Best Fall Hiking Trails: Our Favorite Fall Hikes in the U.S.” by Conde Nast Traveler. Whiteside Mountain, in Cashiers! The online article noted, “For a small $2 parking fee, hikers on this two-mile-plus loop are rewarded with majestic views of the Blue […]
Giddy-Up to the Smoky Mountains
Horseback riding never gets old, especially when you’re trekking through wildflowers, breathing in fresh air and gazing at the mountains in the distance. It’s a great way for the whole family to enjoy the beautiful region of the Smoky Mountains, no matter the level of each rider. Places like Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley offer […]
If You Like to Bike…
Western North Carolina boasts some of the best places to hop on a bike in the country. With the countless scenic trails in the Smoky Mountain region, you can’t say it’s much of a surprise. In fact, the Tsali Recreation Area in particular has been rated one of the top 10 places to ride in […]