Southwestern North Carolina is Waterfall Heaven
Are waterfalls your thing? Their natural beauty, majesty, and strength, paired with serene, cool pools beneath, might just be calling your name. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply love the outdoors, the Great Smoky Mountains offer some of the most stunning waterfalls you’ll ever see. Between the Nantahala National Forest, Panthertown Valley, and the […]
Whiteside Mountain NC: A Must-Do Adventure in the Smokies
Put Whiteside Mountain on your “Must Do” list while in the Great Smoky Mountains Whiteside Mountain is one of the best and nationally acclaimed trails to explore in the Great Smoky Mountains, and once you hike it for yourself, you’ll understand why. Located between Highlands & Cashiers, NC, Whiteside Mountain is designated a National Recreation […]
Art Loeb Trail: Discover North Carolina’s Premier Hiking Adventure
The Art Loeb Trail system deserves a deep dive. It’s one of the longer and more difficult trails in all of North Carolina, plus it’s one of the most popular AND it offers some of the most unique and stunning views in all of the Pisgah area. It’s a trail system that will keep you […]
Whitewater Release Schedule For Epic Adventure
The Great Smoky Mountains, known for their spectacular displays of wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking mountain vistas, is also popular for its whitewater rafting. Due to its longer rafting seasons and mountainous terrain, you’ll find no lack of thrilling rapids any time of the year. If you love an adventure, then plan your river trip […]
Blue Ghost Fireflies: When and Where To Find Them
Blue Ghosts, Faerie Lanterns, Spirits of the Forest – No matter what you call them, these fireflies are one of the most magical night time experiences you will have the pleasure (and luck!) of seeing while visiting the Great Smokies. Here’s are some tips to help you find the blue ghost fireflies. Color Me Intrigued […]
How To Help Protect the Smokies
There are seven principles of Leave No Trace which help ensure the care and safety of the natural resources, the wildlife and our fellow visitors.
We’re On The Road To Nowhere
Discover the fascinating “Road to Nowhere,” officially known as Lakeview Drive East.
Exploring 4 of Our Favorite Lakes In the NC Smoky Mountains
Explore the lakes in the NC Smoky Mountains region for a serene and beautiful experience. Take part in water sports, hiking, or simply relax by the water. These lakes have something for everyone, and each has its unique charm and recreational activities, making them fantastic destinations for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]