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 Appalachian Trail, the Joyce Kilmer National Forest, and a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. This extensive network provides enough mileage to keep hikers busy for years. We recommend exploring these […]
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 conditions for lush vegetation and diverse wildlife to flourish. When Mother Nature is busy watering the plants, here are some engaging activities to keep your whole group entertained for rainy […]
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 and friends. From accommodations of all types to special events throughout the region, here’s your guide to Easter festivities in the Smokies. Share an Easter Meal The Easter Sunday […]
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, and pleasant weather. Plan a Mother’s Day weekend (May 10-11th) to celebrate the moms in your life in these beautiful mountains. A Journey of Relaxation For moms who enjoy luxury, […]
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 scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and the distinction of being some of the oldest mountains in the world, this region is a true outdoor paradise. But what truly sets this area […]
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, you’ll love the Great Smoky Mountains of NC. After a long winter, who isn’t craving perfect temperatures? Beyond the natural beauty of spring, the region offers inspiring festivals celebrating the […]
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 Appalachian Mountains are ripening into all shades of green, visible both up close and from the many scenic vistas. This spring in the Great Smokies is a sight you’ll never […]
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 oranges, yellows, and reds, both on the trees and scattered across the ground, creating a stunning autumnal scene. Have you ever witnessed a leaf shower? Now’s your chance, with these […]
Quintessential Summer Adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains
Summer adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains offer something for everyone. Spend your summer vacation exploring the quieter side of the Smokies. Take a breathtaking hike, chase waterfalls, spot wildlife and soak in some of the most beautiful views you will find on this great big Earth! Whether your vacation is a solo escape, a […]
A Great Smoky Mountain Weekend Warrior Itinerary
A full weekend in the Great Smoky Mountains? Are you kidding? If you find yourself in this lucky predicament, then this weekend itinerary will help you make the most of your brief visit. The phrase “Weekend Warrior” will take on a whole new meaning while you experience some of the most iconic treats these mountains […]
New to You – Antiquing in the Smokies
When it comes to antiquing in the Smokies, your experiences can range from curated show rooms to flea markets to giant warehouses that require treasure hunting through mountains of uncatalogued items. The quaint town of Waynesville is home to several antique shops worth visiting. One of our favorites is Spenceberry Antiques. They offer a wide […]
Plan A Romantic Date In The Smokies
Many places can be considered romantic destinations, but few of them compare to the adventure and allure of the NC Great Smoky Mountains. Outdoor hot tubs, couple’s massages, candlelit dinners, and sweets for your sweet all add up to one very romantic getaway. Take Your Love To New Heights Start your day with an exhilarating […]
Wehrloom Honey and Meadery
Deep in the Great Smoky Mountains, almost to the Tennessee border, Wehrloom Honey and Meadery invites you to experience the story of their bees and to sample their honey, honey and beeswax products, and, of course, that magical, golden elixir – mead. In 2012, Aron Wehr gave his wife Jessica 2 honeybee hives as a […]
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 way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Smokies is by taking a scenic drive along the Smoky Mountain Scenic Byway in Swain County. Also known as Newfound Gap Road, […]
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 […]
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 Mountains cover seven of the westernmost counties in the state, and to anyone unfamiliar with the region it may be a challenge to know where to go and what to […]
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 Indians, and the early settlers of the Smoky Mountains. Places like the Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill offer a glimpse into early Appalachian life. Early Scotch-Irish, German, and English […]
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 your one-stop destination to it all. Here are the Top 25 ideas for your Vacation Bucket List! Outdoor Adventure 1. Discover serious Fly Fishing There is no end to the […]
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 in Western North Carolina. Close to the Tennessee border, this 75-mile trip takes about 2 hours to complete, not including stops. The Byway creates a partial loop, running from Almond […]
Exploring the Waterfall ByWay
The Waterfall Byway begins just north of Brevard, NC, famous for its music center and white squirrels and nicknamed the “Land of Waterfalls.” The 98-mile drive follows Rte. 64 from Rosman to Murphy, NC, with more than 200 waterfalls along the byway. Here’s what to expect as you take this journey to see some of […]