Change is coming. You can feel it as subtle drops in the temperature bring a crispness to the air. A new season is upon us, and the Smoky Mountains are feeling it too. This time of year, Mother Nature transforms these ancient mountains, and they explode with fantastic fall colors. Deep greens turn to a
Take a hike through the forest, cool off in a waterfall, or explore the majestic birds of the Great Smoky Mountains and you’ll discover delicious food hiding in plain sight! Nature’s edible bounty is right at your fingertips…if you know what you’re looking for. You’d be amazed at the nutrition that is ripe for foraging
You can’t talk about the Smoky Mountains without including its most ancient residents. Tracing their ancestral homelands all the way back to 11,000 BC, the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Nation has inhabited these mountains with pride, inventiveness, and resiliency for centuries. Home to around 9,000 members of the Cherokee Nation, the Qualla Boundary
The Great Smoky Mountains may attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, but these gorgeous hills are a draw for Hollywood as well. It’s no surprise – with its towering mountains, thick forests, and the iconic white haze – that this ancient chain of mountains would be a coveted backdrop for visual storytelling.
The whistle blows and you feel the engine hum to life as you settle into your comfortable seat in a historic train car, whose wide windows offer sweeping views of the stunning Smoky Mountain landscapes. Get ready to experience a thrilling ride that will take you over scenic mountains, through vibrant forests, and across bridges
Escape to the Smoky Mountains for some of the most heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping fun you can find on two wheels. From steep and rocky terrain packed with challenging obstacles that require a solid attack position to easier rides where you can settle into the saddle, there’s something for every skill level. Hug winding curves, navigate tricky
The Smoky Mountains are a top destination during the summer months for a reason. The shaded canopy of lush forests and gorgeous mountain vistas provide a delightful escape from the heat of the day. And the ancient Smokies deliver an abundance of waterfalls to cool off in. We’ve researched the best waterfalls in the Smoky
The sun slowly peeks over the mountaintops outside your cabin. A soft ray of sunlight slips through the curtains and graces its way across your face. The chirp of morning birdsong floats through your window and draws you peacefully from sleep to wakefulness. You lie there, taking it all in, grateful that you don’t have
Courtesy of Conserving Carolina Calling all hiking enthusiasts! There’s a brand new trail in town. The Western North Carolina Smoky Mountains boast some pretty well-known hiking trails, but if you’ve been itching for a fresh challenge and an alternate climb, then check out the new 2.1-mile hiking trail that will lead you
The glinting glow of fireflies on a warm summer night stirs our imaginations and the curiosity of childlike wonder. Watching their lights flicker intermittently in the darkness is an enchanting delight, but have you ever seen them light up in unison? Firefly season is upon us, and with it comes the opportunity to witness
