Advice from Smokies Experts

Maximize every single second of your visit to the Smoky Mountains with advice from area experts. As local folks who live here, they are your eyes and ears on the ground. They have an intimate knowledge and understanding of the Smokies and are here to make sure you are in the know. From the best restaurants and hotels to hikes with the most majestic views to prime trout fishing spots and everything in between, you’ll find all the information you need to have the best Smoky Mountains vacation ever.

Top 50 Adventurous Things to Do In and Around the Great Smokies National Park

Top 50 Adventurous Things to Do In and Around the Great Smokies National Park

Nestled between the picturesque borders of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smokies National Park and its surrounding areas offer an exhilarating array of adventures. From ATV off-roading to backcountry camping, ziplines, scenic drives, and more, these 50 hand-picked experiences provide the perfect blend of nature, thrill, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're a family

Joseph Franklyn McElroyJune 10th, 2024|

White Lightning Liquor in the Great Smoky Mountains

White Lightning Liquor in the Great Smoky Mountains

White lightning liquor, also known as moonshine, is a type of high-proof distilled spirit that has a rich history in the Great Smoky Mountains region of the southeastern United States. Its name is derived from the fact that it was often produced and sold illegally under the cover of darkness. The term "moonshine" is

Joseph Franklyn McElroyMay 5th, 2023|

The 20 Most Beautiful Wildflowers Blooming in the Spring in The Great Smoky Mountains

The 20 Most Beautiful Wildflowers Blooming in the Spring in The Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure trove of wildflowers, and every year between April and June, the park is transformed into a vibrant canvas of blooming flowers. The park is home to over 1,500 different species of flowering plants, making it one of the most diverse areas in the United States

Joseph Franklyn McElroyApril 15th, 2023|

The Health Benefits of Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains

The Health Benefits of Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains, located in the southeastern United States, are home to numerous waterfalls that not only provide breathtaking views but also offer several health benefits. Waterfalls have long been considered to have a therapeutic effect on the body and mind. From the negative ions produced by falling water to the medicinal plants that

Adeel AtherMarch 23rd, 2023|

7 Ways to Minimize Your Environmental Impact When Visiting the Smoky Mountains

7 Ways to Minimize Your Environmental Impact When Visiting the Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country. With more than 14.1 million visitors in 2021 alone, its unsurpassed natural beauty continues to draw in larger and larger crowds of tourists. But with these record-breaking crowds comes the potential for damage and destruction to the ecosystem. Case in

Jackie TuckerJuly 28th, 2022|

Episode 66: Agritourism, Farm to Table with Laura Lauffer

Episode 66: Agritourism, Farm to Table with Laura Lauffer

About this Episode: Joseph interviews our special guest, Laura Lauffer, Project Director of EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems and Appalachian Regional Commission Power Project Center for Environmental Farming Systems sponsored by North Carolina State University – an organization whose objective is to offer financial, technical, and business support to regional farms and food-related businesses, while

Joseph Franklyn McElroyJuly 26th, 2022|

Travel Sustainably and Stay at the Best Eco-Friendly Hotels in the Smoky Mountains

Travel Sustainably and Stay at the Best Eco-Friendly Hotels in the Smoky Mountains

Travel has returned in full force, and as more people are exploring our wonderful world, they are also wanting to travel in a thoughtful and sustainable way. Some of the most striking images from the pandemic were photos that showed how, after only a couple of months, our natural world began to restore itself. When

Jackie TuckerJuly 21st, 2022|

Episode 65: Folkmoot USA—Many Cultures , One Community – A Visit with Evan Hatch

Episode 65: Folkmoot USA—Many Cultures , One Community – A Visit with Evan Hatch

About this Episode: Learn about folk culture and heritage with Evan Hatch, Executive Director of Folkmoot USA. Listen to this episode, as he dedicated this to all folks who carry forward their heritage through music, dance, and song! Discover all about the Folkmoot USA with Evan Hatch on this episode! Evan is an expert

Joseph Franklyn McElroyJuly 19th, 2022|

Episode 64: The NC Folklife Institute with Director Sarah Bryan

Episode 64: The NC Folklife Institute with Director Sarah Bryan

About this Episode: In this episode, you'll learn about how folklife preservation is manifested in building community and cultural engagement through the rich culture of North Carolina. Joseph is joined by our special guest Sarah Bryan, who is the Executive Director of the North Carolina Folklife Institute, an organization that for more than four

Joseph Franklyn McElroyJuly 18th, 2022|

Hit the Trails with the Best Summer Hikes in the Smokies

Hit the Trails with the Best Summer Hikes in the Smokies

Experience the Great Smoky Mountains in all their glory with an invigorating summer hike. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, discover cascading waterfalls, and even spot wildlife like deer and elk as you stretch your legs and lungs. There are over 850 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and even more

Jackie TuckerJuly 14th, 2022|