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

KathleenMay 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

KathleenApril 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|

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|

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|

Here’s Where to Find the Best Live Bluegrass Music in the Smoky Mountains This Summer

Here’s Where to Find the Best Live Bluegrass Music in the Smoky Mountains This Summer

It’s summer in the Smoky Mountains, and the sounds that fill the air around here are the splashing of waterfalls, the chirping of birds, the buzzing of bees and - of course - bluegrass music. There’s nothing quite like the twangy pluck of a banjo combined with the lively strains of a fiddle to get

Jackie TuckerJuly 6th, 2022|

Have a Wet and Wild Summer with the Best Whitewater Rafting in the Smoky Mountains

Have a Wet and Wild Summer with the Best Whitewater Rafting in the Smoky Mountains

When spring and summer temps begin to rise, and the mountain waters turn to raging rapids, you know it’s time for one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains – whitewater rafting! The Smokies have some of the most exciting rafting trips you could ask for, with everything from heart-pumping Class IV

Adeel AtherJune 29th, 2022|

Freedom Rings Throughout the Smokies with These 2022 4th of July Events

Freedom Rings Throughout the Smokies with These 2022 4th of July Events

Independence Day celebrations in the Smoky Mountains are back with a bang in 2022! Discover one-of-a-kind things to do, and enjoy all your favorite patriotic festivities decked out in red, white and blue. Catch a parade, listen to live music, feast on classic summer dishes and drinks, and – of course – enjoy colorful fireworks

Jackie TuckerJune 22nd, 2022|