Wandering the Smoky Mountains
Explore the wonders of the Smoky Mountains with our in-depth guides to the area.
No-Hike (or Low Hike) Waterfall Road Trip in the Smoky Mountains
Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains don’t just appear at random. They’re the product of ancient geology, where layers of hard sandstone and softer shale force streams…
12 Best (Mid-Level) Hikes in the Smokies
With more than 800 miles of trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the choices for mid-level hikes are as expansive as the menu at any…
9 Alternatives to the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway has an almost mystical pull, with its misty ridges, endless overlooks, and that sense of floating above the world. It’s no wonder…
Y’All Fixin’ to Make a Big Mistake Going to the Smokies in the Fall
As someone who’s made the mistake of going to the Smokies in the fall more times than I’ll admit, let me warn you about what lies…
16 Sleepy Towns in the Smokies
It might not seem like the busiest national park in the country would be synonymous with sleepy towns. However, the expansive two-state footprint of Great Smoky…
12 Best (Easy) Hikes in the Smokies
So you want to hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but prefer an easy route. Not every trail in the Smokies has to leave you…
12 Crowd-Less Alternatives to Cades Cove
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wouldn’t feel quite as great without its valleys. They give the rolling peaks and ridgelines a stage to shine. One of…
Is Your Most-Asked Question About the Smokies on This List?
Every day, thousands of people turn to Google or their favorite AI assistant to figure out how to plan the perfect Smoky Mountains trip. And, while…
Leaf-Peeping Without the Crowds: 8 Secret Scenic Drives & Pull-Offs in the Smoky Mountains
When fall colors reach their peak in the Smokies, the crowds usually follow. Iconic drives like Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove are breathtaking, yes —…
Cabin Fever: 10 Unique Rentals to Soak Up Smoky Mountain Fall Views
Early morning fog drifts across the valley. Outside, maple, poplar, and oak are bursting into flame. You step onto a deck, coffee in hand, and breathe…
Fall Roads Less Traveled: Smoky Mountains Edition
I opened the car door and inhaled: crisp, woodsy air with a trace of moss and morning chill. The kind that wakes you up and reminds…
Cataloochee Valley: The Smokies’ Quiet Side of Magic
Tucked deep into the folds of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley is the kind of place that whispers rather than shouts. It doesn’t…
Smoky Mountains by Water: Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, & Waterfall Wading Adventures Worth the Detour
Most travelers experience the Smoky Mountains by road or trail, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But, when you explore the region from the water, everything…
Smoky Mountains After Dark: Where to Stargaze, Wander, & Explore When the Sun Goes Down
The Smoky Mountains are famous for their scenic drives, fog-kissed overlooks, and daylight hikes through ferny hollows. But, there’s something extraordinary that happens when the sun…
10 Reasons the Smoky Mountains Are Better Than the Rocky Mountains
The United States is home to two of the most breathtaking mountain ranges: the Smoky Mountains in the Southeast and the Rocky Mountains in the West….