Wandering the Smoky Mountains
Explore the wonders of the Smoky Mountains with our in-depth guides to the area.
5 Fall Hallmark-Movie Towns in the Smoky Mountains
Cozy streets, mountain backdrops, and autumn charm straight from the screen… it’s fall in the Smoky Mountains. There’s something about fall in the Smokies that feels…
Sugarlands Visitor Center: The Start of Something Good
If you’re heading into the Great Smoky Mountains from Gatlinburg, there’s one stop you absolutely shouldn’t skip — Sugarlands Visitor Center. It might not sound all…
13 Things to Avoid in Cherokee, NC
When I got back from the Smokies, everyone wanted to know how Gatlinburg was or if I braved Pigeon Forge traffic. The looks I got when…
Fontana Lake: Where the Smokies Hold Their Breath
Fontana Lake isn’t flashy. It doesn’t sparkle in Instagram geotags or show up on Top 10 Smoky Mountain Destinations lists. There are no boardwalks, no foot-long…
Proctor, North Carolina: The Smoky Mountain Town That Disappeared
Tucked along the far shoreline of Fontana Lake — accessible only by boat or a long hike — is what’s left of Proctor, a small Smoky…
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…