Smoky Mountain News

There’s plenty to look forward to in 2025 at Dollywood! The Pigeon Forge theme park will be going all out to celebrate its 40th anniversary! For four decades, Dollywood has brought smiles, thrills, and unforgettable experiences to millions of guests from all over the world. To commemorate this milestone, Dollywood is planning a spectacular lineup of events, performances, and surprises for visitors of all ages. Here’s everything you can look forward to as Dollywood celebrates 40 years of fun in the Smoky Mountains:

One of the most popular trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is getting upgraded! The Laurel Falls Trail has received the go-ahead from the National Parks Service for an improvement plan that will begin in early January 2025. Here is everything you need to know about the improvements planned for the Laurel Falls Trail:

Still trying to make your New Year's Eve plans when you come to the Smoky Mountains? Are you looking for an exciting and fun way to ring in the New Year? The Island in Pigeon Forge New Year's Eve will welcome your new year in style! From live performances to incredible fireworks, you'll have a blast ringing in the new year at The Island. Here's everything you need to know about New Year's Eve at The Island in Pigeon Forge:

How much do you know about Buddy’s BBQ in Sevierville? If you have not yet visited this great spot for BBQ in the Smoky Mountains, you are missing out on some of the most delicious food around! Today, we are going to go ahead and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Buddy’s BBQ in Sevierville to get you ready to go and enjoy a great meal at this local favorite. Read on to find out more!

You can always count on the Smoky Mountains to be full of surprises, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of exciting new attractions! Whether you’ve visited the area before and are looking to try something new, or it’s your first time ever visiting, you’ll have plenty of wonderful options when planning your next trip. From immersive adventures to thrills complete with scenic views, there’s no shortage of excitement. Here are 5 new things to do in the Smoky Mountains in 2025:

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains can be done during any time of the year, including the winter months. While you may think that most trails would typically be closed during the cold season, it is actually a prime time to see the mountains, streams, waterfalls, and animals in their natural habitat. Anyone can hike in the Smoky Mountains during the warm weather, but it takes skill and determination to see these amazing sights while they are frozen. The chance of seeing snow isn’t the only reason why should you visit the Smokies in the winter! Hiking enthusiasts love hiking in the Smoky Mountains during the winter months because many of the trails are less crowded and more parking is available at the trailheads. Read on to find out which trails and access roads are closed for the winter!

Are you spending Christmas in the Smoky Mountains? Start planning your holiday meal today by deciding which one of the many delicious Smoky Mountain restaurants open on Christmas you and your family want to visit. We’ve put together a list of the names, addresses, phone numbers, and holiday hours of all the best Smoky Mountains restaurants that will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Although the cold weather months are typically referred to as the off-season in the Smokies, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! Find out more about the Smoky Mountains winter activities you’ll want to add to your vacation itinerary!

Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smoky Mountains are very popular vacation destinations for families during the summer and holiday seasons, but are there perks for visiting during the somewhat “off-season”? Absolutely! The Smokies in the winter offers tons of fun things to do with your family, and you’ll most likely encounter less traffic too. Keep reading to find out why you should plan a winter vacation!

Three…two…one…Happy New Year! As this year comes to a close, end the year on a good note when you celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Smoky Mountains. From fireworks to incredible live entertainment, you’ll ring in the new year in style. Visit My Smokies put together some of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Pigeon Forge is already home to so many exciting activities and fun things to do. But starting in 2025, there will be another interesting attraction opening its doors in Pigeon Forge! The Crayola Experience offers families a colorful and interactive experience to connect with the world of Crayola and express themselves in unique ways, and its next location will be right here in Pigeon Forge. If you want to learn more about this brand new attraction coming to the Smoky Mountains, just read on! We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about the new Crayola Experience in Pigeon Forge:

Don’t settle for a minute of boredom on your vacation — stay in a Smoky Mountain cabin! Cabins not only come with all the necessities for a fun-filled stay, they come with plenty of entertainment as well! Whether you want to watch a movie with loved ones or challenge each other to some friendly competition, you can do it all. To help you learn more, we’re sharing all the details about the entertainment you’ll find in a Smoky Mountain cabin:

The Courthouse sparkles with holiday cheer at the annual Christmas at the Courthouse event in Sevierville TN! The event takes place on December 6th and is the perfect start to the holiday season in downtown Sevierville. Learn more about Christmas at the Courthouse in Sevierville below and what you can expect each year at this celebration:

Many people call the holiday season the most wonderful time of the year and we’re inclined to agree with them! During the month of December, the city of Gatlinburg is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with festive decorations, special events, and, hopefully, some snow! Here are 8 of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN in December:

When you’re searching for the perfect place to stay for your Smoky Mountain vacation, look no further than a beautiful cabin rental. Not only do cabins provide comfortable lodging, but they also offer the best value in the Smokies! Keep reading to learn why cabins in the Smoky Mountains provide the best value: