Smoky Mountain News

With Winterfest wrapping up in the middle of the month, you might think that the off-season in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg isn’t a great time to visit; however, there is always something fun and exciting going on in the Smokies! This February the excitement is kicking it up a notch or three with these must-do Smoky Mountains events you and your family will not want to miss:

As the most-visited national park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes millions of visitors each year who are looking to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of nature. When it comes to planning your visit to the Smoky Mountains, however, you may end up with questions along the way. That is why we have gone ahead and put together the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Let’s get started:

Two things visitors love most about Gatlinburg are the gorgeous views and the food. So, why not enjoy them both at the same time? There are so many delicious restaurants in Gatlinburg TN with a view! You can have your favorite meal while admiring views of mountain vistas, rivers and creeks, and downtown Gatlinburg. To help you decide where to eat, we’ve made a list of 10 of the best Gatlinburg restaurants with a view.

Get ready for a groovy time with Scooby-Doo and the gang in Pigeon Forge! Scooby-Doo! Mystery Putt is coming to town, promising a unique mini-golf experience that will delight fans of all ages. Scheduled to open in Spring 2025, this family-friendly attraction brings its beloved characters and spooky adventures to life right here in the Smoky Mountains. Discover everything you need to know about Scooby-Doo! Mystery Putt, soon to join the Smokies’ long line of family-friendly attractions:

In today’s fast-paced world, do you have trouble finding quality time to connect with your family? A trip to the Smoky Mountains offers the perfect solution — a chance to unplug, recharge, and make memories with the ones you love the most! The Smokies provide unique opportunities for families to reconnect away from the distractions of everyday life. Here are 6 ways a trip to the Smoky Mountains can help bring your family closer together:

Are you looking for the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with your significant other? If so, there are few options that can compete with planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains! Whether you are going away for Valentine’s Day itself, or planning a trip to celebrate the occasion at another time, the Smokies have so much to offer couples. That is why we have gone ahead and put together this helpful guide to assist you when you start planning a Valentine’s Day trip to the Smokies with your partner:

Planning a budget-friendly vacation to the Smokies can be a little overwhelming at first, especially if you have kids and want to do as many attractions and activities as possible. So we’ve done the research and compiled this list of Smoky Mountain attractions where kids get in free; now all you have to do is decide which activities you want to add to your vacation itinerary! 

We often hear the question, "Where is Dolly Parton from?" and while the short and most common answer is Sevierville, we're here to explain it more in detail! Long before she was a country music legend, Dolly Parton was growing up in a small, 1-bedroom log cabin in Sevierville, TN. She and her family members didn’t have much, but they didn’t need much other than each other. The Dolly Parton house holds a special place in her heart, so special that she has a replica of the home in Dollywood for visitors to see! Visit My Smokies has all the info on Dolly Parton’s childhood home and how you can take a look inside:

One of the most popular things to do when you visit the Smoky Mountains is ride a mountain coaster! Mountain coasters are fun for all ages and allow you to control your own speed. You can go slow and enjoy the views or race around the track at speeds up to 35 miles per hour! There are plenty of great options for mountain coasters in the Smoky Mountains. To help you decide which one to try, we’ve made a list of the top 8 mountain coasters in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

As the year approaches its end, we thought it would be a good time to look back on some of the fun and exciting things that have happened in the Smoky Mountains in 2024. With all of the new things that have come to the area, it can be hard to keep track of it all! From updates to beloved attractions, to new things to do, and more, let’s go ahead and dive in to some of the top things you may have forgotten happened in the Smoky Mountains in 2024:

Are you searching for the perfect place to stay for your Smoky Mountain vacation? Look no further than a cabin in Sevierville. Although Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are names that are more well-known, you can experience the best that the Smokies have to offer in Sevierville. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about cabin rentals in Sevierville TN.

You don’t want to miss the opportunity to enjoy all of the benefits that cabins in the Smoky Mountains provide! Once you stay in a cabin rental, you’ll never want to stay in another lodging option. From all the comforts of home to entertaining amenities, you’ll have it all — including some additional perks you may not be aware of! Keep reading to learn about the 5 hidden perks of staying in cabins in the Smoky Mountains:

Gatlinburg, Tennessee boasts one of the best locations in the United States! Resting at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our charming city is just a day’s drive from 60% of the nation’s population. If you live too far away to drive, however, flying to Gatlinburg is a great option. To help you plan your next vacation, we've put together a handy guide to the best airport near Gatlinburg TN.

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 thing visitors always want to know when they come to the Smoky Mountains is where they can park in the area, and if it’s going to cost any money. We’ve created a guide of everything you need to know about parking in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to answer any questions you may have! Find out everything you need to know below: