Smoky Mountains

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!

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!

Christmas lasts all December long in the Smoky Mountains. From incredible Christmas displays, to holiday shopping, to endless family-friendly entertainment, there are countless ways to celebrate Christmas in the Smokies. There’s no better place to get into the Christmas spirit and spread the joys of the season than the Smoky Mountains. Visit My Smokies put together a guide of 17 ways to celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains to help you make the most of your vacations.

One of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has reopened full-time following the completion of a three-year restoration project! The Ramsey Cascades Trail project, in collaboration with the National Park Service and Friends of the Smokies, has brought significant improvements to the trail that will enhance the visitor experience. Here’s what you need to know about the Ramsey Cascades Trail reopening full-time:

A restoration project 15 years in the making has finally been completed! The National Park Service has finished its renovations of the homes and cabins in the Elkmont Historic District, giving the area a fresh new look while remaining full of its fascinating history. These abandoned settlements are located in what’s known as Daisy Town, where private vacation homes are just around the corner of the Little River. Continue reading as we dive deeper into the Elkmont renovations:

If you’ve ever been to Cades Cove, you’ve probably stopped at the John Oliver Cabin. It’s the first stop along the Loop where you can get out and explore. We want to share some surprising things you may not know about this historical building. Check out these 6 surprising things you didn’t know about the John Oliver Cabin in Cades Cove:

Are you looking for some spooky fun in the Smokies? The Great Smoky Mountains have a rich history filled with local legends of hauntings. There are a number of places in the Smokies where people claim to have seen ghosts and unusual paranormal activity. Here are some of the top Smoky Mountains haunted places to explore:

During the month of October, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park fall colors become vibrant, which means you’ll have many opportunities to experience the serene beauty and have fun exploring the area. We’ve put together a guide to the best ways to see fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains, so keep reading to learn more! 

Are you spending time dreaming about Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains? Even when you’re not able to be in the Smoky Mountains, we can help add a little bit of Smoky Mountain area to your life with some of the popular area webcams. Any time you start thinking about the Smokies, just stop back here and take a look at what’s going on in the mountains right now.

One of the most important decisions to make when planning your vacation in the Smoky Mountains is where to stay. A memorable experience always starts with comfortable accommodations! With so many options to choose from, that can be a stressful decision to make. Let us help make things a little easier for you by exploring the advantages of staying in a cabin rental on your trip! Here are 5 reasons cabins in the Smokies are the top lodging option: 1. More Space & Privacy Cabins in the Smokies provide you

The beauty and history of Wears Valley TN makes it a fantastic area to explore while on vacation in the Smokies, but did you know that it’s also home to a secret entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Instead of driving through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you can enjoy quick access to the national park and incredible views along the way. Keep reading to find out more about Wears Cove and its hidden entrance!

The highest peak in the Smokies has a new name! Known as Clingmans Dome since 1859, the United States Board of Geographic Names officially voted to rename it Kuwohi in response to a request from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. What’s old is new again in this case, as Kuwohi (pronounced koo-WHOA-hee) has long been the Cherokee name for the mountain! Continue reading to learn more about Clingmans Dome returning to its original name, Kuwohi: The Origins of Kuwohi Kuwohi, which translates to “mulberry place”, has always been a

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park, and it’s not hard to understand why. Part of what comes along with being the most popular national park in the country is having big crowds. On any given day throughout the year, you’ll find full parking lots in the Smoky Mountains! However, if you’re trying to avoid big crowds of people on your visit, we can help. Here are 5 ways to avoid crowds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure in the Smoky Mountains, it’s hard to beat the Tail of the Dragon! This 11-mile section of U.S. Route 129 has become a hugely popular destination for motorcyclists and sports car drivers. Featuring 318 curves, this winding mountain road is unlike anywhere else in the world. To help you make the most of your next vacation, we've put together a guide to everything you need to know about riding the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee.