Smoky Mountains

When you begin planning a vacation, there are so many things to consider that it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. If you are looking for some help deciding on the best destination for your next getaway, allow us to assist by sharing some info about why the Smoky Mountains are perfect for your next vacation. From the abundance of things to do throughout the area, to the quality lodging options that are available, and plenty more, here are some of the top reasons to choose the Smoky Mountains as your next getaway spot:

Let’s taco ‘bout some of the newest restaurants in the Smoky Mountains! If you enjoy Mexican food, specifically flavorful tacos, you’ve come to the right place. Authentic Mexican flavors are alive and well in the Smokies, providing visitors with a great chance to switch things up from the typical flavors found in the area. Follow along as we explore 3 new taco restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that you don’t want to miss:

There’s no denying that one of the most beautiful sights to see in the Smokies is a waterfall. And there are plenty of waterfalls for you to spot while you’re here! We know it’s impossible to hike to see all the waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during one short vacation, which is why we wanted to help you narrow down your choices. Check out our list of the top 5 Smoky Mountain waterfalls you need to see:

Nothing beats seeing a beautiful sunrise when you visit the Smoky Mountains! The area is full of incredible Great Smoky Mountain sunrise spots for you to hike or drive to where you can see the gorgeous scenery unfold. To guarantee you get the best views while you’re in the Smokies, we’ve put together a guide of the best places to see a sunrise in the Smoky Mountains.

The Great Smoky Mountains are full of wonderful sights to behold, and some of the most popular natural features people come to the area to see are waterfalls! To take in the beauty of the falls, you have to hike to most of them, and not everyone is an experienced hiker. But don’t worry, because most of the waterfalls are easily accessible, even if you don’t hike all the time! To help you plan the perfect trip to these Smoky Mountain waterfalls, we've made a list of the top 10 Smoky Mountain waterfall trails ranked by difficulty.

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:

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:

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!

While Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are the most famous towns in the Smoky Mountains, there are a number of other East Tennessee communities that are definitely worth a visit. If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the Parkway, we suggest spending some time in Pittman Center TN.

Here in Sevier County, TN, we have been at the center of a debate that has raged on for centuries. The controversy has divided our nation; pitting brother against brother, father against son, and Facebook friend against Facebook friend. Countless relationships have been pushed to their breaking point as husbands and wives grapple with an issue on which they simply cannot see eye to eye.

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: