Travel Information

Camping season is here! Slip into your hiking boots, pack the car with your gear, and head to the Smokies! Whether you’re gearing up for an overnight trip or a week-long excursion, you’ll want to choose the campground close to hiking and biking trails, near top area attractions, and meets all your outdoor adventure needs. And don’t forget– you can bring your 4-legged family member along since most campgrounds are pet-friendly! We want to share a few of the best campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains, so keep reading to explore options for tent camping, RV sites, and spots for glamping.

On Thursday, March 28, the new Jake Thomas Connector finally opened to through traffic in Pigeon Forge, TN! Construction on this multi-million dollar road project began in April 2022 and is now open to give visitors and locals a more direct route between the Pigeon Forge Parkway and Veterans Blvd. Keep reading to find out more about the new Jake Thomas Connector and how it can help you avoid Pigeon Forge traffic.

When people think about visiting the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge tend to be some of the top locations that come to mind. While these towns both have a lot of great reasons to visit, there are some other spots here in the Smoky Mountains that can provide just as much fun and relaxation, such as nearby Wears Valley! We have put together some of the top reasons to consider choosing cabins in Wears Valley for your next trip to the Smoky Mountains:

When it comes to fun and family-friendly things to do in the Smoky Mountains, there is no shortage of opportunities. From hiking trails to amusement parks to daring adventures, there is something for everyone found in these hills. However, there are a few Smoky Mountain activities that are sure to make your next trip here truly remarkable. That is why we have put together the ultimate Smoky Mountain bucket list for you and your family or group to follow so you will have the opportunity to enjoy all of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains.

One of the most important things to do when planning a family vacation to the Smoky Mountains is finding a place to stay that the whole family enjoys. The Smoky Mountains feature many different lodging options from cabin rentals to hotels to condos and more. If you ask families who have visited before, they’ll tell you that their kids loved staying in a cabin rental! Kiddos just can’t get enough of all the things that make cabins special! Here are 4 things kids love about staying in a cabin in Tennessee:

The next time you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll need to purchase a parking tag! Valid parking tags are now required to park inside the national park as part of the Park it Forward program. Annual passes are $40, weekly passes are $15 and daily passes cost $5. The good news is you can purchase a parking pass for your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a number of different ways! Here are 6 places to buy a Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking pass:

Don’t get frustrated behind the wheel and stuck in traffic this vacation in Gatlinburg! There’s a better travel method that allows you to sit back, relax and take in the very best scenery of our mountain paradise instead. The Gatlinburg Trolley is a great way to travel through Gatlinburg and explore the best the city has to offer! Did we mention you never have to worry about finding and paying for pesky parking?! Here’s exactly what you need to know about the Gatlinburg Trolley service:

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If you haven’t experienced winter weather in the Smoky Mountains before you are in for a magical treat! When snow dusts the mountains and area towns you realize why this amazing place is visited by millions of people every year! Even though the season is beautiful and magical you still need to be prepared for the conditions. We want you to be safe if snow and ice happen. Here is our safety guide for what to do when there’s winter weather in the Smoky Mountains:

If you’re visiting Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, you’re likely going to visit the other city at some point during your trip! Each city has unique draws, which makes people want to experience both while they’re in town. But what is it really like traveling between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? We’re here to tell you, and give you some tips for the road!

What’s one of the best things about the Fourth of July? Fireworks! But, whether you’re lighting your own fireworks at home or seeing an impressive fireworks display in the Smoky Mountain area, there are some important safety tips you need to keep in mind. To help you enjoy some incredible fireworks while staying safe, we’ve created a guide to fire safety in the Smoky Mountains!

The Smoky Mountains are a great place to visit all year round! Each season brings something special to the Smokies, from fun spring events to gorgeous fall foliage. While you’re in town, we don’t want the weather to get in your way of having a fun vacation! That’s why we’ve created a guide to how to handle any Smoky Mountains weather that may happen throughout the different seasons.

The Smoky Mountain area is one of the most popular vacation destinations, and for good reason! With so much to see and do in the area, we know it can be overwhelming to plan your first trip here. That’s where we come in. We’ve created a helpful guide for first-time visitors to guarantee you have the best time and want to return year after year. Here are 6 tips for first-time visitors to the Smoky Mountains:

No matter what time of year you want to visit the Smokies, we’re sure “what will the weather be like?” is one of the questions you’re asking! We want to walk you through what the weather in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is like during the year so you can plan the perfect vacation! Keep reading to find out more about the Great Smoky Mountains weather throughout the year.