Looking for fall things to do in Townsend? While Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge draw the crowds, this quiet mountain town is worth the detour. Known as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, Townsend is one of my favorite places to spend a fall day. Think early mornings in Cades Cove, winding mountain roads, colorful trails,…

There’s something about arriving in Cades Cove while morning mist still hangs over the fields and you find yourself watching the tree line for movement. Cades Cove wildlife is part of what makes every drive around the Loop Road different. You might spot deer grazing in an open field, wild turkeys crossing the road, or…

A day in the Smokies might mean driving Cades Cove, picnicking by the river, hiking a favorite trail, or pulling over for a mountain view. However you spend it, there’s one thing to know before you park: you may need a Smoky Mountains parking pass. Entry to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is still free,…

Cades Cove in the fall is something every Smoky Mountain trip deserves at least once. Golden meadows, colorful ridges, grazing deer, and morning fog make this valley especially beautiful this time of year. I’ve been driving this loop since I was a kid in the back seat with my parents. Even now, fall is one…

Drive down the Parkway, and you’ll quickly see why mini golf in Pigeon Forge is a family tradition. From smoking volcanoes and pirate ships to a giant Scooby-Doo peeking over a fence, every course has its own personality. Whether your family loves rooftop adventures, animatronic dinosaurs, or classic Pigeon Forge putt-putt, you’ll find a course…

The Great Smoky Mountains are full of unforgettable adventures, and Smoky Mountains white water rafting is one you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking for exciting rapids or family-friendly rafting in the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, the Pigeon River offers a white water rafting experience for every skill level. From Upper Pigeon River rafting…

Wildlife is one of the highlights of visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From black bears, elk, and deer to wild turkeys, Smoky Mountain wildlife can be seen throughout the park. Because wildlife encounters are so common, wildlife awareness in the Smokies is important for both visitors and the animals that call these mountains home.…

Summer in the Smoky Mountains is pure magic. The rivers run cool. The fireflies put on a show. And those mountain sunrises? They’ll stop you in your tracks every single time. Planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains in summer? This Smoky Mountains summer bucket list…

Maybe you’ve seen the photos—that long Gatlinburg SkyBridge stretching high above the Smokies with a glass section you can look straight through. It’s part of the Gatlinburg SkyPark, home to the historic SkyLift and some of the prettiest mountain views in Tennessee. It’s easily one of the area’s most popular stops, and I promise it’s…

Biking Cades Cove Loop Road is one of those things you’ve gotta do at least once in the Great Smoky Mountains. Eleven scenic miles through meadows, historic cabins, and some of the best wildlife watching in the park — and with Cades Cove bike rental options right at the loop, Cades Cove biking is easy…

Mark your calendar — Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Days are back for 2026! From May 6 through September 30, the Cades Cove loop road is closed to cars every Wednesday, giving you a rare chance to walk, hike, or bike Cades Cove without a single vehicle in sight. Wondering if Cades Cove is open on these…

Planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains and looking for fun kid-friendly things to do? There’s certainly a lot to do with kids — from hiking in the Smokies and riding roller coasters in Pigeon Forge to fun things to do in Sevierville and outdoor adventures all over this corner of Tennessee. These 7 fun…