When we started My Smoky Mountain Guide we decided to include helpful news and information. We figured visitors want to know what’s going on in our neck of the woods before they get here.
This blog page is where you can read “all the news we care to share”. Sure, there are more news stories out there, but these are the ones we thought you would like to read. We hope they are helpful.
Oh, we know it’s not actually the front page; but we reckon that’s okay with most folks.
Great American Outdoors Act to Benefit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
GATLINBURG, TN - President Donald Trump recently signed legislation providing much needed funding for deferred maintenance projects on federal lands. The Great American Outdoors Act, co-sponsored by retiring Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), is a major win for Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark Opening in Sevierville
SEVIERVILLE, TN - Soaky Mountain Waterpark, the largest in Tennessee, is opening this weekend. Experience this gigantic park with its nineteen rides encompassing 50 acres of mountain side.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Experiment with Limiting Automobile Access to Cades Cove
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - Park officials will be limiting automobile access to Cades Cove Loop Road during the summer months.
Dollywood & Dollywood’s Splash Country to Begin Phased Re-Opening on June 15, 2020
PIGEON FORGE, TN - Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country have announced their phased re-opening plan for Summer 2020.
Living Responsibly with Black Bears Around Great Smoky Mountains National Park
GATLINBURG, TN - Gatlinburg is seeing an increasing number of dangerous encounters between people and black bears. The safety of tourists and residents alike depends on humans making smarter decisions.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Phased Reopening Begins (UPDATED June 9, 2020)
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - The National Park Service recently issued a statement outlining the phased re-opening of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Beginning May 9, 2020, the public will be able to visit the park, albeit in limited capacity.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Closes Due to Covid-19
GSMNP - The National Park Service announced yesterday that Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remain closed until at least April 30, 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. However, the Foothills Parkway and the Spur will remain open.
7 Absolutely Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
GATLINBURG, TN -Gatlinburg is a great place to shop, go to attractions and museums, as well as be entertained. But did you know that there is plenty to do that won't cost you anything? That's right, Gatlinburg has some great FREE things to do. Here is our list of the top seven.
Western North Carolina Wagon Train
ANDREWS, NC - The 60th Anniversary of the Western North Carolina Wagon Train is here. Don't miss this exciting and unique event. Horses, wagons, games, camping, and bands.
The National Park Service is Looking for Volunteers
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - The National Park Service is looking for volunteers to help clean the roadsides and auto pull-offs in Tennessee and North Carolina. Get more information about how you can help out during Spring Cleaning Work Days .
8 Things to Do Near Sugarlands Visitor Center in 2-3 Hours
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - What can you do in 3 hours or less around Sugarlands Visitor Center? We help you decide with our list of eight adventurous options.
Gatlinburg Is Open for Business After 2016 Wildfires
GATLINBURG, TN - Five months after the devastating wildfires of 2016, Gatlinburg is open for business. Hotels, motels, cabins, attractions, shows, and restaurants are all ready to welcome you and show you a good time.
Eight Springtime Events in the Smoky Mountains for Fun, Education, and Adventure
KNOXVILLE, TN - Discover eight springtime events in the Smoky Mountains that your entire family will enjoy.
Discount Coupons vs Discount Advance Tickets
You planned your Smokies vacation, now you need to get tickets for the shows and attractions. Do you download discount coupons to take to the ticket office or purchase discount tickets in advance? We help you decide.