In the News
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - GSMNP and Friends of the Smokies cut the ribbon on Sep 28 on the rebuilt John Messer Barn in Greenbrier. The 1870's barn sits 1 mile up Porters Creek Trail, and you can hike up and see it.
PIGEON FORGE, TN - The Track in Pigeon Forge closes October 31 after 42 years. Get the final-season hours, what Wild Woody and the other rides cost in points, and where to race go-karts next.
CHEROKEE, NC - Guided tours at Oconaluftee Indian Village end Oct 31, 2026. You have a month left to catch the guides and artisans, and self-guided tours follow from Nov 12 through Dec 12. The museum, Qualla Arts and Crafts and the park's Oconaluftee Visitor Center stay open all winter.
Dollywood's Harvest Festival opens September 14. Great Pumpkin LumiNights and the new Candy Corn Country come with admission. Harvey's Boo Bash costs $129.99 on three October nights. Here is the math.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK – Only four Cades Cove vehicle-free Wednesdays are left in 2026. The National Park Service closes the 11 mile Cades Cove Loop Road to motor vehicles every Wednesday through September 30, which hands the whole road over to walkers, runners and cyclists from sunrise to sunset.
GATLINBURG, TN – Food Network spent two straight Sunday nights in Sevier County last month. The first was in downtown Gatlinburg. The second was inside Dollywood.
NASHVILLE, TN - The Smoky Mountains lost one of their brightest lights this week. Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, the country music legend who never forgot the hills that raised her, died Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville. She was 80.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK – National Park Week began today and runs through August 30. For most of the country the headline is a free entrance day on Tuesday, August 25. GSMNP has never charged admission, so that announcement usually means nothing to anyone headed here.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed a short piece of legislation that has shaped how Americans (and guests) experience the country ever since. It's been 110 years since the NPS came into being, an anniversary that matters as much in Tennessee as anywhere in the country.
PIGEON FORGE, TN - A new attraction is now open featuring the real story of the Hatfield & McCoy Feud told by a great-great-great-grandson of "Devil Anse" Hatfield. Distinctively different from the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud show. You are invited to experience the Hatfields & McCoys yourself.
KODAK, TN - A major new waterpark resort is taking shape just off Interstate 40 at Exit 407, right in the heart of the growing Gateway to Adventure district in Sevierville. Sports Illustrated Resort is in the planning stages and will bring more indoor/outdoor fun to the area.
PIGEON FORGE, TN - Dollywood Parks & Resorts has stacked up an impressive set of national recognitions in 2026, earning spots on three major lists (Forbes and Time Magazine) that highlight both the way it treats its employees and the experience it delivers to guests.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - High on the summit of Mount LeConte, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is getting a fresh start. LeConte Lodge is replacing its aging recreation building with a brand-new structure expected to open for the 2027 season.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - Foothills Land Conservancy has acquired the Oliver Tract, a large privately held property that borders the park on the Tennessee side. The nonprofit plans to transfer the land to the National Park Service so it can become part of the park.
TOWNSEND, TN - Appalachian Bear Rescue welcomed its first black bear cub in more than a year and a half, signaling a fresh start after a difficult stretch. The young male, named Hemlock and recorded as Bear #427, arrived after being found alone near a residence in Gatlinburg.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - The popular Laurel Falls Trail will remain closed longer than first planned. Park officials announced in early August that the rehabilitation project, which began in January 2025, is now expected to wrap up sometime in 2027.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - The amphitheater at Elkmont Campground became the setting for a quiet but powerful moment. Nearly thirty people from seventeen different countries stood among the tall trees and took the oath of allegiance that made them citizens of the USA.
PIGEON, FORGE, TN - Hey, dino fans! Ready for a prehistoric party? The Jurassic Adventure at The Island in Pigeon Forge, TN, is here! It’s a free, family-friendly blast. Think life-sized dinosaurs, epic fountain shows, and tons of fun. Let’s dive into this wild experience!
GATLINBURG, TN - President Trump signed legislation providing much needed funding for deferred maintenance projects on federal lands. The Great American Outdoors Act, co-sponsored by Senator Alexander (R-TN), is a major win for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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 all day fun for the entire family! Come and go with your all day pass!
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - Park officials will be limiting automobile access to Cades Cove Loop Road during the summer months. This experiment will help determine if limiting autos should be a permanent feature allowing more foot traffic.
PIGEON FORGE, TN - After closing during the COVID epidemic, Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country have announced their phased re-opening plan for Summer 2020. Begin making plans to return to Dollywood and Splash Country soon.
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 when in black bear country.
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 - The National Park Service announced yesterday that the national park will remain closed until at least April 30, 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. However, the Foothills Parkway and the Spur remain open.
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.
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. Experience a real wagon train like nowhere else in America. Fun for the entire family!
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.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - Do you feel like there is so much to do but not enough time to do it? Check out our list of eight things you can do in 3 hours or less around Sugarlands Visitor Center. We help you decide with our list of eight adventurous options.
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. Bring the family and enjoy the mountains again.
KNOXVILLE, TN - Spring is great for discovering the great outdoors in the Smoky Mountains. My Smoky Mountain Guide did some looking around and found eight events that your entire family will enjoy. Let's take a look together and see what we found.
You are planning your Smokies vacation and 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 by giving you ticket options.
The annual Smoky Mountain Overnight Relay in North Carolina begins at Pink Beds State Park in Brevard with a finish line at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City. Runners in this relay will face a challenging 212 mile course through the mountains.
You may be wondering, "What is the difference between a hotel and a motel?" That's a legitimate question for someone planning a trip and needing to secure a place to sleep, eat, shower, etc. Well, wonder no more, my friend! Learn some history along the way.
