Smoky Mountain Travel Blog

The 7 best mini golf courses in Gatlinburg — Hillbilly Golf's funicular railway, Gatlin's 45 holes, blacklight courses, and Ripley's Davy Crockett for young kids.

A guide to Dollywood's best roller coasters — NightFlight Expedition, Wild Eagle, Lightning Rod, Thunderhead, and Big Bear Mountain, with speeds, heights, and strategy.

A complete guide to Anakeesta in Gatlinburg — the Crystal Express gondola, mountain coasters, Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower, and the Astra Lumina night walk.

The peaceful side of the Smokies — Wears Valley's scenic drive, the park's quiet back entrance, the Walker Sisters Place, local restaurants, and Goats on the Roof.

A guide to the Smokies' most beautiful waterfalls — the paved Laurel Falls, walk-behind Grotto Falls, and the 100-foot Ramsey Cascades — with trail info for each.

Your guide to the Elkmont synchronous fireflies — the lottery, late-May viewing, what to expect if you win, alternatives if you don't, and how to plan your trip.

The best fishing guides in the Smokies — wild-trout wade trips, float trips, smallmouth bass, and beginner instruction — plus licenses, seasons, and booking tips.

A complete guide to WonderWorks Pigeon Forge — 100+ hands-on exhibits, the glow-in-the-dark ropes course, laser tag, 4D theater, and VR, plus visitor tips.

The ultimate Gatlinburg bachelor party guide — ziplining, moonshine, axe throwing, rafting, knife forging, and the large cabins that keep the whole group together.

Pigeon Forge's first indoor slide park — 20+ slides, air-court dodgeball, a toddler soft-play zone, and all-weather family fun. Hours, ages, and visitor tips.

The best indoor mini golf in Pigeon Forge — Sky Pirates, Crave Golf Club, MagiQuest black-light golf, and LazerPort's neon course. Perfect for rainy days.

The 8 best summer outdoor activities in Gatlinburg — hiking, ziplining, white-water rafting, horseback riding, golf, swimming holes, and wild-trout fishing.

Cades Cove Riding Stables is the only NPS-authorized horseback riding in the Cove — wildlife, pioneer history, and no experience required. Here's what to know.

It's Gatlinburg — with a "u," not an "e." Here's why "Gatlinberg" is such a common misspelling, the history behind the name, and what the town is known for.

Build a Pigeon Forge vacation package around a private cabin plus the Stay & Play Pass — a free attraction ticket per guest per night at 20+ destinations.

Build a Dollywood vacation package around a cabin near the park plus the Stay & Play Pass — a free Dollywood ticket per night, festival calendar, and planning tips.

The best things to do in Gatlinburg in April — the Wildflower Pilgrimage, bear cubs in Cades Cove, Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival, and peak wildflower trails.

Six unusual museums in the Smokies — the world's only Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's, Hollywood Star Cars, Alcatraz East Crime Museum, and more.

A guide to Pigeon Forge car shows — the Spring and Fall Rod Runs, Corvette Expo, Jeep Invasion, Bronco Stampede, and more, with timing and spectator tips.

Bear cubs emerging in Cades Cove. Waterfalls at peak spring volume. Dollywood's season opener. Car shows in Pigeon Forge. St. Patrick's Week in Gatlinburg. Here are 7 great things to do in the Smokies in March.