Smoky Mountain Travel Blog

Rod runs, Jeep invasions, Bronco stampedes, big rigs, and Mustangs — Pigeon Forge hosts 20+ automotive events annually at the LeConte Center. Here's your complete guide to the best car shows in the Smokies.

March in Gatlinburg means early wildflowers, bear cubs, Dollywood's new season, and shoulder-season prices. Here are 6 tips for planning the best possible March trip to the Smoky Mountains.

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.

Dollywood's opening season, Ripley's Aquarium, the last of Ober Gatlinburg's snow, SkyBridge in St. Patrick's green, and bear cubs in the national park — here are 6 Gatlinburg attractions worth visiting in March.

Seven 1-bedroom Gatlinburg cabins built for two — from Fallin' In Love's wooded hillside seclusion to Gervinwold Creekside's national park creek. From $87/night. Book direct.

Complete privacy, a hot tub in February air, a fireplace that's actually on, and the most romantic setting in the Southeast — 7 reasons a Gatlinburg cabin beats any hotel for Valentine's Day.

The Greenbrier's dry-aged steaks, The Peddler's riverside tableside cuts, Anakeesta after dark, the SkyBridge at night, Crystelle Creek's waterfall garden — 8 of the best romantic dates in Gatlinburg.

Tennessee's only ski resort, cross-country skiing on the Kuwohi road, year-round indoor tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow — here are 7 tips for your Smoky Mountain ski trip.

Five 1-bedroom Gatlinburg cabins built for Valentine's Day — a national park creek, hillside seclusion, mountain views, bedside jetted tubs, and fireplaces that are actually on in February.

Two snow tubing options in the Smokies — Ober Gatlinburg's outdoor mountaintop hill (seasonal) and Pigeon Forge Snow's year-round indoor facility. Hours, pricing, age requirements, and tips.

NightFlight Expedition at Dollywood, America's first racing mountain coaster, Slick City's indoor slides, Scooby-Doo mini-golf, and more — here's everything new in Pigeon Forge for 2026.

Anakeesta's $100M expansion, Ober Gatlinburg's name return, Ripley's Venture Realm outdoor mixed reality dinosaurs, Laurel Falls reopening, Alibi speakeasy, and more — everything new in Gatlinburg in 2026.

Breakfast by the river, morning in the national park, the Gatlinburg Wine Trail, sunset from the SkyBridge, dinner at The Greenbrier — a complete romantic day in Gatlinburg for couples.

From Abrams Creek at 876 feet to Kuwohi at 6,643 feet — complete elevation guide for Great Smoky Mountains National Park peaks, trails, and gateway cities including Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.

Pigeon River Pottery at the Old Mill, Alewine Pottery with live bluegrass, Fowler's Clay Works wheel-throwing classes, and Buie Pottery's Fish Wall — the best potters in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

8 Smoky Mountain cabin rentals with private pools — indoor heated pools open year-round, outdoor swim spas, and resort pool access. From 2-bedroom retreats to 6-bedroom lodges. Book direct.

Smoky Mountain black bears don't truly hibernate — they enter torpor and can be spotted year-round. Here's when they den, when cubs are born, where to see them, and how to stay safe.

Three romantic one-bedroom cabins in Pigeon Forge — a riverfront retreat with three fireplaces, a heart-shaped jetted tub with stained glass, and a four-poster king in a wooded pine setting.

The Greenbrier's dry-aged steaks, The Heirloom Room's Appalachian game meats, Red Oak Bistro's Bulgarian tapas, Cherokee Grill, and The Park Grill — the best upscale dining in Gatlinburg.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino is 36 miles from Gatlinburg — a 50-minute drive through the national park. Ruth's Chris, Gordon Ramsay, Guy Fieri, UltraStar, and more. Complete visitor guide.