Smoky Mountain Travel Blog

Dolly Parton's Stampede with ice skaters and live Nativity, Hatfield & McCoy's Christmas chaos, Lumberjack Feud, Pirates Voyage, and Biblical Times — the best holiday dinner shows in Pigeon Forge.

Winter Magic lights, Anakeesta's Enchanted Christmas, Festival of Trees, Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas, Bluegrass Christmas festival, Lights Over Gatlinburg at SkyPark, and Ober Gatlinburg opening — November in Gatlinburg.

Howard's, The Heirloom Room, Crockett's Breakfast Camp, The Baht, No Way Jose's, Vista Grill, Cherokee Grill, and Calhoun's — Gatlinburg restaurants historically open on Christmas Day. Always call ahead to confirm.

Annual family photos, game nights, baking together, souvenir collections, nature crafts, movie nights, and the same trail every year — 7 family traditions that start in a Smoky Mountain cabin and last a lifetime.

Stay & Play Pass attraction tickets, online discount, military and teacher discounts, professional cleaning, 24/7 maintenance, and monthly specials — 7 reasons to book your Smoky Mountain cabin direct with Colonial Properties.

Fireplaces, private hot tubs, fire pit stargazing, movie theater rooms, game rooms, covered decks, spa bathrooms, and private pools — 11 ways a Smoky Mountain cabin delivers genuine relaxation.

Among The Oaks' front-and-back porches, Old Hickory's mountain-view rocking chairs, Starry Starry Night's suspended hillside deck, and Big Timber's porch swing — 4 Smoky Mountain cabins built for porch life.

Your own mountain view, a wild black bear from the deck, moonshine made in these mountains, a private pool, game room tournaments, a hot tub at midnight — 7 one-of-a-kind experiences that only happen in a Smoky Mountain cabin.

Key Bluff's bunk room with mountain views, Abundantly Blessed with indoor pool and movie theater, Dolly Bear Pool Cabin, Deer Lodge with putt-putt for 20, and Angel's Crest for 18 — the best Pigeon Forge bunk bed cabins.

Norton Creek Hideaway's private trout stream on 3+ acres, Gervinwold Creekside steps from the water, and River Reflections where you cast from the backyard — 3 Smoky Mountain fishing cabins with direct water access.

Complete privacy, seclusion in the Smoky Mountain landscape, minutes from Gatlinburg attractions, a fully equipped home base, game rooms and private pools, and better per-person value than hotels — 6 reasons a Gatlinburg cabin is the perfect hideaway.

Private indoor pool at Heavenly Splash, game room and indoor jetted tub at Fox Hollow, four fireplaces and a full bar at Huckleberry Inn, and a movie theater for 14 at Ski Mountain Manor — 4 cabins built for rainy Smoky Mountain days.

The nation's first July 4th parade at midnight in Gatlinburg, the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in early December, and the Music in the Mountains Spring Parade in Pigeon Forge — the top 3 parades in the Smoky Mountains.

January and February are the most reliably snowy months in Gatlinburg. Newfound Gap at 5,048 feet is snow-covered when the valley isn't. Ober Gatlinburg's snowmaking runs December through March. What to expect from a winter cabin stay.

Just 220 miles east on I-40 — 3.5 to 4 hours from Nashville. The national park, Anakeesta, distilleries, fall foliage, and private mountain cabins. Why Gatlinburg is Nashville's favorite weekend getaway.

The Elkmont Troll Bridge is a moss-covered stone arch hidden just off the Little River Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Step-by-step directions, what to see in the Elkmont Ghost Town, and tips for the visit.

Abundantly Blessed with a private indoor pool and waterfall, Bella Vista Lodge with a built-in deck fire pit, Amazing Grace's two connected cabins, and Smoky Mountain Cinema — 4 Smoky Mountain luxury cabins without the resort price tag.

Private mountain setting, a fully equipped kitchen for birthday cake, in-cabin movie theaters and game rooms, romantic options for two, and the Stay & Play Pass — 5 reasons a Smoky Mountain cabin makes an unforgettable birthday.

Better per-person value than multiple hotel rooms, a shared kitchen that cuts the food budget, private amenities your group has exclusively, and a place that actually feels like somewhere — 6 reasons friend groups choose a Smoky Mountain cabin.

Bluff Mountain Hideaway's secluded wraparound deck, Base Camp's Mt. LeConte views, Rollin' in the Mountains' stunning Smoky panorama, and Dream A Little Dream's treetop-level immersion — 4 fall foliage cabins in the Smoky Mountains.