Smoky Mountain Travel Blog

Looking for the best souvenirs from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? From hand-forged knives and Appalachian pottery to moonshine mason jars and Dollywood cinnamon bread, here's what to bring home.

11 romantic things to do in Gatlinburg for couples — the SkyBridge at sunset, waterfall hikes, distillery tours, mountaintop dinners, spa nights, and more.

Gatlinburg's elevated attractions ranked gentlest to most intense — from Kuwohi's paved summit and the enclosed Ober tramway to the SkyBridge and ziplines.

Your guide to the annual Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion in Pigeon Forge — Show & Shine, vendors, the Invade the Cove trail ride, admission, and where to stay.

Gatlinburg SkyPark at night — the illuminated SkyBridge, SkyDeck fire pits, sunset dinner and drinks, and stargazing above the valley. Here's how to plan an evening visit.

Everything you need to know about the Gatlinburg Strip — what to see, where to park, how to use the trolley, when to go, and the best attractions from one end of the Parkway to the other.

Where to hear live music in Gatlinburg — Ole Red, Jason Aldean's, Shamrock Pub, Ole Smoky bluegrass, and more, from honky tonks to distillery back porches.

The most biodiverse forest in North America, 800+ miles of trails, black bears, waterfalls, elk, and free park access — 9 reasons the Smokies are a nature lover's dream.

The best Pigeon Forge attractions for kids — Dollywood, indoor snow tubing, WonderWorks, dinner shows, The Island, and more, with age guidance and tips for each.

The best restaurants in Pigeon Forge — Local Goat's scratch kitchen, Gaucho Urbano churrasco, Azul Cantina rooftop, Downtown Flavortown, and the historic Old Mill.

The 10 best things to try at The Island in Pigeon Forge — the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, free fountain show, SkyFly, Ole Smoky, laser tag, and more. Free admission and parking.

The Foothills Parkway delivers ridge-top panoramic views of the entire Smoky Mountain range. A complete guide to both sections, key overlooks, Look Rock, and best times to go.

Where to taste hard cider in the Smokies — Tennessee Stud, Tennessee Cider Co., Cide Chicks, and Apple Barn Cider House, plus a self-guided cider trail across all three towns.

A complete guide to the Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge — interactive celebrity figures, props for photos, three bonus attractions, tickets, and visitor tips.

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.