Your Smoky Mountain adventure starts here.
Beyond the park, the charm continues. Discover the welcoming streets of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, filled with attractions, dining, and shopping.
Cross into North Carolina to visit the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, where you can learn about the park’s cultural heritage and maybe even spot a herd of elk. Outdoor lovers can venture onto a section of the legendary Appalachian Trail, while those seeking a slower pace can enjoy a scenic drive through the valleys and ridges.
Our insider recommendations will help you make the most of your visit, from must-see attractions to hidden gems only insiders know. Whether you’re here for outdoor adventures or family fun, our trip-planning resources, weather information, and regional expertise make it simple to plan an unforgettable trip the Great Smoky Mountains.
Start exploring the information below to make your Smoky Mountain getaway everything you imagined and more.
Get the Inside Scoop
Discover endless ways to enjoy the Smokies.
Plan your trip around the fun.
Taste your way through the Smokies.
Get around the Smokies with ease.
See the Smokies in real time.
Be prepared for every season in the Smokies.
Get the inside scoop.
Before you even pack your bags, you can start uncovering the best of the Smokies. Our free Area Guide is your all-in-one trip companion, loaded with local insights you won’t find in generic brochures.
Discover hidden hiking trails, scenic drives that rival postcards, and family-friendly attractions worth every minute. We’ll point you toward can’t-miss restaurants, unique shops, and seasonal events so you can plan days that are both exciting and effortless.
Whether you’re visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, or all three, this valuable guide will help you make the most of your time here.
Check out this handy area guide and start mapping out a trip you’ll never forget.
Discover endless ways to enjoy the Smokies.
Whether you’re chasing thrills, soaking up the scenery, or savoring local flavors, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days here. Hike to breathtaking waterfalls, take in panoramic mountain views, or spot wildlife in peaceful valleys. Keep the excitement going with whitewater rafting, ziplining, or a ride on a mountain coaster.
Prefer your fun with a side of lights and laughter? Dollywood’s world-class rides, live shows, and seasonal festivals are just the start. Explore the bustling streets of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for unique shops, local eats, and family attractions. From aquariums to museums, there’s plenty to keep all ages entertained.
If relaxation is on the agenda, unwind with a scenic drive, a wine tasting, or browsing artisan crafts in hidden galleries. Every corner of the Smokies offers a new reason to fall in love with the region, and everything is within easy reach.
Discover all the top things to do and start planning your perfect mix of adventure, entertainment, and relaxation.
Plan your trip around the fun.
In the Smokies, every season brings something worth celebrating. Spring bursts with craft fairs and colorful wildflowers in bloom, summer heats up with outdoor concerts and fireworks, and fall rolls in with harvest festivals and brilliant foliage. When winter arrives, twinkling lights, holiday parades, and festive shows fill the calendar.
Whether you want to join a bluegrass jam, browse a weekend art market, or catch a big seasonal event like Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, our Local Event Calendar helps you make it happen. You’ll find listings for everything from small-town farmers’ markets to multi-day celebrations, so you can plan your days around the experiences that excite you most.
Even better, many events are close to major attractions and towns, so it’s easy to fit them into your plans on a whim. No matter when you visit, there’s always something going on to make your trip even more memorable.
Check the local event calendar and start timing your getaway for maximum fun.
Taste your way through the Smokies.
From hearty Southern breakfasts to candlelit dinners with mountain views, the Smoky Mountains offer a feast for every appetite. Start your morning with fluffy biscuits, fresh coffee, or a plate of pancakes topped with local maple syrup. Refuel midday with classic barbecue, savory burgers, or made-from-scratch comfort food at welcoming hometown diners.
If you’re in the mood for something more refined, you’ll find chef-driven menus featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and regional specialties. Craving global flavors? Explore everything from wood-fired pizza to authentic Mexican, Italian, and Asian cuisine. And don’t skip dessert! Our local bakeries, ice cream shops, and candy kitchens make it impossible to say no.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between adventures or savoring a leisurely evening meal, the area’s restaurants serve up flavor and hospitality in equal measure.
Explore area restaurants and start making your must-try dining list.
Get around the Smokies with ease.
Exploring the Smokies is even better when you know the best ways to get from place to place. Whether you’re driving your own car, renting one, or looking for a shuttle, there are plenty of options to fit your plans. We’ll point you toward the most convenient parking areas near popular attractions, trailheads, and town centers so you can spend more time enjoying and less time searching for a spot.
Prefer to skip driving altogether? Public transit and trolley systems in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge make it simple to move between attractions, restaurants, and shopping without the hassle. Private transportation services can get you to events, activities, or even scenic overlooks on your schedule.
With the right information, you can spend less time navigating and more time experiencing.
Plan your transportation now and get ready to explore the Smokies seamlessly.
See the Smokies in real time.
Can’t wait to soak up the majestic mountain views? Our live Smoky Mountain Web Cam lets you take in the scenery whenever you like: before your trip, during your stay, or after you’re home and wishing you were back. Watch the seasons change, from spring’s fresh greens to summer’s deep forests, fall’s fiery colors, and winter’s snowy peaks.
It’s also a handy way to check current weather conditions or get a quick glimpse of the day’s views before you head out on an adventure. Whether you’re counting down the days to your next visit or just need a moment of mountain magic, the Web Cam keeps you connected to the beauty of the Smokies all year long.
Watch the Smoky Mountain Web Cam and enjoy the view anytime, anywhere.
Stay one step ahead of the weather.
In the Smokies, the weather can change as quickly as the view. Our live weather updates help you plan each day with confidence, whether you’re setting out on a mountain hike, heading to Dollywood, or exploring the shops and attractions in town.
Check current conditions before you leave, and you’ll know exactly how to dress, what to pack, and whether to grab that extra layer or umbrella. From sunny skies perfect for a picnic to misty mornings that make the mountains feel magical, you’ll be ready for whatever the day brings.
A little planning goes a long way toward making the most of your trip, and the weather is no exception.
Check the weather and be prepared for every season in the Smokies.
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