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About 90 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, sink into the state’s only hot springs at these two spots.

"National Parks Cookbook" shares recipes from across America’s national parks, including these delicious finds from Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Great Smoky is free every day. Also enjoy 10 days in 2026 when entrance is free to the other national parks.

Pack these essentials for your trip to America’s most popular national park.

Enter August 15 through September 15, 2025

The best sights, hikes and viewpoint stops along Great Smoky Mountains’ most stunning auto route.

Stay at this North Carolina Sleep Inn for easy access to incredible outdoor recreation in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Located conveniently near Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Tennessee entrances

Level up your adventures with an RV or camper van rental from Outdoorsy.

From roadside overlooks to overnight hikes, these are our favorite spots to say goodbye to the day in the Smokies.

Enjoy a quick tour full of fall leaves, gushing waterfalls and historic structures.

From Columbus to Tryon and Saluda, slow down and experience sweeping vistas and small town charm.

Only have 48 hours? Not a problem. From waterfall views to amazing hikes and firefly watching, here’s our editor-approved plan.

Basecamp in this uncrowded small town to experience the best of Appalachia.

Communities are beginning to re-open following storm damage and flooding from Hurricane Helene. Their answer? A resounding yes.

Following historic flooding from Hurricane Helene in late September 2024, the park is open and many communities in TN and NC are welcoming visitors.

From peaceful float trips to challenging whitewater, the Smokies’ rivers have it all.

From a mountain summit to incredible barbeque, these are the best things to do in Burnsville.

Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll find amazing outdoor recreation, small town charm and the perfect basecamp in these Jackson County towns.

Explore these little known locales for a dose of Southern history and outdoor adventure.

Stay at the highest point on Skyline Drive in a lodge room, suite or cabin for a relaxing stay immersed in nature with stunning views.

From stargazing to basket weaving classes to a pet friendly menu, this lodge offers so much more than just a relaxing stay.

Stay in the heart of incredible outdoor recreation, arts and culture in Cherokee County.

Skip tourist traps when dining in the Smoky Mountains and check out the great restaurant and coffee shop options in Tennessee and North Carolina towns like Sylva, Cherokee, Maggie Valley, Sevierville and more.

From hiking past cypress trees to firefly watching and paddling past gators, this is your complete guide to this South Carolina gem.

Plan a fun and amazing vacation to the Smokies without spending a ton of money.

See rhododendrons and azaleas, pick berries and more on this family friendly hike.

Saddle up and explore the lush trails, stunning vistas and cascading waterfalls of Great Smoky Mountains with trail rides offered by three stables inside the park.

From farm-to-table dining to theme parks the kids will love, this Tennessee town is your perfect basecamp.

When winter rolls around, the fun has just begun.

From big-city attractions to America's favorite national park and all the fascinating stops on the way.

From rubies and sapphires buried underground to stunning waterfalls and fascinating museums, don’t miss Franklin on your way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Experience the unique heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains with six stops in North Carolina where you’ll find bluegrass and mountain music, traditional dance and gorgeous crafts ranging from pottery to woodworking.

From breathtaking waterfalls to world-famous trout and cute mountain towns, you won’t want to miss the communities of Little Switzerland, Old Fort and Marion, North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Get a taste of Appalachian Trail life on this day hike and be rewarded with exceptional views into two states.

A short, steep half-mile hike will bring you to the top of Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s highest peak.

Away from the noise, but in the center of everything.

Commemorate your favorite national park vacation with beautiful hand-illustrated maps of locations like Yellowstone, Glacier and Great Smoky Mountains.

Bike, paddle, tube or ride your way across the gorgeous landscape just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.