Mikaela Ruland

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Take a cruise on America’s favorite drive through these 3 national park sites linked together.

Get out on the water, go to an old-school soda fountain or stroll a historic district dating back to the 1780s in Jefferson County, Tennessee.

Get to know Cherokee history and modern-day culture at the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This huge lake is home to watersports galore, excellent trails and a fascinating and dark history.

Between Chattanooga and Knoxville, spend some time in the historic town of Athens on your way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Stay minutes from the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail at this beautiful property in Gatlinburg.

Hum along on this country road trip.

Bryson City, North Carolina is a quiet town filled with outdoor activities on the water and a historic train next door to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Get ready to say, ‘bean there, done that.’

On the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hike, raft and eat your way through this beautiful corner of the South.

Read this before you plan your visit to the park.

Upgrade your next national park road trip by booking a stay with Harvest Hosts at unique local producers nationwide.

Pros and cons to visiting this mountainous park in every season.

Stay 20 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in this city with no shortage of things to do.

Backpack the trails, paddle a canoe, ski or bike through some of the park’s most incredible scenery while testing your endurance.