Staff

Great Smoky is in the eastern part of the United States on the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Gatlinburg, TN is the most popular gateway town.

Stay in a cabin on the “peaceful side of the Smokies” in Townsend, Tenn., and surrounding towns. Here are three of our favorites.

Full of souvenir shops, restaurants, and attractions, the bustling towns can be a sensory overload or a rollicking good time, depending on your perspective.

Joseph S. Hall recorded Smoky Mountain stories and songs in the 1930s. Purchase the music CD of 34 original recordings from the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

Wildfires burning in and near the national park, closed the park on Monday, Nov. 28, and caused residents in fire-impacted areas to flee from their homes.

On this forested drive you'll see historic cabins and mills sprouting up under the canopy of trees, and possibly Lucy, a ghost looking for a ride.

The general rule is to stay 50 yards away from bears. Never feed wild animals because it may cause them to lose their fear of humans. Watch this video

Pets are not allowed on any trails in Great Smoky, except for two - the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail.

On April 21st, 2016 new murals showcasing the regional National Parks of Eastern Tennessee were revealed at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville.

Sweeping views that are easy to get to, many old historic buildings to explore, and picnic spots galore, make it one of the most family-friendly national parks in the east.

An interview with Katy Koontz, noted travel journalist and author of Family Fun in the Smokies.

The Gatlinburg Trolley Tan Line stops at Sugarlands Visitor Center, Laurel Falls parking lot, and Elkmont Campground.

Bring your bicycle and mountain bike to the national park. Here's were you can ride.

Bobcats, thought to be the only felines that live in the park, are solitary, reclusive creatures.

White-tailed deer are common throughout the park’s woods and meadows, where they graze on grasses, fruits, and acorns.

About 1,500 black bears live in the park. Females usually weigh about 100 lbs and males weigh 250, though bears as large as 600 have been found here.

Thirty species of salamanders can be found in and around the creeks in the park, from the 3-foot-long hellbender to the 2-inch-long pygmy salamander.

Kids love waving their badge of honor proving they’re one of Smoky’s rangers. Pay the small fee at a visitor center to obtain the activity booklet.

Got 24 hours? Get the most out of them with this guide. Take a hike, touch the past, cruise a view, and more.