Smoky Mountain News

One of the most exciting parts about coming to visit the Smoky Mountains is that there are always new and interesting things opening here in the area for guests to explore! Whether you are looking to experience the thrills of a new attraction or sit down to a delicious meal at a new restaurant, you are sure to be able to find something that you will enjoy. We’re sharing some of the top new restaurants and attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that you will want to make sure to check out when you come to visit! Keep reading to find out what they are:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park, and it’s not hard to understand why. Part of what comes along with being the most popular national park in the country is having big crowds. On any given day throughout the year, you’ll find full parking lots in the Smoky Mountains! However, if you’re trying to avoid big crowds of people on your visit, we can help. Here are 5 ways to avoid crowds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg is opening a brand-new gallery in July of 2025! Dragons will be an exhibit of myths made real, showcasing unique reptiles and other animals and their connection to mythology and diverse cultures worldwide. Yes, you can see real-life dragons in Gatlinburg! You won’t want to miss out on experiencing this limited-time exhibit this summer. While we don’t yet have an opening date to share, here is everything we know so far about the new Dragons exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies:

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is one of the most popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains! This 5.5-mile loop road offers glimpses of an old-growth forest, historic structures and more. The Roaring Fork Nature Trail also provides access to some of the most popular spots in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, like Grotto Falls! To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together a guide to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

When planning a family trip with teenagers you’ll want to find activities that aren’t just fun, but also allow them to maintain some of the freedom they desire. After all, nobody understands better than mom and dad that your teens already know it all! Finding the perfect balance of entertainment and independence without letting boredom creep into the picture is a breeze in Sevierville. The teen-friendly stops in town range from mountaintop adventures to laidback hangouts so your teenagers can find something they’ll love. Here are 6 of the top attractions in Sevierville for teenagers:

When you come to visit Gatlinburg, you will have no shortage of options when it comes to fun things to do here in the area! For instance, when you decide to stop by the Gatlinburg strip, you will be able to check out several of the top downtown Gatlinburg attractions, including those with amazing views, challenging puzzles, and more. If you are planning to stop by downtown Gatlinburg, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to visit these top downtown Gatlinburg attractions!

Imagine waking up with a hot cup of coffee in hand and the sun spilling over the peaks of the Smoky Mountains. You breathe in that crisp mountain air while soaking up picturesque views from the porch of a cabin beneath the trees. There’s a calming silence that’s only interrupted by the sounds of wildlife and nature, not hotel hallway chatter. And the best part? This experience doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Inexpensive Gatlinburg cabins are one of the smartest and most scenic ways to experience the Smokies, and here’s why:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country and is filled with popular spots that everyone loves to explore. It’s also home to some incredible hidden gems for you to uncover when you visit! If you’re interested in exploring some of the lesser known spots in the Smokies, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a guide to 7 of the best kept secrets in the Smoky Mountains.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more than 850 miles of trails for visitors to explore! Depending on which trail you choose, you can see breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, wildlife and more! To help you decide where you should hike during your vacation, we’ve put together a list of 12 of the can’t-miss Smoky Mountain hiking trails in the national park:

Tucked away in the Roaring Fork area of the national park is a place that whisks you a hundred years back in time — Ely’s Mill! It’s a serene escape where the roar of the Little Pigeon River reverberates off the towering trees, producing a calmness that puts the mind at ease. This hidden gem is like traveling back in time to a place where life was much simpler. It’s full of Smoky Mountain heritage and culture, making it a must for your next trip to the Smokies. Here’s everything you need to know about Ely’s Mill:

Looking for the best small town in Tennessee to visit or even call home? Look no further than Gatlinburg, a picture-perfect town nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, recently named Tennessee’s top small town by World Atlas. With breathtaking views, world-class attractions, and cozy cabin stays, Gatlinburg blends small-town charm with big-time adventure. It’s one of the most visited destinations in the entire Southeast.

The state of Tennessee is world-famous for its whiskey and moonshine. In fact, whiskey is one of Tennessee’s top 10 exports! To help promote our state’s thriving whiskey culture, the Tennessee Distillers Guild recently launched the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Stretching from the Smoky Mountains all the way to Memphis, the whiskey trail includes about 30 distilleries that are open for tours and tastings.

When people visit the Smoky Mountains, they typically want to spend time enjoying the great outdoors. What better way to get outside and take in the fresh air than to go horseback riding? There are several riding stables in the area, and this is the perfect activity for people of all ages to enjoy! Here are the top 5 places to go horseback riding in the Smoky Mountains:

The Smoky Mountains in June provide endless opportunities for a memorable summer family vacation, from dining with a view to seasonal events to popular outdoor activities!  Here are some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg in June:

What do you do when you drive through a tunnel in the Smoky Mountains? If you’ve visited the Smoky Mountains before, then you’re sure to have heard cars blaring their horns as they drive through the tunnels in the area. Do you honk your horn, or do you drive through silently? We’ve asked this question many times to visitors, and the majority of people seem to honk their horns. We’ve dug into the reasoning behind why so many people honk their horns when they drive through a tunnel in the Smoky Mountains: