Your guide to the Great Smoky Mountains
Trails, towns, places to eat and straight answers for planning a trip to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the national park.
Pick where to start
Everything on the site is sorted by what you’re trying to plan.
Questions people ask before a trip
Short answers to the things most first-time visitors want to know.
- What is the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains?
- How many days do you need in the Smokies?
- What is the best town to stay in near the park?
- Is Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge closer to the mountains?
- When is the best time of year to see bears?
- What are the seasons like?
- Why are the Smoky Mountains so hazy?
- Which town has the best view of the mountains?
Recent guides
The newest trip-planning guides on the site.
- Hiking Trails for Spring Wildflowers in Gatlinburg
- Chasing Waterfalls: Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains
- How to Choose the Best Hiking Trails for Winter Snow and Ice Formations in the Smoky Mountains
- Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains: Best Hiking Routes
- Top 10 Tips for Hiking in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Hiking Trails Near Gatlinburg with Accessibility for People with Disabilities
Flying in?
The closest major airport is McGhee Tyson in Knoxville (TYS), roughly an hour’s drive from Gatlinburg. Search flights for your dates here.
About Mystic Smokies
Mystic Smokies is an independent guide to the Great Smoky Mountains and the towns around them, built to help you plan a trip without digging through a dozen sites.