Blog

Trump’s Executive Order Could Raise Fees for International Visitors to National Parks, Including the Smokies Have you ever stood at the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, breathing in that misty mountain air without reaching for your wallet? As someone who’s spent years writing about and exploring these ancient mountains, I’ve always appreciated that […]

Hidden Gems of the Great Smoky Mountains: Escape the Crowds in America’s Most Visited National Park The numbers are in, and it’s no surprise to those of us who love these misty peaks – Great Smoky Mountains National Park has once again claimed the crown as America’s most visited national park in 2024, welcoming nearly

Cal Raleigh: From Smoky Mountain High to MLB Home Run Leader If you’ve been watching baseball this summer, one name keeps booming through TV speakers with every crack of the bat – Cal Raleigh. The Smoky Mountain High School graduate has been on an absolute tear, leading the Major Leagues with an impressive 38 home

Nightfall Comes Alive: Zoo Knoxville’s New 360-Degree Smoky Mountain Experience As someone who’s spent years exploring and writing about the majesty of the Smoky Mountains, I can tell you there’s something magical about how these ancient hills transform with the seasons. Now, that magic is coming to Zoo Knoxville in an exciting new way that

Smoky Mountain Alert: Newfound Gap Road Rehabilitation Starting July 14 There’s something magical about driving through the winding roads of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The mist hanging between the trees, the occasional wildlife sighting, and those breathtaking overlooks that make you pull over just to soak in the view. As someone who’s spent

Join the Elk Rover Volunteer Team at Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 2025 There’s something magical about standing in the misty dawn at Oconaluftee, watching a majestic elk emerge from the fog-laden fields. I’ve spent countless mornings capturing these moments over my years exploring the Smokies, and now there’s an incredible opportunity for you

Elk Encounters on the Rise in Maggie Valley: Safety Tips for Tourists As the summer sun bathes the misty peaks of the Smoky Mountains, Maggie Valley transforms into a wildlife wonderland that draws visitors from across the country. Having spent countless seasons exploring these majestic mountains, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the reintroduction of elk has

Discovering the Hidden Gems of the Smoky Mountains: A Local’s Perspective There’s something magical about the mist that clings to the ancient peaks of the Smoky Mountains. As someone who’s spent years exploring these mystical ridges and valleys, I’ve developed a deep connection with this breathtaking landscape. The way the morning fog dances between the

Clearer Skies Over the Smokies: Celebrating Improved Air Quality in Great Smoky Mountains National Park As someone who’s been writing about the misty majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains for years, I’ve witnessed both the breathtaking beauty and concerning haze that has sometimes dimmed the splendor of America’s most visited national park. Today, I’m thrilled

10 Refreshing Ways to Beat the Heat on Your Smoky Mountain Vacation East Tennessee was in the midst of one of the coolest springs and summers in recent memory until late June when someone kicked the thermostat up a couple of notches. We went from mild to wild in seemingly record time. It’s important to