Tennessee · North Carolina
Field notes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the communities on its Tennessee and North Carolina edges.
Photo: NPS Photo. Original · Public domain in the United States; U.S. National Park Service photograph · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies run along the Tennessee–North Carolina state line. A day here can mean a quiet stretch of the Foothills Parkway, a walk beside a cold stream, or a slow circuit through Cades Cove. Weather and road access change with elevation and season, so check the park’s live notices before you leave.
Photo: NPS Photo / Warren Bielenberg. Original · Public domain in the United States; U.S. National Park Service photograph · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Drives · History
Give Cades Cove a full morning: our approach to the 11-mile loop leaves room for its meadows, old buildings and a walk along the way.
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Photo: NPS Photo. Original · Public domain in the United States; U.S. National Park Service photograph · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Drives · Hikes & walks
Kuwohi draws us for the ridgelines and the walk to the tower. Plan the seasonal drive and steep half-mile climb to the Smokies’ highest point.
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Photo: Kaldari. Original · Public domain; released by the photographer · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Hikes & walks · Rivers & falls
We’re keeping Laurel Falls for a future visit while its trail is closed. Check the rehabilitation notice before choosing a waterfall walk.
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Photo: NPS Photo / Warren Bielenberg. Original · Public domain in the United States; U.S. National Park Service photograph · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Nature · Hikes & walks
Wildlife is part of what draws us to the Smokies. Give bears space, secure food and check the park’s rules before heading onto a trail.
Read storyPhoto: NPS Photo. Original · Public domain in the United States; U.S. National Park Service photograph · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Drives · Day trips
We’d leave time between Gatlinburg and Cherokee for Newfound Gap, an overlook and a short walk. Plan a park crossing with room to stop.
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Photo: David Ratledge. Original · CC BY 4.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · History · Attractions
The cabins, churches and gristmill give us another reason to linger in Cades Cove. Make time for its historic stops along the one-way loop.
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Photo: Northern-Virginia-Photographer. Original · CC0 1.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Fishing · Nature
Time beside a Smokies stream appeals to us. For a fishing visit, check the license, tackle rules and fish advisories before heading to the water.
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Photo: Don McCulley. Original · CC0 1.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Lodging · Day trips
We’d choose a Smokies base around the walks and drives we want to do. Compare Gatlinburg, Townsend, Cherokee and Bryson City with your route.
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Photo: Frank Kovalchek. Original · CC BY 2.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Music · Local life
An evening of live music is another way we’d explore the Smokies region. Learn about Appalachian traditions and check the local calendars.
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