Smoky Mountain Vacations

  The Smokies in early May offer soft light, blooming trails, and peaceful hikes away from summer crowds. Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park doesn’t arrive all at once. It seeps in slowly—through blooming dogwoods, rushing creeks, and the gentle return of birdsong. Early May is one of the best-kept secrets in the Smokies. With fewer crowds and cooler air, it’s the perfect time to explore the park’s quieter corners before the summer rush begins. We began our day on the Little River Trail , just outside Elkmont . The river was alive, swollen from recent rain, echoing through the forest. Mountain laurels were just beginning to bloom, and soft light filtered through the trees. The 5-mile round trip felt less like a hike and more like a peaceful walk through a waking world—ideal for photographers, birdwatchers, and anyone craving stillness. For lunch, we stopped at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area , a family favorite along the river. While kids skipped stones in the water, w...

Not every Smoky Mountain adventure has to begin with hiking boots and trail maps. Sometimes, all it takes is turning the ignition, rolling down the windows, and letting the crisp mountain air do the rest. If you’re traveling with toddlers, grandparents, or simply want a more relaxed way to explore, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers scenic drives that are just as breathtaking as its trails—many of them lined with picnic spots, short hikes, and even wildlife sightings. Here are two scenic routes where the road itself becomes the destination.

There’s something magical about lacing up your shoes, packing a light snack, and setting off into the woods with your kids in tow no screens, no distractions, just the promise of adventure in the air. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stretching across the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is a treasure trove of family-friendly trails perfect for every kind of explorer, from toddlers toddling along to grandparents rediscovering their love for nature. We set off one spring morning with the sun warm on our backs, a picnic tucked into a backpack, and the laughter of our kids echoing as we made our way toward Laurel Falls  Trail . At just 2.6 miles round-trip, this paved path winds gently through forested terrain before revealing its crown jewel: the 80-foot cascading Laurel Falls. The trail is stroller-friendly, shaded for most of the way, and filled with chirping warblers and blooming mountain laurels in the warmer months. It’s the kind of trail where kids can run a li...

The Great Smoky Mountains Are the #1 Vacation Destination Did you know the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the United States? With over 12 million annual visitors, it draws more people than the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone combined . And it’s not hard to see why — this majestic mountain range on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, family-friendly activities, charming small towns, and a peaceful escape from everyday life. Whether you’re planning a trip with your family or gathering friends for a relaxing getaway, the Smoky Mountains has something for everyone. Towering waterfalls, scenic hikes, wildlife spotting, fun-filled theme parks, and cozy cabin stays make it a top choice for all ages. Planning Your Smoky Mountain Getaway One of the best things about vacationing in the Smokies is how easy it is to tailor your trip. You can go rustic with nature hikes and campfires, or opt for luxury with a stay in a fu...