Blount County COVID-19 Information

Our nation is in a unique time in history, as we watch the COVID-19 pandemic unfold. With all of the change, Blount County wants to make sure as we learn a new normal, we keep everyone safe and healthy. The Great Smoky Mountains gives our county and travel industry a responsible way to stay active…

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Springtime in the Smokies Photography Workshop

Life sure has thrown us some curveballs over the past couple of weeks. With the constant stream of worst-case scenarios finding their way into our newsfeed, sometimes you need to slow down and let the power of nature heal your soul. Join us at the Spring Photography Workshop at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont…

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Celebrating 50 Years at Tremont

The Institute at Tremont, in the Great Smoky Mountains, has been serving the Walker Valley community for 50 years. It all started in 1969 when a group of local leaders and educators came together to turn a group of old Job Corps buildings, slated for demolition, into a residential environmental learning center. The idea was…

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The Smoky Mountains are Harley-Davidson Paradise

Would a ride through the Tail of the Dragon, with its 318 consecutive banked curves in 11 miles, get your blood pumping?  Or maybe a trip on the Cherohala Skyway, a road featured as one of Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America, is more your style. Why not plan the ultimate ride…

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Smoky Mountain Glamping: Sleep Under the Stars

Not all those who cherish the serenity of nature enjoy the ritual of traditional camping; packing up everything they own, finding the perfect spot, pitching a tent, unloading supplies, sleeping on the hard ground, and sharing restroom facilities with strangers. For those individuals, we have the perfect compromise—a relatively new concept called glamping. Smoky Mountain…

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Smoky Mountain Spelunking at Tuckaleechee Caverns

If you are looking for a break from the warm summer weather while vacationing in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, let us recommend a trip to Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend, TN. It is true the gorgeous mountain trees will give you ample shade during your hikes, and the refreshing river water will cool your…

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Visit These 3 Picnics Spots in the Smoky Mountains This Spring

There is nothing better than taking your family out for a picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains on a warm spring or summer day. The scenery is never short of breathtaking, and there are so many places you can go to. Heck, some folks here pack their basket, grab a blanket, and then pull over…

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Next to Heaven Ranch Offers Horseback Rides and Zipline Adventures

If you are looking for a great family adventure or two while vacationing on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, look no further than the Next to Heaven Ranch. You can find this spectacular ranch between Pigeon Forge and Townsend on Wears Valley Rd. They have a nice big sign out front; you can’t miss…

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The Fish are Biting in the Smokies' Many Streams and Rivers

Spring in the Smokies brings with it the opportunity to enjoy any number of adventures; there are hikes to take, whitewater to raft, zip lines to zip, and so much more. But, one of the most popular outdoor activities on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is grabbing a fishing pole and hitting the many…

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Capture Photos of Spring Wildflowers at These Smoky Mountain Spots

Spring is the perfect time of year to visit the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. The mountains are alive with a riot of color created by the millions of wildflowers that bloom here every year. According to botanists, the Smokies are home to one of the most diverse ecologies in the world. Over 1,600 different…

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Bring Fido: Pet-Friendly Activities and Lodging in the Smoky Mountains

If you plan to bring your furry family friend with you on vacation to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, wouldn’t it be nice to know where you can stay and what local activities are dog-friendly? What might surprise you is the number of pet-friendly activities in the area. The other thing that might surprise…

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Eat Your Way Through the Peaceful Side at These Local Restaurants

One of the best parts about traveling is the ability to eat and experience new dining options that you don’t have at home. Finding new kinds of cuisines or just a new way to arrange ingredients in a dish can really broaden your culinary horizons. A vacation to the Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains…

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