Great Smoky Mountains Blog
15 Best Things to Do In and Around Dillsboro, NC
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dillsboro is a charming small town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat, a romantic getaway, or a...
The Hike Down to Paradise Falls and the Payoff Below
While the name definitely applies to the gorgeous waterfall, it may not be the trek to get there. If you read up on Paradise Falls, you will find honest opinions about the strenuous route that gets you to your ultimate destination. Even though it’s a mere 0.5 miles in...
3 Falls & 10 Miles in DuPont State Recreational Forest
As part of our quest to check out the many waterfalls of NC, we decided to take a weekend and camp near the forest to save having to drive the two hours multiple times. We recently discovered hipcamp.com which is like an Airbnb for camping spots. Some are private...
4th of July Celebrations Across the WNC Smoky Mountains
The 4th of July in the western North Carolina Smoky Mountains is traditionally a time of community celebration, bringing together locals and visitors in small towns across the region. While each town has its unique traditions, the following are some examples of...
7 Fun Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Western North Carolina in 2023
St Patrick’s Day is most always associated with Irish Heritage, wearing green, and is always associated with drinking beer. Some places even offer green beer! Regardless of your location and beverage preference, it’s always fun to celebrate and get together with...
Hiking Rufus Morgan Trail to Rufus Morgan Falls Nantahala National Forest
Hiking Trail Info | Driving Directions to Trail Head December 23 was another high 40-degree day in the Great Smoky Mountains. We scooped up the nieces and nephew and headed out for a very family-friendly 1 mile round trip (loop) to Rufus Morgan Trail. Halfway around...
Bartram Trail – Wallace Branch to Williams Pulpit
Hiking Trail Info | Driving Directions to Trail Head We took advantage of a Sunny 50° (not in the shade) Sunday afternoon by hiking from Wallace Branch to Williams Pulpit on the Bartram Trail. This moderate trail is 4.1 miles out and back with an elevation gain of...
19 AWESOME Instagram Photo Spots in the WNC Great Smokies
“Pics or it didn’t happen” If there's no digital proof of your hike, your bike ride, your kayak trip, dinner…did it really happen? You and your family are on that much-awaited for North Carolina mountains summer vacation - free of work and school and you plan to wear...
Hiking Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Hiking Trail Info | Driving Directions to Trail Head You won't find a graveyard out in the middle of this lovely hike. The origin of its name reaches back to the early 1900s when logging and storms left tree trunks covered in mossy and spruce needles that looked like...