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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Sep 2024
Throughout Western North Carolina, activists are cultivating a movement to reawaken history through place naming

Sep 2024
Portraits of the Great Smoky Mountains’ elk, a species restored to our region by a park conservation project

Feb 2024
Exploring the national parks of Western North Carolina

Feb 2024
From a GSMNP archivist comes a collection of missives from the mountains

Sep 2023
Grist Mills of the Western North Carolina Mountains

Jun 2023
For nearly 100 years, the Ela Dam has interrupted the flow of the Oconaluftee River. But now, a team of locals are restoring the waterway.

Jun 2023
Cool off at some of our favorite swimming holes

Mar 2023
The latest from throughout Western North Carolina

Dec 2022
WNC’s guide to camping out during nature’s starkest season

Jun 2022
A mountain man who led the way to our outdoor life

Jun 2022
The wildflowers of Western North Carolina’s mountain streams

Dec 2021
Gatlinburg’s host of pancake houses beckons ravenous locals and visitors

Aug 2021
After so many months of cancelled and postponed events, the urge to get together and celebrate is palpable. Here to satisfy is a season of great gatherings bursting with local culture: From woolly worms, elk, and Bigfoot to mountain arts, food, music, and more, these festivals truly have something for everyone.

Jun 2021
The new Safe Passage campaign envisions wildlife crossings along human-heavy routes

Jun 2021
These novel stays offer the fun of camping and creature comforts

Mar 2021
Strike out to discover native floral treasures in WNC

Dec 2020
Indoors and out, there’s no shortage of options for family fun in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Sep 2020
Head to WNC's far western areas to take in Indian Lakes, Newfound Gap, Nantahala, and Waterfalls scenic byways

Sep 2020
With autumn color on full display, discover WNC’s most scenic drives, plus insider tips and points of interest along the way

Aug 2019
The towers that once helped the mountains ward off blazes are finding new lives as hiking destinations

Aug 2019
25 fall foliage adventures that are big on color and light on crowds

Aug 2019
Get into a good rut with the inaugural Smoky Mountain Elk Fest

Jun 2019
A new biography explores Horace Kephart’s embrace of the mountains

Apr 2019
The latest from throughout Western North Carolina

Apr 2019
A visionary effort to create a statewide trail has been 40 years in the making. With the path now finished in Western North Carolina and a groundswell of support rising in the East, the completion of North Carolina’s most monumental natural treasure is on the horizon.

Dec 2018
Locals, especially, can confirm Western North Carolina holds a wealth of riches. From natural wonders and cultural treasures to splurge-worthy experiences, the indulgences afforded in our mountains are, in many ways, priceless.

Jun 2018
Discover what’s new and awesome for all ages in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, Tennessee

Apr 2018
Just in time for Memorial Day, two histories breathe life into WNC’s iconic cemeteries

Apr 2018
A unique species of firefly graces the mountains

Apr 2018
Explore history, modernity, and beauty in this one-of-a-kind town

Feb 2018
Meet the nearly invisible (and nearly indestructible) tardigrade

Feb 2018
Long valued by the Cherokee, this wild leafy green has lots to offer

Dec 2017
Great Smoky Mountains National Park gets a vivid graphic treatment and more

Dec 2017
Hiking to a summit, scanning the night sky for stars, or hunting for wild delicacies are activities best experienced in fall’s crisp temperatures, when crystal clear skies and showy foliage provide a breathtaking backdrop for a day’s chosen adventure

Dec 2017
In the summertime, warm waters, cool nights, and unfiltered sunshine coalesce in a bucolic, unfettered burst of beauty. And There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it; work up a sweat or take a cool dip—there’s something for everyone in this sweet season

Dec 2017
When wildflowers dot the greening landscape and rushing rivers flow cold from snow melt, take in the beauty of springtime in the mountains with activities for the whole family

Oct 2017
Big Creek Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Aug 2017
For 80 years, WNC’s Masonic monument has preserved far-flung pieces of history

Apr 2017
Trek from Ox Creek Road to the historic remains of Rattlesnake Lodge

Feb 2017
Celebrate our anniversary with top 10 lists of local albums, books, fishing spots, movies, restaurants, and more