Here in the Smoky Mountains, we are very fortunate to maintain a comfortable temperament all year long. It never gets too cold during the winter nor does it get too hot during the summer. The Smoky Mountains weather always makes for a perfect vacation setting. However, each season does come with its own weather patterns and characteristics. To find out what kind of weather you should plan for during your next vacation to the area, read below! Winter Winters in the Smoky Mountains typically last from mid-November through February. During this time, the temperatures are generally moderate, but you can expect to find a couple of days of extreme weather. However, our extreme is not as much as you would expect to find in northern parts of the country. To put it into perspective, the average lows during the winter tend to stay around the low-50s in the lower elevations and the mid-30s in the higher elevations. Our average snowfall in the lower elevations stays around 7-8 inches a year, just enough for a snowball fight or to build a snowman. The higher elevations, like around Clingmans Dome, see a significantly higher snowfall in the winter with an average total of over 100” a year. Although this sounds like a lot, it really means you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the snowcapped mountains in the distance during your vacation, but it won’t affect your travel plans too much. Spring Once winter is ready to shed its heavy coat on the area, we are ready for spring and the beautiful wildflowers that come with it. This is...
When it comes to hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, the experience is much more than a casual stroll through the woods. No, here is where you and your family or group will discover an abundance of new and exciting sights and adventures that you never knew existed before. How do you narrow down these experiences to find out just what you can expect to find when you spend the day exploring the Smoky Mountains National Park best hikes? The answer is easy. All you have to do is read through our favorite hiking discoveries below! 1. Scenic Views It almost goes without saying, but it is hard to talk about all the amazing things you see when experiencing the Smoky Mountains National Park best hikes without mentioned the scenic views these trails offer. Whether you are on top of a mountain or relaxing in a bald, we can guarantee that you will not be disappointed in the natural beauty found along these trails. Our favorite hiking trails that feature scenic views include: Andrews Bald: A pretty easy 1.7 mile hike, Andrews Bald starts at the Clingmans Dome parking lot. The trail itself is very steep with a total gain in elevation at 900 feet. However, your hard work will pay off when you reach the end of the trail and get to experience the acres upon acres of grassy meadows and spectacular views found at the bald. We recommend you bring a blanket because this is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic. The Jump-Off: The Jump-Off refers to the 1,000-foot cliff that the trail runs along. This hiking...
As the most visited national park in the country, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is filled with all sorts of amazing things to see and do. While it is massive – 816 mi² to be exact – we want you to be excited about your adventure into the national park! That’s why we’ve put together the one and only Smoky Mountain National Park map and guide you’ll need for your visit. Print this handy guide or bookmark it on your phone, so you have it any time you visit the Smoky Mountains. You’ll have your map in-hand and adventure in your spirit, so you’ll be ready to go! It’ll take a few trips to see everything we’ve included here, so you better get started soon! Visitor Centers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sugarlands Visitor Center Named for the abundance of sugar maple trees found when settlers arrived to the area in the early 19th century, Sugarlands Visitor Center is the best place to start your exploration of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Visitor Center offers special programs including ranger-led activities, a free 20-minute film about the park, natural history exhibits and a store. Located 2 miles south of Gatlinburg on US-441, Sugarlands Visitor Center is open every day except for Christmas. Their hours are as follows: Month(s)Hours January9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. February9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. March9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. April9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. May - July9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. August9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. September - October9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. November9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. December9:00 a.m. -...
Dillsboro, North Carolina and the adjoining village of Sylva NC sit in a deep mountain valley, and serve as a major entryway to the western North Carolina mountains. Both small towns are the old-fashioned red brick and white clapboard Victorian villages that are common to this area. Both towns are quaint and unspoiled and consist of just a few city blocks of authentic old brick buildings, with architecture from the 40s. You won’t find the franchise restaurants here-just good old-fashioned independently-owned eateries. The small western North Carolina towns have put considerable thought and energy into some upscale shops for North Carolina mountain visitors, and for those travelers whose mountain getaway is not complete without a shopping spree—well, they won’t be disappointed here. Sylva’s Jackson’s General Store and Dillsboro’s Riverwood Crafters shouldn’t be missed. For those who appreciate art, visit L. Kotila Watercolors. If you are lucky, you might even catch Linda working on a new watercolor. There are some interesting things to do and see in and around the towns of Sylva NC and Dillsboro, North Carolina. Some entrepreneurial investors bought an abandoned freight railroad in Dillsboro NC and created the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad which offers several excursion rides throughout the surrounding mountains. The Mountain Heritage Center at WCU houses a museum that re-tells the story of early settlers in the coves and valleys in this area. Lodging choices run the gamut. Mountain cabin rentals and luxurious bed and breakfast inns are the best choices. As an example, Dillsboro’s Jarrett House combines a fine bed and breakfast and dining experience. Jarrett House is a three-story wood hotel in operation...
Cherokee, North Carolina, home of the Cherokee Indians, is one of five gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and sits up against the southeastern boundary of the Park. Unlike it’s counterpart Tennessee city, Gatlinburg, it is much quieter. Where Gatlinburg TN—at the northern border of the Park—is very fast-paced with lots of lights, with a constant flow of improvements and investment, Cherokee NC is still stuck in the 1950s, because the tribal members own all the land within the Cherokee boundary and have not encouraged outside investment. If you visit both towns, you’ll get a good idea of the contrast that exists between the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the Park. But understand that Cherokee NC has a lot to offer the mountain traveler. The southern approaches to the town (via US 441 through the Park or north from Atlanta) or US Hwy 19 (from Bryson City) will bring you quickly to the downtown area of Cherokee. If you’ve ever visited Cherokee at anytime since the mid 1950s, you’ll quickly recognize the souvenir stands and the stuffed bear shops. You can still locate the “Chiefs” in full colorful regalia as they stand in front of tepees waiting for their pictures to be taken–expect to leave a tip for the privilege. In an area of Cherokee that features the old government buildings from the 1930s and 1940s, you’ll find The Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. The Cherokee craft cooperative, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, and the Cherokee Historical Association’s production of “Unto These Hills”, an outdoor presentation with more than 100...
