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Calling all young explorers! Become a Junior Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover the magic of nature. For kids ages 5-12, this program offers fun activities, ranger-led experiences, and the chance to earn an official Junior Ranger badge. Learn about wildlife, conservation, and park history while creating unforgettable memories in one of America's most beautiful national parks. ...

It has been known to snow as early as October and as late as May in Gatlinburg. Winter months of December, January and February traditionally provide us with some lovely winter landscapes and gorgeous snow capped mountains in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. We... ...

Discover the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with these beginner-friendly hiking trails, perfect for guests staying at Mountain Laurel Chalets in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler looking for a leisurely outdoor adventure, these easy hikes offer breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and iconic misty peaks just minutes from your Mountain Laurel Chalets mountain retreat. ...

Experience the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with these moderate hiking trails, perfect for adventurous guests staying at Mountain Laurel Chalets in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. These trails offer a balance of challenge and reward, featuring stunning vistas, cascading waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems unique to the Smokies. ...

Embark on an exhilarating adventure with these challenging hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, perfect for experienced hikers staying at Mountain Laurel Chalets in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. These demanding routes offer unparalleled views, secluded wilderness, and a true test of endurance amidst the park's most rugged terrain. ...

Experience the magic of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a one-day driving tour. Wind through scenic roads, discovering breathtaking vistas, diverse wildlife, and misty peaks. From hidden waterfalls to historic sites, this self-guided adventure showcases the park's natural beauty and rich heritage. Immerse yourself in America's most visited national park, creating unforgettable memories at every turn. ...

Discover romance in the Smoky Mountains! From breathtaking sunsets atop the Gatlinburg SkyLift to intimate dinners at The Peddler, couples will find endless ways to connect. Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park's natural wonders, stroll hand-in-hand through The Island in Pigeon Forge, or unwind with a couples massage. Whether you crave adventure or relaxation, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer the perfect setting for love to bloom amidst stunning mountain scenery. ...

Randy Watson's grandparents lived in the Smokies before the national park existed. Now, after 48 years at Gatlinburg SkyPark, he shares family history, his life as a bluegrass musician, and how the 2016 fires reshaped the mountain forever. ...

Ho-ho-hold up a minute. After the excitement of fall football season melts into the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and after the holidays bring us to the precipice of a new year, it’s easy to hit a proverbial wall that smacks us in the face with the winter blues. After months of high energy and endless celebration, suddenly...it’s January. It’s cold. It's often gray. It's usually quiet. No wonder we can easily start to feel down in the dumps! ...

Mark Adams came to Gatlinburg from Atlanta and was "baptized by fire" within months, leading tourism through the 2016 wildfires and COVID. Now CEO of Ober Mountain, he shares the story behind its nostalgic rebrand and new attractions. ...