Category: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

America's most-visited national park. 800+ miles of trails. 19,000 species. Free entry year-round. Discover 9 reasons the Smoky Mountains are the ultimate destination for nature lovers — and where to stay nearby.

No billboards. No commercial traffic. No crowds. The Foothills Parkway is the Smokies' best-kept secret — 38 miles of uninterrupted mountain views, scenic overlooks & the Look Rock observation tower. Explore it with Colonial Properties' guide.

Cades Cove wildlife loop. Free wine tastings at a mountain winery. Goats on the Roof gem mining. The Foothills Parkway's "missing link." Discover 10 things to do in Wears Valley, TN — the Smokies' best-kept secret.

Walk behind Grotto Falls. Chase rainbows in the mist at Rainbow Falls. Stand below 100-foot Ramsey Cascades in old-growth forest. Discover 6 of the most beautiful Smoky Mountain waterfalls — and base camp nearby with Colonial Properties.

2026 Event: May 20–27. Lottery closed April 27 — but here's everything you need to know for next year + tips to see synchronous fireflies without a lottery pass. Stay nearby with Colonial Properties.

The only NPS-authorized stable in the Smokies. Spot deer, black bears & wild turkeys on an 11-mile valley loop. No experience needed — rides run March through November. Discover 5 reasons horseback riding Cades Cove is unmissable.

Book midweek for lower rates and fewer crowds. Pack layers — March temps swing from 40°F nights to 65°F afternoons. Dollywood opens for the season in mid-March. Get 6 expert tips for your Gatlinburg March vacation with Colonial Properties.

Anakeesta's mountain views without summer crowds. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies with shorter waits. Ole Smoky moonshine tasting plus St. Patrick's Day green moonshine specials. Discover 6 top Gatlinburg attractions to visit in March.

Planning to ski in the Smoky Mountains? Discover 7 expert tips for skiing at Ober Mountain, what to pack, when to visit, and how to make the most of your winter adventure.

Gatlinburg welcomes a new year with new adventures to delight visitors. Whether you’re hiking to a waterfall or conquering an intense thrill ride, you’ll find plenty to do here in 2026. Check out what’s new in Gatlinburg!