Welcome to the Great Smokies Blog
Stories From The Smokies highlights interesting, out-of-the-ordinary aspects of life in the North Carolina mountains. We offer insider tips on things to do, places to go, and ways to make your Bryson City visit all the more memorable. Look for new posts in this space every few weeks. Or subscribe to receive updates by email.
Autumn in Bryson City – the Spectacular Grand Finale of Summer Fun in the Smokies
Fall exploration will lead you to the Bryson City area of North Carolina, including “The Road to Nowhere.” Tucked in iconic mountains, Bryson City, NC has a vibrant fall leaf viewing season, which you can enjoy while hiking, fishing, biking or riding the...
These 10 Unique Places To Stay In Bryson City Are Perfect To Get Away From It All
Traveling is fun, but where you stay is just as important. In the Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City, NC, there are a few places to spend the night that really stand out. You can sleep in a vintage camper, or a yurt, a teardrop camper or tiny house on a creek. There...
There’s Much to Discover About One Bryson City Visitor Who Helped Create the National Park
Horace Kephart's grave. Photo: plugitinhikes. An icon of the Southern Appalachian region, Horace Kephart (1862-1931) is best known for his efforts to protect the Smoky Mountains as a national park. He was also vigilant in efforts to establish the Appalachian Trail...
In Bryson City, Three People Pushed a 177-ton Locomotive
At the end of many steam excursions on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, riders have the opportunity to participate in a unique railroad turntable experience. Volunteers are called upon to assist the crew in manually turning the 353,540 pound engine and...
Few People Know This Slave Cemetery Exists Near a Treasured Landmark in the Smokies
A lot of people who visit Mingus Mill in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have no idea that there is a slave cemetery adjacent to the parking lot. Off the trails of Mingus Mill and up a hill, lies a small cemetery beneath the trees. It is not known exactly...
Take This Mini Road Trip to Capture Some of the Best Photography in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most diverse and photogenic landscapes in the United States. Verdant forests, long range mountain views, beautiful streams and serene valleys...
