The sun is warming and waking the earth. Light new greens are giving way to tiny explosions of color. Wildflowers are now dotting the sides of hiking trails and scenic roadways. The purples of periwinkles and violets, and the yellow of trout lilies are make it worth coming out of winter’s long hibernation. With the warm […]
Classic Hikes in the Smokies
Friends of the Smokies host a series of guided hiking trips. Called Classic Hikes, these trips aid hikers in getting the most out of a day hike. This month’s hike is to Smokemont in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, three miles north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. At 6.2 miles round trip, this […]
Back Porch Jam
On the first and third Saturdays of each month, all year, you are welcome to bring an acoustic instrument and join in on this old-time jam. Not a picker? We’ll grinners are needed too! Come kick back and enjoy the sights and sounds as others play traditional Appalachian Music. The jam takes place on the covered […]
Hiking in the Smokies
Hiking Trails of the Smokies is a book that was originally published in 1994 by the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association. Filled with maps and detailed trail descriptions written by 15 different hikers, this is one of the most popular hiking guides for this area. This book aims to help you plan your hiking […]
Winter in the Smokies
The winds have been strong here in Bryson City this week. They are bringing in the cold winds of the north. But while the breeze has been chilly, the sun has been shining down on our little mountain town. The bright sunny days are leading us into the clear winter nights. Nights so crisp […]
Holiday Homecoming
Every year the Oconaluftee Visitors Center puts on special events to bring people into the park. These programs are designed to educate and bring awareness to the park in a fun way. On December 20th from 10am-2pm the visitor’s center is hosting live, traditional Appalachian music for their old-fashioned Christmas celebration. Come by to listen, […]
On the Fly
As we browsed social media sights this morning we couldn’t help but notice how many pictures there were of smiling, happy, fly fishin’ people. That’s right it isn’t too cold yet! Lots of brave outdoorsmen, and women, are suiting up and heading to the creek. During December in the Smokies the water tends to fluctuate […]
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a day to reflect on all we have and revel in the company of the ones we love. There is so much to be grateful for here in western North Carolina. The beauty of the mountains, with the sun setting behind ridges lined with bare trees, is a wonder to behold. May we […]
Swain County’s Gone Fishin’
Whether it’s lakes, rivers, or cold mountain streams you’re after, Swain County has it all. You can find natural populations of brookies, brown, and rainbow trout in the waters of the Smokies. The area also has plenty of frequently stocked bodies of water with trophy-sized trout waiting for your hook. Not interested in fly fishing? Lake […]
The Pumpkin Patch Express
The season of pumpkin everything is here and the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is getting ready to start The Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Each year Charlie Brown and all his friends show up at the depot to catch a ride with you and your family. Shake hands and take pictures with the entire Peanuts gang. […]