Roads to drive, sights to see, things to do, places to visit, tips and interesting tidbits - all about your Smoky Mountains vacation

 

 

 

GSMNP Nature

Flame Azaleas in the Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains come alive in spring with the vibrant blooms of flame azaleas (Rhododendron calendulaceum). These native shrubs paint the hillsides with bursts of orange, red, and yellow, typically peaking from mid-April to early June. Their fiery hues stand out against the lush greenery, making them a must-see for hikers and nature lovers. Flame azaleas, alongside rhododendrons and mountain laurel, are a Smoky Mountains treasure, blending wild beauty with the region’s rich biodiversity. Plan your visit soon to catch this seasonal show!

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Tips and Info Smokies Wildlife Bears

Black Bear Safety tips for your Smoky Mountains Vacation

The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the few places in the United States where black bears can be found living in their natural habitat. While this certainly adds to the appeal of those who want to observe these animals from a safe distance in the wild, it can also be dangerous for those who don’t understand bears and their behavior. If you see black bears in the Smoky Mountains during a hike or picnic, or even near the cabin during your stay, follow these tips from the National Park Service to keep you and your family safe.

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Tips and Info Vacation Guide

When is the best time to visit Smokies on a budget?

We see this question often asked on social media quite often: "๐–๐ž ๐š๐ซ๐ž ๐จ๐ง ๐š ๐›๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ž๐ญ. ๐–๐ก๐ž๐ง ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐›๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐ž ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐’๐ฆ๐จ๐ค๐ข๐ž๐ฌ?" See the budget-friendly times and tips to help you out. 

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