Great Smoky Mountain Eco Tours

05/31/2026

Great Smoky Mountain Eco Tours first trip of our 2026 season - Valley to Cove The Peaceful Side of the Smokies, guided, interpretive tour - 01/16/26 for Ann and Family.

Our adventure into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would start with a Knoxville hotel front door pickup, after a short meet and greet, we loaded up and headed out, we traveled out of Knoxville, Tennessee, into Pegion Forge Tennessee, learning about how the town gained its name, a short stop at the Old Mill, to enjoy a walk back in time. Then we loaded up and headed out through Wears Valley, TN, stopping along the way to learn about the history of Headrick Chapel, before entering into Townsend, Tennessee. Did someone say trains? We would learn about the towns rich history, how it got it name and enjoy Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum. Then it was off for a scenic drive through Cades Cove - TN, we would walk into the lives of the earliest settlers, then enjoy natures wonders, deer, turkey, bears and a fabulous scenic ride out of the cove along Little River road making a short stop at the Sinks for some great waterfall photos. We then exited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via the Gatlinburg bypass and took in the views of Gatlinburg and Mount LeConte!

We truly enjoyed our GSMNP adventure with you and yours, thank you joining us and allowing us to share the Parks rich history, culture, flora and fauna with you and yours!

Discover more at - https://greatsmokymountainecotours.com/activities/valley-to-cove/

Sit Back, Relax, We’ll Get You There
Pack It In - Pack It Out - Observe Don’t Disturb - While Leaving No Trace
Discover more at: https://greatsmokymountainecotours.com/

05/28/2026

Great Smoky Mountain Eco Tours is back in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with our client enjoying an early spring scenic drive along the 441 Newfound Gap Rd. Guided scenic drive with interpretive stops at Chimney Tops, Newfound Gap, Great Smoky Mountains, Oconaluftee Visitors Center Cherokee NC, enjoying the elk viewing from a safe viewing distance of 50 yards or greater, then on to Mingo Falls for a short out and back nature walk to view this 120’ wonder of nature, upon our return over the mountain we stopped to see snow that was still in the higher reaches at Kuwohi formally known as Clingmans Dome. Our last stop would be to take in the views from Gatlinburg Overlook and our solo travelers was headed back to Knoxville!

We truly enjoyed our day with Atsushi, taking in the views, sharing the history, culture, flora and fauna and then seeing the sings of spring but still feeling the grip of winter on mountain, it was fabulous, thank you for sharing your time with us and I and we look forward to sharing with you again in the future.







Sit Back, Relax, We’ll Get You There
Pack It In - Pack It Out - Observe Don’t Disturb - While Leaving No Trace
Discover more at: https://greatsmokymountainecotours.com/

05/27/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=999232779131713&id=100071350009435

We made a simple video guide explaining how the Great Smoky Mountain National Park Parking Tags work. 🅿️ Video in the comments 💬👇

05/25/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1500096724818432&id=100044543550556

Bioluminescence: the natural production of light by living organisms. ✨Certain fungi glow because of a remarkable chemical reaction involving compounds called luciferins and enzymes called luciferases. When oxygen interacts with these compounds inside the mushroom’s cells, energy is released as a green light.

Scientists believe fungal bioluminescence may help attract insects that spread spores through the forest, expanding the mycelial network across ecosystems.

Historically, the soft green glow seen in forests was called “foxfire” by ancient travelers, illuminating their path through the darkness. 💚

Spectacular find and photo by

05/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JnpXdFdbJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/04/2026

Real Mountain with Real Risks, be smart and plan, great info!

https://www.facebook.com/share/14cu1zMvn3j/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Park rangers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are reporting a big increase in emergency calls, especially in March. They responded to 38 incidents in just one month, including multiple search and rescues, medical emergencies, and even helicopter evacuations.

Because of this, they’re reminding visitors of something important… rescue is NOT guaranteed.

The mountains are beautiful, but they can also be unpredictable. Trails can change quickly, weather can shift fast, and even experienced hikers can find themselves in dangerous situations.

Here’s what they’re asking everyone to do:
• Know your limits
• Check the weather before you go
• Bring the right gear (water, layers, flashlight, etc.)
• Tell someone your plans
• Be willing to turn around if things feel off

A lot of these emergencies can be prevented with just a little preparation.

As we head into busy season, this is your reminder that the Smokies aren’t just a scenic backdrop… they’re real mountains with real risks.

Source: WBIR

03/20/2026

https://youtu.be/jaJBuClYBYU

Thank you Ryan for all your great knowledge!

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park put on this discussion we captured about how they handle problematic black bears in the park. Here is another video ...

03/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DBcvm31Xx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

03/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/186pV5d4pK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Details about the latest BearWise Open House is in my latest post in the 💬⬇️.

Thank you so much for following me to get your Gatlinburg fill, whether it's from pictures, news, or my life as a resident. I appreciate you guys and gals!🥰