Visit Smokies

Visit Smokies Travel information for the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina
(1458)

Smoky Mountain Host of North Carolina is the destination marketing organization for the seven far western counties of North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary of the Cherokee Indian Reservation.

06/20/2026

Perfect Lake Day. How close are you to the Chatuge?

Heads up for paddlers: scheduled releases + iconic runs make this region a whitewater staple.
06/20/2026

Heads up for paddlers: scheduled releases + iconic runs make this region a whitewater staple.

The Blue Ridge Parkway isn't just a road. It's a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Ame...
06/20/2026

The Blue Ridge Parkway isn't just a road. It's a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in America. From sweeping overlooks and rolling blue ridgelines to unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, the North Carolina Blue Ridge delivers views that are hard to top.

A special thanks to photographer David McKenzie (follow ) for capturing and sharing the beauty of these mountains through his lens. His images are a reminder of why so many travelers fall in love with Western North Carolina and the Southern Appalachians.

What's your favorite Blue Ridge Parkway overlook? Share it in the comments. ⛰️📸

06/19/2026

Settle the debate: does coffee actually taste better in the mountains?👇☕🏔️

They say coffee is coffee... but somehow iced coffee hits different in the Southern Smokies. ☕🏔️

Maybe it's the mountain air. Maybe it's the view. Maybe it's the fact that every sip comes with a side of adventure.

And the best part? There's plenty more where this came from. From cozy mountain cafés to hidden local gems, your next favorite cup is waiting around the bend.

What's your favorite spot in the Southern Smokies to grab an iced coffee? Drop it below and let's build the ultimate mountain coffee trail. 👇
Join the Coffee Trail: Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee, -> Great Commission Coffee -> The Firefly Cafe ->Tiger's Store and Chinquapin's Ice Cream and Soda Bar, - > Morning Fog Coffee & Eats -> that's a good start!

06/19/2026

3 Days of Scotland in the Southern Smokies

Day 1: Discover Your Scottish Roots
Begin in Franklin at the Scottish Tartans Museum, where you can explore clan histories, discover your family tartan, and learn how Scottish and Scots-Irish settlers helped shape the Southern Appalachians. Then head to Highland Hills Farm to meet Highland cattle and enjoy mountain scenery reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands.

Day 2: Cool Off in the Mountains
One reason to skip Scotland this summer? The Southern Smokies offer crystal-clear rivers, accessible waterfalls, and cooler mountain temperatures perfect for escaping the heat. Spend the day exploring Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Cullasaja Falls, then stroll through Highlands, one of the highest-elevation towns in the Southeast.

Day 3: Celebrate Scottish Culture
Visiting Father's Day weekend? Experience the Taste of Scotland Festival & Highland Games in Franklin. Enjoy bagpipes, Celtic music, Scottish dancing, clan gatherings, traditional food, and Highland Games competitions that honor the region's deep Scottish heritage.

Before heading home, stop by The Scotsman Public House in Waynesville for authentic Scottish fare, a fine whisky, and mountain hospitality.

From tartans and Highland cattle to waterfalls and cool mountain breezes, Scotland's spirit is alive and well in the Southern Smokies.

📍 Plan your Scottish-inspired getaway at VisitSmokies.org

The excitement is building! Come Experience Franklin NC, for the Taste of Scotland Festival and The Scottish Tartans Mus...
06/18/2026

The excitement is building! Come Experience Franklin NC, for the Taste of Scotland Festival and The Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center, Inc.!

DATE NIGHT SPECIAL!! Appalachian Adventure RentalsGreat way to show that special someone a good time. Take a Polaris Sli...
06/17/2026

DATE NIGHT SPECIAL!! Appalachian Adventure Rentals
Great way to show that special someone a good time. Take a Polaris Slingshot for 4 hours starting at 5pm and go on a romantic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or any of the other beautiful drives in the area, then take her out for a nice dinner or a picnic!!
Deep Discount-Book Online
appadventurerentals.com

06/17/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Tammy, the first winner of the season in Hide & Seek with Carl! 🎉

Tammy tracked down Carl and scored a gift card from Mast General Store just for being the first to find him.

Think you missed your chance? Every hiding spot comes with a giveaway, so there are plenty more opportunities to win throughout the season. Keep an eye out for clues, follow along, and be ready when Carl pops up next.

Who will be our next winner? 👀

Summer escape: spend the day exploring the Smokies, then come back to Cherokee for a high-energy night out.
06/17/2026

Summer escape: spend the day exploring the Smokies, then come back to Cherokee for a high-energy night out.

06/17/2026

The southern smokies have a Sasquatch game all summer long: whether you are coming in person to play or you just want to test your southern smokies knowledge. Follow Find Carl - Visit Smokies’ Great Sasquatch Hunt and play along.

Address

4437 Georgia Road
Franklin, NC
28734

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18283699606

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Visit Smokies posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Visit Smokies:

Shortcuts

Share

Category