A Walk in the Clouds Too

05/07/2026

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05/05/2026

Reminder, starting April 30, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will transition its backcountry permit system to Recreation.gov. Visitors with existing reservations do not need to do anything—all permits issued before the switch will be honored.

The $8 per‑person, per‑night backcountry camping fee will remain the same. The following fee changes will support the operation and maintenance of the park’s reservation system on Recreation.gov:

· New $6 non‑refundable fee per permit
· Appalachian Trail thru‑hiker pass will increase from $40 to $44.50.
· Maximum permit fee will no longer be capped at $40.

Learn more about backcountry camping in the Smokies: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm

NPS Photo

05/03/2026

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In Townsend, Tennessee you can ride horseback through the Great Smoky Mountains with Davy Crockett Riding Stables, a long-running, family-owned stable set right along the quiet side of the Smokies. Located at 505 Old Cades Cove Road, this spot puts you just outside the boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, giving riders easy access to the same kind of wooded terrain and rolling foothills the park is known for, without the crowds. Guided rides take you along shaded forest trails, over gentle hills, and through peaceful backcountry scenery where wildlife like deer and wild turkey are sometimes spotted.

Horses here are known for their calm nature and steady pace, and guides walk you through everything before heading out, making it comfortable even if you’ve never ridden before. The stable has been a trusted part of Townsend’s tourism scene for decades, and the area itself is often called the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” for its slower pace and wide-open views. Ride options include one-hour, 90-minute, and two-hour trips, along with longer half-day rides if booked ahead. The season runs from March 1 through November 30, and reservations are a smart move during busy months. It’s a laid-back way to take in the mountains and experience them the way people have for generations.

05/03/2026

05/01/2026

https://www.wanderingsmokymountains.com

The best place to guide your travels throughout the Smoky Mountains. Restaurants, Things to Do, Shopping, Hiking, Waterfalls, and More.

04/24/2026

https://www.rockytopoutfitter.com

Spin or Fly-Fishing, we specialize in stream Trout and Smallmouth Bass.Seasonal Bear, Deer, and Turkey.Rocky Top Outfitter is licensed and Insured since 1994.

04/18/2026

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04/15/2026

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One of the Smoky Mountains' most incredible summer events...the 8th Annual Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place August 15th in Townsend, Tennessee later this summer! From 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, this laid-back evening event brings a sky full of colorful balloons right to the edge of the mountains as the sun starts to drop behind the peaks. You can wander through the festival grounds at your own pace, stopping by food trucks for fresh eats, grabbing a cold drink from a number of different vendor tents, and checking out booths filled with handmade items from local vendors. It’s an easygoing, family-friendly setup where there’s always something to see, whether you’re there with kids or just taking it all in. The balloons stay secured to the ground, but you can still step into one and rise up for a short tethered ride, giving you a great view and a feel for what it’s like to float. Part of the proceeds goes back into the local community, adding even more reason to go. It’s one of those summer events that’s worth planning ahead for!

04/07/2026

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03/22/2026

https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/patriot-festival/

Pigeon Forge celebrates 4th of July with the annual Patriot Festival headlined by country Grammy-nominated country music star Joe Nichols, followed by the Fireworks Celebration.