Smokies Live

25/03/2026

Spring is here waiting for you. Native mountain rainbow trout are running these rivers looking for a good fly to eat. Plenty of deals to be found this time of year to enjoy the amazing Smoky Mountains.

21/03/2026

Lighting McQueen is at the Food City on Dolly Parton Parkway!

02/03/2026

Warm days in the mountains. I say you should reach out to the fine folks at Smoky Mountain Angler in Gatlinburg ,Tn for the best gear and info for fishing fun in the river. They are right on hwy.321 in town. A treasure of a local fly shop. They have a great selection of spinner rods and all your needs if thats your jam aswell.

27/02/2026

Amazing Views in the mountains today. Get outside and enjoy a Chairlift ride above the clouds in the Smokies. Plenty of fun in the sun Ober Mountain right now.

14/02/2026

A wonderful discount for your next getaway to the Smokies. Check out the post below for the deal and link.

Save 15% on your next stay at Ramada Pigeon Forge North! Enjoy cozy rooms, luxurious bedding, and breathtaking Smoky Mountain views, all at an amazing price. Start planning your perfect escape now!
https://bit.ly/2qgSbx0

13/02/2026

Heartbreaking news from Sevierville…

Early this morning, a fire destroyed two large barns at SkyLand Ranch, the fun family spot with the mountain coaster, petting zoo, and more. 😔

The good news: All animals (horses and small critters) are safe and accounted for. No injuries to people or animals, thanks to quick action by Sevierville police and fire crews who helped evacuate them!

Praying for the ranch team as they recover from this setback. SkyLand Ranch is such a gem in the Smokies. Hoping they bounce back strong soon. 🙏

Sources: WBIR, WATE, WVLT

Image: WATE

12/02/2026

A week of warm weather ahead. Make your weekend getaway plans special. Take an adventure in the Smokies.

09/02/2026

This historical location in Tennessee is full of fun, food, family, and unique finds. Pay a vist to The Old Mill on your next Smoky Mountain getaway!

08/02/2026

Exciting progress is happening on the Crystal Express, Anakeesta’s brand-new gondola system! This next-generation lift will replace the old ride with a high-speed, panoramic experience featuring glass-bottom cabins and breathtaking views of the Smokies from bottom to summit.

Here’s what’s been happening:
✨ Foundations are in place for both the base and mountaintop terminals
✨ Old lift towers and cables have been removed
✨ Helicopters are lifting new support structures into place
✨ Site preparation is moving fast as crews gear up for full installation

The Crystal Express is on track to debut in Spring 2026, and it’s poised to completely transform the way we access the summit. Faster, smoother, and more scenic than ever before!

Follow Anakeesta for more updates! This ride is going to be unforgettable!

08/02/2026

Smokies Live Update: Cave & Mine Shaft Closures

Entry into ALL caves and mine shafts within the Great Smoky Mountains area is currently prohibited.

This closure is in place to help prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that affects hibernating bats and has caused significant population declines across the eastern U.S.

White-nose syndrome can be spread unintentionally by humans through clothing, shoes, and gear that come into contact with cave environments.

What this means:
- All caves and mine shafts are closed to public entry
- The closure applies regardless of season or location
- Violations may result in fines or other penalties

These measures are intended to protect native bat populations and preserve the park’s ecosystem.

We’ll continue to share verified updates as conditions change.

07/02/2026

Recovery mode continues after this week's winter weather event, and here's what you need to know:

🚨 **ROADS & ACCESS:** Most park roads remain closed while crews handle hazard tree removal. Cades Cove Loop Road gets a temporary closure starting Monday for tree cleanup - bears and wildlife will miss the regular visitors, but safety first! Main routes are clearing up, but shaded areas and higher elevations still holding ice.

🏪 **BUSINESS SCENE:** The storm separated the wheat from the chaff in terms of visitor service. Shoutout to cabin owners offering weather extensions and local spots staying open with skeleton crews.

🍯 **INSIDER DISCOVERY:** Random mead question led to a local gem reminder - Savannah Bee Company at The Island has legit mead selections that most tourists walk right past. Sometimes the best finds come from the most specific questions!

💕 **ROMANCE REPORT:** Anniversary season is heating up with folks seeking upscale dining. Gaucho Urbano in Pigeon Forge keeps getting local love for being fancy.

🌡️ **CONDITIONS:** Air quality excellent (AQI 26), waterfalls are pumping from recent moisture, but fishing streams running cold (35-39°F range). Perfect photography weather if you can access the spots!