Tucked in North Carolina’s westernmost corner, you’ll find the storied Great Smoky Mountains. Discover their richness and beauty in the ancestral home of the Cherokee, or let Bryson City or Waynesville serve as home base as you explore trout streams and lush, protected forests.

Look & Feel

Highlights

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Tail of the Dragon
  • Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
  • Fontana Dam
  • Rafting, Cycling & Fly Fishing
  • Gem Mining

Weather

Winter 51°
Spring 69°
Summer 84°
Fall 71°

Getting Around

Municipalities

Getting There

Interstate 40
U.S. Route 74
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
I-40 West Welcome Center

Things To Do

Things To Do

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parks, beaches and fun for 4-legged visitors

beaches, waterfalls, state & national parks, etc.

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10/19/2024

Annual Apple Harvest Festival

Waynesville
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Hike, Bike and Kayak Through Beautiful Jackson County

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Tips for Staying Safe Hiking, Camping & Visiting Waterfalls

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Directory

Attractions & Activities in this region

Bluegrass Music Venues in Western North Carolina

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Places to Stay in this region

10/19/2024

28th Annual Pumpkinfest

Franklin
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instagram icon @kellyvandellen
user icon @kellyvandellen

Spent a beautiful Saturday hiking in the mountains in the greatsmokynps. On the way out of the park we passed our first eastern elk for the year. #drivehikerepeat #freshairclub #visitmysmokies #theblueridgers #visitnc #goneoutdoors #blueridgemoments #beanoutsider #nationalparkgeek #wandermore #stayandwonder #staywild #instanature #instawildlife #usinterior #wildernessculture #nikonz7 #nikonglobal #smokymountains #scenicnc #friendsofthesmokies #national_park_photography #np10k #getoutsideandplay #naturenc #gsmnp #splendid_animals #wildplanet

#VisitNC@VisitNC

Take a Totally ‘90s Film Tour

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Places to Eat & Drink in this region

instagram icon @dineshkaruna19
user icon @dineshkaruna19

“Water is the most perfect traveller because when it travels it becomes the path itself!” - - #belikewater #keepmoving #moveevolveinspire #waterfallwednesday #ncwaterfalls #wncmountains #itsamazingoutthere #amidstbature #explorenc #visitnc #highshoalsfalls #blueridge #waterfallsofinstagram #nature #longexposure #bepresentinthemoment

#VisitNC@VisitNC

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Events in this region

Go Gold and Gem Mining in the State Where It Began

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Wheelchair-Accessible Getaways in North Carolina

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instagram icon @cassfye
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Kayaking this morning on Lake Nantahala ☀️ there were only a handful of people out on boats. It felt like our own little private spot.• • • • • • #nantahalalake #kayaking #summerfavorites #traveltogether #lakedays

#VisitNC@VisitNC

instagram icon @smokymtnvibes
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The island with the secret hatch. #fontanadam #secretsideofthesmokies #smokymountains #appalachiantrail #yournaturaldestination #visitnc #wnc #wanderlust #explmore

Explore North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains

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Elevate Your Game: Golf in the Mountains

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Franklin: Ghost Tours, Gem Mines and Scenic Smoky Mountains

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NC Mountain Cabins to Rent: Discover Four New Walls to Help You Recharge

Trips That Transform
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Firsts That Last

Video
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Hit the Slopes at Winter Sports Resorts

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A Day of Outdoor Adventure and an Evening at the Brewery

Trip Idea
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Smoky Mountain Antique Mall

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Franklin

Scenic Tours and Rentals

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Maggie Valley

Lazy Hiker Brewing Company Sylva Taproom

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Sylva
location markerAndrews Brewing Company
instagram icon @simplyawesometrips_tn
location markerAndrews Brewing Company
user icon @simplyawesometrips_tn

When you like your beer with a view... Andrews is a great small town in western NC and its brewery is one of my favorite places to stop when I am kayaking nearby. Kid-friendly too. #simplyawesometrips #smalltownusa #westernnc #andrewsbrewingcompany #visitnc #craftbeer

#VisitNC@VisitNC

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