Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Black bears emerge from hibernation in March and April, seeking food and initiating mating activities. Ideal viewing locations include Cades Cove and Gatlinburg. Tour options provide scenic drives and bear safety education. To protect bears, avoid feeding and maintain a safe distance. Respect their habitat for a rewarding wildlife experience.

Experience the peaceful beauty of Cades Cove like never before during the 2025 Vehicle-Free Days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Every Wednesday from June 18 through September 24, the scenic 11-mile loop is closed to motor vehicles, giving cyclists and pedestrians exclusive access to one of Tennessee’s most iconic landscapes. Plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy a quieter side of the Smokies.

Heads up, Cades Cove visitors! This year, the beloved **vehicle-free Wednesdays** in Cades Cove are starting later than usual. Instead of kicking off in May, they’ll now begin in **June** according to an update to the park website.

Discover why Bradford pear trees are an environmental disaster in Tennessee. Learn how these invasive trees harm native ecosystems, emit a foul odor, and threaten local wildlife. Find out what you can do to stop their spread and restore native beauty. bradford pear pyrus calleryana #PlantNative #SaveTennesseeForests

The City of Gatlinburg is proud to announce the grand reopening of the Gatlinburg Gatlinburg Trout Facility at Herbert Holt Park following an extensive renovation, which featured the demolition of the old facility and a rebuild of the raceways.

The controversy surrounding the euthanization of 13 black bear cubs by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is sparking debate with the Appalachian Bear Rescue over wildlife health risks and conservation practices.

Experience the breathtaking views and rich Cherokee heritage at Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Price: $69-$89 Duration: Approximately 3.0 hours
Join us for a guided Jeep-style tour through Gatlinburg's Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Experience scenic drives, historic sites, and the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

Price: $119-$139
Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Cades Cove scenic loop with our guided Smoky Mountain tour. Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove offers stunning mountain views, abundant wildlife, and rich Appalachian history.