News Around the Smokies

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Jun 4, 2026 / 12:13 PM EDT Updated: Jun 4, 2026 / 03:16 PM EDT PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — As roughly 12 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, many find themselves stopping in the mountain towns around it.   Out of Tennessee’s 95 counties, Sevier County ranks third in the state for visitor spending. […]

If you’re planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, wondering what’s happening in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this week, or looking for family-friendly things to do during your Smoky Mountain vacation, we’ve got you covered. The latest episode of See More Smokies Weekly is now available, and Seemore Bear is back with a roundup […]

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: May 28, 2026 / 12:20 PM EDT Updated: May 29, 2026 / 07:26 AM EDT HARTFORD, Tenn. (WATE) — Rafting season has kicked off along the Pigeon River, the second season since Hurricane Helene devastated the Cocke County community and upended rafting companies in the region.   As one of the largest tourist attractions in the area, rafting brings thousands of […]

by: Matt Hollingsworth Posted: May 20, 2026 / 10:22 AM EDT Updated: May 20, 2026 / 10:22 AM EDT GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, Tenn. (WATE) — If you plan to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for Memorial Day weekend, you’re not alone, and you’ll need to be prepared for crowds, traffic and limited parking. AAA predicts that Tennessee will […]

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: May 21, 2026 / 12:33 PM EDT Updated: May 21, 2026 / 12:25 PM EDT TELLICO PLAINS, Tenn. (WATE) — Tellico Plains is one of the many gateways into the Smoky Mountains, as the last town you reach before entering the 43-mile Cherthala Skyway. While the skyway draws motorists up the mountains, many visitors are discovering […]

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Apr 30, 2026 / 12:30 PM EDT Updated: Apr 30, 2026 / 12:26 PM EDT COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Hiking prevails as one of Cocke County’s biggest draws in tourism, known as the “Adventure Side of the Smokies.”   Between three rivers, a national forest and a national park, there is an abundance of recreational activities in […]