Archives

Jul 15
New attractions bring more visitors to Pigeon Forge for summer season

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Jun 11, 2026 / 03:22 PM EDT Updated: Jun 11, 2026 / 03:22 PM EDT PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — While many people make it their family tradition to visit Pigeon Forge each year, nearly every time you visit, you can find something new and exciting.   If you want to take a trip down memory lane, Scooby Doo! Mystery Putt may […]

Jul 14
‘Peaceful but with a pulse’ Why campers and glampers are choosing Townsend

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Jun 18, 2026 / 06:25 PM EDT Updated: Jun 18, 2026 / 07:06 PM EDT TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WATE) — As millions of people make their way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, many enter through Townsend, or the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” Serving as a gateway into the mountains, the area offers a number of […]

Jul 13
How the state’s largest Muscadine vineyard is bringing visitors to Monroe County

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Jun 25, 2026 / 12:40 PM EDT Updated: Jun 26, 2026 / 05:41 PM EDT MADISONVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — From selling wines, jellies, and juices to hosting local events and weddings, Tsali Notch Vineyard in Monroe County is helping boost its local tourism economy.   Located just off Highway 68, near the Lost Sea, and along the way for those traveling […]

Jul 12
What it is like to live like a local in Sevier County

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Jul 9, 2026 / 12:00 PM EDT Updated: Jul 9, 2026 / 05:23 PM EDT SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Millions of people travel through Sevier County every year, many choosing the area as a destination stay, but others call it home.    While the number of people visiting typically far outweighs those who live there, 6 News caught up […]

Jun 05
Pigeon Forge tourism fuels job creation, funds community development

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. […]

Jun 02
What’s Happening Around the Smokies This Week? Watch the Latest See More Smokies Weekly Episode (June 4–7, 2026)

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 […]

May 28
Rafting drives tourism in Cocke County as Hurricane Helene recovery continues

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 […]

May 22
Visiting the Smokies for Memorial Day? What to know

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 […]

May 22
‘Decades in the making’ How downtown Tellico Plains is becoming its own destination

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 […]

Apr 30
‘From mild to wild:’ What to explore on the ‘adventure side’ of the Smokies

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 […]