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 […]