Category Great Smoky Mountains National Park

SmokiEEEs Explore - Community Naturalists Video

All About SmokiEEEs

Posted October 2, 2020 by Gina Metcalf

SmokiEEEs is an extension of the Parks as Classrooms program supported by the GSMNP. The SmokiEEEs at Home program is an online resource for families and students. They are continually creating fun and exciting ways to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains from home. The three EEEs in the program name come from the themes they […]

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Mountain Stream

Smoky Mountain Activities for the Nature Lover

Posted December 27, 2019 by Gina Metcalf

Winter break is in full swing, and everyone is planning their warm-weather getaway. There’s no better place for nature lovers to escape from day-to-day stress and enjoy the great outdoors than in the Smoky Mountains. This breathtaking haven we call home is brimming with peaceful hiking trails, awe-inspiring caves, fantastic wildlife, and so much more. […]

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Smoky Mountain Hiking Trail

Accessible & Stroller-Friendly Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains

Posted April 4, 2019 by April Sadowski

The Smoky Mountains are for everyone. Whether you have small children and have a stroller, or have limited mobility and utilize a wheelchair, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We’ve put together a list of accessible hiking trails for your convenience. There are also several areas that you […]

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Outdoor Lovers Website

Three Websites for the Outdoor Enthusiast You Need to Visit

Posted March 6, 2019 by April Sadowski

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, adventure, and learning more about travel ideas, we have some websites we recommend you bookmark for later use. You might also find some inspiration on what to do during the off-season. Outdoor Project https://www.outdoorproject.com/ This website offers an informative blog, which covers topics like adventure recommendations, stories […]

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Winter Backpack

Tips for Backpacking in the Winter

Posted February 25, 2019 by April Sadowski

If you love the sound of fresh snow crunching beneath your feet, check out our suggestions for backpacking in the winter. Get good gearWhile price can be a factor, budget-friendly options are available. You can buy used or rent gear, or opt for heavier equipment that might be cheaper. Wear the right clothesMake sure if […]

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Wildlife Native to the Smoky Mountains Area

Posted November 25, 2017 by April Sadowski

  While rafting with Rafting in the Smokies, your guides might draw your attention to some of the wildlife that can be seen from the river. You might see a passing crane, a family of turtles, or perhaps a bear or deer near the shoreline. The Smoky Mountain area is home to a wide variety […]

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Mountain Ranges and Forests near RITS

Posted November 2, 2017 by April Sadowski

Rafting in the Smokies is close to many mountain ranges and forests. Did you know that RITS is within about an hour’s drive from the Martha Sundquist State Forest, the Cherokee National Forest, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Pisgah National Forests? We thought we’d share some not-so-well-known facts about our nearest forest neighbors. […]

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Fireflies photo by Rel Ohara

Synchronizing Fireflies

Posted April 22, 2016 by Gina Metcalf

Fireflies (or Lightning Bugs as we call them in some parts of the country) light up our lives! Did you know that more than 19 kinds of fireflies live here in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park region? And, they are the only species in America that display a synchronized flashing light pattern.  But you […]

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Smoky Mountains Bicycle Trails & Route Maps

Posted September 1, 2012 by Gina Metcalf

Biking in the Smokies In addition to being a fan of whitewater rafting, are you also a biking enthusiast? Just about everyone wants to experience the joy of breathing in fresh air, exercising without even knowing it, and trying to catch a glimpse of some exotic wildlife that can’t be found in your backyard.  Nothing […]

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Great Smoky Mountains Family Challenge

Posted August 15, 2012 by Gina Metcalf

Hike the Smokies – For Families The “Hike the Smokies Challenge” was first introduced by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2010 as a way to encourage folks to explore the park on foot. Thousand’s of people visit the park each year and do just that… they hike along the park’s 800 miles of […]

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Rafting in the Smokies - Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting Trip

Raft


Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting & Scenic Family Float

Whitewater Family Float
High Elements Ropes Challenge Course at Rafting in the Smokies

Rope


High Elements Ropes Challenge Course

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Header - Zipline Canopy Tour

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Zipline Canopy Tour

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Rock Climbing Wall at Rafting in the Smokies

Rock


Rock Climbing Wall

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Picnic and Pavilion

Picnic


Pavilion

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Family Adventure Island at Rafting in the Smokies

Island


Family Adventure Island

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