10 Fun Things To Do At Elkmont Campground In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

August 17, 2024 Amanda Luhn

Rock hopping across Jakes Creek in Elkmont Campground in the Smokies — Rock hopping in Jakes Creek which runs through Elkmont Campground, as does the Little River. Splashing around in these waters is always a kid favorite.

Elkmont is one of our go-to campgrounds in the Smokies because it has so many kid-friendly activities to do at or near the campground. Hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, history… there is even a ghost town on site to explore. These are our family’s top 10 favorite activities when we camp at Elkmont.

A Simply Awesome Day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

July 28, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

Sunrise over Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Cades Cove at sunrise. One of my favorite places to be in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Living just 30 minutes from the entrance to the Smokies, we are often asked about a one day itinerary for friends and family visiting the park. Although you could easily spend a week here, we think this one day plan captures the spirit and beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Everything You Wanted To Know About Elkmont Campground In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

July 15, 2023 Amanda Luhn

Camping in Elkmont Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains

Want to take a trip to the Smokies and camp in the woods but not sure what to expect? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Elkmont Campground in exhaustive detail- what campsites are the best, how to reserve, and all the little things that will help you plan your trip. This family friendly campground is one of our favorites in the Smokies and we return to it again and again.

Your Guide To Biking Cades Cove in the Smokies

May 26, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

View of Cades Cove from the Loop Road in the Smokies — View from the Cades Cove Loop Road

Cades Cove is notoriously the busiest area of the Smokies. So what’s a local to do? Fortunately, the good news is that you can bike or walk the loop without cars on Wednesdays from early May to late September. This is one of our favorite things to do in the Smokies, and we share all the details you need to know to enjoy this unique and fun experience.

Cades Cove Campground In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

May 26, 2023 Amanda Luhn

Beautiful morning in Cades Cove near Cades Cove Campground — Cades Cove. This kind of beautiful scenery is not far from your campground and is why you camp here.

Use this local’s years of experience at gorgeous Cades Cove to find out everything you need to know about camping at Cades Cove Campground. Best campsites, best activities, how to explore the cove without people- all the hacks and know-how I have accumulated over the years to make your family’s trip the best it can be.

Hiking Alum Cave Trail To Mount LeConte With Kids- Family Hikes In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

May 25, 2023 Amanda Luhn

Views from Alum Cave Trail on the way to Mount Leconte in the Smokies — One of many superb vistas from Alum Cave Trail before you even get to the top of Mount LeConte.

Want to hike to Alum Cave and Mount LeConte? Wondering if your kids can handle this can't miss Smokies trail? We have details, tips, and hacks to help you hike this spectacular trail, one of the most popular and iconic hikes in the Smokies.

Favorite Hikes With Kids In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

May 24, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

Our favorite family hikes in the Smokies are not too long nor exhausting and typically have a highlighted feature such as a waterfall, creek, or historic cabin that the kids will enjoy. There are many, many more hikes but we have narrowed down our recommended hikes for kid-pleasing, shorter, easier walks in the woods!

You Go Sister! My Family's Favorite Historic Site Hike in the Smokies

March 3, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

The Walker Sister Cabin is my family's favorite historic site in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It makes for a perfect afternoon outing for the family, and the kids (and you) will love walking through the cabin and imagining the lives lived here by the Walker sisters during the early 1900's.

Which Campground To Choose In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

March 3, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

Should you choose Elkmont Campground or Cades Cove Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Having camped at both as children and as adults, we give you the breakdown of the pros and cons of each.

A Frozen Wonderland in the Smokies

January 6, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

The Middle Prong Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of our favorite hikes in the winter. If you’re lucky, you may even witness a frozen wonderland of icicles and cascades frozen in their tracks along the tributaries of the Little River in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No matter the season, the Middle Prong Trail is an easy and pleasant hike in the Smokies.