Free & Affordable Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
Blown your souvenir budget but still have days left in the Smokies? From driving Kuwohi’s overlooks to biking car-free Cades Cove on Wednesdays, here are the best free and low-cost ways to fill out your trip.
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in the Smoky Mountains
America’s 250th falls on a Smokies summer, headlined by Gatlinburg’s midnight parade, a drone show and fireworks, plus the wacky River Raft Regatta, Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Festival, and special events at Anakeesta, Dollywood, and the SkyPark.
Cool Off in the Smokies: Water Adventures
From lazy river tubing and whitewater rafting to fly-fishing for trout and the free Townsend Wye swimming hole, here’s how to cool off around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville this season.
Smoky Mountain Cabin Grilling Ideas
Best steak cuts, a top-rated marinade, juicy 80/20 burger tips, and which vegetables grill up best, everything you need to fire up the grill at your Autumn Ridge cabin this season.
Romantic Smoky Mountain Cabin Getaways
Real romance runs on silence, serenity, and soulful connection, and an Autumn Ridge cabin delivers all three, from waterfall hikes and Clingman’s Dome drives to lazy mornings on the deck with no schedule at all.
Mountain Cabins vs Beach Resorts: Romantic Getaways
Five reasons couples are trading tide charts for tree lines, quiet mornings, real privacy, effortless nature, cozy weather, and the freedom to set their own pace, no crowded shoreline required.
Romantic Winter Cabin Getaway
15 million Winterfest lights, an in-cabin private chef, skiing at Ober Mountain, and a stroll across the Gatlinburg SkyPark, a January getaway built for two, straight from your cozy cabin.
Winter Hiking Adventures Near Autumn Ridge Vacation Rentals
From the frozen falls at Spruce Flats to the eight-mile Charles Bunion trek on the Appalachian Trail, here’s where to hike this winter and what traction gear you’ll need to do it safely.
Things to Do in Gatlinburg on a Chilly Day
Snow tubing at Ober Mountain, touching a stingray at Ripley’s Aquarium, movie-car spotting at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and a starlit walk across the Skybridge, indoor and outdoor ways to fill a cold Gatlinburg day.
New Pigeon Forge Restaurant with Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Taste of India has opened on the Parkway with scratch-made tandoori, biryani, curries, and a full vegetarian menu, an elegant new dinner option worth the drive from your cabin.