Welcome! Here are some favorite ways to spend your time in the Smokies.

• Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant — apple picking, market, cider, fried apple pies, right across the street! ((423) 487-2710, seasonal hours)

• Hen Wallow Falls — moderate 4.5-mi round trip via Gabes Mountain Trail to a 90-ft waterfall, from Cosby Campground

• Cosby Nature Trail — easy, flat walk, good for kids, nice spring wildflowers

• Foothills Parkway overlooks (Cosby, Green Mountain, Allen Grove) — scenic, low-traffic drive just minutes away

• Pigeon River whitewater rafting & tubing — upper section for rapids, lower for a scenic float

• Cosby Creek fly fishing — brook and rainbow trout, TN/NC license covers you in GSMNP

• Anakeesta (Gatlinburg, ~30 min) — ziplining, treetop skywalk, mountain coaster, gardens

• Downtown Gatlinburg — shops, restaurants, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

• Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, ~40-45 min) — rides, live shows, water park

• The Island (Pigeon Forge) — shops, dining, Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

• Cades Cove — 11-mile scenic loop, great for wildlife viewing (deer, black bears), worth a half-day