Half the fun of a Smokies trip is the planning. These are the official visitor guides and trip-planning resources we point our guests to — bookmark a few before you arrive, and you'll hit the ground running. For our own personal favorites, don't miss the Explore Nearby section.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most-visited national park in the country — and it's free to enter. The official National Park Service site is the best source for trail maps, current conditions, ranger programs, and seasonal road closures. We're only about 10 minutes from the Wears Valley entrance.

Gatlinburg

The classic mountain-town gateway to the park — shops, restaurants, the SkyBridge, and the aquarium. The official guide is a great overview of what's on.

Pigeon Forge

The high-energy hub — Dollywood, dinner shows, mini-golf, go-karts, and more. Two solid planning resources cover it well between them.

Dollywood

Worth a full day — world-class coasters, Southern food, craftspeople, and seasonal festivals. Plan tickets and timing ahead, and read up before you go.