See the Magical Synchronous Fireflies Event in the Great Smoky Mountains
Ever wanted to meet Tinker Bell? How about Smoky Mountain fairies — aka synchronous fireflies? Okay, we might be stretching a tiny bit here…but if you’ve never seen these incredible fairy-like creatures perform in person, you can’t pass judgment. Enchanting to say the least, the synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains are kind of a big deal, illuminating the night forest in unison! You even need to win the annual firefly lottery to view them up close in Elkmont (details below). Coordinated by Mother Nature herself, this brilliant, family-friendly firefly show occurs annually typically starting around the end of
Plan Your Spring Break in the Great Smoky Mountains — Today!
Sun rays beating down, sand in every nook and cranny, limited real estate for your towel, noisy chatter overpowering the waves, lines out the door…the beach might be the most popular place to spend spring break, but it certainly has its downsides. Why not change things up a bit this year? It’s time to say bye-bye, beach — and hello to your new spring break destination in the Great Smoky Mountains! At Cabins for YOU, we have you covered with information on wildflowers, hikes, and bear safety in the national park, springtime events, family-friendly attractions along the Parkway, local nightlife in downtown
Array — NEW Variety Show in Pigeon Forge!
Grab your popcorn, take your seat, and enjoy a brand-new variety show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee — Array. Starring local singers and dancers plus internationally acclaimed specialty acts, the Array show is a live concert, comedy performance, and dazzling acrobatic display all in one! From juggling and illusions to aerial silk and Argentine dance, this family-friendly Pigeon Forge show has something for everyone. With an array of skits, routines, and antics, get ready to ooh, aah, and laugh while making memories on your Pigeon Forge vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains. An Evening at the Array Show in Pigeon Forge
Seize the Day – at The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel has become a staple of the Pigeon Forge skyline since 2013, enjoyed from hundreds of cabins in the surrounding mountains and the point at which those on the Parkway know to turn. You are here, past the big sign reading, The Island in Pigeon Forge. Now what? What is the parking situation? What kind of entertainment will I find for the kids and adults in our group? What will we eat? At Cabins for YOU, we like to consider ourselves something of Pigeon Forge experts (check out our extensive blog!), so here is an entire
Forbidden Caverns
While the towering peaks, dipping valleys, rustling wildlife, changing leaves, and fields of wildflowers of the Great Smoky Mountains are the views most visitors come to see, Tennessee offers another unique sight. CAVES! Take your explorations underground and experience the unique beauty of life beneath the surface. Tennessee is home to more than 8,350 caves - the most of any state in the United States. And while most aren’t family friendly, there is one place you can go that kids and adults will enjoy. Visiting Forbidden Caverns is a fun and unique way to explore beyond the Parkway in East
Dig’n Zone — NEW Heavy Equipment Theme Park in the Smokies
A brand-new attraction in Sevierville, Tennessee — and now the largest construction-based theme park in North America — Dig'n Zone is set to open by the end of spring in 2023! Along with a heavy equipment playground, there will be construction-themed rides, food trucks, an arcade, and a no-dig grassy space for concerts and events. Joining the ranks of top attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains, like Dolly Parton’s Dollywood, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and Anakeesta, we have high hopes for the new Dig'n Zone theme park! If you’re planning a spring or summer getaway to Pigeon Forge or
Squatchin’ in the Smokies | Bigfoot Conference 2025
Walking through a dim forest at twilight, you hear a strange sound, shortly followed by booming howls, odd tree knocks, and rustling leaves… Does curiosity get the better of you, or do you brush it off and head home (aka bolt in the opposite direction)? Yeah, most of us would turn tail and run for safety, and rightly so, but throw a bigfoot enthusiast into this spooky situation, and they would bust out their cameras, audio recorders, and thermal scanners to collect evidence of this covert cryptid (a creature whose existence is disputed). Whether you’d dash away or opt to
2023 Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
Walk and learn about Appalachian history and the wonders of flora and fauna in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a participant in the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, a 4-day event. With 72 years under its belt, the pilgrimage has a lot to offer nature lovers in Tennessee, from bird watching and wildflower sketching to lessons on wildfire ecology, ecosystems, natural history, salamanders, and forest forensics! Join fellow pilgrims from around the country on an artistic and scientific journey outside along guided walks and inside with detailed presentations April 26-29, 2023. Pilgrim Programs With a professional guide to lead
NEW Parking Fee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
After nearly 90 years of free parking, the country’s most-visited national park was in dire need of funding to rehabilitate, preserve, and protect this national treasure. The Park It Forward program was introduced in 2023 to bring that much-needed funding to the park - and has already raised more than $10 million since its launch! Hear from Superintendent Cassius Cash to find out how the Park It Forward program has already helped the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Filled with awe-inspiring vistas, diverse wildlife, and fond memories across generations, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) offers scenic drives, camping
NOW Open in the Smokies — NEW Attractions for 2023
Ready to try some new things in the new year? Love unique experiences? Nestled in the scenic Great Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, Tennessee, are loads of brand-new attractions, additions to favorite places, shops with one-of-a-kind goods, eateries with fresh flavors, and new cabins with awesome amenities and views. Whether you’ve been to the Smokies once, a thousand times, or never, you’ll find something NEW and fantastic to do in the area. Check out what’s NEW and start planning your getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains! NEW Attractions Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer staple attractions, restaurants, and