Smoky Mountain Living Magazine

07/09/2025

Calling all K-12 teachers: Don’t miss this free, hands-on professional development opportunity at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Join fellow educators on July 14 (elementary) or July 15 (middle/high school) for a full day of engaging workshops, museum activities, and classroom-ready resources — plus lunch, swag, and a VISA gift card.

Space is limited. Sign up now at the link below:
https://www.smliv.com/blog/free-k-12-teacher-in-service-workshops-at-the-birthplace-of-/

07/07/2025

We want to see your best photos of the Smokies! Share your best in the comments ⬇️

Photo credit: Stacy Redmon (landscape) & Wanda DeWaard (flowers)

07/04/2025

In whatever way you celebrate, make it special today. (A hike is never a bad option.) Happy Independence Day!

07/03/2025

Join the Museum of the Cherokee People for a powerful evening celebrating Native women’s stories told by Native women filmmakers. Experience four award-winning short films that explore family, identity, and cultural connection — plus an Indigenous art market, silent auction, and special guest appearances.

More info at www.smliv.com

06/30/2025

Who has visited Nantahala National Forest?

Did you know the word “Nantahala” is a Cherokee word meaning “land of the noon day sun?" This beautiful treasure within the Smokies region has much to offer in the way of hikes, waterfalls, and outdoor adventures. https://www.visitsmokies.org/national-parks-forests/nantahala-national-forest/

06/27/2025

🌲 Ready to leave the crowds behind? Discover Graham County’s best-kept hiking secrets with Smoky Mountain Living’s Top 10 Trails — from flame azaleas on Hooper Bald to waterfall views and lakeside paths. Whether you're chasing mountaintop vistas or peaceful strolls, your next adventure starts here. 🥾

👉 Explore the full list: https://www.smliv.com/outdoors/top-ten-graham-county-trails/

06/25/2025

We can’t bear the thought of one of our readers getting caught in a grizzly situation out in the Smokies. Stay pawsitive, pack smart, and don’t do anything un-bear-able — stay safe out there! 🐻

06/24/2025

Forget the grocery aisle and skip the chains — these small-town donut shops are serving up the real deal. 🍩

From Asheville to Blacksburg, we tracked down the South’s most unforgettable donuts (including one that ruins all others). Come hungry.

The problem of donuts becomes apparent as soon as you start earnestly looking for them. Finding a donut is easy, but finding a really good one? That’s something else.

06/20/2025

Who has stood atop Kuwohi?

06/18/2025

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist in checking out adaptive equipment (specialized on-trail wheelchairs), during ranger-led programs and individual checkouts. Jump in lend a hand!

Calling all volunteers! Do you have a passion for making the outdoors accessible to everyone? Join us in supporting visitors with mobility needs at Great Smoky Mountains National Park! 🦽

We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist in checking out adaptive equipment (specialized on-trail wheelchairs), during ranger-led programs and individual checkouts.

🚨 Mark your calendars for Adaptive Equipment Training:

📅 Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center training room in Cherokee, NC
OR
📅 Saturday, June 14, from 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Cades Cove Maintenance training room in the Cades Cove area.

Requirements:
- Ability to walk or stand for 2 to 4 hours.
- Comfortable walking up to 3 miles on uneven terrain.
- Capacity to push, pull, or lift up to 30 lbs.

Ready to make a difference? To register or for more information, reach out to Katherine Corrigan at [email protected]. Remember to help with these efforts, volunteer training is required, and a moderate fitness level is essential.



NPS Photo

06/17/2025

🥒 Ever wonder why we say “cool as a cucumber”? A French chef dishes on the phrase’s origin—and shares a few fresh ways to use this summer staple straight from the garden. Skip the pickles and get inspired 👉

Ever wonder where the expression “cool as a cucumber” originated? Apparently, a certain John Gay penned a poem titled “New Song on New Similes” in 1732.

06/13/2025

Summer in the is such a treasure.