This famous mountain range has dense forest, cozy cabins and vivid action.

Home to some of the mightiest mountains in the nation, oldest rivers on Earth and most staggeringly scenic drives on the road, the Great Smoky Mountains that straddle the Tennessee-North Carolina state line are a bucket list destination of pure Americana, natural beauty and family-friendly fun. Not only does this Appalachian wonderland boast the most visited national park in the United States, flush with hiking trails and sweeping vistas, it’s got charming cities such as Asheville and Pigeon Forge along with cozy boutique lodges, campgrounds, farm-fresh restaurants and more breweries per capita than almost anywhere else in the country. Oh, and there’s also a little place called Dollywood. When you hear the call of the wild (and the theme parks), here’s where to go in and around the Great Smokies…