smoky-mountains-national-park-sign

Top 5 Things to Do at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

April 18, 2024

When you stay at The Appy Lodge, you’ll be just 2 miles away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! This is the best place to visit during your vacation and for just $5 for a daily parking tag, you'll have hours of fun! Not only will you be able to experience the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, but there are so many activities for you to enjoy. Here are the top 5 things to do at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

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gatlinburg trail

5 of the Best Trails in the Smoky Mountains to Go Hiking

March 14, 2024

Here at The Appy Lodge, we strive to embrace the spirit of the mountains and provide a great experience for anyone looking to visit and enjoy the area. And while you are here, one of the best things to do is to explore some of the beautiful trails at Smoky Mountains National Park. From waterfalls to scenic overlooks and more, there are so many incredible sights to see along these gorgeous trails. Here are some of the best trails in the Smoky Mountains to check out when you visit:

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mountain coaster in the Smokies

4 Great Smoky Mountain Attractions For Thrill Seekers

March 4, 2024

Although the Smoky Mountains are probably best known for their natural beauty, did you know that there are also plenty of fun activities in the area for thrill seekers as well? Visitors who are looking for an additional dose of excitement as part of their trip to the Smokies will love checking out some of these heart-pumping things to do in the area, including ziplining, roller coasters, and more! Here are some of the great Smoky Mountain attractions for thrill seekers that you will want to try while you are visiting:

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spring wildflowers in the smoky mountains

5 Reasons to Take a Spring Break Trip to the Smoky Mountains

February 29, 2024

Are you looking to plan the perfect spring break trip with friends or family? If that is the case, the Smoky Mountains are an ideal destination that will allow you to have plenty of adventures and make unforgettable memories! There are so many reasons to take a spring break trip to the Smoky Mountains, but here are some of the most compelling ones:

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The Village Shops in Downtown Gatlinburg

4 of the Best Places to Go Shopping in Gatlinburg

February 1, 2024

For many, a trip to Gatlinburg is never truly complete without a shopping trip! With so many unique stores located throughout the area, everyone is sure to be able to find something that interests them. If you are looking for some of the best places to go shopping in Gatlinburg, check out some of these great destinations and you’ll be sure to find the perfect souvenir or gift!

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Anakeesta at night

4 of the Top Reasons to Check Out Anakeesta When You Stay With Us

January 18, 2024

When you come and stay with us here at our downtown Gatlinburg hotel, there are so many amazing activities to check out nearby. But one of the best things to do when you stay with us is to head over to Anakeesta for the adventure of a lifetime! We make it easy for you to enjoy all that Anakeesta has to offer, so read on to find out some of the top reasons to check out this mountaintop adventure park when you stay with us:

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black bear in Gatlinburg

Answering Your Questions About Bears in the Smoky Mountains

January 3, 2024

If you are planning to visit the Smoky Mountains, there are so many sights you can see while you are here. For many visitors, the idea of seeing bears in the Smoky Mountains is particularly exciting as these animals are often associated with the region and are incredible to see in person. However, you may have questions about where you can see the bears, how to safely view them, and more. That’s why we have answered some of the top questions that are frequently asked about seeing bears in the Smoky Mountains, so let’s get started!

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sugarlands valley nature trail in the smoky mountains

6 of the Best Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains for Beginners

January 3, 2024

If you are just starting to get into hiking, you probably want to know what hikes you should try when you visit the Smokies! There are several easy hikes that are perfect for beginners in the national park, and you can see all kinds of different natural features along these trails! Hiking is a great family activity since it's both fun and inexpensive! All you'll have to spend is $5 for a daily parking pass to park your vehicle in the national park before heading off on your adventure. Here are 6 of the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains for beginners:

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Grotto Falls frozen in the winter

4 Things That Make Winter in the Smoky Mountains Magical

December 14, 2023

If you have ever experienced winter in the Smoky Mountains, you know that it is a magical time. And if you have not ever come to the Smokies during the wintertime, what are you waiting for?! There are lots of things that make winter in the Smoky Mountains a magical time, from the holiday festivities taking place at local attractions to the picturesque surroundings of the mountains. Here are just a few of the things that we think make winter in the Smoky Mountains so magical:

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sign in Gatlinburg

5 of the Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg When You Stay With Us

December 12, 2023

When you come to stay with us at our hotel in Gatlinburg, you will have no shortage of fun things to do in the area! From delicious dining to exciting attractions and more, here are some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg when you come to stay with us:

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indoor pool and hot tub at the appy lodge

3 Reasons Why Guests Love Our Gatlinburg Hotel with an Indoor Pool

December 2, 2023

A vacation isn’t complete without having access to a swimming pool. Having time in and around a pool is beneficial for every traveler! A pool gives adults the chance to relax or exercise, and it gives kids a chance to have fun at the hotel and burn off some of their energy. At The Appy Lodge here in the Smoky Mountains, we have a seasonal outdoor pool, but more importantly, we have an indoor pool that is open year-round to our guests! Not only will you enjoy time in the pool, but you’ll also enjoy your time with us for a number of great reasons. Below are 3 of the reasons why guests love our Gatlinburg hotel with an indoor pool.

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snow at the appy lodge in gatlinburg

5 of the Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg in January

December 1, 2023

As the new year arrives and the holiday crowd fades, one of the best times to visit Gatlinburg and the Smokies begins. January is a wonderful time to enjoy the area’s attractions, dining opportunities, shops and the beauty of winter in the mountains with a little extra peacefulness mixed in! You’ll also find that lodging rates are more affordable, and you can enjoy your time by avoiding having to wait at the some activities that you choose around town!

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lights in downtown Gatlinburg

Top 4 Things to Know About the Lights Over Gatlinburg Event at Gatlinburg SkyPark

November 29, 2023

Celebrate the joys of the holiday season this year by attending the Lights Over Gatlinburg event at Gatlinburg SkyPark! This festive event is sure to get you into the holiday spirit with thousands of Christmas lights, a massive Christmas tree and stunning views of downtown Gatlinburg! You’ll even get to experience the famous SkyBridge decked out in lights, as well as perhaps a visit from Santa Claus! Here are the top 4 things to know about the Lights Over Gatlinburg event at Gatlinburg SkyPark:

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snowboarding

6 Reasons to Visit Ober Mountain in the Winter

November 29, 2023

If you’re heading the Smoky Mountains for some wintertime fun, you’re going to want to add Ober Mountain to the top of the list of things to do! Tennessee’s only ski resort sits just above the downtown Gatlinburg. The resort can easily be accessed by hopping on the Aerial Tramway from the main strip of the city or by taking a drive up to the top. Here are a few of the reasons that you’ll want to visit Ober during your winter getaway to the mountains!

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Fairy House in the Roaring Fork area of the park

3 Homes of Hidden Gems in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

November 18, 2023

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is made up of over 520,000 acres, many of which were once occupied by native Americans and settlers throughout time. As each acre was purchased and added to the protected land that would turn into America’s most loved national park, traces of the past began to slowly fade. The flora of the park slowly started to blanket the slivers of Smoky Mountain life even before the national park was formed and today, most of it is completely hidden. However, there are many gems of yesteryear that can still be found throughout the Smokies, some in plain sight but many can only be seen if you take time to look a little closer.

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