The Smoky Mountain Journal
Local guides, insider tips, and hidden gems for your next group getaway or family trip to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smokies.
Skip the multi-hour wait times at the mega-buffets and dine like a local. Discover our insider guide to the top hidden-gem pancake houses, slow-smoked BBQ spots, and downtown Sevierville eateries.
Looking for off-road UTV trails and high-flying ziplines in Pigeon Forge? Discover everything you need to know about WildSide Adventure Park—plus how to get an exclusive 20% discount on tours when you stay just 0.2 miles away at Stay Wild Cabin!
Discover the best things to do near Pigeon Forge, from Dollywood and Gatlinburg attractions to Wears Valley, Townsend, Cades Cove and hidden Smoky Mountain adventures. See why Stay Wild Cabin makes a convenient home base for exploring it all.
Looking beyond the biggest vacation rental sites? Discover Houfy, Savvy, Nofie, Visit My Smokies and Smoky Mountains By Owners, and learn how each can help you find a Smoky Mountain cabin.
Airbnb and Vrbo have changed how they charge vacation rental hosts in 2026. What does that mean for travelers? Learn how platform fees affect cabin prices, how Booking.com compares, and why checking direct-booking rates could help you find a better deal.