The Smoky Mountains, in East Tennessee, attracts millions of visitors each year and it's no secret as to why they come in droves. The Smoky Mountains provide many reasons for travelers to visit. The scenery is spectacularly beautiful, the atmosphere is laid back, there are tons of natural and man-made attractions and activities, and there is lodging galore.

Any visit to the Smoky Mountains, regardless of the season, must include sight seeing. The mountains provide some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Snow-capped mountain peaks in the winter and the colorful foliage in the fall are sights to behold. Summer hiking allows visitors to view remote waterfalls and panoramic views. Hiking is not the only way to take in the views. There are plenty of sights that can be viewed from the comfort of an automobile. Cades Cove is an 11 mile, one-way road that allows visitors to view wildlife such as deer, bears, foxes and more. Foothills Parkway winds along the top of Chilhowee Mountain, providing breathtaking views of the Smokies. Winterfest transforms Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg into a sea of lights where millions of Christmas lights and decorations line the streets and buildings.

The great thing about vacationing in the Smoky Mountains is that there are no deadlines, no manifestos, and no to-do lists. The atmosphere is laid back and peaceful. Visitors can move at their own pace, whether fast or slow. Sit all day on the front porch sipping coffee or hike a mountain trail. Take a relaxing ride down a quiet stream on an inner tube or take a brisk bike ride through the woods. Attend an evening show in Pigeon Forge or turn in early, it's up to you. Life in the Smoky Mountains follows your lead.

There are plenty of entertainment venues in the Smokies. The streets of Gatlinburg are lined with stores, restaurants, museums, and other attractions. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Guinness World of Records Museum, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, and the 342-foot high Space Needle are just a few of the attractions in downtown Gatlinburg. Take a tram ride up the mountain and you can visit Ober Gatlinburg ski resort where you can snow ski, ice skate, and more. Take a zipline tour through the treetops at Gatlinburg Zipline Adventures.

Pigeon Forge is home to DollyWood and Splash Country, amusement parks owned by country music super star Dolly Parton. There are also activities such as go-carts, bungee jumping, miniature golf, laser tag, indoor skydiving, arcades, and much more. Pigeon Forge is also famous for its shopping. It has several factory outlet malls as well as shopping centers and craft stores. Entertainment is plentiful with music, comedy, magic, and dinner shows playing in theaters that line the streets of Pigeon Forge. Museums, restaurants, hotels and convention centers are also abundant.

There are lots of activities for nature lovers as well in the Smoky Mountains. Hiking trails saturate the Smokies and take you to some of the most popular locales, like Mt. LeConte, Abrams Falls, and more. Fly fishing, tubing, swimming are popular summer activities in many of the streams and rivers that wander through the mountains. Camping is also a favorite past time. Large campgrounds are numerous, as well as the smaller, off-the-beaten-path sites. The truly brave can hike deep into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and set up camp in the middle of the wilderness.

Lodging is always abundant in the Smoky Mountains. Bed and breakfast inns are always a favorite, as well as rental cabins. But there are plenty of hotels and resorts too. Chalets and condos are popular. There are even timeshares in the area. Those that like to rough it can find RV parks and campgrounds.

With the number of activities, attractions, and beautiful locations, it is no wonder why the Smoky Mountains is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Eastern United States. Come and check it out for yourself and you'll agree.