by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Jun 4, 2026 / 12:13 PM EDT Updated: Jun 4, 2026 / 03:16 PM EDT PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — As roughly 12 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, many find themselves stopping in the mountain towns around it.   Out of Tennessee’s 95 counties, Sevier County ranks third in the state for visitor spending. […]

If you’re planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, wondering what’s happening in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this week, or looking for family-friendly things to do during your Smoky Mountain vacation, we’ve got you covered. The latest episode of See More Smokies Weekly is now available, and Seemore Bear is back with a roundup […]

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: May 28, 2026 / 12:20 PM EDT Updated: May 29, 2026 / 07:26 AM EDT HARTFORD, Tenn. (WATE) — Rafting season has kicked off along the Pigeon River, the second season since Hurricane Helene devastated the Cocke County community and upended rafting companies in the region.   As one of the largest tourist attractions in the area, rafting brings thousands of […]