Erik Plakanis

March in the Smokies is the moment when winter loosens its grip and spring begins to stretch, yawn, and step back into the light. Here… Read More »March in the Smokies: When the Mountains Wake Up

Ah, February—a month of moody skies and quiet days, softened by the growing promise of spring. It’s a time when we celebrate both new and… Read More »February in the Smokies: When Romance, Renewal, and Spring Begin to Stir

January can often feel like a letdown after the holidays. The lights come down, routines return, and the energy of celebration fades. But here in… Read More »January in the Smokies: Quiet Trails, Hidden Stories, and Winter Beauty

The Smoky Mountain holiday season is upon us—a quiet, magical time cherished by our guides and staff at A Walk in the Woods. After the busy fall tourist rush, winter… Read More »Holiday Edition: Smoky Mountain Christmas Traditions, Wildlife, and Winter Wonders 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is massive — more than half a million acres of ridgelines, waterfalls, cove forests, and wildlife-rich valleys. With more than… Read More »The Best Smoky Mountain Hiking Tours for Every Type of Adventurer

Gatlinburg sits right against the boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, mixing mountain culture, outdoor adventure, and a lively town center within a few… Read More »48 Hours in Gatlinburg: Where to Eat, Where to Hike, and What to Do

When winter settles over Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a stillness takes hold. The crowds thin, the air sharpens, and the calm of winter fills… Read More »Winter in the Smokies: Quiet Trails and Hidden Views

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is more than just ridges, waterfalls, and endless trails—it’s one of the most biodiverse regions in North America. Home… Read More »Wildlife in the Smoky Mountains: A Visitor’s Guide