"A scenic natural centerpiece for Tennessee itineraries, known for its mountain vistas and outdoor recreation that make it a popular multi-day stop on road trips through the region." - Travel + Leisure Editors Travel + Leisure Editors Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Spanning half a million acres across Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains offer hardwood forests, steep ravines, and brilliant wildflowers, with 150 trails ranging from the Appalachian Trail's Charlies Bunion to the challenging Rainbow Falls." - Anne Olivia Bauso Anne Olivia Bauso Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the jungle. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Routinely America’s most-visited park, the Tennessee destination benefits from being within a day’s driving distance of major U.S. cities like Atlanta, Nashville, Philadelphia, and New York." - Elise Taylor
"A misty subrange of the Appalachian Mountains known for lush forests, rolling ridgelines, and rich biodiversity, serving as a majestic endpoint and natural highlight for drives through the southern Appalachians." - Karen Ruffini Karen Ruffini Karen Ruffini is a writer and editor who covers travel and entertainment. In addition to Travel + Leisure, her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Coastal Living, Elite Daily, and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Already the country’s most visited National Park—with over 11 million visitors last year—it’s only becoming more in demand: AirBnB reports a 191 percent year-over-year booking increase, driven by its relative accessibility and affordability. Next year, two of the park’s biggest hiking trails are reopening after forest fire damage, adding even more appeal." - Elise Taylor
