Hello, Fellow Traveler!

Thanks so much for visiting Smoky Mountains Ventures. We’re glad you’re here!

We’re Jeff and Mary Ellen, avid travelers, hikers, and creators of two blogs – Smoky Mountains Ventures and National Park Ventures.

Jeff and Mary Ellen with mountains, clouds, and sky in the background

We live just a couple of hours from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so we visit there often and have done so for years. The Smokies have become our “go-to” for quick getaways and long vacations. We have been there in spring, summer, fall, and winter—there’s never a bad time to visit the Smoky Mountains.

Mary Ellen hiking up a mountain trail through the woods
Jeff taking a photo from the base of a waterfall

We’ve hiked multiple trails and visited numerous waterfalls. We’ve toured both Cades Cove Scenic Loop and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail several times. We’ve stayed in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Maggie Valley, so we know the best hotels and restaurants in each town. We’ve also visited area attractions like Anakeesta, Dollywood, and Ripley’s Aquarium.

Jeff standing at the base of a waterfall
Mary Ellen standing within a few feet of Juney Whank waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Our Smoky Mountains Ventures Custom Travel Planning service is dedicated to crafting a truly unique travel experience tailored specifically for your visit to the Smokies. Here’s what we offer:

  • Route Planning: Whether you’re taking a scenic road trip or booking a flight, we’ll map out the most convenient and picturesque travel route.
  • Budget Management: Collaborate with us to set a realistic travel budget and ensure you stick to it so you can enjoy your trip without financial stress.
  • Personalized Itinerary: Based on your interests, we create a detailed daily itinerary packed with the must-see spots and must-do activities, ensuring you make the most of each day.
  • Lodging & Dining Recommendations: Receive customized suggestions for the best places to stay and dine, whether it’s cozy cabins, luxurious lodges, or local eateries. We also highlight top-rated hikes, breathtaking waterfalls, and other captivating area attractions.
  • Insider Tips: Benefit from our experience and expertise, and gain insider knowledge on hidden gems and lesser-known wonders of the Smoky Mountains.
Mary Ellen hiking across a creek on stepping stones

We strive to design a memorable trip that includes your personal dreams and expectations. All you have to do is book your reservations and pay for them—leave the intricate planning to us. It’s that simple!

Interested in learning more? Fill in and submit the Inquiry Form below, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours with the next steps to getting you on your unforgettable Smoky Mountains adventure.

Thanks so much! We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Let’s plan a great trip together!
Jeff & Mary Ellen