Category: Family Activities

Calling all young explorers! Become a Junior Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover the magic of nature. For kids ages 5-12, this program offers fun activities, ranger-led experiences, and the chance to earn an official Junior Ranger badge. Learn about wildlife, conservation, and park history while creating unforgettable memories in one of America's most beautiful national parks. ...

Discover the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with these beginner-friendly hiking trails, perfect for guests staying at Mountain Laurel Chalets in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler looking for a leisurely outdoor adventure, these easy hikes offer breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and iconic misty peaks just minutes from your Mountain Laurel Chalets mountain retreat. ...

Experience the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with these moderate hiking trails, perfect for adventurous guests staying at Mountain Laurel Chalets in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. These trails offer a balance of challenge and reward, featuring stunning vistas, cascading waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems unique to the Smokies. ...

The Smoky Mountains offer everything you need for a memorable family reunion: stunning scenery, diverse activities, spacious accommodations, and an atmosphere that encourages quality time together. So why not make your next family gathering truly special by bringing everyone together in one of the most beautiful and welcoming places in the country? The memories you create here will be cherished for generations. ...

Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains draw visitors from all over the world, and for good reason: between the natural beauty of the region and the wide variety of attractions available in the area, guests never lack for exciting things to do. From hiking, white water rafting, and snow skiing to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Anakeesta, fun is available for all. No single attraction is more beloved and more visited than Dollywood. ...

In the winter of 1953, local Gatlinburg innkeeper Rel Maples, inspired by an article in AAA magazine showcasing Everett Kircher's chairlift expertise from his ski ventures in Michigan, reached out to him. The request was simple in theory yet incredibly complex from a logistical standpoint: build a chairlift on the mountain behind his property. ...

As we prepare for a day focused on reflection and gratitude, our team at Mountain Laurel Chalets is giving thanks for each and every member of the MLC family, including you! Without your loyalty, enthusiasm, and support, we wouldn't exist; thank you for choosing Mountain Laurel Chalets again and again. As you gather with friends and family over the coming days, we hope you, too, find time to reflect on your many blessings. To make it easy for you, we've compiled a few fun ways for you to do so. ...

You’ll hear us say it on repeat: at Mountain Laurel Chalets, we believe that family matters. The family is the core of both our company and society as a whole. The MLC family is composed of our staff, guests, and owners alike. We desire to love and... ...

In 2022, we're celebrating 50 Years of Mountain Memories at Mountain Laurel Chalets. Share your story online and use the hashtag #MLC50 to be featured in our blog. ...

Tami Holloman suffers from ALS and wanted to see the mountains one more time. She visited us just a year ago in March of 2019 and had no signs of ALS but 2020 has been a challenging year for her with an unexpected diagnosis of ALS. So her husband, Shad, called Mountain Laurel Chalets to find the perfect chalet with a mountain view that could accomodate Tami with her wheel chair. ...