Website Terms & Policy Disclosures
Effective Date: January 1, 2024
At Explore The Smoky Mountains, our goal is to help readers find and consume valuable information.
Part of how we do that is recommending gear, places to explore,things to do, and more. Below, you can find more information on our editorial process, including how we pick products and places, and how we may be compensated through our content.
Editorial Process
Our main goal is to find the best solutions for our readers. That may be finding the best places to visit or things to do, or it may be recommending some of the best products we’ve encountered.
We’re committed to useful, accurate and practical information above all else. Solving our readers’ problems and challenges is our top priority, and we firmly believe that if we do that the right way, everything else will fall into place. We do our best to keep our stories updated with links to brands and sites that provide additional info.
We pride ourselves on our research and commitment to putting out the best possible stories for our readers, and welcome suggestions on how to do that better.
Each story we publish has hours of research, writing, fact-checking and editing behind it, and each article is reviewed by our editors.
Affiliate Links & Recommendations
In many of our articles, especially product-based stories, we may earn a small commission when readers purchase products through our links.
This doesn’t affect which products are included in the articles, and in most cases our writers are not aware of which brands and products offer us a sales commission. All of the products we highlight are recommended for their quality, performance and overall reputation regardless of any affiliate relationships.
In fact, much of the gear we recommend comes from small, boutique retailers and shops that make small batches of products and don’t offer any sort of affiliate relationships at all.
But, they are some of the best products out there and so we recommend them.
If we receive gear to review directly from brands, it’s noted in the review itself, though most of the gear we field test is purchased. Any brands or products that pay for promotion or advertising on the site is considered “Sponsored.”
Amazon Associates & Other Programs
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. We also partner with other online retailers in a similar fashion.
We also partner with Expedia and earn commissions on travel bookings using links from our website.
Contests and Giveaways
We occasionally run contests and giveaways on our site for new members to our email list or social channels. If you’ve signed up for a contest, you’ll start receiving the email newsletter but can unsubscribe at any time. Contests are not affiliated with any social media network, including Instagram and Facebook, and each contest’s rules and guidelines are outlined during entry. Contact us for more information.
Privacy Policy & Terms
We at Explore The Smoky Mountains respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect the personal information that you share with us when you visit our website or use our services.
Information We Collect
When you visit our website or use our services, we may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, such as your name, email address, phone number, and other contact information. We may also collect information about your use of our website, including your IP address, browser type, device type, and other usage data.
How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information to provide and improve our services, respond to your inquiries, and communicate with you about our products and services. We may also use your information to analyze and improve our website and marketing efforts.
Disclosure of Your Information
We may disclose your personal information to third-party service providers who assist us in providing and improving our services, such as website hosting and analytics services. We may also disclose your information to comply with applicable laws or regulations, respond to a subpoena, court order, or other legal request, or protect our rights, property, or safety or the rights, property, or safety of our customers or others.
Your Choices and Rights
You have the right to opt-out of receiving marketing communications from us at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or contacting us directly. You may also have the right to access, update, or delete your personal information, subject to certain limitations.
Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no data transmission over the internet or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.
Changes to this Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the updated policy on our website.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us here.