https://www.nps.gov/grsm News releases from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. en-us https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-announces-dates-for-2026-annual-firefly-viewing-event.htm Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:54:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host its annual synchronous firefly event at Elkmont from May 20-27. A lottery for vehicle reservations opens at 10 a.m. April 24 EDT and closes at 11:59 p.m. April 27 EDT. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-announces-dates-for-2026-annual-firefly-viewing-event.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bear-incidents-prompts-trail-closure-safety-reminder-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:38:00 EST Rangers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park responded to three bear‑related incidents at Ramsey Cascades Trail this past weekend, including two encounters in which a bear approached visitors and took two backpacks, and a third in which a bear displayed aggressive behavior and briefly chased a group. Ramsey Prong Road and Ramsey Cascades Trail are closed as rangers monitor bear activity.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bear-incidents-prompts-trail-closure-safety-reminder-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-continues-rehabilitation-of-bullhead-trail-to-mount-leconte.htm Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:18:00 EST Beginning May 4, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close Bullhead Trail from Monday through Thursday each week, excluding federal holidays, through November 19. During this time, the park will continue the rehabilitation of the Bullhead Trail in partnership with Friends of the Smokies.   https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-continues-rehabilitation-of-bullhead-trail-to-mount-leconte.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cades-cove-vehicle-free-days-begin-may-6.htm Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:59:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will offer Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Days every Wednesday from May 6 to Sept. 30. These designated days give pedestrians and cyclists an opportunity to experience the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road without motor vehicles. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cades-cove-vehicle-free-days-begin-may-6.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-begins-2026-season-of-adaptive-programming.htm Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:22:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will begin its 2026 season of adaptive programming this spring with ranger‑led experiences designed for visitors with limited mobility and their families.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-begins-2026-season-of-adaptive-programming.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-requests-public-input-on-proposed-oconaluftee-river-trail-improvements.htm Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:44:00 EST The National Park Service is seeking public input on proposed improvements to the Oconaluftee River Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Through this project, the park would improve connectivity with the gateway community of Cherokee, increase accessibility, repair riverbank erosion and enhance safety and the visitor experience. The NPS will accept comments through April 22. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-requests-public-input-on-proposed-oconaluftee-river-trail-improvements.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-urges-visitors-to-plan-and-prepare-following-high-number-of-emergency-incidents-this-march.htm Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:06:00 EST The National Park Services urges visitors to plan ahead, prepare for changing conditions and know their personal limits while recreating in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park rangers have been responding to an increased number of emergencies and are reminding visitors that rescue is not a certainty. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-urges-visitors-to-plan-and-prepare-following-high-number-of-emergency-incidents-this-march.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rabbit-creek-and-fox-gap-wildfires-update-4-2-2026.htm Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:09:00 EST Both the Fox Gap and Rabbit Creek fires are now 100% contained. Firefighters will continue to mop up and monitor the fires. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rabbit-creek-and-fox-gap-wildfires-update-4-2-2026.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rabbit-creek-and-fox-gap-wildfires-update-3-30-2026.htm Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:41:00 EST Firefighters continue to actively suppress the Rabbit Creek and Fox Gap wildfires in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rabbit-creek-and-fox-gap-wildfires-update-3-30-2026.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rabbit-creek-and-fox-gap-wildfires-update-3-28-2026.htm Sat, 28 Mar 2026 10:39:00 EST Firefighters continue to actively suppress the Rabbit Creek and Fox Gap wildfires in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Fox Gap Fire is estimated at 112 acres and is 30% contained. The Rabbit Creek Fire is approximately 48 acres and is 75% contained. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rabbit-creek-and-fox-gap-wildfires-update-3-28-2026.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/firefighters-continue-to-suppress-the-rabbit-creek-and-fox-gap-wildfires.htm Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:28:00 EST Firefighters continue to actively suppress the Rabbit Creek and Fox Gap wildfires in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/firefighters-continue-to-suppress-the-rabbit-creek-and-fox-gap-wildfires.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/firefighters-respond-to-fox-gap-fire-in-twentymile-area-of-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:33:00 EST On Wednesday afternoon, Great Smoky Mountains National Park received a report of a wildfire in the Twentymile Area. Fire managers are currently working to estimate fire acreage. Additional firefighting resources have been ordered to support suppression efforts. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/firefighters-respond-to-fox-gap-fire-in-twentymile-area-of-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rabbit-creek-fire-update-3-24-2026.htm Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:46:00 EST Firefighters continue to suppress the Rabbit Creek Fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The fire is 47.5 acres and is 25% contained. Crews continue to establish and reinforce fire line around the perimeter. No structures are threatened at this time. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rabbit-creek-fire-update-3-24-2026.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/45-acre-rabbit-creek-fire-burning-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:30:00 EST Fire crews are actively suppressing the Rabbit Creek Fire near Rabbit Creek Trail and northwest of Backcountry Campsite 16 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park received a report of the fire on Sunday afternoon. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/45-acre-rabbit-creek-fire-burning-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-plans-prescribed-burns-in-march.htm Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:48:00 EST The National Park Service plans to burn approximately 180 acres in Wear Cove Gap (north of Metcalf Bottoms) and 243 acres in Lynn Hollow (near the Top of the World community) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Weather permitting, burn operations may begin as early as March 25 and may continue through March 31. These prescribed fires will help to safely reduce fuels, maintain resilient natural systems and protect communities along the park boundary. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-plans-prescribed-burns-in-march.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-reminds-visitors-of-whiteoak-sink-group-size-limits-for-wildflower-viewing.htm Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:07:00 EST As spring approaches, Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors of group size limits during the popular wildflower season at Whiteoak Sink. Individuals and small groups of eight or fewer people may access the Whiteoak Sink area throughout the wildflower season from April 1 through May 3. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-reminds-visitors-of-whiteoak-sink-group-size-limits-for-wildflower-viewing.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-welcomes-new-superintendent.htm Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:41:00 EST The National Park Service welcomed Charles D. Sellars as the superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park during an Assumption of Responsibility ceremony held in the park on March 4. The ceremony marking the transition of leadership brought together National Park Service leadership, tribal leaders, park partners, community leaders and park employees. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-welcomes-new-superintendent.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-seeks-elk-rover-volunteers-for-2026-season.htm Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:08:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking individuals to join the Elk Rover volunteer team for the wildlife upcoming season. Elk Rovers share information with visitors about safe viewing and help keep elk and visitors safe. Elk Rovers will be stationed at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located near Cherokee, North Carolina. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-seeks-elk-rover-volunteers-for-2026-season.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-prepares-for-winter-storm.htm Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:10:00 EST Beginning on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m., Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close several access points to the park due to an incoming winter storm. These will remain in effect until staff can safely assess conditions. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-prepares-for-winter-storm.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-seeks-tips-to-help-identify-a-suspect-involved-in-assault-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:59:00 EST The National Park Service is seeking tips from the public to aid in the ongoing investigation of an assault that occurred in the Deep Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-seeks-tips-to-help-identify-a-suspect-involved-in-assault-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/prescribed-burn-planned-in-cades-cove-on-january-7-and-8.htm Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:00:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the western portion of Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on January 7 and 8, weather permitting. Fire managers intend to burn approximately 900 acres to restore native meadow habitats, reduce hazardous fuels, prevent the encroachment of woody vegetation and maintain the historic landscape of the cove.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/prescribed-burn-planned-in-cades-cove-on-january-7-and-8.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-seeks-tips-to-help-identify-suspect-in-poached-deer-case-in-cades-cove.htm Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:55:00 EST The National Park Service is requesting tips from the public to aid in an investigation of a deer poached from fields near Sparks Lane in Cades Cove. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-seeks-tips-to-help-identify-suspect-in-poached-deer-case-in-cades-cove.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/major-safety-upgrades-coming-to-the-spur-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Fri, 19 Dec 2025 07:33:00 EST Beginning in January, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin a multi-year project to improve safety and infrastructure on the Gatlinburg Spur, the scenic road connecting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This project is designed to improve safety and traffic flow for the millions of visitors and local residents who travel this corridor each year. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/major-safety-upgrades-coming-to-the-spur-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/celebrate-the-holiday-season-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Sat, 06 Dec 2025 05:34:00 EST Embrace the spirit of the season with two festive events at Great Smoky Mountains National Park this December. Visitors are invited to celebrate Appalachian holiday traditions and create new memories during the Festival of Christmas Past, Present and Future on Saturday, December 13, and the Holiday Homecoming on Saturday, December 20. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/celebrate-the-holiday-season-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/prescribed-burn-planned-for-cataloochee-valley-on-november-18.htm Mon, 17 Nov 2025 04:49:00 EST The National Park Service plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the Cataloochee Valley area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tuesday, November 18, weather permitting. Fire managers intend to burn approximately 89 acres across six fields to reduce hazardous fuels, restore native meadow habitats and maintain the historic landscape of the valley. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/prescribed-burn-planned-for-cataloochee-valley-on-november-18.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/gatlinburg-bypass-now-open-following-major-landslide-cleanup.htm Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:21:00 EST The Gatlinburg Bypass in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now open following a significant landslide that temporarily closed the roadway over the weekend. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/gatlinburg-bypass-now-open-following-major-landslide-cleanup.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/tourism-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-contributes-$2-billion-to-local-economy.htm Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:27:00 EST A new National Park Service report shows that approximately 12.2 million visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024 spent more than $2 billion in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of more than $2.8 billion. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/tourism-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-contributes-$2-billion-to-local-economy.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/it-s-beginning-to-feel-like-fall-in-the-smokies.htm Mon, 22 Sep 2025 20:00:00 EST It’s beginning to feel like fall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Autumn is a beautiful—but busy—time in the Smokies. Visitors should plan ahead and be prepared for incredible fall colors, but also crowds, traffic congestion and limited parking throughout the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/it-s-beginning-to-feel-like-fall-in-the-smokies.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ryan-lakes-found-deceased-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Sun, 21 Sep 2025 20:00:00 EST Ryan Lakes was found deceased at approximately 2:45 p.m. on September 21 in the Big Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ryan-lakes-found-deceased-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-rangers-searching-for-missing-man-near-big-creek.htm Sat, 20 Sep 2025 20:00:00 EST Park rangers are searching for a 21-year-old man in the Big Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ryan Lakes was last seen Thursday, Sept. 18 in Nashville, TN. His vehicle was found in the park on Sept. 20. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-rangers-searching-for-missing-man-near-big-creek.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elk-rutting-season-underway-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:00:00 EST The annual elk breeding season, known as the rut, is underway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The rut can be exciting to witness, but it can also be dangerous, as elk are especially unpredictable during this time.   Park visitors should exercise extra caution and respect all wildlife regulations as they visit the park this season. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elk-rutting-season-underway-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/join-us-at-the-mountain-life-festival-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Thu, 11 Sep 2025 20:00:00 EST Where heritage meets hands-on history—experience the rich traditions of Appalachian Mountain life at the annual Mountain Life Festival, happening Sept. 20 at the Mountain Farm Museum, located just behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, NC. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/join-us-at-the-mountain-life-festival-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/newfound-gap-road-to-reopen-ahead-of-schedule-following-major-repairs.htm Thu, 11 Sep 2025 20:00:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) will fully reopen US 441/Newfound Gap Road on September 12 by 4 p.m., 18 days ahead of schedule, following extensive repair work after a road washout which occurred on August 1. Led in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the early reopening restores a vital corridor through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, improving access for our visitors and neighbors. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/newfound-gap-road-to-reopen-ahead-of-schedule-following-major-repairs.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-half-day-closures-of-kuwohi-road-on-sept-9-and-16-for-educational-programs.htm Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:28:00 EST Kuwohi Road will be temporarily closed half-days on Sept. 9 and 16 to facilitate special educational programs for students from Swain County and Qualla Boundary schools. The park will close the road at midnight the night before each event and will re-open it by 2 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-half-day-closures-of-kuwohi-road-on-sept-9-and-16-for-educational-programs.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-and-federal-highway-administration-award-contract-for-us-441-newfound-gap-road-emergency-repairs.htm Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:07:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) continue to work quickly to repair the road washout on US 441/Newfound Gap Road. The FHWA has awarded the contract to Eclipse Companies, LLC, and the NPS and FHWA held a pre-construction meeting with the contractor on Friday. The contractor will begin mobilizing equipment and supplies this week. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-and-federal-highway-administration-award-contract-for-us-441-newfound-gap-road-emergency-repairs.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-to-complete-spur-maintenance-august-25-28.htm Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:36:00 EST The National Park Service will complete essential maintenance along the northbound and southbound Spur starting August 25. This will require temporary single-lane closures to allow park staff to safely and efficiently complete this work. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-to-complete-spur-maintenance-august-25-28.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-reminds-visitors-that-feeding-bears-is-illegal-and-dangerous.htm Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:15:00 EST The National Park Service urges visitors to not feed or approach black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park has seen an increase in incidents involving visitors feeding bears. Feeding wildlife is illegal and endangers you, other visitors and bears. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-reminds-visitors-that-feeding-bears-is-illegal-and-dangerous.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-and-federal-highway-administration-work-towards-expedited-repair-of-us441-newfound-gap-road.htm Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:16:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) continue to work towards emergency repairs for US441/Newfound Gap Road following the August 1 washout and landslide. The agencies plan to award a contract in August and expect that construction will be completed in early October. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-and-federal-highway-administration-work-towards-expedited-repair-of-us441-newfound-gap-road.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/us441-newfound-gap-road-closed-until-further-notice-due-to-road-damage.htm Sat, 02 Aug 2025 09:41:00 EST US441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closed until further notice due to road damage.  Late on August 1, the park responded to reports of a landslide event on Newfound Gap Road between mile marker 12 and 13 on the Tennessee side of the park (south of Alum Cave trailhead). Heavy rainfall caused Walker Camp Prong to swell and undermine part of the roadway. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/us441-newfound-gap-road-closed-until-further-notice-due-to-road-damage.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/slow-down-and-enjoy-the-views-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:57:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) reminds visitors to slow down and enjoy the views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over the next month, park rangers in cooperation with partner agencies will conduct increased traffic safety enforcement throughout the park. Through this effort, the NPS aims to combat excessive speeding and reduce motor vehicle collisions. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/slow-down-and-enjoy-the-views-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-to-improve-7-miles-of-newfound-gap-road-in-north-carolina.htm Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:34:00 EST Newfound Gap Road is getting an upgrade! Starting July 14, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will kick off a rehabilitation of a 7-mile stretch of Newfound Gap Road on the North Carolina side of the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-to-improve-7-miles-of-newfound-gap-road-in-north-carolina.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-seeks-elk-rover-volunteers-for-2025-season.htm Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:56:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking individuals to join the Elk Rover volunteer team for the upcoming 2025 season. Elk Rovers share information with visitors about safe wildlife viewing and help keep elk and visitors safe. Elk Rovers will be stationed at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located near Cherokee, NC. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-seeks-elk-rover-volunteers-for-2025-season.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/abrams-falls-trail-closed-for-trail-maintenance-june-16-18.htm Mon, 16 Jun 2025 02:00:00 EST The National Park Service will close Abrams Falls Trail and trailhead parking lot in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from June 16 through June 18 to allow crews to complete trail maintenance. Visitors will not be able to access the falls from any trail during this closure. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/abrams-falls-trail-closed-for-trail-maintenance-june-16-18.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/spring-road-maintenance-planned-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Fri, 30 May 2025 09:19:00 EST The National Park Service will complete important maintenance along popular roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park this June. This will require temporary partial closures of Little River Road and single-lane closures along the Spur to allow park staff to safely and efficiently complete this work. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/spring-road-maintenance-planned-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/discover-the-smokies-with-new-summer-and-fall-public-programs.htm Thu, 29 May 2025 07:56:00 EST Join us this summer and fall for a series of exciting, family-friendly programs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, starting June 7. Visitors are invited to take a hike with a ranger, learn about mountain life, meet some of the creatures that call the Smokies' home, trek into the dark and much more. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/discover-the-smokies-with-new-summer-and-fall-public-programs.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cosby-area-reopened-as-park-completes-major-culvert-replacement.htm Fri, 09 May 2025 10:51:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park has reopened the Cosby Area following the construction of a new culvert under Cosby Entrance Road. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cosby-area-reopened-as-park-completes-major-culvert-replacement.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cades-cove-vehicle-free-days-to-begin-on-june-18.htm Wed, 07 May 2025 12:20:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will offer the first Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Day of the year on June 18. Vehicle-free days provide opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists to experience the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road without motor vehicles. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cades-cove-vehicle-free-days-to-begin-on-june-18.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/synchronous-firefly-lottery-and-viewing-dates-for-2025.htm Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:06:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host its annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont from May 29-June 5. The public can apply for this opportunity by entering a lottery for a vehicle reservation through recreation.gov. The lottery for reservation applications opens on Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. EDT and closes on Monday, May 5 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. This lottery system ensures that all applicants have an equal chance of securing a reservation. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/synchronous-firefly-lottery-and-viewing-dates-for-2025.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-begins-multi-year-rehabilitation-of-iconic-bullhead-trail-to-mount-leconte.htm Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:27:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with Friends of the Smokies, is beginning a multi-year rehabilitation of the iconic Bullhead Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Beginning May 5, the park will close Bullhead Trail from Monday through Thursday each week, excluding federal holidays, through November 6, 2025. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-begins-multi-year-rehabilitation-of-iconic-bullhead-trail-to-mount-leconte.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/plan-for-routine-road-maintenance-along-the-spur-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Wed, 23 Apr 2025 10:18:00 EST Visitors should prepare for planned routine road maintenance in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/plan-for-routine-road-maintenance-along-the-spur-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-announces-selection-of-park-concessioner-to-operate-leconte-lodge.htm Tue, 22 Apr 2025 05:18:00 EST GATLINBURG, Tenn.– The National Park Service has selected LeConte Lodge L.P. as the concessioner for the new contract to provide services at LeConte Lodge in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This contract will be effective for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-announces-selection-of-park-concessioner-to-operate-leconte-lodge.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-to-reopen-portions-of-cataloochee-on-april-4.htm Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:00:00 EST Gatlinburg, TN – On April 4 by 12 PM EST, the National Park Service (NPS) will reopen portions of Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cataloochee Valley has been closed since September 2024 following significant damage from Hurricane Helene. Within the park, Cataloochee Valley saw the worst impacts from Hurricane Helene. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-to-reopen-portions-of-cataloochee-on-april-4.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/whiteoak-sink-group-size-limited-for-wildflower-viewing-2025.htm Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:36:00 EST As Spring begins, Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors of group size limits during the popular wildflower season at Whiteoak Sink. Individuals and small groups of eight or fewer people may access the Whiteoak Sink area throughout the wildflower season Tuesday, April 1 through Sunday, May 4. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/whiteoak-sink-group-size-limited-for-wildflower-viewing-2025.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/parkwide-fire-ban-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-march-3-2025.htm Sat, 22 Mar 2025 07:20:00 EST Due to dry conditions, low relative humidity, a continued high fire danger, and forecasted high winds, the National Park Service (NPS) is instituting an immediate ban on all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This fire ban will remain in effect until further notice on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park. This is consistent with the National Weather Service Red Flag Warning in our area. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/parkwide-fire-ban-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-march-3-2025.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/parkwide-fire-ban-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:00:00 EST GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Due to dry conditions, low relative humidity, a continued high fire danger, and a high wind watch, the National Park Service (NPS) is instituting an immediate ban on all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This fire ban will remain in effect until further notice on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/parkwide-fire-ban-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/parkwide-burn-ban-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Sat, 01 Mar 2025 09:37:00 EST GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Due to continued dry conditions, winds, and high fire danger, the National Park Service (NPS) is banning all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park effective immediately. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/parkwide-burn-ban-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/missing-hiker-ann-houghton-found-deceased-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Sun, 02 Feb 2025 12:22:00 EST Missing hiker Ann Houghton, age 73, was found deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on February 2 at approximately 1:53 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/missing-hiker-ann-houghton-found-deceased-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-searching-for-overdue-hiker.htm Sun, 02 Feb 2025 06:22:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is currently searching for overdue hiker Ann Houghton in the area of Smokemont Campground. Law enforcement and search and rescue personnel are focusing efforts along Bradley Fork, Chasteen Creek, Hughes Ridge and Enloe Creek trails. Houghton is described as a 73-year-old female with gray hair, approximately 105 pounds and 5 feet and 6 inches tall. Her planned itinerary was to hike in the park starting on Jan. 28 until Jan. 29. Her vehicle was found at the Smokemont Campground. Houghton was reported missing on Feb. 1. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-searching-for-overdue-hiker.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/prescribed-burns-planned-in-cades-cove-starting-feb-3.htm Fri, 31 Jan 2025 12:25:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) plans to burn approximately 1,400 acres of fields in the eastern half of Cades Cove at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Weather permitting, burn operations may begin as early as Feb. 3 and may continue through Feb. 5. These seasonal prescribed fires help to safely reduce fuels, restore meadow habitats and maintain the historic landscape of Cades Cove. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/prescribed-burns-planned-in-cades-cove-starting-feb-3.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-seeks-help-in-identifying-historic-homesites.htm Fri, 17 Jan 2025 04:14:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking help to identify and document former homesite locations within the park. Volunteer-In-Park Frank March, in conjunction with Park Archeologist Allison Harvey, is leading these research efforts which includes documenting field locations with associated historic records. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-seeks-help-in-identifying-historic-homesites.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-to-remove-hazard-trees-in-cades-cove-beginning-jan-20.htm Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:32:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remove hazard trees in Cades Cove on Jan. 20-Jan. 24. This includes removing brush from the side of the road to keep vegetation from hitting passing vehicles and removing all hazard trees that could fall onto the road. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-to-remove-hazard-trees-in-cades-cove-beginning-jan-20.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-to-begin-major-rehabilitation-of-laurel-falls-trail-in-january.htm Tue, 17 Dec 2024 04:30:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) will begin a major rehabilitation on Laurel Falls Trail, one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail will close for 18 months starting Jan. 6, 2025, as crews make improvements to the trail and parking areas. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-to-begin-major-rehabilitation-of-laurel-falls-trail-in-january.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-plans-to-complete-additional-design-work-and-technical-studies-for-foothills-parkway-section-8d.htm Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:57:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) will conduct additional design work and technical studies for Foothills Parkway Section 8D. This decision was based on feedback from subject matter experts and public comments received during a 30-day public comment which ended on August 21. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-plans-to-complete-additional-design-work-and-technical-studies-for-foothills-parkway-section-8d.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-to-rehabilitate-cosby-entrance-road.htm Tue, 26 Nov 2024 04:14:00 EST On December 9, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will begin a rehabilitation of the 2.3-mile-long Cosby Entrance Road from TN State Route 32 to the gate of Cosby Campground. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-to-rehabilitate-cosby-entrance-road.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-completes-three-year-restoration-of-ramsey-cascades-trail.htm Mon, 18 Nov 2024 07:22:00 EST In collaboration with Friends of the Smokies, the National Park Service (NPS) has a completed a three-year restoration of the Ramsey Cascades Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the Greenbrier area, this popular trail ascends through beautiful hardwood forests to the 105-foot Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the park. The trail is now open seven days a week following an extensive reconstruction and rehabilitation. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-completes-three-year-restoration-of-ramsey-cascades-trail.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hazard-tree-mitigation-work-to-begin-november-18.htm Fri, 15 Nov 2024 08:21:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will complete annual hazard tree mitigation along several park roads starting next week. This routine work includes the removal of hazardous branches and limbs before the winter season. Some road and lane closures will be in place for crew and driver safety. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hazard-tree-mitigation-work-to-begin-november-18.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/route-441-newfound-gap-road-is-closed-to-commercial-vehicles.htm Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:02:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) reminds commercial drivers that commercial vehicles are prohibited on US 441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the safety of all drivers. Violators will be subject to a citation as well as a fine of up to $5,000. Newfound Gap Road is a two-lane road with steep continuous grades and tight curves. There are no truck lanes, runaway truck ramps or places for a large commercial vehicle to slow down and pull over. US 441/Newfound Gap Road is not safe for large commercial vehicles. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/route-441-newfound-gap-road-is-closed-to-commercial-vehicles.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-on-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-following-hurricane-helene.htm Fri, 11 Oct 2024 12:40:00 EST The National Park Service continues to assess conditions and address damage following the impacts from Hurricane Helene in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park experienced substantial damage particularly in North Carolina, including Big Creek, Balsam Mountain and Cataloochee Valley. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-on-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-following-hurricane-helene.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/us441-newfound-gap-road-will-remain-open-24-hours-a-day.htm Tue, 08 Oct 2024 05:46:00 EST Effective today, US 441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open 24 hours a day. The park is lifting the overnight road closure with the help of local partners who will assist the park in turning around commercial vehicles at checkpoints on both sides of US 441/Newfound Gap Road overnight. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/us441-newfound-gap-road-will-remain-open-24-hours-a-day.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-on-us441-newfound-gap-road-overnight-closure.htm Sat, 05 Oct 2024 12:55:00 EST The National Park Service will continue to temporarily close US 441/Newfound Gap Road from 10 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. each evening for the safety of all drivers. The park is turning away commercial vehicles at checkpoints during the day, but is not currently able to staff the checkpoints overnight.   https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-on-us441-newfound-gap-road-overnight-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/us-441-newfound-gap-road-will-reopen-tomorrow.htm Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:15:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) will reopen US 441/Newfound Gap Road by 8 a.m. tomorrow morning to allow for access between Tennessee and North Carolina communities. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/us-441-newfound-gap-road-will-reopen-tomorrow.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hurricane-helene-recovery-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:30:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) continues to assess conditions and to address damage following the impacts from Hurricane Helene in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, park staff are prioritizing assessments of high use roads and trails as well as radio repeaters and historic structures throughout the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hurricane-helene-recovery-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/gsmnp-staff-assess-conditions-following-impacts-from-hurricane-helene.htm Sat, 28 Sep 2024 09:49:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff continue to assess conditions after the park experienced historic flooding and other impacts from Hurricane Helene. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/gsmnp-staff-assess-conditions-following-impacts-from-hurricane-helene.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/newfound-gap-road-us-441-visitor-centers-and-other-park-areas-close-in-preparation-for-tropical-storm-impacts.htm Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:33:00 EST The National Park Service continues to prepare for the expected high wind and heavy rain from Hurricane Helene Thursday night into Friday. Visitors should consider rescheduling this week’s travel plans for their own safety and to reduce the risk on emergency services. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/newfound-gap-road-us-441-visitor-centers-and-other-park-areas-close-in-preparation-for-tropical-storm-impacts.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/plan-for-travel-impacts-with-incoming-inclement-weather.htm Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:47:00 EST Visitors should expect closures and event cancellations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park beginning tonight (Sept. 25) in preparation for expected weather impacts from Hurricane Helene. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/plan-for-travel-impacts-with-incoming-inclement-weather.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/september-24-flint-gap-fire-update.htm Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:06:00 EST The Flint Gap Fire is now 95% contained. Firefighters have had great success in quickly reducing the threat from the fire in this remote area of the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/september-24-flint-gap-fire-update.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/september-22-flint-gap-fire-update.htm Sun, 22 Sep 2024 10:34:00 EST The Flint Gap Fire is now 75% contained. Yesterday, firefighters hiked into the fire and continued to safely secure the perimeter and put out hot spots. Today fire crews continue to work the fire, mopping up hot spots and remaining areas of heat within the perimeter. Crews have had great success in reducing the threat from the fire.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/september-22-flint-gap-fire-update.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/september-20-flint-gap-fire-update.htm Fri, 20 Sep 2024 13:21:00 EST The Flint Gap Fire is still estimated to be 58 acres and is now 50% contained. Yesterday, firefighters were able to safely access the fire, located in a steep, remote area of the park, to successfully secure much of the fire edge. Few areas are burning along the fire edge; however, a wildfire is not contained until fire managers determine that a fire is not likely to spread beyond its perimeter. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/september-20-flint-gap-fire-update.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/plan-for-road-construction-and-maintenance-projects.htm Fri, 20 Sep 2024 11:54:00 EST Visitors should prepare for planned road construction and maintenance projects in Great Smoky Mountains National Park next week (Sept. 23-27). https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/plan-for-road-construction-and-maintenance-projects.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/september-19-flint-gap-fire-update.htm Thu, 19 Sep 2024 08:56:00 EST Firefighters observed little fire activity on the Flint Gap Fire yesterday. While the current acreage estimate is 58 acres, only a few areas are actively burning within the perimeter. The fire is 0% contained; however, firefighters observed only 12 areas with heat along the perimeter yesterday. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/september-19-flint-gap-fire-update.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/kuwohi-name-restored-to-the-highest-peak-in-the-smokies.htm Wed, 18 Sep 2024 08:10:00 EST The U.S. Board of Geographic Names voted today in favor of the formal request submitted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to change the name of Clingmans Dome (FID #1326387) to Kuwohi. Kuwohi is the Cherokee name for the mountain and translates to “mulberry place.” In Cherokee syllabary, the name is ᎫᏬᎯ.  The National Park Service strongly supported the name restoration and applauds today's decision, which also received support from local communities and governments. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/kuwohi-name-restored-to-the-highest-peak-in-the-smokies.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/september-17-flint-gap-fire-update.htm Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:00:00 EST The Flint Gap Fire is 46 acres as of the last estimate. Although the fire is presently 0% contained, only a few areas are actively burning within the perimeter. Once firefighter access and safety in this remote and steep terrain is addressed, a full suppression strategy will be executed. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/september-17-flint-gap-fire-update.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/what-to-expect-this-fall-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:09:00 EST It’s beginning to feel like fall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Fall is a beautiful but busy time in the Smokies. Visitors should plan their trips and expect crowds, traffic congestion and limited parking throughout the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/what-to-expect-this-fall-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/flint-gap-fire-estimated-to-be-46-acres-after-more-accurate-mapping.htm Fri, 13 Sep 2024 09:30:00 EST Current mapping estimates the Flint Gap Fire to now be 46 acres. Within the perimeter, few areas are actively burning and only low intensity flames were visible this week. The fire is presently 0% contained. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/flint-gap-fire-estimated-to-be-46-acres-after-more-accurate-mapping.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/expect-single-lane-closures-on-fighting-creek-gap-road-sept-16-through-18.htm Thu, 12 Sep 2024 09:52:00 EST The National Park Service will implement single-lane closures on Fighting Creek Gap Road (from the Sugarlands area to Elkmont) Sept. 16 through 18 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this time, crews will complete road shoulder repair and roadway maintenance. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/expect-single-lane-closures-on-fighting-creek-gap-road-sept-16-through-18.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/flint-gap-fire-in-remote-section-of-great-smoky-mountains-estimated-to-be-28-acres.htm Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:01:00 EST The Flint Gap Fire, which was started by lightning on Aug. 26, continues to burn slowly in a remote area of the park primarily in undergrowth in steep terrain. The fire is estimated to be roughly 28 acres and is not contained. Park management and the fire incident management team are implementing a strategy to safely and effectively suppress the fire, given that it is burning in very steep, backcountry terrain with dense tree cover. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/flint-gap-fire-in-remote-section-of-great-smoky-mountains-estimated-to-be-28-acres.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/little-river-road-partial-closures-on-september-10-and-12.htm Fri, 06 Sep 2024 10:10:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) will close sections of Little River Road from 7 a.m. to noon on Sept. 10 and 12. During this time, crews will complete needed roadside work including mowing and pruning, ditch and culvert cleaning, shoulder drop off repair and hazard tree mitigation. Closing sections of the road will allow crews to safely and efficiently complete this work. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/little-river-road-partial-closures-on-september-10-and-12.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-team-wins-national-award-for-seeking-paths-in-nature-education-program.htm Thu, 05 Sep 2024 05:59:00 EST A team of Great Smoky Mountains National Park employees was recently awarded the 2023 Excellence in Education Award at a National Park Service awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Many of the agency’s top awards were presented at the 2023 National Service Awards ceremony. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-team-wins-national-award-for-seeking-paths-in-nature-education-program.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/visitors-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-spent-$2-2-billion-in-local-communities-in-2023.htm Wed, 04 Sep 2024 09:38:00 EST A new National Park Service report shows that 13,297,647 visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2023 spent $2.2 billion in communities near the park. That spending supported 33,748 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $3.4 billion. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/visitors-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-spent-$2-2-billion-in-local-communities-in-2023.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/flint-gap-fire-determined-to-be-caused-by-lightning.htm Tue, 03 Sep 2024 08:03:00 EST Park fire officials and fire investigators have determined that the Flint Gap Fire was started by lightning from a recent summer storm. Lightning caused wildfires are relatively rare in the Smokies with most occurring during the month of August. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/flint-gap-fire-determined-to-be-caused-by-lightning.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/flint-gap-fire-estimated-to-be-16-3-acres-due-to-more-accurate-mapping.htm Fri, 30 Aug 2024 10:55:00 EST Park continues initial attack efforts on the Flint Gap Fire. Yesterday, firefighters were able to walk the perimeter to map the fire. The fire is now estimated to be 16.3 acres due to the more accurate mapping. Today, crews will continue to monitor fire activity and to identify areas in which crews can safety confine and contain the fire. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/flint-gap-fire-estimated-to-be-16-3-acres-due-to-more-accurate-mapping.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/additional-resources-arrive-for-flint-gap-fire.htm Thu, 29 Aug 2024 09:02:00 EST Park continues initial attack efforts on the Flint Gap Fire. Two suppression modules are assisting with initial attack today. An additional module will arrive tomorrow. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/additional-resources-arrive-for-flint-gap-fire.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/wildland-fire-burning-near-hannah-mountain.htm Wed, 28 Aug 2024 08:51:00 EST Park received a report of a small wildland fire near Hannah Mountain, south of Abrams Creek, the evening of Aug. 26. The Flint Gap Fire is estimated to be about 10 acres as of Aug. 27 at noon. No structures are threatened at this time. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/wildland-fire-burning-near-hannah-mountain.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/gatlinburg-bypass-closed-to-all-traffic-starting-august-21-for-bridge-rehabilitation.htm Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:07:00 EST The National Park Service will close the Gatlinburg Bypass to all traffic between the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook and Newfound Gap Road for bridge construction. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/gatlinburg-bypass-closed-to-all-traffic-starting-august-21-for-bridge-rehabilitation.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-morning-closures-of-clingmans-dome-road-for-educational-programs.htm Wed, 14 Aug 2024 19:56:00 EST Clingmans Dome Road will be closed the mornings of September 10, 12 and 16 to facilitate special educational programs for students at schools in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians community. The road will be closed at midnight the night before each event and will re-open at 1 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-morning-closures-of-clingmans-dome-road-for-educational-programs.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nps-recruiting-trail-crew-volunteers-campground-hosts-and-clingmans-dome-rovers.htm Fri, 09 Aug 2024 08:25:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park managers are recruiting volunteers for a variety of positions across the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nps-recruiting-trail-crew-volunteers-campground-hosts-and-clingmans-dome-rovers.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nps-announces-environmental-assessment-release-and-public-comment-period-for-foothills-parkway-section-8d.htm Mon, 22 Jul 2024 07:02:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) posted the Foothills Parkway Section 8D Environmental Assessment (EA) today for a 30-day public comment period ending August 21, 2024. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nps-announces-environmental-assessment-release-and-public-comment-period-for-foothills-parkway-section-8d.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/u-s-poet-laureate-ada-limón-to-visit-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:30:00 EST The beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park has inspired artists for nearly 100 years. Ada Limón, the country’s 24th Poet Laureate, will celebrate that legacy at a special event at Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Saturday, July 20. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/u-s-poet-laureate-ada-limón-to-visit-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/prepare-for-a-busy-memorial-day-weekend-at-the-smokies.htm Wed, 22 May 2024 03:05:00 EST The National Park Service is expecting high visitation at Great Smoky Mountains National Park over Memorial Day weekend. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/prepare-for-a-busy-memorial-day-weekend-at-the-smokies.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-park-rangers-find-timothy-cook-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Fri, 17 May 2024 09:00:00 EST Park rangers found 62-year-old Timothy Cook safe on May 17 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park would like to thank those who participated in the search and rescue efforts to locate Cook and those that provided information to the Tip Line.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-park-rangers-find-timothy-cook-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-rangers-searching-for-missing-man-near-the-chimney-tops-overlook-area.htm Thu, 16 May 2024 13:30:00 EST Park rangers are searching for a 62-year-old man near the Chimney Tops Overlook area of the park. Timothy Cook was last seen near the Chimney Tops overlook on Sunday, May 12 and his vehicle was found unoccupied in the Chimney Tops overlook parking area on May 14. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-rangers-searching-for-missing-man-near-the-chimney-tops-overlook-area.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/synchronous-firefly-lottery-and-viewing-dates-announced-for-2024.htm Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:24:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont from Monday, June 3 through Monday, June 10. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/synchronous-firefly-lottery-and-viewing-dates-announced-for-2024.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-and-partners-to-expand-adaptive-programs-in-2024.htm Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:02:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with Catalyst Sports, Knox County, Kampgrounds of America Foundation, and Friends of the Smokies, is pleased to announce the expansion of adaptive ranger-led programs in 2024. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-and-partners-to-expand-adaptive-programs-in-2024.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nps-to-implement-weekday-closures-of-ramsey-cascades-trail-starting-april-15.htm Fri, 12 Apr 2024 09:42:00 EST Starting April 15, the National Park Service (NPS) will close Ramsey Cascades Trail on weekdays while trail crews finish the full-scale rehabilitation work started in 2022. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nps-to-implement-weekday-closures-of-ramsey-cascades-trail-starting-april-15.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/missing-man-found-near-tremont-this-morning.htm Wed, 10 Apr 2024 05:44:00 EST Jacob Riggs was located around 8 a.m. today in the vicinity of Tremont by a park visitor who recognized that he was in need of care. The visitor brought Riggs to the Incident Command Post near the Townsend Wye. Riggs had minor injuries and exposure to weather. He was evaluated onsite and taken to a local hospital.   https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/missing-man-found-near-tremont-this-morning.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-rangers-searching-for-missing-man.htm Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:45:00 EST Park rangers are searching for a 35-year-old man near the Townsend Wye, Tremont and Cades Cove areas of the park. Jacob Riggs was last seen in Maynardville, TN on April 7. His vehicle was found in the park on April 8. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-rangers-searching-for-missing-man.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-invests-$11-million-to-improve-newfound-gap-road-at-gatlinburg-entrance.htm Wed, 03 Apr 2024 11:48:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park received approximately $11 million in funding from the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund to rehabilitate a two-mile section of Newfound Gap Road near Gatlinburg. The rehabilitation project will include single-lane closures starting as early as April 15. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-invests-$11-million-to-improve-newfound-gap-road-at-gatlinburg-entrance.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/solar-eclipse-viewing-at-the-smokies.htm Wed, 03 Apr 2024 10:21:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies outside the path of totality but will experience an 86 to 87% obstruction of the sun during the event. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/solar-eclipse-viewing-at-the-smokies.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/lakeview-drive-road-construction-project-to-conclude-this-spring.htm Wed, 03 Apr 2024 04:53:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund, will finish the approximate $15.7 million repair and rehabilitation of Lakeview Drive that started last year. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/lakeview-drive-road-construction-project-to-conclude-this-spring.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/carlos-campbell-overlook-on-newfound-gap-road-temporarily-closed.htm Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:36:00 EST Carlos Campbell Overlook on Newfound Gap Road is closed temporarily while maintenance crews assess cracks in the pavement and sidewalk. The overlook will reopen as soon as NPS and Federal Highway Administration crews make assessments and any needed repairs. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/carlos-campbell-overlook-on-newfound-gap-road-temporarily-closed.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/more-than-$10-million-in-improvements-coming-soon-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Wed, 20 Mar 2024 09:28:00 EST In the first year since Great Smoky Mountains National Park launched the Park it Forward program, the park generated over $10 million in recreation fee revenue, which includes parking tag sales and camping fees. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/more-than-$10-million-in-improvements-coming-soon-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/group-size-limited-for-whiteoak-sink-wildflower-viewing.htm Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:49:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced group size limits for the popular wildflower season at Whiteoak Sink. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/group-size-limited-for-whiteoak-sink-wildflower-viewing.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/325-5-million-visits-to-national-parks-in-2023-13-million-visits-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Tue, 27 Feb 2024 10:39:00 EST Last week, the National Park Service announced that 400 national parks reported a total of 325.5 million visits in 2023, an increase of 13 million or 4% over 2022. At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 2023 visitation was 3% higher than 2022. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/325-5-million-visits-to-national-parks-in-2023-13-million-visits-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rangers-investigating-possible-arson-fire-near-crib-gap-trail.htm Wed, 07 Feb 2024 11:33:00 EST The National Park Service is investigating a possible arson fire off Laurel Creek Road near Crib Gap Trail that was extinguished Tuesday, February 6. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rangers-investigating-possible-arson-fire-near-crib-gap-trail.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/prescribed-burns-planned-for-cades-cove-starting-this-weekend.htm Fri, 02 Feb 2024 07:50:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) plans to burn approximately 1000 acres of fields in Cades Cove at Great Smoky Mountains National Park between now and the end of March. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/prescribed-burns-planned-for-cades-cove-starting-this-weekend.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-closed-today-due-to-hazardous-conditions.htm Fri, 19 Jan 2024 03:44:00 EST Due to light snow and icy roads, Sugarlands Visitor Center will have a delayed start at 11 am. Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Deep Creek facilities are open https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-closed-today-due-to-hazardous-conditions.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-to-reopen-some-roads-and-facilities.htm Wed, 17 Jan 2024 03:37:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sugarlands and Oconaluftee visitor centers will reopen today at 11 a.m. Cades Cove, Twin Creeks, and Tremont remain closed. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-to-reopen-some-roads-and-facilities.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/celebrate-christmas-across-the-mountains-at-sugarlands-and-oconaluftee-visitor-centers.htm Mon, 04 Dec 2023 04:55:00 EST The National Park Service invites visitors to experience the spirit of the season at Great Smoky Mountains National Park during two popular holiday events on Saturday, December 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/celebrate-christmas-across-the-mountains-at-sugarlands-and-oconaluftee-visitor-centers.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/look-before-you-click-national-park-service-investigates-online-scamming-attempt.htm Thu, 30 Nov 2023 07:30:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) is investigating an online scam selling fraudulent parking tags to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Someone posing as the National Park Service is directing individuals and organizations to a website titled "Smokies Park Pass." This website looks like it belongs to our park partner, Smokies Life, but it is not a Smokies Life or NPS website. Please don't visit or buy parking tags from this website.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/look-before-you-click-national-park-service-investigates-online-scamming-attempt.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/campfire-ban-lifted-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Wed, 29 Nov 2023 06:03:00 EST Effective Wednesday, November 29, the burn ban is lifted at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/campfire-ban-lifted-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/public-assistance-needed-to-identify-those-responsible-for-suspected-arson-fire-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:08:00 EST The National Park Service is requesting the public’s help in identifying those responsible for the start of the Rich Mountain Fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The initial investigation indicates that two fires were started on Nov. 20 in the Rich Mountain area by an unknown arsonist. The fires were started under high wind conditions, a red flag warning and a park-wide burn ban. The Rich Mountain Fire was reported on Nov. 20 around 2:30 pm near the intersection of Old Cades Cove Road and Rich Mountain Road. The fire prompted an early-morning voluntary evacuation of homes near the park boundary on Nov. 21. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/public-assistance-needed-to-identify-those-responsible-for-suspected-arson-fire-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/roads-and-facilities-start-to-reopen-across-park.htm Tue, 21 Nov 2023 12:18:00 EST After assessing conditions and removing downed trees, debris and other hazards, park rangers and park maintenance staff have started reopening roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/roads-and-facilities-start-to-reopen-across-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-crews-assessing-road-campground-and-facility-conditions.htm Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:49:00 EST Park rangers and maintenance teams are beginning to assess roads, campgrounds and facilities across Great Smoky Mountains National Park for any damages sustained during the severe weather of the last 24 hours. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-crews-assessing-road-campground-and-facility-conditions.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rich-mountain-fire-update-for-tuesday-november-21.htm Tue, 21 Nov 2023 05:13:00 EST Late last night, firefighters mapped the Rich Mountain Fire and estimated the fire’s size at less than 2 acres. Around 2 a.m. today, winds from the south caused the fire to grow to about 6 acres. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rich-mountain-fire-update-for-tuesday-november-21.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/firefighters-respond-to-wildfire-near-rich-mountain-road-and-extinguish-small-fires-in-tennessee-and-north-carolina.htm Mon, 20 Nov 2023 12:35:00 EST Wildland firefighters are responding to a wildfire near Rich Mountain Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/firefighters-respond-to-wildfire-near-rich-mountain-road-and-extinguish-small-fires-in-tennessee-and-north-carolina.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-campgrounds-and-roadways-to-close-in-advance-of-high-winds-and-red-flag-warning.htm Mon, 20 Nov 2023 06:17:00 EST In advance of severe weather, dangerously high winds, and a red flag warning, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close Elkmont and Cades Cove campgrounds and most park roads to protect visitors, employees and park resources. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-campgrounds-and-roadways-to-close-in-advance-of-high-winds-and-red-flag-warning.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/parkwide-campfire-ban-issued-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:23:00 EST Due to continued dry conditions and high fire danger, the National Park Service (NPS) is banning all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park effective immediately. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/parkwide-campfire-ban-issued-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-implements-backcountry-fire-restrictions.htm Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:03:00 EST Due to dry conditions and the increased risk for wildfires, the National Park Service (NPS) is temporarily banning backcountry campfires in Great Smoky Mountains National Park effective immediately. The fire restriction will be in effect until further notice. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-implements-backcountry-fire-restrictions.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/prescribed-burns-planned-for-cades-cove.htm Thu, 02 Nov 2023 10:50:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) plans to burn approximately 1,200 acres of fields in Cades Cove at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Weather permitting, burn operations may begin as early as Nov. 3. These seasonal prescribed fires help to safely reduce fuels, restore meadow habitats and maintain the historic landscape of Cades Cove. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/prescribed-burns-planned-for-cades-cove.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-and-area-partners-to-take-part-in-6th-annual-fontana-lakeshore-trash-cleanup.htm Fri, 27 Oct 2023 07:08:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites volunteers to join park rangers and community members for the sixth annual Fontana Lakeshore cleanup. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-and-area-partners-to-take-part-in-6th-annual-fontana-lakeshore-trash-cleanup.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-takes-next-steps-to-improve-visitor-experience-at-laurel-falls-trail.htm Wed, 25 Oct 2023 05:28:00 EST The National Park Service is taking steps to improve the visitor experience at Laurel Falls Trail—one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-takes-next-steps-to-improve-visitor-experience-at-laurel-falls-trail.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-volunteers-to-help-manage-next-year-s-elk-viewing.htm Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:02:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers are looking for volunteers to expand their Elk Volunteer-in-Park program for the 2024 season. Volunteers are needed to help manage elk viewing opportunities in the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-volunteers-to-help-manage-next-year-s-elk-viewing.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-seeks-public-comment-on-foothills-parkway-section-8d.htm Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:05:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting comments through November 18 for the proposed construction of Foothills Parkway Section 8D in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed project that would extend the parkway within the existing NPS-managed corridor approximately 9 miles from Wears Valley to the Spur near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-seeks-public-comment-on-foothills-parkway-section-8d.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/learn-to-fish-clinic-and-old-time-music-jam-offered-at-oconaluftee-visitor-center.htm Fri, 06 Oct 2023 07:56:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host a free youth fishing clinic and an Old Time Music Jam at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Both events are free and open to the public. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/learn-to-fish-clinic-and-old-time-music-jam-offered-at-oconaluftee-visitor-center.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/lake-fire-contained-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Thu, 28 Sep 2023 12:25:00 EST Firefighters have successfully contained the 10-acre Lake Fire near Campsite 87 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/lake-fire-contained-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-reports-5-10-acre-wildfire-on-fontana-lake-shore.htm Tue, 26 Sep 2023 16:16:00 EST Park firefighters are suppressing a 5-10 acre wildland fire near backcountry campsite 87 on Fontana Lake’s shore. The Lake Fire was reported at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-reports-5-10-acre-wildfire-on-fontana-lake-shore.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/expect-single-lane-closures-on-the-spur-next-week-for-mowing-and-litter-removal.htm Thu, 21 Sep 2023 11:20:00 EST Park will implement single-lane closures on the Spur from Monday, Sept. 25 through Thursday, Sept 28 to allow staff to safely mow and remove litter. The Spur, which connects Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, will remain open but drivers should expect delays. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/expect-single-lane-closures-on-the-spur-next-week-for-mowing-and-litter-removal.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/public-invited-to-watch-artists-paint-across-the-park-sept-24-28.htm Thu, 21 Sep 2023 04:30:00 EST For the second year in a row, Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites the public to watch 20 nationally acclaimed artists paint “en plein air” (in open air) across the park Sunday, September 24 through Thursday, September 28. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/public-invited-to-watch-artists-paint-across-the-park-sept-24-28.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/mountain-life-festival-returns-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Thu, 14 Sep 2023 08:04:00 EST Following a three-year absence, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will again host its popular Mountain Life Festival at the Mountain Farm Museum on Saturday, September 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event preserves the legacy of the diverse Appalachian customs practiced for generations by the many families who lived on lands that later became Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/mountain-life-festival-returns-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/visitors-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-spent-2-1-billion-in-local-communities-in-2022.htm Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:06:00 EST A new National Park Service report shows that 12.9 million visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2022 spent $2.1 billion in communities near the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/visitors-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-spent-2-1-billion-in-local-communities-in-2022.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-closures-on-the-spur-and-alum-cave-trail.htm Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:43:00 EST Maintenance crews will implement one-lane closures on the Spur for debris removal and mowing. Crews will also close Alum Cave Trail to repair a bridge. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-closures-on-the-spur-and-alum-cave-trail.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-announces-closure-dates-for-lakeview-drive-construction.htm Wed, 09 Aug 2023 12:15:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Lakeview Drive will be closed from August 14 to November 14 for reconstruction. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-announces-closure-dates-for-lakeview-drive-construction.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rich-mountain-road-closed-due-to-bear-activity.htm Sat, 05 Aug 2023 10:53:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Rich Mountain Road in the Cades Cove area will be closed to all traffic starting Saturday, August 5, until further notice. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/rich-mountain-road-closed-due-to-bear-activity.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/little-river-trail-to-close-for-repairs-july-31.htm Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:17:00 EST Park officials announced that Little River Trail will be closed from July 31 through September 7 for trail repair and rehabilitation. Little River Trail and backcountry campsites 24 and 30 will be closed Monday through Thursday each week. The trail and backcountry campsites will reopen to visitors Fridays through Sundays and on federal holidays. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/little-river-trail-to-close-for-repairs-july-31.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-road-work-near-wiley-oakley-bridge-on-the-spur.htm Wed, 26 Jul 2023 09:22:00 EST Park engineers and an engineering consulting firm will perform geotechnical drilling near Wiley Oakley Bridge along the Spur Road starting July 31. The work will last about one week. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-road-work-near-wiley-oakley-bridge-on-the-spur.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/african-american-experiences-in-the-smokies-project-hosts-tray-wellington-concert-to-celebrate-african-american-music-in-appalachia.htm Thu, 20 Jul 2023 10:25:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite the public to join a concert by the Tray Wellington Band on Saturday, July 29 at 11 a.m. at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/african-american-experiences-in-the-smokies-project-hosts-tray-wellington-concert-to-celebrate-african-american-music-in-appalachia.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-announces-upcoming-north-carolina-road-construction-funded-by-the-great-american-outdoors-act.htm Wed, 12 Jul 2023 07:17:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is using nearly $19 million in funding from the Great American Outdoors Act to reconstruct Lakeview Drive and repair Heintooga Ridge Road this summer. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-announces-upcoming-north-carolina-road-construction-funded-by-the-great-american-outdoors-act.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/laurel-falls-trail-to-close-july-11-for-tree-removal-and-bridge-repair.htm Fri, 07 Jul 2023 09:34:00 EST Park officials announced a temporary one-day closure of Laurel Falls Trail on Tuesday, July 11 while trail crews remove downed trees and repair damages to the bridge. A tree came down on the bridge at Laurel Falls, blocking the route and damaging the bridge’s handrails. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/laurel-falls-trail-to-close-july-11-for-tree-removal-and-bridge-repair.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-and-partners-to-offer-adaptive-programs.htm Fri, 07 Jul 2023 05:52:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in partnership with Knox County, Catalyst Sports, and Friends of the Smokies, will make public lands more accessible for visitors of all abilities by offering three adaptive programs this summer. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-and-partners-to-offer-adaptive-programs.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/look-rock-tower-closed-july-10-to-july-15-for-radio-system-upgrade.htm Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:06:00 EST Park officials announced that the observation tower and access trail at Look Rock, located on the Foothills Parkway, will be closed to visitors from Monday, July 10 to Saturday, July 15, weather depending. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/look-rock-tower-closed-july-10-to-july-15-for-radio-system-upgrade.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-finding-of-no-significant-impact-for-gatlinburg-spur-improvements.htm Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:22:00 EST The National Park Service issued a decision and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Gatlinburg Spur Improvements Environmental Assessment (EA). https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-finding-of-no-significant-impact-for-gatlinburg-spur-improvements.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/walker-sisters-cabin-renovations-complete.htm Wed, 21 Jun 2023 12:22:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are pleased to announce that the Walker Sisters Cabin is once again open to the public. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/walker-sisters-cabin-renovations-complete.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/community-programs-offered-at-cosby-campground-this-summer.htm Thu, 15 Jun 2023 07:11:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite the public to attend “Celebrating Cosby: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” community programs every Friday from June 23 through July 14 at the Cosby Campground Amphitheater. The programs honor the rich cultural and natural history of the Cosby area through storytelling, dance, music, and history walks. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/community-programs-offered-at-cosby-campground-this-summer.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/african-american-experiences-in-the-smokies-project-unveils-two-waysides-with-new-performance-by-musician-eric-mingus.htm Mon, 22 May 2023 05:43:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite members of the public to join an event unveiling two new waysides at Mingus Mill on Tuesday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m. The new waysides are a part of the larger African American Experiences in the Smokies project. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/african-american-experiences-in-the-smokies-project-unveils-two-waysides-with-new-performance-by-musician-eric-mingus.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-and-city-of-gatlinburg-launch-bilingual-storybook-trails-of-the-smokies.htm Wed, 17 May 2023 04:28:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park, City of Gatlinburg--Parks and Recreation, Great Smoky Mountains Association, and Sevier County School System are launching bilingual Storybook Trails across public parks on Friday, May 19, 2023. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-and-city-of-gatlinburg-launch-bilingual-storybook-trails-of-the-smokies.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ramsey-cascades-trail-to-open-for-weekend-use.htm Thu, 11 May 2023 07:12:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that as of May 8, Ramsey Cascades Trail and Ramsey Prong Road will be open Friday through Sunday each week, and on federal holidays. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ramsey-cascades-trail-to-open-for-weekend-use.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/active-field-search-for-gordon-kaye-to-end-today.htm Sat, 06 May 2023 16:45:00 EST After an extensive 11-day search, Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced today that they will suspend the active field search for Gordon Kaye. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/active-field-search-for-gordon-kaye-to-end-today.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-rangers-scaling-back-on-search-for-gordon-kaye.htm Wed, 03 May 2023 10:42:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers and search teams will begin to reduce the scale of the search for Gordon Kaye. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-rangers-scaling-back-on-search-for-gordon-kaye.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-public-review-of-laurel-falls-trail-management-plan-environmental-assessment.htm Wed, 03 May 2023 10:11:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park seeks public review of the Laurel Falls Trail Environmental Assessment (EA) through Friday, June 2, 2023. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-public-review-of-laurel-falls-trail-management-plan-environmental-assessment.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/search-continues-for-man-missing-in-deep-creek-area.htm Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:02:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers, with assistance from 29 area agencies, continued searching the Deep Creek area this weekend for missing 68-year-old Gordon Kaye, of Tampa, FL. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/search-continues-for-man-missing-in-deep-creek-area.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-road-and-porters-creek-trail-open.htm Fri, 28 Apr 2023 06:21:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Greenbrier Road, Porters Creek Trail, Brushy Mountain Trail, and campsites 31, 32, and 33 are now open to public use. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-road-and-porters-creek-trail-open.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-rangers-searching-for-missing-man-near-deep-creek.htm Thu, 27 Apr 2023 13:49:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers are searching for a 69-year-old man in the Deep Creek area of the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-rangers-searching-for-missing-man-near-deep-creek.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/synchronous-firefly-lottery-and-viewing-dates-announced.htm Tue, 25 Apr 2023 11:50:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont from Sunday, June 4 through Sunday, June 11. The public may apply for the limited viewing opportunity by entering a lottery for a vehicle reservation through www.recreation.gov. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/synchronous-firefly-lottery-and-viewing-dates-announced.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/special-programs-offered-for-american-sign-language-day-at-cades-cove.htm Thu, 06 Apr 2023 12:10:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is incorporating American Sign Language (ASL) into its Cades Cove educational programs on Saturday, April 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate National American Sign Language Day. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/special-programs-offered-for-american-sign-language-day-at-cades-cove.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/some-greenbrier-locations-to-open-april-7.htm Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:33:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Greenbrier Road will be open as far as the ranger station for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians on Friday, April 7. Old Settlers Trail and Grapeyard Ridge Trail will also be open. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/some-greenbrier-locations-to-open-april-7.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/whiteoak-sink-group-size-limited-for-wildflower-viewing.htm Mon, 27 Mar 2023 05:47:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced group size limits for the popular wildflower season at Whiteoak Sink. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/whiteoak-sink-group-size-limited-for-wildflower-viewing.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/local-companies-offer-shuttle-services-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Wed, 15 Mar 2023 07:51:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are pleased to announce shuttle services for visitors to access some of the most popular park destinations. Several local commercial businesses will provide shuttle services to locations where visitor demand often exceeds parking capacity. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/local-companies-offer-shuttle-services-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/-adopt-a-cabin-volunteers-needed-to-clean-cades-cove-cabins.htm Fri, 10 Mar 2023 05:34:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to 'Adopt-a-Cabin' in Cades Cove. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/-adopt-a-cabin-volunteers-needed-to-clean-cades-cove-cabins.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-fire-crews-plan-cades-cove-prescribed-burns.htm Mon, 06 Mar 2023 07:12:00 EST Recent favorable weather conditions have allowed Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Appalachian Piedmont Coastal Fire Management staff to plan upcoming prescribed burns in the Cades Cove area. Burn operations may occur between March 6 and April 1 in several fields of Cades Cove. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-fire-crews-plan-cades-cove-prescribed-burns.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/second-busiest-year-ever-recorded-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-in-2022.htm Mon, 27 Feb 2023 11:39:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park experienced its second busiest year ever in 2022 with 12,937,633 visits. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/second-busiest-year-ever-recorded-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-in-2022.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/construction-work-on-spur-tunnel-to-switch-lanes.htm Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:42:00 EST Much of the maintenance on one side of the Spur Tunnel is complete, allowing contractors to begin work on the other side. Depending on weather conditions and arrival of supplies, the single-lane closure will switch to the opposite lane sometime between March 1 and March 3. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/construction-work-on-spur-tunnel-to-switch-lanes.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-reminds-visitors-of-parking-tag-requirement.htm Thu, 23 Feb 2023 03:23:00 EST On March 1, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will launch the ‘Park it Forward’ program which requires visitors to buy and display a valid parking tag for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-reminds-visitors-of-parking-tag-requirement.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/spring-prescribed-fires-planned-in-cades-cove.htm Wed, 08 Feb 2023 11:21:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Appalachian Piedmont Coastal Fire Management Zone staff plan to burn approximately 925 acres of fields in the Cades Cove area. Weather permitting, burn operations will occur between Monday, February 13 and Friday, March 3. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/spring-prescribed-fires-planned-in-cades-cove.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-area-to-close-for-road-repairs.htm Fri, 03 Feb 2023 03:15:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Greenbrier Road at U.S. 321 and access into the Greenbrier area will be closed to all use starting February 13 for road construction. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-area-to-close-for-road-repairs.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-upcoming-bridge-closures-for-routine-repairs.htm Mon, 23 Jan 2023 08:07:00 EST Routine bridge improvements will occur at four bridges in the park over the next several weeks. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-upcoming-bridge-closures-for-routine-repairs.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-announces-early-sale-of-park-it-forward-annual-parking-tags.htm Tue, 17 Jan 2023 06:42:00 EST On March 1, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will launch the ‘Park it Forward’ program which requires visitors to buy and display a valid parking tag for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes. To make the transition as smooth as possible, the park will offer early sales of annual parking tags starting January 17. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-announces-early-sale-of-park-it-forward-annual-parking-tags.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cherokee-orchard-road-and-twin-creeks-trail-to-close-january-9-to-january-13-for-maintenance-work.htm Tue, 03 Jan 2023 08:10:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials will close Cherokee Orchard Road Monday, January 9 through Friday, January 13 while crews install boulders along the road shoulders. At the same time, Richmond Tree Experts will take advantage of the road closure and remove damaged trees along the roadside. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cherokee-orchard-road-and-twin-creeks-trail-to-close-january-9-to-january-13-for-maintenance-work.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-finding-of-no-significant-impact-for-the-wears-valley-mountain-bike-trail-system.htm Thu, 29 Dec 2022 08:03:00 EST The National Park Service issued a decision and a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Wears Valley Mountain Bike Trail System Environmental Assessment. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-finding-of-no-significant-impact-for-the-wears-valley-mountain-bike-trail-system.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-welcomes-new-park-ranger-to-oversee-lands-office.htm Wed, 28 Dec 2022 11:39:00 EST Park officials recently selected staff park ranger Joshua Johnson to serve as the park’s Lands Specialist to provide dedicated oversight of lands entrusted to the National Park Service. Parklands encompass 522,426 acres, including the 68-mile Foothills Parkway corridor between Chilhowee Lake and Cosby. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-welcomes-new-park-ranger-to-oversee-lands-office.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/spur-tunnel-construction-to-begin-january-3.htm Tue, 27 Dec 2022 05:59:00 EST Traffic on the northbound Spur will be reduced to one lane from January 3 through April 7, 2023, to allow for repairs to the Spur Tunnel. While the single-lane closures will cause temporary delays, the repairs are necessary to address water leaks and lighting improvements. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/spur-tunnel-construction-to-begin-january-3.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-management-team-welcomes-three-new-members.htm Thu, 22 Dec 2022 09:28:00 EST Park officials welcomed three new members to the Park Management Team this year. Barbara Hatcher stepped in as the new Chief of Facility Management, Jamie Cupples joined as the new Chief of Administration and Business Services, and Emily Davis will serve as the park’s public affairs specialist and spokesperson. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-management-team-welcomes-three-new-members.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/kayaker-recovered-at-the-sinks.htm Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:10:00 EST Water level receded in the Little River overnight making it possible for National Park Service rangers to recover the body of 61-year-old Carl Keaney of Knoxville, TN. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/kayaker-recovered-at-the-sinks.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/recovery-effort-underway-near-the-sinks-little-river-road-closed-from-metcalf-to-townsend-wye.htm Sat, 17 Dec 2022 06:24:00 EST Around 3:40 p.m. on Friday, December 16 Great Smoky Mountains National Park dispatch received a call that a 61-year-old man had disappeared underwater while kayaking above The Sinks and did not resurface. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/recovery-effort-underway-near-the-sinks-little-river-road-closed-from-metcalf-to-townsend-wye.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-takes-steps-to-increase-parking-safety-near-busy-trailheads.htm Mon, 12 Dec 2022 04:42:00 EST Park will begin implementing temporary, single-lane road closures at several locations this week for the installation of permanent roadside protection measures at busy park destinations to eliminate unsafe, damaging roadside parking. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-takes-steps-to-increase-parking-safety-near-busy-trailheads.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/construction-contract-opportunity-announced-for-sugarlands-area-buildings.htm Fri, 09 Dec 2022 05:14:00 EST The National Park Service Denver Service Center is soliciting proposals for rehabilitation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters and various other construction work in the Sugarlands area. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/construction-contract-opportunity-announced-for-sugarlands-area-buildings.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/laurel-falls-trail-temporarily-closed-december-12-and-13.htm Thu, 08 Dec 2022 10:38:00 EST Park officials announced that a geotechnical crew will implement a temporary closure of Laurel Falls Trail Monday, December 12 and Tuesday, December 13 to accommodate survey work. The trail will be closed to all use. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/laurel-falls-trail-temporarily-closed-december-12-and-13.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-air-tour-management-plan-completed.htm Wed, 07 Dec 2022 05:00:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completed an air tour management plan for Great Smoky Mountains National Park on December 3, 2022. The plan establishes measures to protect park resources including natural and cultural resources, preservation of wilderness character, and visitor experience. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-air-tour-management-plan-completed.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/single-lane-closures-planned-on-the-bypass-for-tree-removal.htm Fri, 02 Dec 2022 03:49:00 EST Park officials announced that Richmond Tree Experts will implement temporary, single-lane road closures along the Bypass for tree removal Monday, December 5 through Thursday, December 8. The Bypass, between the Spur and U.S. Route 441, will remain open but motorists should expect delays. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/single-lane-closures-planned-on-the-bypass-for-tree-removal.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-public-input-on-proposed-laurel-falls-trail-management-plan-environmental-assessment.htm Thu, 01 Dec 2022 08:07:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Laurel Falls Trail Management Plan and is seeking public input beginning December 1 through January 6. The plan addresses visitor experience and safety, parking, and trail infrastructure rehabilitation for one of the most visited trails in the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-public-input-on-proposed-laurel-falls-trail-management-plan-environmental-assessment.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-to-host-holiday-homecoming-at-oconaluftee-visitor-center.htm Thu, 01 Dec 2022 05:05:00 EST Park will host a Holiday Homecoming at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum on Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors of all ages can celebrate winter holiday traditions from multiple cultural groups who call Southern Appalachia home. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-to-host-holiday-homecoming-at-oconaluftee-visitor-center.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-help-identifying-historic-homesites.htm Wed, 30 Nov 2022 06:37:00 EST Park volunteers and staff are seeking help to identify and document former homesites in the park. The public is invited to the King Family Library in Sevierville, TN on Saturday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn more about the project and to add copies of their historical records to the park’s collection. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-help-identifying-historic-homesites.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-plans-2023-lane-closure-on-spur-for-tunnel-repairs.htm Mon, 28 Nov 2022 07:12:00 EST Park officials announced that traffic on the northbound Spur will be reduced to one lane on January 3 through April 7, 2023, to allow for tunnel repairs. Concrete barriers will be placed along the center line of the tunnel to allow crews to make repairs within the closed lane, while allowing through traffic on the open lane. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-plans-2023-lane-closure-on-spur-for-tunnel-repairs.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/single-lane-closures-planned-on-the-spur-for-tree-removal.htm Thu, 17 Nov 2022 11:28:00 EST Park officials announced that Richmond Tree Experts will implement temporary, single-lane road closures along the Spur for tree removal Monday, November 28 through Thursday, December 1. The Spur, between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, will remain open, but motorists should expect delays.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/single-lane-closures-planned-on-the-spur-for-tree-removal.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/repair-work-begins-on-bridges-across-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:09:00 EST Park officials announced that the Federal Highway Administration awarded a construction contract to conduct routine bridge repairs at 19 locations across the park through August 2023. Crews will implement single-lane closures in most locations to safely accomplish work, however, full road closures will be necessary at a few, select sites.    https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/repair-work-begins-on-bridges-across-great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-gatlinburg-trail-and-twin-creeks-trail-reopen.htm Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:33:00 EST Park officials reopened the Gatlinburg Trail between Gatlinburg and Sugarlands Visitor Center, and also the Twin Creeks Trail between Gatlinburg and the Twin Creeks Science and Education Center. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-gatlinburg-trail-and-twin-creeks-trail-reopen.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-park-fire-near-chilhowee-lake-now-100-contained.htm Wed, 09 Nov 2022 10:19:00 EST Park officials reported that the wildfire near Chilhowee Lake is now 100% contained. Firefighters removed damaged trees along Highway 129 to reduce roadside hazards for motorists. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-park-fire-near-chilhowee-lake-now-100-contained.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-park-fire-near-chilhowee-lake-90-contained.htm Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:31:00 EST Park officials reported that the wildfire near Chilhowee Lake is currently 90% contained. Incident Commander Erik Newell coordinated wildland firefighter response to the wildfire which is estimated to be approximately 40 acres in size and is located on the western boundary of the park along Highway 129 near mile marker 4.5.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-park-fire-near-chilhowee-lake-90-contained.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fire-crews-work-to-suppress-30-acre-wildfire-in-western-end-of-park.htm Sun, 06 Nov 2022 12:32:00 EST On Sunday, November 6, at 11:37 a.m., Blount County notified Great Smoky Mountains National Park that an approximately five-acre wildfire was reported along the western boundary of the park along Highway 129 near mile marker 4.5. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fire-crews-work-to-suppress-30-acre-wildfire-in-western-end-of-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/laurel-falls-trail-temporarily-closed-nov-7-17.htm Fri, 04 Nov 2022 11:30:00 EST Park officials announced that a geotechnical crew will implement a temporary, weekday closure of Laurel Falls Trail beginning Monday, November 7 through Thursday, November 17 to accommodate survey work. The trail will be closed to all use, Monday through Thursday, during the closure period. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/laurel-falls-trail-temporarily-closed-nov-7-17.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cades-cove-prescribed-burn-operations-planned-for-november-3-4-2022.htm Tue, 01 Nov 2022 13:33:00 EST UPDATE: Cades Cove prescribed burn operations are currently planned for Thursday, November 3 and Friday, November 4, weather permitting. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cades-cove-prescribed-burn-operations-planned-for-november-3-4-2022.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-plans-prescribed-burns-in-cades-cove-november-2022.htm Thu, 27 Oct 2022 04:25:00 EST The Park and Appalachian Piedmont Coastal Fire Management Zone staff plan to burn approximately 1,200 acres of fields in Cades Cove. Weather permitting, burn operations will occur between Tuesday, November 1 and Tuesday, November 22.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-plans-prescribed-burns-in-cades-cove-november-2022.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-temporarily-closes-trails-in-the-gatlinburg-area-due-to-bear-activity.htm Wed, 26 Oct 2022 13:20:00 EST Park officials temporarily closed the Gatlinburg Trail between Gatlinburg and Sugarlands Visitor Center, and also the Twin Creeks Trail between Gatlinburg and the Twin Creeks Science and Education Center. Both trails are closed due to a large concentration of black bears feeding on acorns. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-temporarily-closes-trails-in-the-gatlinburg-area-due-to-bear-activity.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-issues-a-finding-of-no-significant-impact-for-balsam-mountain-campground-and-heintooga-picnic-area-water-and-wastewater-environmental-assessment.htm Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:31:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Balsam Mountain Campground and Heintooga Picnic Area Water and Wastewater Environmental Assessment (EA). https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-issues-a-finding-of-no-significant-impact-for-balsam-mountain-campground-and-heintooga-picnic-area-water-and-wastewater-environmental-assessment.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-reopens-look-rock-campground-after-nine-year-closure.htm Fri, 14 Oct 2022 07:33:00 EST Park officials announced the reopening of Look Rock Campground following a nine-year closure. The 68-site campground will open on Saturday, October 15 through Sunday, November 13, providing a unique, fall camping opportunity in 2022.    https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-reopens-look-rock-campground-after-nine-year-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-visitors-to-we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-storybook-trail-beginning-saturday-october-8.htm Mon, 03 Oct 2022 12:08:00 EST Cherokee, NC - Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites visitors to experience the “We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga” Storybook Trail on Saturday, October 8 through Friday, November 4 on the Oconaluftee River Trail near Cherokee, NC. This unique opportunity allows visitors of all ages to learn about Cherokee culture through dual language, storybook panels. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-visitors-to-we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-storybook-trail-beginning-saturday-october-8.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/temporary-closures-on-spur-and-roaring-fork-motor-nature-trail-on-thursday-september-29.htm Wed, 28 Sep 2022 07:33:00 EST Park maintenance crews will implement a temporary, single-lane closure on the northbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge on Thursday, September 29 to complete routine maintenance operations started earlier this month. The single-lane closure will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Park crews will also temporarily close Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail on Thursday, September 29 until 9:00 a.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/temporary-closures-on-spur-and-roaring-fork-motor-nature-trail-on-thursday-september-29.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-public-lands-day-event-promotes-stewardship-and-health.htm Mon, 26 Sep 2022 09:39:00 EST On Saturday, September 24, National Park Service Director Chuck Sams traveled to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to commemorate National Public Lands Day (NPLD) by thanking volunteers for their stewardship in America’s most visited National Park. Rear Admiral Denise Hinton, U.S. Deputy Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed; National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) President and CEO Meri-Margaret Deoudes; and Superintendent Cassius Cash also provided remarks at the kickoff event that highlighted the significance of our public lands for the health and wellbeing of visitors. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-public-lands-day-event-promotes-stewardship-and-health.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/public-invited-to-watch-artists-paint-across-the-park-sept-26-30.htm Fri, 23 Sep 2022 06:57:00 EST Park invites the public to watch 20 nationally acclaimed artists paint “en plein air” (in open air) style across the park beginning Monday, September 26 through Friday, September 30. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/public-invited-to-watch-artists-paint-across-the-park-sept-26-30.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-public-to-national-public-lands-day-volunteer-kickoff-event.htm Thu, 15 Sep 2022 11:20:00 EST Park invites the public to join Superintendent Cassius Cash for a National Public Lands Day (NPLD) kickoff event on Saturday, September 24 at 9:00 a.m. at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Park staff and volunteers will lead half-day and full-day service opportunities for people of all ages in celebration of the 29th National Public Lands Day. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-public-to-national-public-lands-day-volunteer-kickoff-event.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/newfound-gap-road-trike-motorcycle-fatality.htm Sat, 10 Sep 2022 10:45:00 EST Park rangers responded to a trike motorcycle accident on Newfound Gap Road approximately 9 miles south of Sugarlands Visitor Center on Friday, September 9, at approximately 11:04 a.m. Lyle Tidwell, age 85, of Cleveland, TX, lost control of his trike motorcycle near the roadway loop between Chimney Tops Trailhead and Alum Cave Trailhead. He veered across the center line and hit an oncoming vehicle. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/newfound-gap-road-trike-motorcycle-fatality.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closures-on-the-spur-9-12-to-9-22.htm Thu, 08 Sep 2022 14:17:00 EST Park maintenance crews will implement temporary, single-lane closures along the north and southbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, beginning Monday, September 12 through Thursday, September 22 for routine maintenance operations. The single-lane closures will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday each week. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closures-on-the-spur-9-12-to-9-22.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-hosts-medal-of-honor-recipients-in-cades.htm Thu, 08 Sep 2022 14:13:00 EST Park welcomed Medal of Honor Recipients and their families to Cades Cove on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Park staff and volunteers provided a guided tour for the delegation of approximately 60 participants to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove along with special programs.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-hosts-medal-of-honor-recipients-in-cades.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-celebrates-successes-of-smokies-most-wanted-initiative.htm Wed, 07 Sep 2022 06:15:00 EST Park is celebrating the success of a community science project led by nonprofit partner Discover Life in America (DLiA) called Smokies Most Wanted. The initiative encourages visitors to record life they find in the park through the iNaturalist nature app. DLiA and the park use these data points to map species’ ranges, track exotic species, and even discover new kinds of life in the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-celebrates-successes-of-smokies-most-wanted-initiative.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-upcoming-morning-closures-of-clingmans-dome-and-cades-cove-loop-roads.htm Fri, 19 Aug 2022 08:35:00 EST Park officials announced two morning closures of Clingmans Dome Road on Friday, August 26 and Wednesday, September 7 until 1:00 p.m. each day. The seven-mile roadway will be closed on both mornings to facilitate a special curriculum-based education program. On Thursday, September 8, Cades Cove Loop Road will be closed until 3:30 p.m. to accommodate an additional education program. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-upcoming-morning-closures-of-clingmans-dome-and-cades-cove-loop-roads.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/postponed-event-park-invites-the-public-to-the-swain-county-visitor-center-and-heritage-museum-for-help-in-identifying-historic-homesites.htm Fri, 19 Aug 2022 08:20:00 EST Due to illness, the historic homesite research opportunity at the Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum has been postponed. The opportunity was previously scheduled for tomorrow, August 20. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/postponed-event-park-invites-the-public-to-the-swain-county-visitor-center-and-heritage-museum-for-help-in-identifying-historic-homesites.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-2023-fee-program-changes.htm Mon, 15 Aug 2022 05:08:00 EST Park leadership announced the decision to adopt the Park it Forward parking tag program and to increase camping fees beginning next year. Parking tags will be required to be displayed on any motor vehicle parked within the park boundary beginning March 1, 2023. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-2023-fee-program-changes.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-the-public-to-the-swain-county-visitor-center-and-heritage-museum-for-help-in-identifying-historic-homesites.htm Fri, 12 Aug 2022 04:00:00 EST Park is seeking help to identify and document former homesite locations in the park. The public is invited to join Volunteer-In-Park Frank March and Park Archivist Mike Aday at the Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum on Saturday, August 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to learn more about the project and to add copies of their historic records to the collection. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-the-public-to-the-swain-county-visitor-center-and-heritage-museum-for-help-in-identifying-historic-homesites.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closures-on-the-spur-august-15-25.htm Thu, 11 Aug 2022 09:00:00 EST Park maintenance crews will implement temporary, single-lane closures along the north and southbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, beginning Monday, August 15 through Thursday, August 25 for routine maintenance operations. The single-lane closures will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday each week. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closures-on-the-spur-august-15-25.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/missing-tennessee-man-found-deceased-by-park-rangers.htm Fri, 05 Aug 2022 13:55:00 EST Park rangers found the deceased body of a missing Tennessee man in a remote section of the park near Balsam Mountain, North Carolina. Bryce Evans, age 23, of Knoxville, TN, was reported missing by his family earlier this week. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/missing-tennessee-man-found-deceased-by-park-rangers.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/young-girl-dies-after-tree-falls-on-tent.htm Wed, 27 Jul 2022 06:55:00 EST Park rangers responded to an emergency in Elkmont Campground at approximately 12:30 a.m. on July 27, 2022, after a tree fell on a tent and resulted in the death of a seven-year-old girl from Georgia. The other family members, including father and two siblings, were not injured. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/young-girl-dies-after-tree-falls-on-tent.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/additional-flooding-causes-full-greenbrier-closure.htm Thu, 21 Jul 2022 09:15:00 EST Park officials have closed the Greenbrier area to all use due to additional road damage caused by an estimated three inches of rain occurring during the early morning hours on Thursday, July 21. Roads were further damaged by floodwaters that rose above riverbanks and also from overland water flow from above the roadways. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/additional-flooding-causes-full-greenbrier-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/weekday-closure-for-pedestrians-and-motorists-at-greenbrier-for-roadway-repair.htm Mon, 18 Jul 2022 05:40:00 EST Park officials have implemented a full closure of the Greenbrier area during the week, Monday through Thursday, to accommodate road repairs through July 28. This temporary closure is necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and efficient operations of heavy equipment along the roadway. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/weekday-closure-for-pedestrians-and-motorists-at-greenbrier-for-roadway-repair.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/updated-greenbrier-temporary-closures.htm Fri, 15 Jul 2022 12:45:00 EST Park officials reopened limited access to the Greenbrier area of the park. The first half mile of the Greenbrier entrance road is now open to motorists, which allows access to a couple of parking areas. Pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to use 2.5 miles of roadway beyond this point to the intersection with Ramsey Prong Road. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/updated-greenbrier-temporary-closures.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-roads-trails-and-picnic-area-temporarily-closed-due-to-flooding.htm Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:25:00 EST Park temporarily closed roads, trails, and facilities in the Greenbrier area of the park to all motorists and pedestrians due to flood damage. On Tuesday, July 12, the Porters Gap area received an estimated 8.72 inches of rain within several hours. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-roads-trails-and-picnic-area-temporarily-closed-due-to-flooding.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-public-to-review-balsam-mountain-water-and-wastewater-environmental-assessment.htm Mon, 11 Jul 2022 13:05:00 EST Park seeks public review of the Balsam Mountain Campground and Heintooga Picnic Area Water and Wastewater Environmental Assessment (EA) through Tuesday, July 26, 2022. The park is proposing to rehabilitate the water and wastewater systems, which were originally built in 1953-1955. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-public-to-review-balsam-mountain-water-and-wastewater-environmental-assessment.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/big-creek-trail-reopens-to-the-public.htm Tue, 05 Jul 2022 12:05:00 EST Park reopened Big Creek Trail following an eight-week closure for a trail rehabilitation project. The park trail crew made much needed improvements along the entire 5.6-mile Big Creek Trail by repairing the tread surface and removing hazard trees.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/big-creek-trail-reopens-to-the-public.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/experience-the-park-through-smokies-service-days.htm Thu, 30 Jun 2022 07:40:00 EST Park is hosting park-led ‘work-togethers’ on weekends throughout the year as part of Smokies Service Days. Individuals and groups are invited to sign up for these volunteer opportunities to help care for park resources, trails, and facilities. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/experience-the-park-through-smokies-service-days.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/foothills-parkway-new-temporary-closure-begins-june-20.htm Fri, 17 Jun 2022 10:35:00 EST Park officials remind the public that the Foothills Parkway will be fully closed from the Flats Road intersection near Look Rock to the Highway 321 intersection near Walland, TN beginning Monday, June 20 through Wednesday, August 31 for a paving project. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/foothills-parkway-new-temporary-closure-begins-june-20.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-responds-to-bear-incident-in-elkmont-campground.htm Mon, 13 Jun 2022 06:00:00 EST Park wildlife biologists and park rangers responded to Elkmont Campground on Sunday, June 12, following a bear incident that resulted in human injury. After an investigation and on-the-site monitoring, wildlife biologists successfully captured the responsible bear. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-responds-to-bear-incident-in-elkmont-campground.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closures-on-the-spur-june-13-16.htm Thu, 09 Jun 2022 04:30:00 EST Park maintenance crews will implement temporary, single-lane closures along the north and southbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, beginning Monday, June 13 through Thursday, June 16 for routine maintenance operations. The single-lane closures will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closures-on-the-spur-june-13-16.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-continues-efforts-to-eliminate-unsafe-roadside-parking-at-laurel-falls-trailhead.htm Wed, 08 Jun 2022 12:55:00 EST Park staff will continue efforts to eliminate unsafe roadside parking at Laurel Falls Trailhead. Temporary roadside barriers will be re-established during the busy summer season through fall, beginning Thursday, June 9 through Sunday, October 30, 2022. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-continues-efforts-to-eliminate-unsafe-roadside-parking-at-laurel-falls-trailhead.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-help-in-identifying-historic-homesites.htm Wed, 01 Jun 2022 06:30:00 EST Park is seeking help to identify and document former homesite locations in the park. Volunteer-In-Park Frank March, in conjunction with Park Archeologist Allison Harvey, is leading these research efforts which includes documenting field locations with associated historic records. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-help-in-identifying-historic-homesites.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-reopens-parson-branch-road-after-six-year-closure.htm Thu, 26 May 2022 09:45:00 EST Park officials celebrated the reopening of Parson Branch Road with a ribbon-cutting event honoring the crews who performed the needed work and the Friends of the Smokies who provided critical funding to support the efforts. The historic gravel road, originally constructed in 1838, is now reopened to the public after a six-year closure. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-reopens-parson-branch-road-after-six-year-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-closures-for-alum-cave-and-chimney-tops-trails-due-to-newfound-gap-road-paving-project.htm Thu, 28 Apr 2022 11:00:00 EST Park officials have announced that Alum Cave and Chimney Tops Trails will be closed beginning Tuesday, May 3 through Wednesday, May 4 to accommodate repaving of all trailhead associated parking areas. This work is part of the pavement preservation project along Newfound Gap Road between Chimneys Picnic Area and Newfound Gap. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-closures-for-alum-cave-and-chimney-tops-trails-due-to-newfound-gap-road-paving-project.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/media-update-public-comment-period-on-fee-program-changes-for-2023-extended-through-may-11.htm Tue, 26 Apr 2022 11:00:00 EST Park officials announced that the public comment period on the proposed Smokies Parking Tag, camping fee, and day-use facility rate changes has been extended through May 11 due to an upcoming network outage that is scheduled to occur from April 29 through May 1. The online portal for comment submissions won't be accessible during this four-day outage. Written comments can continue to be submitted throughout the comment period. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/media-update-public-comment-period-on-fee-program-changes-for-2023-extended-through-may-11.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-synchronous-firefly-viewing-dates-for-2022.htm Tue, 26 Apr 2022 06:15:00 EST Park officials announce the annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont beginning Friday, June 3 through Friday, June 10. The public may apply for the limited viewing opportunity by entering a lottery for a vehicle pass through www.recreation.gov. The lottery opens for vehicle pass applications on Friday, April 29 at 10:00 a.m. through Tuesday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m. All applications, regardless of the time or date of entry, are considered equally in the pool of lottery applicants.   https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-synchronous-firefly-viewing-dates-for-2022.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/newfound-gap-road-paving-project-resumes-april-25.htm Wed, 20 Apr 2022 02:30:00 EST Park officials announced that daytime, single-lane closures on Newfound Gap Road will resume on April 25 to complete a paving project along an 8-mile section between Chimneys Picnic Area and Newfound Gap. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/newfound-gap-road-paving-project-resumes-april-25.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-morning-closures-of-clingmans-dome-road.htm Wed, 13 Apr 2022 05:30:00 EST Park officials announce two morning closures of Clingmans Dome Road on Tuesday, April 19 and Wednesday, April 20 until 1:00 p.m. each day. The seven-mile roadway will be closed on both mornings to facilitate a special curriculum-based education program. The closure will go into effect the night before each program day.  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-morning-closures-of-clingmans-dome-road.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/clingmans-dome-road-season-opening-delayed-until-april-11.htm Thu, 07 Apr 2022 11:00:00 EST Park officials announced that the Clingmans Dome Road season opening will be delayed until at least Monday, April 11 due to predicted winter weather. Up to seven inches of snow could occur at Clingmans Dome and other high elevation locations across the park beginning Friday, April 8 through Saturday, April 9. Weather depending, the park plans to open Clingmans Dome Road on Monday, April 11, if conditions allow.   https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/clingmans-dome-road-season-opening-delayed-until-april-11.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-public-to-comment-on-fee-program-changes-for-2023.htm Wed, 06 Apr 2022 06:00:00 EST Park officials are seeking public input on proposed fee program changes for 2023, including a new parkwide parking fee and an increase to existing fee rates at frontcountry and backcountry campsites, picnic pavilions, and day-use cabin rentals. All revenue generated through these user fees would remain in the Smokies to directly support operational costs for managing and improving services for visitors including trail maintenance, custodial services, trash removal, and supporting more law enforcement staffing across the park.   https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-public-to-comment-on-fee-program-changes-for-2023.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-closures-in-cosby-and-ramsey-cascades-trail-as-next-trails-forever-project-begins.htm Mon, 04 Apr 2022 07:30:00 EST Park officials announced that a two-year trail rehabilitation project will begin on Ramsey Cascades Trail as part of the Trails Forever program supported by Friends of the Smokies. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-closures-in-cosby-and-ramsey-cascades-trail-as-next-trails-forever-project-begins.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-reopens-roads-trails-and-backcountry-campsites-following-fire-and-wind-event.htm Fri, 01 Apr 2022 05:30:00 EST Park officials reopened all roads, trails, and backcountry campsites following closures put in place earlier this week due to the Thomas Divide Fire Complex and the wind event. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-reopens-roads-trails-and-backcountry-campsites-following-fire-and-wind-event.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-begins-closing-roads-due-to-high-wind-warning.htm Wed, 30 Mar 2022 06:05:00 EST Park officials have started closing several roads across the park in preparation for expected high winds today, Wednesday, March 30. The National Weather Service updated the High Wind Warning for the mountains to be in effect at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30 through 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 31. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-begins-closing-roads-due-to-high-wind-warning.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/thomas-divide-complex-fire-update.htm Tue, 29 Mar 2022 16:00:00 EST Park officials reported that the 960-acre Thomas Divide Complex Fire is now 60 percent contained. The Unified Command Center continued to coordinate suppression efforts with approximately 70 personnel participating as part of ground crews, engine crews, and air operations. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/thomas-divide-complex-fire-update.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/clingmans-dome-road-to-open-for-the-season-on-april-8.htm Tue, 29 Mar 2022 10:30:00 EST Park officials announced that the seasonal opening of Clingmans Dome Road will be delayed until April 8. The delay in opening is necessary to complete repairs to improve drainage in the main parking area, including a culvert replacement and roadway patching. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/clingmans-dome-road-to-open-for-the-season-on-april-8.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-plans-road-closures-due-to-high-wind-warning.htm Tue, 29 Mar 2022 10:30:00 EST Park officials plan to close several roads across the park in preparation for expected high winds on Wednesday, March 30. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the mountains beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30 through 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 31. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-plans-road-closures-due-to-high-wind-warning.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/thomas-divide-complex-fire-40-percent-contained.htm Mon, 28 Mar 2022 06:59:00 EST Park fire officials reported that the Thomas Divide Complex Fire is now 40 % contained. Park firefighters and multiple agencies continued fire suppression efforts to extinguish the Thomas Divide Complex Fire east of Bryson City, North Carolina. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/thomas-divide-complex-fire-40-percent-contained.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/thomas-divide-complex-fire-efforts-continue.htm Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:34:00 EST Park firefighters and multiple agencies continued firefighting efforts to extinguish the Thomas Divide Complex Fire east of Bryson City, North Carolina. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/thomas-divide-complex-fire-efforts-continue.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-trails-remain-closed-due-to-thomas-divide-complex-fire.htm Sun, 27 Mar 2022 03:31:00 EST Park firefighters and multiple agencies are working together to extinguish the Thomas Divide Complex Fire east of Bryson City, North Carolina. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-trails-remain-closed-due-to-thomas-divide-complex-fire.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-closes-nc-trails-and-backcountry-campsites-due-to-fire.htm Sat, 26 Mar 2022 18:34:00 EST National Park officials closed several trails and backcountry campsites at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, due to wildfire activity between Deep Creek and Newfound Gap Road in North Carolina. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-closes-nc-trails-and-backcountry-campsites-due-to-fire.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-receives-31-m-to-repair-foothills-parkway-west.htm Thu, 10 Feb 2022 03:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is using $31 million in funding from the Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) to repave the Foothills Parkway West, from Chilhowee Lake to Walland. The 17-mile roadway provides recreational experiences for more than 700,000 visitors annually. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-receives-31-m-to-repair-foothills-parkway-west.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/single-lane-closure-on-the-spur-through-november-19.htm Fri, 05 Nov 2021 12:41:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced that a weekday, single-lane closure will be implemented along the southbound Spur between the Gatlinburg Bypass intersection and the city limits of Gatlinburg through Friday, November 19. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/single-lane-closure-on-the-spur-through-november-19.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/air-tour-management-public-comment-period-extended.htm Fri, 01 Oct 2021 11:52:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are extending the public comment period on the draft Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) proposed for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Due to an error recently discovered on the project’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) home page, the comment period has been extended through October 13, 2021, to allow ample time to review materials. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/air-tour-management-public-comment-period-extended.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/madura-bear-fatality-2020.htm Thu, 19 Aug 2021 05:30:00 EST The North Carolina Chief Medical Examiner recently released a final report confirming that Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor Patrick Madura died last summer likely due to trauma caused by a bear. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/madura-bear-fatality-2020.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/laurel-falls-pilot-2021.htm Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:36:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Laurel Falls Trail parking will be available by reservation only from Sept. 7 through Oct. 3, 2021 as part of the Laurel Falls Congestion Management Pilot Project. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/laurel-falls-pilot-2021.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/2020-economic-impact.htm Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:00:00 EST A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 12,095,721 visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2020 spent $1,024,024,000 in communities near the park. That spending supported 14,707 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $1.38 billion. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/2020-economic-impact.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/vehicle-free-day-shuttle.htm Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:03:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are pleased to announce a shuttle opportunity for visitors to access Cades Cove on Vehicle-Free Wednesdays beginning July 7 through September 1. The shuttle service will be provided by Rocky Top Tours from Townsend, TN to Cades Cove between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each Wednesday. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/vehicle-free-day-shuttle.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fatal-single-car-accident-on-spur.htm Mon, 03 May 2021 04:00:00 EST Park Rangers responded to a fatality accident on the Spur at 3:06 a.m. on Sunday, May 2. Gian Montano Spagnolo, age 25, of Venezuela, was traveling south on the Spur when he lost control of his 2008 Nissan sedan near Caney Creek Road. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fatal-single-car-accident-on-spur.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-synchronous-firefly-viewing-dates.htm Tue, 27 Apr 2021 04:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont beginning Tuesday, June 1 through Tuesday, June 8. The public may apply for the limited viewing opportunity by entering a lottery for a vehicle pass through www.recreation.gov. The lottery opens for vehicle pass applications on Friday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. through Monday, May 3 at 11:59 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-synchronous-firefly-viewing-dates.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-area-closure-extended-through-may-15.htm Thu, 22 Apr 2021 04:00:00 EST Park officials announced that the Greenbrier area will remain temporarily closed beyond the Greenbrier Ranger Station to all motorists and pedestrians through May 15. The repairs were expected to be complete at the by April 23, but the work has been delayed due to the availability of construction materials for the Ramsey Prong bridge replacement and the Porters Creek culvert replacement. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-area-closure-extended-through-may-15.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/motorcycle-fatality-on-clingmans-dome-road.htm Tue, 20 Apr 2021 04:00:00 EST Park Rangers responded to a report of a motorcycle wreck on Clingmans Dome Road at 4:08 p.m. on Sunday, April 18. Maynoy Alexander Ardon, age 20, of Guatemala, was traveling down Clingmans Dome Road when he lost control of his motorcycle near Collins Gap. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/motorcycle-fatality-on-clingmans-dome-road.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closures-on-spur-for-maintenance-activity.htm Thu, 08 Apr 2021 04:00:00 EST Park maintenance crews will implement temporary, single-lane closures along the north and southbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, beginning Monday, April 12 through Thursday, April 29. Roadside work will include litter removal, string trimming, mowing, shoulder reconditioning, culvert cleaning, and survey work in the tunnel. These temporary closures better ensure the safety of workers along the narrow shoulders on the heavily trafficked road. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closures-on-spur-for-maintenance-activity.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-area-temporarily-closed-at-ranger-station-through-april-23.htm Tue, 06 Apr 2021 08:00:00 EST Park officials announced that the Greenbrier area will be temporarily closed, effective today, at the Greenbrier Ranger Station to all motorists and pedestrians through April 23. Previously the closure was in place at the picnic area. The closure area has been expanded due to pedestrian use beyond the picnic area into the construction zone which poses an unacceptable safety risk to visitors and workers. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-area-temporarily-closed-at-ranger-station-through-april-23.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-and-gatlinburg-target-trash-enforcement-efforts-on-the-spur.htm Tue, 30 Mar 2021 07:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rangers and the Gatlinburg Police Department partnered for a targeted enforcement event on the northbound Spur on Sunday, March 28 and Monday, March 29. The coordinated targeted enforcement was implemented to ensure that motorists transporting trash, construction debris, or other cargo was properly secured to prevent materials from littering scenic roadways. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-and-gatlinburg-target-trash-enforcement-efforts-on-the-spur.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-and-keep-sevier-beautiful-invite-the-public-to-the-gateway-to-the-smokies-cleanup-on-the-spur.htm Thu, 25 Mar 2021 07:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Keep Sevier Beautiful are hosting a volunteer opportunity to help pick up litter along the Spur, one of the most popular gateways to the park. The ‘Gateway to the Smokies Cleanup’ will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 30. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-and-keep-sevier-beautiful-invite-the-public-to-the-gateway-to-the-smokies-cleanup-on-the-spur.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-visitors-to-the-storybook-trail.htm Thu, 25 Mar 2021 04:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in partnership with the University of Tennessee Extension Institute of Agriculture and Great Smoky Mountains Association, is pleased to invite visitors to experience the Storybook Trail of the Smokies, an initiative dedicated to promoting literacy in nature. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience a Smokies-themed book through trailside activities and on-the-trail story pages to read along the one-mile Cosby Nature Trail, near Cosby Campground, beginning April 3 through May 30. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-visitors-to-the-storybook-trail.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/media-update-greenbrier-road-sections-remain-temporarily-closed-through-april-23.htm Wed, 24 Mar 2021 04:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Ramsey Prong Road and Greenbrier Road, past the Greenbrier Picnic Area, will remain temporarily closed to all motorists and pedestrians through April 23. The repairs were expected to be complete at the end of March, but the work has been delayed due to the availability of steel beams for the Ramsey Prong Bridge. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/media-update-greenbrier-road-sections-remain-temporarily-closed-through-april-23.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/media-update-park-shares-photos-from-successful-wears-valley-boundary-prescribed-burn.htm Tue, 16 Mar 2021 16:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian-Piedmont-Coastal Zone fire management staff successfully completed a 175-acre prescribed burn along a half-mile of the park boundary in Wears Valley on Tuesday, March 9. The prescribed burn was conducted to reduce the amount of flammable brush along the park's boundary with residential homes, as well as maintaining an open woodland habitat for drought-tolerant trees like oak and pine. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/media-update-park-shares-photos-from-successful-wears-valley-boundary-prescribed-burn.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-hosts-hands-on-volunteer-opportunities-in-march.htm Wed, 10 Mar 2021 03:00:00 EST Park staff are hosting three volunteer opportunities in campgrounds and picnic areas across the park in preparation for the busy spring season. These service events are ideal for people interested in learning more about the park through hands-on work alongside experienced park staff. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-hosts-hands-on-volunteer-opportunities-in-march.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-group-permit-process-for-whiteoak-sink.htm Mon, 08 Mar 2021 04:00:00 EST Park officials announced the implementation of a trial reservation system for group access to the Whiteoak Sink area during the 2021 wildflower season beginning Monday, April 12 through Friday, April 30. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-group-permit-process-for-whiteoak-sink.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-prescribed-burn-along-wears-valley-boundary-postponed.htm Mon, 08 Mar 2021 03:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian-Piedmont-Coastal Zone fire management staff have postponed the 175-acre prescribed burn along the park boundary in Wears Valley due to low relative humidity conditions in the area. Weather permitting, crews will conduct the burn on Tuesday, March 9. Crews may additionally conduct a 90-acre burn in Cades Cove along Sparks Lane later this week. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/update-prescribed-burn-along-wears-valley-boundary-postponed.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closures-on-the-spur-for-tree-removal.htm Fri, 05 Mar 2021 07:00:00 EST Park officials announced that Russell Tree crews will implement temporary, single-lane closures along the Spur for tree removal beginning Tuesday, March 9 at 7:00 a.m. through Friday, March 12 at 12:00 p.m. The roadway between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will remain open, but motorists should expect delays. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closures-on-the-spur-for-tree-removal.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-plans-prescribed-burn-along-wears-valley-boundary.htm Thu, 04 Mar 2021 03:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian-Piedmont-Coastal Zone fire management staff plan to conduct a 175-acre prescribed burn along the park boundary in Wears Valley to the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. The burn will take place between Monday, March 8 through Thursday, March 11, depending on weather. Prescribed burn operations are expected to take two days. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-plans-prescribed-burn-along-wears-valley-boundary.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-experiences-more-than-12-million-visits-in-2020.htm Tue, 02 Mar 2021 03:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park experienced the second busiest year on record in 2020. In spite of a 46-day, full park closure this spring and partial closures through August due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the park had 12,095,720 visits. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-experiences-more-than-12-million-visits-in-2020.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/single-lane-closure-on-the-southbound-spur-for-litter-pickup.htm Mon, 01 Mar 2021 03:00:00 EST Park maintenance crews will implement a single-lane closure on the southbound Spur on Tuesday, March 2, to safely perform roadside cleanup along the busy roadway. Motorists should expect delays. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/single-lane-closure-on-the-southbound-spur-for-litter-pickup.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-shares-highlights-of-smokies-hikes-for-healing-program.htm Fri, 26 Feb 2021 03:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced the release of a video highlighting the Smokies Hikes for Healing program. In response to social unrest across the country in 2020, Park Superintendent Cassius Cash initiated the program to provide a space for people to have open conversations about racism, diversity, and inclusion in a place long recognized for its incredible diversity. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-shares-highlights-of-smokies-hikes-for-healing-program.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-plans-cades-cove-prescribed-burn-for-thursday-february-25.htm Wed, 24 Feb 2021 07:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian-Piedmont-Coastal Zone fire management staff plan to burn 428 acres of fields in Cades Cove on Thursday, February 25. Weather permitting, this acreage includes the 90-acre Rowans Branch unit along Sparks Lane and the 338-acre Primitive Baptist Church unit along Hyatt Lane. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-plans-cades-cove-prescribed-burn-for-thursday-february-25.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-newfound-gap-road-paving-project.htm Wed, 24 Feb 2021 03:00:00 EST Park officials announced that a paving project will begin this week on Newfound Gap Road along an 8-mile section of the roadway from Chimneys Picnic Area to Newfound Gap. The project should be completed by November 30, 2021, though work schedules are subject to revision as needed for inclement weather. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-newfound-gap-road-paving-project.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/single-lane-closure-on-the-spur-for-litter-pickup.htm Mon, 22 Feb 2021 03:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the City of Gatlinburg maintenance crews are partnering to pick up litter along the Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, February 23. In order to safely perform the roadside cleanup, single-lane closures will be implemented to protect maintenance workers along the busy roadway. Motorists should expect delays. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/single-lane-closure-on-the-spur-for-litter-pickup.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-2021-plan-for-cades-cove-vehicle-free-days.htm Wed, 10 Feb 2021 03:00:00 EST Park officials are extending a pilot project in Cades Cove by continuing vehicle-free access on the Cades Cove Loop Road on Wednesdays from May 5 through September 1, 2021. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-2021-plan-for-cades-cove-vehicle-free-days.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-cades-cove-road-projects.htm Tue, 09 Feb 2021 03:00:00 EST Park officials announced that the Cades Cove Loop Road will be fully closed for three weeks in September to resurface the popular roadway which is used by more than 2 million visitors a year. The one-way road will be closed to all motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders from Tuesday, September 7 through Monday, September 27. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-cades-cove-road-projects.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-recruits-adopt-a-plot-volunteers-2021.htm Thu, 04 Feb 2021 03:00:00 EST Park rangers are recruiting volunteers to adopt a monitoring plot in areas throughout the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-recruits-adopt-a-plot-volunteers-2021.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/alum-cave-trail-temporarily-closed-in-february-for-bridge-replacement.htm Wed, 20 Jan 2021 03:00:00 EST Park officials will implement a temporary, weekday closure of Alum Cave Trail and associated parking lots during February to accommodate the replacement of two foot-log bridges near the Arch Rock area. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/alum-cave-trail-temporarily-closed-in-february-for-bridge-replacement.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-recruits-volunteers-for-monitoring-program.htm Mon, 11 Jan 2021 03:00:00 EST Park is recruiting volunteers to monitor visitor use patterns in several of the most popular locations in the park in both North Carolina and Tennessee. Volunteers may choose to participate in a variety of opportunities that best align with their interests and preferred locations. Opportunities include recording observations on popular hiking trails, monitoring parking availability, and monitoring traffic flow patterns at busy locations. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-recruits-volunteers-for-monitoring-program.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-road-sections-temporarily-closed-for-bridge-replacement.htm Tue, 05 Jan 2021 03:00:00 EST Park officials announced that Ramsey Prong Road and Greenbrier Road, past the Greenbrier Picnic Area, will be temporarily closed to all motorists and pedestrians beginning Monday, January 11 through Friday, March 26. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-road-sections-temporarily-closed-for-bridge-replacement.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nps-seeks-information-related-to-aggravated-sexual-assault-case.htm Tue, 08 Dec 2020 03:00:00 EST Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) continues to seek information related to sexual assaults that may have occurred within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On December 7, 2020, Richard L. Graham and Dusty William Oliver were sentenced for aggravated sexual abuse arising out of incidents occurring in 2012 and 2015 within the park. Investigators are seeking information related to additional incidents, if any, that would have occurred prior to their arrest on September 9, 2019. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nps-seeks-information-related-to-aggravated-sexual-assault-case.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elkmont-road-section-temporarily-closed-for-road-repair.htm Fri, 04 Dec 2020 03:00:00 EST Park officials announced that an Elkmont Road section will be temporarily closed to motorists for bridge repairs beginning Monday, December 7 through Friday, December 18. The closure will be in place Monday at 7:00 a.m. through Friday at noon each week. The area will be fully open to all access on the weekends. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elkmont-road-section-temporarily-closed-for-road-repair.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fatal-accident-at-park-overlook.htm Wed, 25 Nov 2020 03:00:00 EST Park rangers responded to a Chimney Tops overlook along Newfound Gap Road after receiving a report that a man fell approximately 50 feet below the embankment. Wesley Brandon Stedham, age 48, of Warrior, AL fell after stepping down a steep slope below the overlook for a photograph. Stedham suffered severe head trauma and passed away as a result of these injuries. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fatal-accident-at-park-overlook.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-tips-regarding-foothills-parkway-vandalism.htm Tue, 22 Sep 2020 08:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking information to help identify the party responsible for vandalizing the Foothills Parkway West Entrance Sign near the Highway 321 intersection in Walland, Tennessee between September 18, 2020 and September 19, 2020. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-tips-regarding-foothills-parkway-vandalism.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hazel-creek-fatality.htm Sat, 12 Sep 2020 12:15:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed campsite 82 and a section of Hazel Creek Trail after rangers have discovered the remains of an out-of-state adult male at the campsite. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hazel-creek-fatality.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-resumes-additional-campground-and-picnic-area-operations-2.htm Wed, 26 Aug 2020 06:24:00 EST Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is increasing access to additional campgrounds and picnic areas. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-resumes-additional-campground-and-picnic-area-operations-2.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bicyclist-fatality-in-cades-cove.htm Tue, 18 Aug 2020 11:56:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers responded to a report of a bicycle accident in Cades Cove at 10:58 a.m. on Sunday, August 16. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bicyclist-fatality-in-cades-cove.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/single-lane-closures-on-the-spur.htm Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:11:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park maintenance crews will implement temporary, single-lane closures along the north and southbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, beginning Monday, August 17 through Thursday, August 27 for routine maintenance operations. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/single-lane-closures-on-the-spur.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-public-input-on-wears-valley-bike-trail-proposal-2.htm Fri, 24 Jul 2020 13:52:00 EST On July 20, Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced the schedule for virtual public meetings regarding a proposed mountain bike trail system on the unfinished section of the Foothills Parkway corridor in Wears Valley, TN. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-public-input-on-wears-valley-bike-trail-proposal-2.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-superintendent-launches-smokies-hikes-for-healing.htm Tue, 21 Jul 2020 15:01:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Cassius Cash invites the public to participate in a new initiative he developed called Smokies Hikes for Healing. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-superintendent-launches-smokies-hikes-for-healing.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-public-input-on-wears-valley-bike-trail-proposal.htm Mon, 20 Jul 2020 13:27:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking public input on a proposed mountain bike trail system on the unfinished section of the Foothills Parkway corridor in Wears Valley, TN. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-seeks-public-input-on-wears-valley-bike-trail-proposal.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-celebrates-2019-employee-of-the-year.htm Wed, 15 Jul 2020 05:14:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is pleased to announce that Steve Spanyer was chosen as the 2019 Employee of the Year. Recognition of the Employee of the Year has been a tradition in the Smokies since 1984. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-celebrates-2019-employee-of-the-year.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closure-on-king-branch-road.htm Thu, 09 Jul 2020 05:07:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park maintenance crews will implement a temporary, single-lane closure along King Branch Road on Tuesday, July 14 from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closure-on-king-branch-road.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-welcomes-new-deputy-chief-of-resource-education.htm Wed, 08 Jul 2020 05:10:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Cassius Cash announced that Stephanie F. Kyriazis has been selected as the new Deputy Chief of Resource Education. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-welcomes-new-deputy-chief-of-resource-education.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/job-opportunities-in-facilities-management-division.htm Sun, 05 Jul 2020 21:40:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is currently accepting resumes from the local community for positions within facility management operations for three locations; Townsend (TN), Gatlinburg (TN), and Cherokee (NC). https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/job-opportunities-in-facilities-management-division.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-welcomes-emergency-manager.htm Fri, 26 Jun 2020 11:08:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park Chief of Resource and Visitor Protection, Lisa Hendy, announced that Liz Hall has been selected as the park’s Emergency Manager. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-welcomes-emergency-manager.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/motorcycle-fatality-on-newfound-gap-road.htm Tue, 23 Jun 2020 06:20:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rangers responded to a report of a motorcycle collision on Newfound Gap Road at 5:11 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/motorcycle-fatality-on-newfound-gap-road.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hiker-fatality-on-abrams-falls-trail.htm Tue, 16 Jun 2020 13:17:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers responded to a report of a woman in cardiac distress along the Abrams Falls Trail on Monday, June 15 at 1:09 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hiker-fatality-on-abrams-falls-trail.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-restores-limited-campground-and-visitor-center-services.htm Fri, 05 Jun 2020 13:13:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that some campgrounds, visitor centers, and additional roads will be accessible to visitors as part of the current phase in the park’s plan to restore public access across the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-restores-limited-campground-and-visitor-center-services.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-implements-vehicle-free-wednesdays-in-cades-cove.htm Wed, 03 Jun 2020 13:41:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the implementation of vehicle-free access along the Cades Cove Loop Road each Wednesday, from June 17 through September 30, as part of a pilot study to improve the visitor experience. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-implements-vehicle-free-wednesdays-in-cades-cove.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/motorcycle-fatality-near-park-headquarters.htm Sun, 31 May 2020 14:24:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rangers responded to a report of a motorcycle collision along Newfound Gap Road near Park Headquarters at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/motorcycle-fatality-near-park-headquarters.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closures-on-the-spur.htm Sun, 31 May 2020 12:05:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park maintenance crews will implement temporary, single-lane closures along the north and southbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/upcoming-single-lane-closures-on-the-spur.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-co-hosts-memorial-day-weekend-virtual-campout.htm Thu, 21 May 2020 18:46:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will co-host the National Park Service Memorial Day Weekend Virtual Camp out, a three-day social media event offering a trove of unique park adventures visitors can enjoy from the comfort of their own living rooms or as a part of a backyard camp out. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-co-hosts-memorial-day-weekend-virtual-campout.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bicyclist-fatality-on-foothills-parkway.htm Wed, 20 May 2020 11:19:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers responded to a medical emergency involving a bicyclist on the Foothills Parkway at 11:16 a.m. on Sunday, May 17. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bicyclist-fatality-on-foothills-parkway.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/second-lady-karen-pence-highlights-the-importance-of-getting-outside-for-mental-health-park-increases-recreational-access.htm Tue, 19 May 2020 15:08:00 EST Park officials were joined by Second Lady Karen Pence and Deputy Secretary of the Interior Katherine MacGregor at Clingmans Dome to talk about the mental health benefits of being outdoors and announced the next phase in the park’s plan to restore public access to more roads and picnic areas. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/second-lady-karen-pence-highlights-the-importance-of-getting-outside-for-mental-health-park-increases-recreational-access.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-access-on-may-9.htm Wed, 06 May 2020 22:27:00 EST The following park roads and facilities will open on Saturday, May 9 at approximately 8:00 a.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-access-on-may-9.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-begins-phased-reopening-on-may-9.htm Thu, 30 Apr 2020 10:30:00 EST Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is increasing recreational access and services. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-begins-phased-reopening-on-may-9.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-cancellation-of-synchronous-firefly-viewing-event.htm Tue, 21 Apr 2020 11:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have canceled the synchronous firefly viewing event in a continuing effort to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to adhere to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-cancellation-of-synchronous-firefly-viewing-event.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-requests-transportation-and-recreation-planning-feedback.htm Mon, 20 Apr 2020 12:57:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking public feedback for multiple transportation and recreation planning efforts that will address visitor access, safety, transportation, and recreation associated with the Foothills Parkway, Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Spur, and Metcalf Bottoms area in the Sevier County portion of the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-requests-transportation-and-recreation-planning-feedback.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-and-partners-launch-smokieees-home-during-national-park-week.htm Fri, 17 Apr 2020 04:30:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite the public to experience ‘SmokiEEEs @ Home’ during National Park Week. This new website at www.smokieees.org features videos and activities that connect students of all ages to the park from their homes by highlighting the three ‘E’s in SmokiEEEs: Explore, Entertain, and Escape. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-and-partners-launch-smokieees-home-during-national-park-week.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/pilot-survives-small-plane-crash-in-park.htm Fri, 10 Apr 2020 08:01:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers responded to a report of a small plane crash approximately 6 miles west of Clingmans Dome at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/pilot-survives-small-plane-crash-in-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-extends-closure-to-support-regional-covid-19-prevention-efforts.htm Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:16:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that all park areas, except the Foothills Parkway and Spur, will remain closed until further notice. All access to the park, including trails and roads, were originally closed on March 24 through April 6, in alignment with efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 across the region https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-extends-closure-to-support-regional-covid-19-prevention-efforts.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-closes-to-support-regional-covid-19-prevention-efforts.htm Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:54:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that all park areas, except the Foothills Parkway and the Spur, will close at noon on Tuesday, March 24 through Monday, April 6, in a continuing effort to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-closes-to-support-regional-covid-19-prevention-efforts.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-modifies-campground-picnic-area-and-restroom-operations-to-implement-latest-health-guidance.htm Sun, 22 Mar 2020 05:21:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that campgrounds, picnic areas, and restrooms will be closed on Monday, March 23 through Thursday, April 30, in a continuing effort to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-modifies-campground-picnic-area-and-restroom-operations-to-implement-latest-health-guidance.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-modifies-permit-process-for-group-events-to-implement-latest-health-guidance.htm Thu, 19 Mar 2020 14:22:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials modified the permitting process for group events and reservations for group sites at campgrounds and picnic areas in a continuing effort to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-modifies-permit-process-for-group-events-to-implement-latest-health-guidance.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-modifies-operations-to-implement-latest-health-guidance.htm Wed, 18 Mar 2020 16:54:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues to take steps to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-modifies-operations-to-implement-latest-health-guidance.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-temporary-visitor-center-closures.htm Tue, 17 Mar 2020 10:04:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove Visitor Centers are closed until further notice. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-temporary-visitor-center-closures.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-recruits-trail-volunteers.htm Mon, 09 Mar 2020 02:54:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers are recruiting volunteers to adopt a trail along the 848 miles of maintained trails across the park. Volunteers are needed to hike at least one designated trail, four times per year, and submit a report on their findings. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-recruits-trail-volunteers.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-public-comment-on-cades-cove-biking-access.htm Fri, 06 Mar 2020 05:08:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite the public to comment through Friday, March 27, on a proposed change in vehicle-free access days on the Cades Cove Loop Road. For over 40 years, park managers have implemented several vehicle-free opportunities for bicyclists and pedestrians in Cades Cove. Currently, the road is closed to vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00 a.m. from May through September. Due to growing use and congestion, the park is proposing to implement a pilot study for the 2020 season to evaluate changing this vehicle-free period to a weekly, full day closure on Wednesdays from May through September. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-invites-public-comment-on-cades-cove-biking-access.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fatal-accident-on-foothills-parkway.htm Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:26:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers responded to a fatal accident on the Foothills Parkway between Chilhowee Lake and Look Rock, near mile marker 13, at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fatal-accident-on-foothills-parkway.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cades-cove-reopens-following-tunnel-work.htm Fri, 28 Feb 2020 02:06:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Cades Cove will reopen on Saturday, February 29, following a two-month closure for tunnel repairs. Bryant’s Land and Development Industries Inc. of Burnsville, NC finished the $950,000 Bote Mountain Tunnel repair along Laurel Creek Road ahead of schedule, allowing the popular area to reopen in time for the first full weekend of the Spring Break season. The Cades Cove Campground will reopen on March 5, 2020. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cades-cove-reopens-following-tunnel-work.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-visitation-tops-325-million-in-2019.htm Thu, 27 Feb 2020 08:51:00 EST WASHINGTON – America’s national parks continue to be popular destinations. Visitation to national parks in 2019 exceeded 300 million recreation visits for the fifth consecutive year. The 327.5 million total is the third highest since record keeping began in 1904. “The numbers once again affirm that Americans and visitors from around the world love the natural, cultural and historic experience provided by our nation’s national parks,” said Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-visitation-tops-325-million-in-2019.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-recruits-volunteers-for-mingus-mill.htm Fri, 21 Feb 2020 03:32:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to provide orientation and historic information to visitors at Mingus Mill, located one half mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, North Carolina. Volunteers will work alongside millers to help educate visitors about the general role of milling in the Smokies, including the unique turbine wheel at Mingus Mill. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-recruits-volunteers-for-mingus-mill.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-recruits-volunteers-for-clingmans-dome.htm Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:04:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to help provide visitor information at Clingmans Dome. The information center sits at 6,300 feet in elevation, providing a unique opportunity for park volunteers to assist in educating visitors about high-elevation, spruce-fir forests, while also providing recreational, trip planning, and directional information https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-recruits-volunteers-for-clingmans-dome.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-recruits-adopt-a-plot-volunteers.htm Thu, 13 Feb 2020 06:42:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers are recruiting volunteers to adopt a monitoring plot in areas throughout the park. In an effort to track nature’s calendar, or phenology, volunteers will collect information as part of an important research project tracking seasonal biological data such as plant flowering dates and changes in tree canopy foliage. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-recruits-adopt-a-plot-volunteers.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/spur-reopened-following-slide-repair.htm Tue, 11 Feb 2020 15:17:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park crews completed debris removal along the northbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this evening at approximately 5:30 p.m. Both lanes are reopened to all traffic. Park crews received assistance from the Federal Highways Administration and contractors to complete the work. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/spur-reopened-following-slide-repair.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-paving-project-in-deep-creek-area.htm Tue, 11 Feb 2020 09:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that a $1.15 million pavement preservation project will begin on Monday, March 2 in the Deep Creek area near Bryson City, NC. Paving will occur along 2.5 miles of area roadways including West Deep Creek Road, East Deep Creek Road, campground and picnic area roads, and day-use parking areas. Work is expected to be completed by Friday, May 15, weather depending. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-paving-project-in-deep-creek-area.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/crews-begin-clearing-mudslide-on-spur.htm Tue, 11 Feb 2020 08:45:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Federal Highways Administration staff assessed the mudslide on the Spur this morning and began clearing operations. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/crews-begin-clearing-mudslide-on-spur.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-facilities-closed-due-to-inclement-weather.htm Thu, 06 Feb 2020 07:24:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Sugarlands Visitor Center, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and Elkmont Campground will be closed for the remainder of today, February 6, 2020, due to inclement weather throughout the region. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-facilities-closed-due-to-inclement-weather.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-sets-visitation-record-with-12-5-million-visitors.htm Mon, 27 Jan 2020 03:28:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed a record 12,547,743 visitors in 2019, which is 1,126,540 more visitors than in 2018. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-sets-visitation-record-with-12-5-million-visitors.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-temporary-cataloochee-area-road-closures.htm Fri, 24 Jan 2020 08:30:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that the main access road into the Cataloochee area, Cove Creek Road, will be closed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation to conduct road repairs from February 10 through May 20. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-announces-temporary-cataloochee-area-road-closures.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-news-release.htm Tue, 07 Jan 2020 03:23:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials closed Laurel Creek Road, as scheduled, on Sunday, January 5 through Saturday, February 29 to repair the Bote Mountain Tunnel. The seven-mile access road leading from the Townsend Wye to Cades Cove, is closed to all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-news-release.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/smokies-announces-new-resource-management-and-science-chief.htm Tue, 19 Nov 2019 03:30:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Lisa McInnis has been selected to oversee the park’s diverse natural and cultural resources as the Chief of Resource Management and Science. McInnis will lead efforts to protect and preserve the park’s remarkable biodiversity, forest health, and rich cultural connections that represent thousands of years of history. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/smokies-announces-new-resource-management-and-science-chief.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-plans-prescribed-burn-in-cades-cove.htm Mon, 18 Nov 2019 03:01:00 EST Crews plan to conduct prescribed burn operations in Cades Cove on Monday, November 18, in the 230-acre cemetery-marsh unit near the Abrams Falls Trailhead. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-plans-prescribed-burn-in-cades-cove.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/news-releases.htm Fri, 15 Nov 2019 02:49:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that single-lane and full-lane closures will affect several park roads beginning Monday, November 18 through Friday, March 31 for tree removal work. Closures are necessary to ensure the safety of motorists and tree-removal crews along the park’s narrow roadways during the work. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/news-releases.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-delays-opening-until-11-00-a-m-due-to-inclement-weather.htm Tue, 12 Nov 2019 05:54:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials delayed the opening of Sugarlands Visitor Center, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Cades Cove Visitor Center, Clingmans Dome Information Station, and Park Headquarters on Tuesday, November 12, until 11:00 a.m. due to inclement weather https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-delays-opening-until-11-00-a-m-due-to-inclement-weather.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/laurel-falls-trail-reopened-road-work-continues.htm Tue, 05 Nov 2019 03:44:00 EST Laurel Falls Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park reopened today, November 5, 2019, following road work on November 4 https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/laurel-falls-trail-reopened-road-work-continues.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/temporary-closure-of-laurel-falls-trail-november-4-5-2019.htm Mon, 04 Nov 2019 02:34:00 EST Laurel Falls Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be closed on November 4-5, 2019, to allow road crews to pave the trail’s parking areas on each side of Fighting Creek Gap Road. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/temporary-closure-of-laurel-falls-trail-november-4-5-2019.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-roadways-closed-due-to-high-winds-and-downed-trees.htm Thu, 31 Oct 2019 07:29:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is experiencing high winds ahead of a cold front that is expected to move through the area later today. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-roadways-closed-due-to-high-winds-and-downed-trees.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cades-cove-loop-road-opening-delayed-until-11-00-a-m-on-sunday-november-3.htm Thu, 31 Oct 2019 06:05:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials remind park visitors that access to Cades Cove will be delayed on Sunday, November 3 until 11:00 a.m. for the annual Cades Cove Loop Lope. The event is held on an early morning in November to minimize disturbance to visitors for this once-a-year opportunity for pre-registered participants to run either a 10-mile or 5-K loop course in support of the park.. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cades-cove-loop-road-opening-delayed-until-11-00-a-m-on-sunday-november-3.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-hosts-star-gazing-event-at-purchase-knob.htm Thu, 31 Oct 2019 04:51:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting a stargazing event on Friday, November 15, 2019 at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center in North Carolina. Located on Purchase Knob at 5,000 feet in elevation, the learning center provides one of the clearest views of the sky from the Haywood County region of the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-hosts-star-gazing-event-at-purchase-knob.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/smoky-mountains.htm Fri, 18 Oct 2019 18:11:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that the expected closure of the main access road into Cataloochee has been postponed. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/smoky-mountains.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains.htm Thu, 26 Sep 2019 03:29:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced a temporary ban on backcountry campfires effective immediately. Due to abnormally dry weather conditions, the potential for wildfires to occur in the backcountry has dramatically increased. The fire restriction will be in effect until further notice. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-parks.htm Fri, 20 Sep 2019 08:37:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that the main access roads into Cades Cove and Cataloochee will be closed for several months this winter for road construction projects. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-parks.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-superintendent-recognizes-first-african-american-naturalist.htm Thu, 29 Aug 2019 10:43:00 EST On Thursday, August 29, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Cassius Cash had the unique opportunity to meet and recognize Dr. Joe Lee, of Jupiter, FL, for his service as the first African American Park Naturalist. Superintendent Cash presented Dr. Lee with a mounted ranger hat in honor of his contribution to the history of the National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-superintendent-recognizes-first-african-american-naturalist.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm Wed, 31 Jul 2019 08:59:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials continue to search for 58 year-old Kevin Mark Lynch who went missing on Saturday, July 27. Today marks day five of search efforts as more agencies are incorporated into the operation. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/press-release.htm Wed, 17 Jul 2019 16:52:00 EST The National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) investigators are trying to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of David Carver, Jr who was found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on July 8, 2019. Carver was reported missing by a family member to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office in early June.   https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/press-release.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-visitation-rises-in-2018-with-new-foothills-parkway.htm Thu, 21 Feb 2019 03:45:00 EST “The new section of the Foothills Parkway is a spectacular scenic driving destination and we’re pleased that so many people have already enjoyed it,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “We hope that people take the time to explore it across the seasons.” https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-visitation-rises-in-2018-with-new-foothills-parkway.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/grsmaccess.htm Mon, 14 Jan 2019 01:44:00 EST Recently closed areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will once again be accessible to visitors beginning Sunday, January 13. Some basic visitor services, including campgrounds and restrooms, will reopen using revenue generated by recreation fees. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/grsmaccess.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-hosts-star-gazing-event-at-cades-cove.htm Wed, 14 Nov 2018 09:39:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in cooperation with the Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society, will offer a stargazing program in Cades Cove on Saturday, November 17, 2018 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Experienced astronomers and numerous telescopes will be on hand to provide a discovery of the fall sky’s position of stars, galaxies, and constellations, including the Milky Way. In case of rain or cloud cover where night skies are not visible, the program will be cancelled. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-hosts-star-gazing-event-at-cades-cove.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-hosts-walking-opportunity-on-the-foothills-parkway.htm Fri, 02 Nov 2018 10:17:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites the public to walk approximately two miles along the new section of the Foothills Parkway between Walland and Wears Valley on Thursday, November 8 for a Community Day celebration. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-hosts-walking-opportunity-on-the-foothills-parkway.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-reopens-bull-head-trail-and-sugarland-mountain-trail.htm Thu, 25 Oct 2018 11:54:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the reopening of Bull Head Trail and Sugarland Mountain Trail on Friday, October 26. Both of these trails extend from the highest peaks in the park to the lower elevations, providing incredible opportunities for hikers to enjoy fall colors over the next few weeks. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-reopens-bull-head-trail-and-sugarland-mountain-trail.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/foothills-parkway-opening.htm Thu, 25 Oct 2018 05:05:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials plan to open the long-awaited section of the Foothills Parkway between Walland and Wears Valley, TN on Saturday, November 10. The public will be able to experience the entire 16-mile roadway for the first time since construction began in 1966, including the 1.65-mile section known as the ‘Missing Link’ which is now connected by a series of nine bridges. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/foothills-parkway-opening.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/body-of-missing-woman-found.htm Wed, 03 Oct 2018 04:50:00 EST Park officials announced last night that search crews found the body of Mitzie Sue “Susan” Clements, 53, from Cleves, Ohio, after an extensive, week-long search. Clements had been missing from the Clingmans Dome area of the park since Tuesday, September 25. A large-scale search operation was launched, which included trained searchers, canine teams, helicopters, and drones with advanced technology from around 50 local, state, and federal agencies and professional search and rescue groups. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/body-of-missing-woman-found.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-continues-extensive-search-for-missing-woman.htm Mon, 01 Oct 2018 11:24:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have entered the sixth full day of searching for Mitzie Sue “Susan” Clements, 53, who was last seen in the Clingmans Dome area of the park on Tuesday, September 25. Over the weekend, the search effort intensified with the addition of personnel and specialized equipment from five states. Searchers, canine teams, helicopters, and drones are continuing to work in steep, rugged terrain of the mountainous area that straddles the North Carolina – Tennessee border. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-continues-extensive-search-for-missing-woman.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-mobilizes-additional-resources-in-search-for-missing-woman.htm Sat, 29 Sep 2018 10:33:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials continue to search for Mitzie Sue “Susan” Clements, 53, who was last seen in the Clingmans Dome area of the park on Tuesday, September 25. Trained personnel from cooperating agencies in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia have responded to assist park staff in a large-scale search effort for the missing woman in steep, rugged terrain. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-mobilizes-additional-resources-in-search-for-missing-woman.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-searching-for-missing-hiker-near-clingmans-dome.htm Thu, 27 Sep 2018 09:51:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National park rangers are searching for a 53-year-old woman from Cleves, Ohio https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-searching-for-missing-hiker-near-clingmans-dome.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/news-release.htm Sun, 16 Sep 2018 09:11:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will continue to see impacts from the remnants of Tropical Storm Florence throughout tonight and into Monday. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/news-release.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/additional-closures-announced-ahead-of-tropical-storm-florence.htm Sat, 15 Sep 2018 10:32:00 EST Park officials have announced additional closures for Saturday, September 15, related to the potentially hazardous conditions associated with what is now Tropical Storm Florence. Predictions from the National Weather Service call for strong, gusty winds and rainfall amounts of 4-8 inches moving into the park on Saturday evening, with Sunday morning seeing the worst of the storm. The higher rainfall totals are most likely for the North Carolina side of the park. Due to the potential for hazardous conditions from downed trees, flooding, and landslides, the closures listed below will be put into effect out of concern for public safety. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/additional-closures-announced-ahead-of-tropical-storm-florence.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-closures-announced-in-preparation-of-hurricane-florence.htm Fri, 14 Sep 2018 12:22:00 EST Park officials continue preparations for Hurricane Florence and have announced road and facility closures beginning Saturday, September 15. Predictions from the National Weather Service indicate Florence will be a tropical depression rated-storm when she reaches the Smokies beginning as early as Saturday evening. Officials anticipate sustained winds of 40 mph with higher gusts Saturday afternoon and into Monday, with the most severe weather predicted for Sunday. Rainfall amounts of 4-8 inches Saturday afternoon through Monday evening are estimated, with higher rainfall amounts possible for the North Carolina side of the park. Due to the potential for hazardous conditions due to downed trees, flooding, and landslides the following closures will be put into effect out of concern for public safety. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-closures-announced-in-preparation-of-hurricane-florence.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nps-releases-review-of-chimney-tops-2-fire.htm Thu, 31 Aug 2017 07:03:00 EST Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke issued an independent review of the Chimney Tops 2 Fire that burned 11,410 acres in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in November 2016 and merged with other area fires, which caused 14 deaths and millions of dollars in damage in the Gatlinburg area. The report outlines the origins and growth of the Chimney Tops 2 Fire within the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It identifies a number of factors that contributed to the growth of the fire over the course of six days within the park before the fire moved beyond the park boundaries to merge with other fires and become the Sevier County fires. The report also provides a summary of findings and recommendations regarding the park’s fire management planning and response capabilities. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nps-releases-review-of-chimney-tops-2-fire.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/2017-synchronous-firefly-viewing-dates.htm Tue, 25 Apr 2017 07:51:00 EST Park officials have announced the dates for firefly viewing in Elkmont. Shuttle service to the viewing area will be provided on Tuesday, May 30 through Tuesday, June 6. All visitors wishing to view the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont must have a parking pass distributed through the lottery system at www.recreation.gov. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/2017-synchronous-firefly-viewing-dates.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elkmont-schedule-update.htm Fri, 07 Apr 2017 10:48:00 EST Park officials have announced a schedule update for the Elkmont Historic District demolition project. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elkmont-schedule-update.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/2017-solar-eclipse-event.htm Fri, 24 Feb 2017 09:00:00 EST Park officials announced event plans for the Great American Total Eclipse occurring on Monday, August 21, 2017. The park is offering an opportunity to experience the total eclipse through a special, ticketed event at Clingmans Dome as well as informal eclipse viewing sites at Cades Cove and Oconaluftee. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/2017-solar-eclipse-event.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elkmont-historic-district.htm Fri, 24 Feb 2017 08:54:00 EST Park officials announced that work is underway in the Elkmont Historic District to preserve four structures and to remove 29 others as specified in the 2009 Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) among the National Park Service, Tennessee State Historic Office, and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elkmont-historic-district.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/2016-visitation-record.htm Thu, 12 Jan 2017 02:10:00 EST Throughout the year, the park encouraged people to experience the park in honor of the National Park Service Centennial. In 2016, a record 11,312,785 people visited the national park, a 5.6% increase over 2015. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/2016-visitation-record.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/campfire-ban-lifted.htm Thu, 22 Dec 2016 06:32:00 EST Park officials will lift the fire ban on Friday, December 23. Campfires and open grills have been banned in frontcountry and backcountry sites during recent weeks as a result of extreme drought conditions. Beginning Friday, visitors can have campfires in established backcountry campsite fire rings and resume the use of grills and campfires in frontcountry campsites and picnic areas. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/campfire-ban-lifted.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/chimneys-2-fire-update-11-30.htm Wed, 30 Nov 2016 04:48:00 EST Chimney Tops 2 Fire is currently burning in brush, hardwood slash, and leaf litter. Fire crews are working to assess fire damage and coordinate with local resources to provide structure protection. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/chimneys-2-fire-update-11-30.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fire-updates.htm Wed, 30 Nov 2016 04:03:00 EST Park Officials have announced that LeConte Lodge and the Element Campground and Historic Districts sustained no damage from the fire activities in the park on Monday evening. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fire-updates.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fire-closure.htm Tue, 29 Nov 2016 01:32:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed all facilities in the park due to the extensive fire activity, and downed trees. Park Headquarters is currently without power and phone services. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fire-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fire-update-11-29-4am.htm Mon, 28 Nov 2016 21:00:00 EST Sevier County, City of Gatlinburg, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have reported widespread fire damage and continued fire activity throughout the Gatlinburg area and much of Sevier County including Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge, and Jones Cove. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fire-update-11-29-4am.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fire-ban.htm Tue, 15 Nov 2016 11:26:00 EST Park officials have issued a ban on all campfires and use of fire grills throughout the park effective immediately. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fire-ban.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/mt-sterling-solar-project.htm Mon, 14 Nov 2016 04:33:00 EST Park officials invite the public to comment on a proposed sustainable energy project through December 13, 2016. Duke Energy has proposed installing an array of solar panels, coupled with a zinc-air battery, to power critical park communications equipment located atop the remote Mt. Sterling in the Haywood County area of the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/mt-sterling-solar-project.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/backcountry-fire-0ban.htm Tue, 01 Nov 2016 11:44:00 EST A temporary ban on campfires in the park’s backcountry is effective immediately. Due to extremely dry weather and the amount of leaf litter on the ground, the potential for escaped fires has dramatically increased. The fire restriction will be in effect until further notice. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/backcountry-fire-0ban.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-extends-comment-period-for-campground-fee-proposal.htm Wed, 29 Jun 2016 13:28:00 EST The park will continue accepting comments through July 12, 2016 and the comment process has been amended to allow anonymous comments https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-extends-comment-period-for-campground-fee-proposal.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-proposes-frontcountry-camping-fee-increase.htm Thu, 26 May 2016 11:40:00 EST The park invites public comments for a proposed frontcountry campground fee increase. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-proposes-frontcountry-camping-fee-increase.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/1-20-16-closure.htm Wed, 20 Jan 2016 03:43:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed all park facilities today, January 20, due to impending inclement weather moving through our area today. Sugarlands Visitor Center, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and all administrative offices including Park Headquarters are closed. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/1-20-16-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/spur-bridge-closure.htm Fri, 15 Jan 2016 05:22:00 EST Park officials announced the temporary, daytime closure of the Legion Field Bridge near the Gatlinburg Welcome Center for northbound traffic on January 25-27. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/spur-bridge-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hike-100-release.htm Thu, 14 Jan 2016 04:11:00 EST In celebration of the National Park Service Centennial, Superintendent Cassius Cash has committed to hike 100 miles in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during 2016 and is challenging the public to do the same. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hike-100-release.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/stable-proposals.htm Fri, 08 Jan 2016 08:57:00 EST The National Park Service has issued a prospectus seeking proposals for the award of a concession contract to operate Smokemont Riding Stables within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/stable-proposals.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/holiday-homecoming-2015.htm Mon, 14 Dec 2015 04:07:00 EST The park will host a Holiday Homecoming at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Saturday, December 19, 2015. Park staff and volunteers will provide hands-on traditional crafts and activities from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/holiday-homecoming-2015.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/christmas-past-2015.htm Fri, 04 Dec 2015 05:49:00 EST The 40th annual Festival of Christmas Past celebration will be held on Saturday, December 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Sugarlands Visitor Center. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/christmas-past-2015.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/opt-outside-2015.htm Mon, 23 Nov 2015 08:51:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites visitors to join them for ranger-led hikes in the park on Friday, November 27. Hikes will be offered in Cataloochee, Elkmont, and Cades Cove and will provide an outstanding opportunity for people of all ages to #OptOutside and enjoy the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/opt-outside-2015.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cataloochee-burn-11-2015.htm Fri, 20 Nov 2015 10:49:00 EST Weather permitting, burn operations will begin on Saturday, November 21. Crews should be able to complete the burn on Saturday, but smoke may be present in the area through Sunday. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cataloochee-burn-11-2015.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bat-week.htm Fri, 23 Oct 2015 07:18:00 EST Join us from October 25-31, to learn about the important role bats play in our ecosystem. You're invited to visit bat information stations at Oconaluftee Visitor Center in North Carolina and Sugarlands Visitor Center in Tennessee from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bat-week.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bear-closure-zones.htm Fri, 23 Oct 2015 05:41:00 EST Park wildlife biologists remind the public not to approach bears feeding on natural foods during this critical feeding period before winter hibernation. Bears depend on fall foods such as acorns and grapes to store fat reserves that enable them to survive winter. This year, these foods in the park are extremely rare leading bears to move long distances in search of food. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bear-closure-zones.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/highest-sept-visitation.htm Thu, 22 Oct 2015 11:20:00 EST Visitation to the park is up 5.5 percent this year. The increase has led to record months for both May and September, with visitation surpassing 1 million people during each month. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/highest-sept-visitation.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cades-cove-burn-oct-2015.htm Mon, 19 Oct 2015 10:04:00 EST The park is planning a series of controlled burns within the Cades Cove area of the park. Weather permitting, burn operations could begin as early as Monday, October 26, and may continue intermittently through mid-November. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cades-cove-burn-oct-2015.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cataloochee-burn-oct-2015.htm Mon, 19 Oct 2015 09:59:00 EST The park is planning a 600-acre prescribed burn in the Canadian Top project area adjacent to Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina. Weather permitting, burn operations could begin as early as Monday, October 26, and may continue intermittently through early November. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cataloochee-burn-oct-2015.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/birds-of-prey-oct-2015.htm Thu, 15 Oct 2015 07:36:00 EST A special birds of prey program will be presented by Doris Mager on Sunday, October 25 at 10:00 a.m. on the porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/birds-of-prey-oct-2015.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/wns-whiteoak-sink-closure.htm Fri, 11 Sep 2015 11:32:00 EST Park officials announced the closure of the Whiteoak Sink area effective now through March 31, 2016 to limit human disturbance to bat hibernacula and help hikers avoid interactions with bats. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/wns-whiteoak-sink-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ekip-grsm.htm Wed, 02 Sep 2015 11:42:00 EST The park invites all 4th grade students to visit the park as part of the White House’s new Every Kid in a Park program. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ekip-grsm.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/graffiti.htm Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:01:00 EST Park rangers remind visitors that graffiti not only detracts from the natural beauty of the park, but can also permanently damage irreplaceable resources. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/graffiti.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bear-6-6-15.htm Sun, 07 Jun 2015 04:16:00 EST Park officials have closed several trails and backcountry campsites in the Hazel Creek section of the park due to a bear incident. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bear-6-6-15.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/chilogatee-project.htm Wed, 03 Jun 2015 04:24:00 EST A restoration project of a 4,613-foot section of Chilogatee Branch and four of its tributaries totaling 744 feet within the park has been completed. The streams had been degraded by clearing of riparian forest, channel relocations, and unrestricted livestock access prior to the property's inclusion in the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/chilogatee-project.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fireflies-2015.htm Fri, 24 Apr 2015 04:53:00 EST Park officials have announced the dates for the firefly viewing event in Elkmont will be Tuesday, June 2 through Tuesday, June 9. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fireflies-2015.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/economic-impact-2015.htm Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:28:00 EST A new National Park Service report shows that 10,099,276 visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2014 spent $806,719,900 in communities near the park. That spending supported 12,759 jobs in the local area. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/economic-impact-2015.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/findyourpark.htm Thu, 02 Apr 2015 09:17:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park joins parks, programs and partners across the country to encourage everyone to find their park and share their stories online at FindYourPark.com. Launched Monday by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, Find Your Park is a public awareness and education campaign celebrating the milestone centennial anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016 and setting the stage for its second century of service. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/findyourpark.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/alum-cave-vols.htm Thu, 02 Apr 2015 06:51:00 EST The park is recruiting volunteers to assist a Trails Forever trail crew on rehabilitation projects on the Alum Cave Trail every Wednesday from May 20th through October 28th. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/alum-cave-vols.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nfg-2015-work.htm Fri, 27 Mar 2015 12:47:00 EST Park officials announced that a project to repave 4.3 miles of Newfound Gap Road will begin on April 13. The section to be resurfaced extends from Sugarlands Visitor Center south to Chimney’s Picnic Area where the last phase ended. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nfg-2015-work.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fishing-all-open.htm Fri, 06 Mar 2015 02:49:00 EST Lynn Camp Prong is open to fishing effective March 6, 2015 following a seven-year brook trout restoration project. The reopening of the 8.5 mile-stream sections marks the first time, since the park’s establishment in 1934, that all streams in the park are open to fishing. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fishing-all-open.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/2014visitation.htm Fri, 09 Jan 2015 06:34:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed over ten million visitors in 2014 for just the fourth time in 80 years, and the first time since 2000. In 2014, 10,099,275 visitors enjoyed the national park, an 8% increase over 2013. The numbers were spurred by strong July and August visitation as well as the highest October visitation in 27 years. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/2014visitation.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/firewood-policy.htm Tue, 06 Jan 2015 11:52:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced regulation changes that will help protect park forests by limiting the type of firewood brought into the park. Beginning in March 2015, only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and displays a certification stamp by the USDA or a state department of agriculture will be allowed for use in park campgrounds. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/firewood-policy.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ccrsproposals.htm Mon, 29 Dec 2014 05:01:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) Southeast Regional Office has issued a prospectus seeking proposals from individuals or businesses interested in competing for a 10-year concession contract to provide guided horseback rides and related services at the Cades Cove Riding Stable in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The new concession contract is expected to begin on January 1, 2016. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ccrsproposals.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/chilogaterestoration.htm Fri, 12 Dec 2014 08:45:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that work has begun through the Tennessee Stream Mitigation Program to restore the lower 5,000 feet of Chilogate Creek near the Foothills Parkway and the confluence with Chilhowee Lake. The restoration work will return the stream to its original meandering path which will both enhance riparian wetland habitat as well as reducing the risk of undercutting by the current stream alignment along Happy Valley Road and the Ft. Loudon Utility lines. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/chilogaterestoration.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/trailsforever15.htm Mon, 08 Dec 2014 06:12:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that the next full-scale, Trails Forever restoration will begin on Alum Cave Trail in 2015. The Trails Forever crew will focus restoration efforts on several targeted locations along the 5-mile trail to improve visitor safety and stabilize eroding trail sections. The restoration work will require temporary trail closures throughout the 2-year process. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/trailsforever15.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/newsupterintendent.htm Thu, 04 Dec 2014 10:20:00 EST ATLANTA -- National Park Service Southeast Regional Director Stan Austin named Cassius Cash, a native of Memphis, Tenn., as the new superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cash, currently superintendent for Boston National Historical Park and Boston African American National Historic Site, will assume his new post in February. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/newsupterintendent.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/poinsettia2014.htm Wed, 03 Dec 2014 11:37:00 EST Forty years ago, on December 3, 1974, park rangers from Great Smoky Mountains National Park rescued 15-year old Eric Johnson and a companion who had been trapped deep in the park's backcountry by a chest-deep snow storm. Today Eric's mother traveled from Johnson City to park headquarters in Gatlinburg to thank the park rangers for saving her son's life. A trip she has made every December 3rd since 1974. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/poinsettia2014.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/npscpcgroundbreaking.htm Thu, 13 Nov 2014 11:55:00 EST National Park Service (NPS) officials were joined by representatives from Senator Bob Corker’s office, Representative John Duncan’s office, Friends of the Smokies, Great Smoky Mountains Association, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, and AMEC Environment & Infrastructure Inc. to break ground on the new NPS Collections Preservation Center. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/npscpcgroundbreaking.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cataloocheeinformationreward.htm Tue, 21 Oct 2014 07:01:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are offering a reward for information regarding the recent theft of artifacts from the Palmer House in Cataloochee, NC. The missing artifacts, including a trowel, mill pick, and a coffee mill, were taken from locked display cases in the Palmer House where historical information and exhibits are provided for park visitors. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cataloocheeinformationreward.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/whiteoak-sink-closure.htm Thu, 25 Sep 2014 05:59:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the closure of the Whiteoak Sink area effective now through March 31 to limit human disturbance to bat hibernacula and help hikers avoid interactions with bats. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/whiteoak-sink-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cambodian-rangers.htm Sat, 20 Sep 2014 06:19:00 EST Park rangers are helping to provide training this week for 10 park officials from Cambodia and Thailand. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cambodian-rangers.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elk-viewing-safety.htm Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:25:00 EST Visitors should exercise caution as they view and photograph elk to protect both animals and people. Elk are currently entering the fall breeding season, known as the rut. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elk-viewing-safety.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/98th-birthday.htm Fri, 22 Aug 2014 04:19:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park will celebrate the 98th birthday of the National Park Service on Monday, August 25. Park visitors are encouraged to participate in one of the many ranger-led programs at park visitor centers or enjoy exploring the park along a scenic roadway, trail, or river. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/98th-birthday.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/econbenefit2013.htm Fri, 18 Jul 2014 12:02:00 EST A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 9,354,695 visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2013 spent $734,086,600 in communities near the park. That spending supported 10,734 jobs in the local area. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/econbenefit2013.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/npf-impact-grant.htm Wed, 02 Jul 2014 08:06:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of 23 national parks selected to receive a 2014 Impact Grant from the National Park Foundation. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/npf-impact-grant.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/valor-award.htm Mon, 12 May 2014 05:23:00 EST Park Ranger Brad Griest and Townsend Fire Department Volunteer Firefighter Christopher Scarbrough were recognized in Washington, DC for their heroic actions that saved the life of a motorist. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/valor-award.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/window-reward.htm Thu, 06 Mar 2014 07:58:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are offering a reward for information regarding the recent theft of an antique window from a historic cabin in the Elkmont Historic District. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/window-reward.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/conservation-center-timeline.htm Mon, 03 Mar 2014 06:03:00 EST Park officials were joined by Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Senator Lamar Alexander on Monday, March 3, to announce a timeline for the construction of a 13,000 square-foot Collections Preservation Center in Townsend, TN. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/conservation-center-timeline.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/tourism.htm Mon, 03 Mar 2014 05:50:00 EST A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 9,685,829 visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2012 spent $741 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 10,959 jobs in the local area. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/tourism.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elk-response.htm Mon, 18 Nov 2013 10:51:00 EST On October 20, 2013, a photographer in Cataloochee was approached by a young male elk while sitting alongside the road taking pictures. Photos and video of the encounter have been circulated widely. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elk-response.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/wildlife-safety.htm Thu, 14 Nov 2013 04:45:00 EST Park officials remind park visitors to exercise caution as they view and photograph wildlife to best protect both the animals and themselves. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/wildlife-safety.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/sister-park.htm Fri, 20 Sep 2013 04:55:00 EST National Park established its first Sister Park Arrangement with Khao Yai National Park in Thailand. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/sister-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/trt-2013.htm Mon, 22 Jul 2013 10:30:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains Park officials announce the completion of two unique summer programs engaging selected high school students and teachers as park rangers. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/trt-2013.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/exp-of-freedom-comp.htm Thu, 18 Jul 2013 11:31:00 EST David Noland of Sevierville, TN received an Honorable Mention in the Expressions of Freedom National Art Competition sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/exp-of-freedom-comp.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/water-dangers.htm Mon, 01 Jul 2013 03:46:00 EST Water recreation is not recommended in the park due to numerous hazards and dangers. Weather forecasts for the Fourth of July holiday week include heavy rain and thunderstorms which can cause river levels to rise rapidly. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/water-dangers.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bridge-2-complete.htm Mon, 24 Jun 2013 03:55:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park celebrated the completion of Bridge 2 on the Foothills Parkway near Wears Valley, TN with a ribbon cutting event on Monday, June 24. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bridge-2-complete.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nfg-repave-2013.htm Tue, 21 May 2013 09:57:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that a project to repave 6.1 miles of Newfound Gap Road will begin in May. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/nfg-repave-2013.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/world-heritage-fellow.htm Thu, 09 May 2013 09:49:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting a World Heritage Fellow, Anoop K.R., Director of Keoladeo National Park in India and Deputy Conservator of Forests in the Bharatpur District of Rajasthan. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/world-heritage-fellow.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/new-hwa-beetle.htm Wed, 01 May 2013 11:32:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park resource managers plan to release two new predatory beetle species to aid in control efforts to stop the spread of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect pest that has devastated hemlock forests throughout the eastern United States. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/new-hwa-beetle.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/tornado-trails-reopen.htm Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:31:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the reopening of two trails that have been closed since 2011 after receiving extensive damage from a F4 Tornado in the western end of the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/tornado-trails-reopen.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/experience-smokies-ncarolina.htm Mon, 04 Mar 2013 04:47:00 EST Officials at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in conjunction with the Friends of the Smokies and the Great Smoky Mountain Association are announcing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the national park. The program, Experience Your Smokies, is a unique opportunity to get to know the park and its employees in a whole new way. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/experience-smokies-ncarolina.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/tourism-local-benefits.htm Tue, 26 Feb 2013 04:38:00 EST Gatlinburg, TN – A new National Park Service (NPS) report for 2011 shows that the 9,008,830 visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park spent $818 million in communities surrounding the park. This spending supported 11,732 jobs in the local area. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/tourism-local-benefits.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/info_on_vandalism.htm Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:19:00 EST On January 31st, Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitors reported the defacement of natural stone features and masonry stone walls at the Sinks. The Sinks is a popular roadside waterfall located on Little River Road between Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area and the Townsend Wye. Vandals spray painted pictures and profanity along the walkways, stone walls, and natural rock throughout the area. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/info_on_vandalism.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/backcounty_system_changes.htm Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:26:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced today that changes to its current backcountry reservation and permitting process will take effect on February 13, 2013. As reported last March, the National Park Service approved the park’s proposal to begin collecting fees for use of the park’s backcountry campsites and shelters. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/backcounty_system_changes.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bat-warning.htm Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:29:00 EST The park has recently received numerous reports of unusual winter bat activity. Park biologists do not know the exact cause of this unusual bat activity, but urge all visitors to exercise caution as bats are known to carry diseases such as rabies. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bat-warning.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/grammy-nomination.htm Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:51:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is pleased to announce that the CD, Old-Time Smoky Mountain Music, produced by the Park’s nonprofit educational partner, Great Smoky Mountains Association, has been nominated for a Grammy Award. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/grammy-nomination.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/suspect-apprehended.htm Sun, 02 Dec 2012 06:10:00 EST Blount County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a LaFollette, TN man, Brian Ivey, age 38, who was suspected of breaking into a car parked at Chimney’s Tops Trailhead inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/suspect-apprehended.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-stewards-youth-pro.htm Fri, 30 Nov 2012 06:18:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park, through Friends of the Smokies, is one of twenty national parks to be awarded grants as part of the 2012 Park Stewards program. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/park-stewards-youth-pro.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/eab-confirmed.htm Wed, 21 Nov 2012 04:50:00 EST Park Resource Managers recently confirmed the Smokies first backcountry emerald ash borer infestation. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/eab-confirmed.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hiker-rescue.htm Fri, 02 Nov 2012 04:43:00 EST A stranded hiker was successfully airlifted from the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park this afternoon. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hiker-rescue.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/storm-damage.htm Fri, 06 Jul 2012 14:30:00 EST Two fatalities resulted from a severe thunderstorm on Thursday. Cades Cove and Abrams Creek Campgrounds are closed. Several roads also remain closed. For information regarding closures call 865-436-1200. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/storm-damage.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/spence-reservations.htm Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:20:00 EST Spence Cabin in the Elkmont Historic District has been restored to its historic apperance and is available for day-use rental. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/spence-reservations.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/eab-found.htm Thu, 07 Jun 2012 05:31:00 EST Officials recently confirmed the presence of invasive emerald ash borer beetles in the park. Last week, beetles were discovered near Sugarlands Visitor Center and in the Greebrier area, on the Tennessee side of the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/eab-found.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/vista-clearing.htm Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:31:00 EST Over the next few months a Park contractor will be reopening 34 of the most popular roadside vistas along the Park’s main roads. Park officials say that this will be the first major vista-clearing initiative in decades. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/vista-clearing.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/wns-confirmed.htm Tue, 20 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST Biologists at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have confirmed that both a tricolored and a little brown bat found in a park cave tested positive for white-nose syndrome (WNS). https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/wns-confirmed.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bc-camping-fee.htm Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:51:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains Superintendent Dale A. Ditmanson has announced that the Park’s proposal to begin collecting for the use of the Park’s backcountry campsites and shelters has been approved by the National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bc-camping-fee.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ovc-leeds-gold.htm Wed, 29 Feb 2012 06:27:00 EST The new Oconaluftee Visitor Center which opened last April has just received certification at the Gold Level under the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ovc-leeds-gold.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/economic-impact-2012.htm Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:17:00 EST According to a recently-released National Park Service (NPS) study, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not only the nation’s most visited national park, it also tops the 397 national park units in visitor spending. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/economic-impact-2012.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/land-donation.htm Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:05:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park got an early Holiday gift on December 14, when the Friends of the Smokies officially transferred 20 acres of new land to be added to the Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/land-donation.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elk-ea-approved.htm Thu, 27 Oct 2011 05:17:00 EST Superintendent Dale Ditmanson announced the approval of a Finding of No Significant Impact of the Environmental Assessment on a proposed plan for managing a permanent herd of elk in the Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elk-ea-approved.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/drowning-sinks.htm Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:04:00 EST The second drowning in the park this summer occurred at the Sinks on Saturday, July 30th. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/drowning-sinks.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bc-permit-restructure.htm Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:05:00 EST Managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park are considering some changes in the process by which backpackers make reservations for overnight camping at the Park’s nearly 100 backcountry sites and shelters. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bc-permit-restructure.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ovc-music-jam.htm Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:54:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is starting an acoustic old time jam session every third Saturday of the month starting July 16 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, NC, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ovc-music-jam.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/drowning-wye.htm Mon, 11 Jul 2011 05:41:00 EST A drowning victim was recovered from Great Smoky Mountains National Park today in a section of the Little River at the Townsend Wye, a popular day use area in Blount County. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/drowning-wye.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/conviction.htm Wed, 18 May 2011 20:00:00 EST On April 20th, three North Carolina men were convicted and sentenced in Federal Court in Bryson City, N.C., pursuant to two separate cases in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/conviction.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/tornado-closure.htm Wed, 04 May 2011 20:00:00 EST Officials at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the National Weather Service have determined that a severe EF 4 tornado swept across the northwestern corner of the Park last Wednesday causing extensive damage to seven park trails. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/tornado-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/app-clubhouse.htm Wed, 20 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST The park’s newly-restored Appalachian Clubhouse is now available for public day-use rental. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/app-clubhouse.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cataloochee-res.htm Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced that the Cataloochee Campground in North Carolina will go live on Recreation.gov on February 9. Campers will be required to make advanced reservations to stay at the 27-site campground when it reopens for the season on March 11. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cataloochee-res.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/roads-twitter.htm Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced that Park visitors and local travelers may now sign-up to receive status updates about the Park’s most frequently used roads via text message or the Internet. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/roads-twitter.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/visitation-2010.htm Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST During a year of weather extremes, landslides, and major construction projects, Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitation in Calendar Year 2010 pulled through to match 2009 levels. Visitation through the Park’s three main entrances and outlying areas in 2010 was 9,463,538, just slightly below 2009, the Park’s 75th anniversary year which reported 9,491,436 visits. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/visitation-2010.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bat-video.htm Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST Bats play a significant role in the natural world and this biological function is being threatened by a disease that has already killed off millions of bats in the northeast United States. A new video recently released by Great Smoky Mountains National Park describes the potential threat of the often fatal disease known as white-nose syndrome (WNS) to the park's bat populations. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/bat-video.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fhp-dec-10.htm Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced the award of a $33.8 million contract to continue construction on the “Missing Link” of the Foothills Parkway https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fhp-dec-10.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hybrid-vehicles-7.htm Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST The park recently received seven Ford Escape Hybrid vehicles that were purchased using a $197,550 grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/hybrid-vehicles-7.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cataloochee-reservations.htm Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST When Cataloochee Campground reopens for the season next March 11, campers will be required to have advance reservations. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cataloochee-reservations.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/water-safety-video.htm Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST The last of a three-part series of hiking safety podcasts for Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now available for viewing. Water Safety and Day Hiking is part of the recently launched program “Reward Yourself - Hike the Smokies Challenge”. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/water-safety-video.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/elk-ea-8-24-10.htm Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is soliciting public comment on the Park’s plans to transition the Park’s management of its elk herd from an experiment to a long-term management strategy. Under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) the public has 30 days to provide comments before the National Park Service can make a decision. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/elk-ea-8-24-10.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/tremont-nsi.htm Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) has completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) of its Development Concept Plan which outlines plans to make improvements to the Park-owned facilities which house the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. The EA resulted in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the Park’s natural or cultural resources from the proposed improvements. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/tremont-nsi.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/bear-podcast-gsma.htm Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST A new video podcast, Day Hiking and Wildlife, associated with the recently launched program “Reward Yourself - Hike the Smokies Challenge”, is now available for viewing. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/bear-podcast-gsma.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/nfg-fosi.htm Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST The National Park Service has completed an Environmental Assessment of the planned rehabilitation of 14.5 miles of Newfound Gap Road from the park’s entrance at Gatlinburg, TN, to the TN/NC state line at Newfound Gap. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/nfg-fosi.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/arra-additional-projects.htm Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park is starting four American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects to improve hiker parking areas and resurface two roads in the Park. The $12.2 million for these projects brings total Recovery Act funding for the Smokies to $77.5 million. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/arra-additional-projects.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/wns-press-release.htm Sun, 18 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST Biologists at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have received confirmation that one Little Brown bat collected from its hibernating refuge in the Park’s White Oak Blowhole cave tested positive for the fungus that is the presumptive causative agent of White Nose Syndrome. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/wns-press-release.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/white-oak-road.htm Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced the release of the White Oak Road Environmental Assessment. The assessment analyzes a proposal to issue a right-of-way (ROW) permit to North Carolina Department of Transportation (NC DOT) to allow widening of White Oak Road (State Rd. 1338) in Haywood County, NC, where the road crosses National Park Service property near I-40 at the Fines Creek exit. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/white-oak-road.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/north-shore-settlement.htm Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today that a settlement has been reached in a dispute begun in 1943 over a proposed 34-mile stretch of road through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Under the terms of the agreement signed today by the Department of the Interior, Swain County, North Carolina, and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the Department of the Interior will pay up to $52 million into a trust fund established for the County. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/north-shore-settlement.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fhp-contract-award.htm Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST Officials at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced that the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division has awarded a contract to Bell & Associates Highway Construction of Brentwood, TN to design and construct the next section of the uncompleted Foothills Parkway. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fhp-contract-award.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/twin-creeks-leed-award.htm Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST The Twin Creeks Science and Education Center at Great Smoky Mountains National Park has just received certification at the Gold Level under the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/twin-creeks-leed-award.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elk-poaching-arrest.htm Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST Charges are pending against a Granville County, North Carolina man who is a suspected of shooting a bull elk inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elk-poaching-arrest.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/arra-release.htm Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST Next spring and early summer managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park expect to make over $44 million worth of major improvements to 56 miles of park roads, a campground and a popular trailhead parking area. Funding for the projects has become available from a combination of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act along with previously-authorized Federal Lands Highway Program funds.   https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/arra-release.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fire-mgmt-plan-ea.htm Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST Superintendent Dale Ditmanson has announced the release of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment (EA) and draft Fire Management Plan. The EA addresses the proposal by the National Park Service (NPS) to update, develop and implement a Fire Management Plan (FMP) for Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Park or GRSM). https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/fire-mgmt-plan-ea.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/stimulus-09.htm Mon, 25 May 2009 20:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent, Dale Ditmanson, has received word that the nation’s most visited national park is slated to receive $64,006,150 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The bulk of the money is targeted towards road work, but the Park’s trails, cemeteries, public restrooms, and other buildings will also be improved. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/stimulus-09.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elkmont-feis.htm Thu, 07 May 2009 20:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced that the Notice of Availability of the Elkmont Historic District Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and General Management Plan Amendment was published on May 1 in the Federal Register. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/elkmont-feis.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/scenic-byway.htm Sun, 26 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST The Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has recently received State Scenic Byway designation by both the States of North Carolina and Tennessee. Newfound Gap Road (US 441), stretching 34 miles between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC, is a principle roadway that completely transverses the park leading to the highest elevations. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/scenic-byway.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cave-closure.htm Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST In response to a growing concern about a new malady that has killed an estimated 400,000 bats in the Northeast, managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have closed all of its caves to public entry until further notice. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/cave-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ginseng-poacher-jail.htm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST On January 22, 2009, two North Carolina men were convicted and sentenced in Federal Court in Bryson City, NC, one for illegally digging American ginseng and both for a failure to obey a lawful order given by a U.S. Park Ranger in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Jeremy Farmer, 24, of Canton, NC and Larry Johnson, 46, of Clyde, NC were both found guilty, fined and sentenced to jail terms. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/ginseng-poacher-jail.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/toyota-donation-08.htm Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST Toyota and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have partnered to foster environmental education through Toyota’s contribution of $1 million and three hybrid vehicles to America’s most visited national park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/toyota-donation-08.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/zero-emission-vehicles.htm Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST Park operations in Deep Creek Campground and at Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina got a little cleaner and a little quieter this month with the addition of two new donated electric vehicles. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/zero-emission-vehicles.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/climate-friendly-press.htm Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park launched a new "Do Your Part!" initiative aimed at educating visitors about measures that they can take, in the park and at home, to reduce their contributions to global warming. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/climate-friendly-press.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/emerald-ash-borer.htm Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have begun asking about some strange-looking bright purple triangular objects hanging in trees near the park’s campgrounds and picnic areas. They may resemble Japanese lanterns, but these are actually beetle traps the park is using to detect the arrival of a new, non-native insect pest, the emerald ash borer. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/emerald-ash-borer.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/brooktroutassess.htm Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:00:00 EST Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson announced today the approval of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) signaling completion of the Final Environmental Assessment for Opening of the Brook Trout Fishery for Recreational Use. The FONSI was signed on June 11, 2007, and culminates nearly a year of planning in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/brooktroutassess.htm