GATLINBURG, Tennessee (Sept. 14, 2026)— Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors to view wildlife safely as elk and black bear activity increases this fall. Autumn offers opportunities to witness elk during their annual breeding season, known as the rut, and to observe bears feeding on fall food sources. While these experiences can be amazing to witness, they also require caution, awareness and respect for wildlife. With proper precautions, visitors can safely appreciate the remarkable seasonal wildlife activity. Following […]
GATLINBURG, Tenn. — As autumn approaches, Great Smoky Mountains National Park looks forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy its world-renowned fall foliage. The changing leaves, cooler temperatures, wildlife viewing and special events bring in a high volume of visitors, congested traffic and limited parking. Check out the tips below to navigate the crowds and make the most of fall in the Great Smoky Mountains. Popular destinations like Cades Cove, Kuwohi and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail will […]
GATLINBURG, Tenn.— 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. The public is invited to join park staff and volunteers at Wilderness […]
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (Dec. 18, 2024)— 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. Through this rehabilitation, […]
MARYVILLE, Tennessee – Aug. 19, 2022 – Friends of the Smokies, an official nonprofit partner of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is bringing 20 nationally acclaimed artists to the park to paint “en plein air,” an outdoor painting practice and style, throughout various park vistas. The event activities, which include a ticketed gala and art sale, […]
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced two morning closures of Clingmans Dome Road on Friday, Aug. 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 […]
Great Smoky Mountains National 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. Approved parking rates are $5 for a daily […]
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials celebrated the reopening of Parson Branch Road with a ribbon-cutting event honoring the crew 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 […]
“Storytelling is a time-honored human tradition, and a key part of how park rangers engage with visitors when they come to Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” said Stephanie Kyriazis, Chief of Resource Education. “Launching a podcast allows us to share Smokies stories about science and culture with a broader audience, even when they are far […]
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host 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. […]