Archive for the ‘ National Park News ’ Category
Winter Hiking in Pigeon Forge
Sometimes you need to get outside and deeply, breath in the fresh, crisp air of nature. The cool nibble of cold air as you explore deep into the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains is one of the best ways to refresh your senses, mind, and soul. Check out some of these popular hiking trails
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Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Wednesdays Begin
Park managers began implementing vehicle-free opportunities for bicyclists and pedestrians in Cades Cove over 40 years ago. This year, Cades Cove will be hosting vehicle-free Wednesdays from May 5 to September 1. During this span, no vehicles will be permitted to drive through the Cades Cove Loop on Wednesdays. The vehicle-free event is a great
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Synchronous Firefly Viewing Dates Announced by GSMNP
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced the dates for synchronous firefly viewing in Elkmont. The ticketed event will take place from Tuesday, June 1 through Tuesday, June 8. Parking passes will be distributed via a lottery system administered through www.recreation.gov. Every year in late May or early June, thousands of visitors gather near the
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8 Things To Do On A Hot Day
Summertime in East Tennessee is nothing short of hot and sunny! We’re not complaining but sometimes it’s good to have plans for when the day is just too hot to be walking around. We’ve put together a list of awesome indoor and outdoor activities to get through even the hottest days of summer in Pigeon
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Springtime in The Smokies 2021
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage Get ready for the 71st annual Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Every year, you can be a part of the event and experience guided hikes that explore all sorts of nature in the national park — wildflowers, wildlife, culture, history and more! This year’s Wildflower Pilgrimage will be
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Alum Cave Trail Will Temporarily Close in February
News release from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials will implement a temporary, weekday closure of Alum Cave Trail and parking lots during February. The area will be closed weekly Monday through Thursday from February 8th through February 25th. The trail will be fully open each week
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Perfect Fall Hikes in The Smokies
Cooler air is making its way into The Great Smoky Mountains and we’re excited to plan fall hikes! By October, the mountains will be changing colors throughout the area and amazing visitors will be coming in from all over. To see these amazing seasonal colors we’ve picked some hikes for you and your family to
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Updated Openings in the GSMNP
Updated: February 12th, 2021: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park now requires face masks in all federal buildings and federal lands. Areas Now Open! Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cataloochee, and Cosby Campgrounds Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom, and Tow String Horse Camps Heintooga and Look Rock Picnic Areas Little Greenbrier Road The
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National Park Announces Reopening
May 6, 2020: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Announced Phased Reopening May 9, 2020 CLICK HERE FOR MORE CURRENT INFORMATION Hikers, scenic drive enthusiasts, and everyone ready to get back out into the great outdoors, get ready! President Trump announced in a press conference on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 that many national parks
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Cades Cove Will ReOpen February 29th!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Cades Cove will reopen on Saturday, February 29! This is after a two-month closure for tunnel repairs. The now completed $950,000 Bote Mountain Tunnel repair along Laurel Creek Road is ahead of schedule! This will allow the popular area to reopen in time for the first full
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National Park Sets Visitation Record of 12.5 Million!
New Visitation Record in GSMNP Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed a record 12,547,743 visitors in 2019, which is 1,126,540 more visitors than in 2018. The park’s three primary entrances near Gatlinburg, Townsend, and Cherokee all had increased use, accounting for about two-thirds of the total park visitation. Secondary park entrances experienced tremendous growth, due
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A to Z Things To Do in The Smokies in 2020
A. Anakeesta This family friendly outdoor adventure is full of exciting and fantastical experiences. Stroll along the 16 bridge Tree Canopy Walk 40’–60’ feet above the forest floor, and explore the whimsical Tree House Village Playground with the kids. B. Bike the Smokies Bike the Smokies makes it easy for you to get outside and
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