GSMNP

The Smokies Are Open for Business

The Shutdown goes on but the Great Smoky Mountain National Park will be fully open Friday afternoon, the Sevier County government announced that the park – thanks to efforts of multiple government agencies – will fully reopen on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 4. The affected parts of the park – including the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cades Cove, the Cades

hellbender salamander great smoky mountains national park

Why Is This Rare Smoky Mountain Inhabitant in Danger?

The GSMNP warns visitors about disturbing this mostly unseen residents’ habitat Before we moved to the mountains of East Tennessee, I spent a significant time knocking around the woods of rural Southern Indiana. It was the ‘80s and I was given freedom to roam that would be considered shocking these days. I certainly wouldn’t give my own kids that sort

Cornelia Vanderbilt Davy crocket statue

Ideas for a Movie: Starring These Colorful Mountain People

The five most colorful, interesting, important or Hollywood people in the history of the mountains Frequently, when doing research for an article – or noodling aimlessly about on the internet – I’ll come across some historical figure or colorful character and wonder, “Why haven’t they turned this person’s life story into a movie?” The No. 1, person for this Robert

The Worst times to visit the Smoky Mountains

Worst Times To Visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

A local breaks down the times to avoid when booking your Smoky Mountain vacation While I generally hold with the belief there are no bad times to visit the Smokies – with the exception of during natural disasters and the like – I will admit there are times that a Smoky Mountain vacation is less optimal than others. When are

Budget cuts in Washington could affect your next Smoky Mountain Vacation

Changes to the Budget May Affect Your Next Visit to the GSMNP A GSMNP hiring freeze could ruin your next trip to the park … here’s how A political battle in Washington D.C. is leaving the most visited National Park in the country stuck in the middle. Here’s what you need to know. Let’s start here: The Great Smoky Mountain

laurel falls in the great smoky mountains

Major Changes Coming to Laurel Falls Starting in 2025

One of the most popular trails in the Smokies will be closed for 18 months The National Park Service (NPS) will begin a major rehabilitation on Laurel Falls Trail, which is 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