Volunteer "Rovers" Needed To Inform Smokies' Fall Visitors On Oconaluftee River Trail, Mountain Farm Museum and Newfound Gap Road

Published Date

August 17, 2012

Volunteers will be needed this fall to "rove" the Oconaluftee River Trail, the Mountain Farm Museum, and wildlife viewing areas of Newfound Gap Road to educate and manage visitor use. The start of the Oconaluftee River Trail goes right where access to the Mountain Farm Museum goes left near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center outside Cherokee, NC. Photo by Randy Johnson.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to help the park staff by roving the Oconaluftee River Trail, the Mountain Farm Museum, and fields along Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road) to educate and advise visitors and help with traffic flow. This volunteers will be needed from late August until November 10, 2012.

Volunteers will be asked to rove four hours prior to sunset on the same day each week.

Volunteer rovers offer great assistance during the evening hours in the Oconaluftee area by providing visitors with useful park information regarding regulations about littering and interacting with wildlife. They also informally present important information about the Park’s history, wildflowers, and make suggestions for the best areas to view fall leaf colors.

During the frequent presence of elk in the fields along Newfound Gap Road, volunteers will aid Visitor Use Assistants and Rangers in traffic management as well as provide visitors with information on viewing the elk and their role in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The volunteers will also provide assistance by distributing information about regulations that prohibit disturbing and approaching wildlife.

Anyone interested will be required to attend one, 5-hour orientation and training session on Monday, August 27 (not the 28th as park officials initially said), at the Oconaluftee Multi-purpose Room near Cherokee, N.C. To register for the training, or for more information, please contact the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at 828/497-1904.

Story Categories:

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add new comment

Comments

Submitted by admin on August 17, 2012 - 9:56am.

There was a misnomer in the press release for this. The training date is actaully Monday, August 27. When you call to register they will inform you. NPT Staff can call to verify.

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on August 17, 2012 - 12:04pm.

Thanks Will! We've updated the story with the correct date.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks