Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Photography In The National Parks: Seeing The Forest For The Trees

Not all park forests are alike. Some forests thrive in moist, even waterlogged environments, while others flourish in much drier climates. Some forests remain green year-round while others burst with color in the fall. Some forests stand as stark testaments to the ravages of wildfires while other forests provide environments for trees to grow to mind-boggling heights and widths. All these forests and their trees flesh out the story of a national park visit and the Traveler’s contributing photographer Rebecca Latson provides example images, tips, and techniques to help you capture the forest story of your own park trip.

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By Rebecca Latson - October 24th, 2021 7:48am

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Crossing A Bridge Along The Cataloochee Hiking Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A person walking near the end of a wooden bridge along the Cataloochee Hiking Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

"Cataloochee Valley is nestled among some of the most rugged mountains in the southeastern United States. Surrounded by 6000-foot peaks, this isolated valley was one of the largest and most prosperous settlements in what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Some 1,200 people lived in this lovely mountain valley in 1910. Most made their living by farming, including commercial apple growing, but an early tourism industry developed in Cataloochee with some families boarding fishermen and other tourists who wished to vacation in the mountains."

NPS-Victoria Stauffenberg

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By Rebecca Latson - May 17th, 2021 3:45am

Greenbrier Area Closure At Great Smoky Extended Through May 15

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials say the Greenbrier area will remain temporarily closed beyond the Greenbrier Ranger Station to all motorists and pedestrians through May 15.

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By NPT Staff - April 27th, 2021 1:45am

National Parks Quiz And Trivia #28: The Spring Wildflower Edition

Spring has sprung, so this quiz and trivia piece is about spring wildflowers you’ll see in the national parks. Dust out those mental cobwebs and test your knowledge while maybe learning something new in the process.

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By Rebecca Latson - April 9th, 2021 4:00am

Review Finds Most Research In National Park System Focused On Just Five Parks

Though the National Park System stretches from the ocean floor to the roof of Denali, the bulk of peer-reviewed research conducted in the parks is focused on just five parks, an analysis by North Carolina State researchers claims.

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By NPT Staff - April 2nd, 2021 2:00am

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National Parks Quiz And Trivia #27

Are you ready to test your knowledge and learn more about units in the National Park System? Then take a look at National Parks Quiz And Trivia #27 and see just how much you know (or think you know).

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By Rebecca Latson - March 26th, 2021 2:00am

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Enjoy Synchronous Fireflies At Great Smoky And Congaree, But Carefully

While watching fireflies blink off and on, sometimes all at the same time, is a growing tourism draw for places such as Congaree and Great Smoky Mountains national parks, researchers have some tips for doing so without jeopardizing the insects.

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By NPT Staff - March 16th, 2021 1:45am

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National Parks Traveler Episode 109: Great Smoky's Wildlife Corridors

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an ideal place to see bear, elk and other mammals, large and small. But too often the place these wild animals are seen most is dead along the side of Interstate 40 in the Pigeon River Gorge, victims of a fragmented habitat combined with an increasing number of motor vehicles.

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Groups Will Need Permits To Visit Whiteoak Sink At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

In a bid to reduce trampling of wildflowers, a group permit system for visits to the Whiteoak Sink area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be in place next month.

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By NPT Staff - March 9th, 2021 1:45am

National Parks Quiz And Trivia #26 – Superlatives

The National Park System is full of superlatives: the biggest, the smallest, the longest, the deepest, the rarest, the tallest, and on and on. National Parks Quiz and Trivia #26 takes a look at some of these superlatives while testing your knowledge and teaching you a little something you might not have known.

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By Rebecca Latson - March 9th, 2021 6:20am

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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.