Great Smoky Mountains National Park

National Park System Visitation Statistics: Where Did All The Backpackers Go?

Glance through National Park System visitation statistics for a few years, and some puzzling numbers surface. For example: Doesn't anyone like to backpack?

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 2nd, 2015 3:10am

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Effort To Overturn Backcountry User Fee At Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fails

A legal challenge to a backcountry user fee at Great Smoky Mountains National Park has failed, with a federal judge ruling the National Park Service was within its rights to levy the $4 per night per person fee.

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 1st, 2015 1:40pm

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Road Work Coming To Newfound Gap Road At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Driving the Newfound Gap Road at Great Smoky Mountains National Park this spring, summer and fall will be a bit more trying as work to repave more than 4 miles of the road is carried out.

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By NPT Staff - March 30th, 2015 3:10am

An Early Opening For Clingmans Dome Road At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Barring a late snowstorm, the road to Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will open Friday.

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By NPT Staff - March 26th, 2015 3:10am

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Facility Opening Schedule Published For Great Smoky Mountains National Park

With the official spring just a few days away, the schedule of facility openings at Great Smoky Mountains National Park shows busy times coming to the park in the weeks ahead.

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By NPT Staff - March 17th, 2015 2:10am

Time To Register For Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you like wildflowers and hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, now's the time to register for the 65th Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage in the park.

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By NPT Staff - February 15th, 2015 3:10am

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Free Entry To Entire National Park System This Presidents Day Weekend

Make an executive decision to visit a national park this Presidents Day weekend. All 405 national parks will offer free admission February 14-16.

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By NPT Staff - February 11th, 2015 3:10am

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Mapping Streams

Did you know, or have any idea, that Great Smoky Mountains National Park, that rumpled stretch of Appalachia, contains nearly 3,000 miles of streams?

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By NPT Staff - January 25th, 2015 3:00am

More Charging Stations Popping Up In National Park System For Electric Vehicles

Electric charging stations are beginning to sprout up around the National Park System, making it a bit easier for visitors with electric vehicles to recharge while enjoying the parks.

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By Donna Childress - January 15th, 2015 3:00am

Birding In The National Parks: Which Parks Do You Need To Hit?

I’ve managed to get around North America quite a bit during my five years as a serious birder. At least it seems like I have. When I plot a map of every checklist I’ve ever entered at eBird, it looks like I’m neglected large swaths of the continent. What’s with the interior plains? The west coast south of Olympic National Park? Alaska isn’t even on the map because there were no pins there, so I cropped it out.

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By Kirby Adams - January 13th, 2015 4:00am

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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.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks