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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Changes Firewood Rules To Protect Forests

In a further step to help protect the forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park from non-native insect pests, park officials beginning in March will only allow heat-treated firewood that has been certified by the USDA or a state agriculture department, and dead and down wood collected from the park's forests, to be used in campgrounds.

Cades Cove Loop Road At Great Smoky Mountains National Park To Be Closed Temporarily In January

A need to remove some hazardous trees in Cades Cove at Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require the temporary closure of the cove's loop road for a number of days this month. The road will be closed to all pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists January 6 through January 8 and January 13 through January 15.

Nearly Five Years Later, Congress Balking On "Road To Nowhere" Payments At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nearly five years after what was considered to be an historic moment, Congress is dragging its feet to make good on a $52 million settlement with a North Carolina county that lost a connection when Fontana Dam was built and its reservoir flooded a section of state highway 288.

Alum Cave Trail At Great Smoky Mountains National Park In Line For Some Serious Restoration

One of the most popular areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Alum Cave area, is on tap for some serious restoration work that will take about two years and result in some occasional trail closures. The result, though, will make the trail safer for hikers and better protect natural resources, according to park officials.

39th Annual Festival Of Christmas Past Coming To Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will stage its 39th annual Festival of Christmas Past celebration, complete with music, stories out of the past, and even apple cider, on December 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sugarlands Visitor Center on the western side of the park.

With Longer Nights, Time To Be Extra Careful When Driving Through National Parks

They're big, hard to see until the last minute, can do substantial damage to your vehicle, and likely will wind up dead if you run into them. With longer nights having arrived across the National Park System, it's time to drive a little more carefully and slowly so you don't run into wildlife.

Saguaro National Park Officials Voice Opposition To Development Proposed Across From Rincon Mountain District

Should there be a development buffer around national parks? That's a tough question, particularly when you look at West Yellowstone's proximity to Yellowstone National Park or Gatlinsburg's presence at the Sugarlands Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At Saguaro National Park, officials say a development proposed for a 45-acre parcel across from the Rincon Mountain District entrance is too close.

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