Great Smoky Mountains National Park

It's Physics: Why Smaller Backpackers Can Carry Heavy Packs

Physics seems to have an answer for just about everything. How else could you explain why smaller backpackers can carry rather large backpacks?

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By NPT Staff - October 27th, 2014 3:00am

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Reader Participation Day: How Do You Mix Parks And Politics?

Do national park-related issues affect your decisions at the ballot box?

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By NPT Staff - October 22nd, 2014 3:00am

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Finding Fall Color In Unexpected Places

Many areas in the National Park System are famous for autumn color, and visitors flock to places like Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Acadia National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park to enjoy the seasonal palette of natural beauty. There are, however, some other parks where fall color can be either a surprise—or a favorite destination for savvy travelers.

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By Jim Burnett - October 22nd, 2014 3:00am

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Reader Participation Day: How Much Extra $$ Do You Send The National Park Service?

After you've purchased your annual parks pass, or paid your week-long entrance fee to your favorite national park, how much more money do you send to the National Park Service?

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By Kurt Repanshek - October 15th, 2014 4:20am

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Reader Participation Day: Where Is The Best Microbrew In The National Park System?

After a long day in a national park, it's nice to sit back and enjoy one of the local microbrews. Which raises the question: Where is the best-tasting microbrew with a park connection located?

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By Kurt Repanshek - October 8th, 2014 3:20am

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Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail At Great Smoky Mountains National Park To Close For Bridge Repairs

One of the most idyllic drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, but if you don't venture down that road soon you'll miss your chance until late next Spring as work is scheduled to replace eight bridges along the 5.5-mile one-way road.

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By NPT Staff - October 6th, 2014 3:20am

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Whiteoak Sink Area Of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Closed To Visitors To Protect Bats

A unique and beautiful area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is temporarily being closed to visitors in an effort to protect bats that enter caves there.

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By NPT Staff - September 26th, 2014 2:20am

What To Do In Shenandoah National Park Now: Take A Hike Into The Landscape

It's mid-September, and while the temps are still almost summerish, the trees know fall is right around the corner, and that's a great reason to head to Shenandoah National Park now.

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By Kurt Repanshek - September 17th, 2014 3:20am

Around The Parks: Enchanted Chalet Moved, Shenandoah Science, Park After Dark

Take a look around the National Park System and you'll see historic buildings being moved, citizen science at work, and a wonderful evening gathering around a historical park.

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By NPT Staff - September 17th, 2014 3:20am

Wilderness Act Being Celebrated At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting a celebration on Saturday, September 27, at Sugarlands Visitor Center in honor of the Wilderness Act, which was signed into law 50 years ago by President Lyndon Johnson.

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By NPT Staff - September 17th, 2014 2:20am

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

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

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The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks