Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Update 3: Closed For Business: America's National Parks

Once-in-a-lifetime trips to majestic places such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone crumbled Tuesday as Congress's failure to avert a shutdown of the federal government interrupted countless vacation plans as closure gates came down across the National Park System.

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By Kurt Repanshek - October 2nd, 2013 2:04pm

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Around The Parks: Wine Sales, Park Fees, Point Reyes Seals

A glance around the National Park System seems to show wine sales can benefit the parks, more and more user fees are being approved despite a five-year-old "moratorium" against them, and Point Reyes National Seashore has had a bumper crop of seals this year.

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By Kurt Repanshek - September 30th, 2013 2:45am

Federal Government Asks Court To Dismiss Backcountry Fee Lawsuit At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A group of backpackers who sued over a fee program instituted at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have failed to show they were harmed by the $4 nightly fees, according to a motion asking that the lawsuit be dismissed.

GRSM-Motion to Dismiss.pdf

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By Kurt Repanshek - September 30th, 2013 2:30am

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With Debt Ceiling Approaching, How Will National Park Service React To Congressional Gridlock?

With the clock, and the calendar, ticking closer to congressional gridlock over the country's debt ceiling, how might the National Park Service react if October 1 arrives without an increase in the ceiling?

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By Kurt Repanshek - September 25th, 2013 3:15am

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Taste The Mountain Life At Great Smoky Mountains National Park On September 21

You can, quite literally, sample the ways of the past at the annual Mountain Life Festival that will be celebrated at Great Smoky Mountains National Park on September 21.

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By NPT Staff - September 16th, 2013 2:30am

Great Smoky Mountains National Park To Mark 80th Anniversary Of Civilian Conservation Corps

A look back at the Civilian Conservation Corps is planned for Saturday when the 80th anniversary of the workers' program is marked at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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By NPT Staff - September 9th, 2013 3:30am

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"Elk Bike Patrol" Pedaling At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Park the rig and ride the bike. That's the tack being taken in the Cataloochee Valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park this fall to better manage visitors and elk.

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By NPT Staff - September 2nd, 2013 2:45am

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Fall In The National Parks: A Perfect Season For Catching The Wild Side Of The Park System

Wonderment and joy unfold in the national parks come fall when the wild kingdom becomes more visible, literally voicing the call of the wild in parks such as Great Smoky Mountains or Rocky Mountain or winging overhead in any number of parks.

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By NPT Staff - August 28th, 2013 3:00am

Springhouse Branch Trail At Great Smoky Mountains National Park Closed To Horse Use

Heavy rains have created unsafe conditions for horses on the Springhouse Gap Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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By NPT Staff - August 26th, 2013 8:32am

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Telethon Raises More Than $200,000 For Friends Of The Smokies

Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park raised $201,423 through its 19th annual “Friends Across the Mountains” telethon thanks to hundreds of callers and help from sponsors Dollywood, Mast General Store, Pilot Corporation, and SmartBank.

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By NPT Staff - August 18th, 2013 3:03am

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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.