Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park To Implement Backcountry Fee In February

Planning to backpack through Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Beginning February 13 you'll need to pay for the privilege as the park implements a user fee to help cover costs for managing its backcountry program.

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By NPT Staff - February 1st, 2013 9:39am

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Exploring The National Park System's Underbelly

While white-nose syndrome continues to plague bats in the country's cave systems, there nevertheless are quite a few underground tours you can take in the National Park System, tours that not only will show off these unique resources but also provide education on the disease.

NPS-National Park Cave Tours.pdf

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By Kurt Repanshek - January 25th, 2013 10:22am

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Has No Timetable For Rebuilding Newfound Gap Road

While engineers have completed their initial assessment on the blown-out section of the Newfound Gap Road across Great Smoky Mountains National Park, they have no timetable yet for when the road will be rebuilt and open for traffic.

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By NPT Staff - January 24th, 2013 3:03am

World's Largest Natural Sound Library Now Available On-line ... And It's Free

Parks are great spots to enjoy observing wildlife, but one of the challenges for many visitors is the question: "What bird (or animal) is that?" Now there's a source of help in wildlife identification for both experts and amateurs: The "world’s largest natural sound archive" has gone digital, and it's available on-line ... and free of charge.

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By Jim Burnett - January 17th, 2013 3:03am

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UPDATED: Landslide Closes Newfound Gap Road Across Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A landslide has severed the main route across Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Newfound Gap Road, and it could be a while before the road reopens, park officials said today.

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By NPT Staff - January 16th, 2013 5:25pm

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Appalachian Trail Hiker Found Dead In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A man intending to hike roughly 30 miles along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been found dead at the park's Tricorner Knob Shelter.

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By NPT Staff - January 16th, 2013 4:57pm

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Trails I've Hiked: Old Settlers Trail In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Old Settlers Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a quiet, solitary experience. The trail is full of historic artifacts and is perfect for a winter ramble, even if there's not much winter in the southern Appalachians this year.

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By [email protected] - January 16th, 2013 3:03am

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reports Unusual Winter Bat Activity

It's supposed to be the heart of winter, but bats in Great Smoky Mountains National Park have been out and about, leading park officials to warn visitors about encountering bats.

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By NPT Staff - January 15th, 2013 3:03am

What To Look For When Shopping For Bear Spray For Your Next National Park Adventure

Summer backpack trips and hikes are months away, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be making up gear lists in January or February. And if you're heading to a national park frequented by grizzly or black bears, you'd be wise to look into bear sprays.

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By NPT Staff - January 13th, 2013 3:03am

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Counted Nearly 9.7 Million Visitors In 2012

A large jump in visitation at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2012 over 2011 is being attributed to mild weather during the winter and spring months.

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By NPT Staff - January 11th, 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.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks