Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Essential Friends: Ensuring Excellence In The National Parks

As lovers of national parks look forward to the 2016 centennial of the National Park Service—guardian of ”America’s Best Idea”—there has never been a better time to profile the rise and role of what may be our “Second Best Idea”—the friends groups, trusts, and foundations that support those parks.

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By NPT Staff - June 13th, 2012 2:14pm

Woman Stabbed On Trail In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A 44-year-old woman was attacked and stabbed several times Friday while hiking the Gatlinburg Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, according to park officials.

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By NPT Staff - June 8th, 2012 6:59pm

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Unseasonably Warm Weather Bringing Synchronized Fireflies Out Ahead Of Schedule At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park know it's getting warmer earlier than usual. According to park officials, the synchronized fireflies that show their stuff at Elkmont are coming out ahead of schedule.

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By NPT Staff - May 31st, 2012 6:58pm

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Spring Blooming Season Underway Along The Blue Ridge Parkway

A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic delight any time of the year, but spring and early summer travel offers a bonus: blooming shrubs and wildflowers. Here are some tips for travelers on what to see and where to enjoy the show.

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By Jim Burnett - June 15th, 2012 12:59pm

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Fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The upcoming June 2 through June 10 firefly event in the Great Smokies is full—all the parking passes have been reserved in advance except for 25 per night for those who've driven in unaware of the registration system.

Kevin Adams

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By Randy Johnson - May 14th, 2012 8:14am

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Reader Participation Day: How Long Should Park Personnel Look For Someone Reported Missing?

Earlier this year rangers searched extensively for two men In Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The searches went on for about a week without success. Which brings up this question: How long or how hard should park personnel look for someone reported missing?

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By [email protected] - May 9th, 2012 3:00am

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Camping In The Parks: Big Creek Campground At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Only a few miles from I-40, Big Creek Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a quiet place to place your tent. Walk up Big Creek Trail to a great swimming hole.

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By [email protected] - June 22nd, 2012 10:51am

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New Reservation System In Place For Firefly Viewing At Great Smokies June 2nd—10th

The spectacular flickering firefly display in the moist cool forests of the Great Smokies near Elkmont Campground has soared to such popularity that the park this year will create a new on-line ticketing system, operated through Recreation.gov.

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By NPT Staff - April 29th, 2012 3:00am

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“Peaceful Side of the Smokies” Will Be Hopping During Townsend In The Smokies Spring Festival

The “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” is going to be hopping May 4&5 when the Townsend in the Smokies Spring Festival arrives.

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By Randy Johnson - April 26th, 2012 3:00am

Smokies Announce Construction Closures On Extremely Popular Chimney Tops Trail

If you want to hike to a few of the Smokies’ most pyramidal, inspiring peaks—Chimney Tops— don’t target the trail Monday through Thursday from May through October 18th.

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By Randy Johnson - April 26th, 2012 10:37am

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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.