Motorists Will Get Better Views!

According to the Great Smoky Mountains Association, special crews will be at work this spring trimming trees near the park's scenic overlooks to improve the views for motorists and other visitors. 

Over the years, many of the overlooks along Newfound Gap Road, Clingmans Dome Road, and other thoroughfares have grown over to the extent that they no longer offer views of the mountains. 

The landscaping work will be done in such a way as to encourage low growing native shrubs to thrive while discouraging the growth of tall trees.

Wood Frogs: A Sign of Spring

In late winter, one of nature's most remarkable events takes place in the still water ponds of the Great Smokies.

Cabin Special in Bryson City, NC!

Great cabin special in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, via Groupon!

Mountain Vista Log Cabins Deal of the Day | Groupon Asheville What You Get Accommodations for four (Check the Fine Print & Details tabs for available cabins) $255 for a three-night stay $340 for a four-night stay Amenities Choose from 10 cabins Great Smokies views Nearby trout fishing Private outdoor hot tub

Andrews Bald Hike

Join Great Smoky Mountains Association on October 8

  

Fantastic views and gorgeous Fall colors await those hiking to Andrews Bald!

Join naturalist Liz Domingue on Saturday, October 8^th for a 3.6 mile round-trip hike to one of the park's most picturesque destinations. This trail was one of the first to be improved in the park under the Trails Forever program.  

The flame azalea and Catawba rhodies will be gone, but you may find a stray blueberry or two, if a bear didn't get there first! As you approach the bald the scent of evergreens overtakes the air and it'll almost seem like the holiday season.

Plan on packing a light lunch to enjoy at the bald while taking in the breathtaking colors of Autumn in the vast panorama. You'll have a great view of Fontana Lake, too!

As always, wear good hiking boots (the trail is rocky with a steep downhill section), bring water and rain gear. Though considered an easy hike, a hiking stick might be advisable also to help steady yourself as you traverse the rocks.

Meet Liz in the Clingmans Dome parking lot at 9:00 am for what should prove to be a true Smokies experience!

Reservations are required and limited to 20 participants. A fee of $10 per adult will cover the cost of the presenter. Children under 12 are free. Call 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254 to register.

Fall Foliage along Roaring Fork by Charlie Choc

Hike to Spruce Flats Falls

Hike to Spruce Flats Falls 

What's Cooler on a Hot Summer Day? 

Photo of Spruce Flats Falls by Ulrich Burkhalter

Take an educational hike to Spruce Flats Falls with former Great Smoky Mountains at Tremont teacher/naturalist Mike Matzko on Saturday, July 9^th.   

A beautiful little known gem of the Smokies is located in the Tremont area of the park and consists of four cascades making up a 125 foot drop and a 320 foot run. A large plunge pool holds the water prior to it falling down to the Middle Prong of Little River.            

This region of the park was also one of the last logged by Little River Lumber Company.

It's a 2-mile roundtrip, moderate hike. Wear good hiking boots, bring rain gear, water, and a light lunch to enjoy at the falls.  Meet at 10:00 am in front of the Tremont office. 

Participation is limited to 20 with a registration fee of $10 per adult.  Children 12 and under are free.  To register call 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254.

Great Smokys Cabin Rentals

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - The search for Sweet pinesap (U.S. National Park Service)

): "Sweet pinesap, we found out on a recent warm spring day, is elusive. Each of us—the park botanist, vegetation ecologist, and science communicator—dutifully checked the field guide photos before we left to note the stubby flowers this plant sends up through the leaf litter. Although rare and small—just about thumb-height—Sweet pinesap (Monotropsis odorata) is distinctive. For one thing, it blooms a deep pink against the decay of the forest floor. For another, it sends out a rich, sweet smell that lingers in the sun-warmed air like a cloud of perfume. Monitoring Sweet pinesap, which is a Tennessee state threatened species, is part of the park’s mission to preserve and protect its natural resources. We set out with a map and an approximate location of where the flower was found last year. Sure enough, after a couple miles trotting along trillium-speckled hillsides, we smelled it. It was unmistakable and heavy-sweet, like honeysuckle wearing rose perfume. We dropped our bags and started looking. Read more: Great Smoky Mountains National Park - The search for Sweet pinesap (U.S. National Park Service