"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness."

- John Muir

 

 Dogs are not allowed on any trails in this Park, except for two (must be leashed on those trails).  See details below.  Please use firewood purchased or gathered in Tennessee here,

 due to non-beneficial insects that may enter the Park in other firewood.

 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is easily the most visited national park in America. With over 9 million visitors a year, it is busy, but surprisingly, never really crowded. When you visit there, there are so many places to lose civilization that you really don't notice the people.

 

 

See below for current Park news and bear warnings!

 

Click on the Ranger Hat for more information!

 

Support Great Smoky Mountains National Park by joining:

"Great Smoky Mountains Association" www.smokiesstore.org

"Friends of the Smokies" www.friendsofthesmokies.org

"Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont" www.gsmit.org

Click here for maps of this park http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/maps.htm

 

__________________________________________________________________________

CURRENT PARK NEWS

 

 TRAIL, CAMP, AND BEAR INFO: Updated August 26, 2008

 

BEAR ATTACKS:  A black bear has attacked a young boy playing in a creek this week near the trailhead to Rainbow Falls Trail off Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail.  His father fended off the bear, but the bear returned to attack again.  The bear was chased off with stones and yelling but did not retreat into the forest very far.  The man and his two sons went for help.  The boy's injuries were more serious than his father's, however they are not life-threatening.  Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers from the National Park Service arrived and found the bear they believe to be the one that attacked the boy and his father.  The bear was a sub-adult, a year and a half old, had the boy's cap and shoe near him, and was extremely aggressive toward the rangers.  They shot and killed the bear.  This bear did not attack because the boy had food - there was no food at the scene; and the bear was not harassed.  When you are near a stream, remember that the noise of the stream muffles any noise of an approaching animal.

 

BEAR WARNINGS (increased activity) - Laurel Falls Trail, Rabbit Creek Trail,  Ramsey Cascades Trail, Backcountry Campsites # 12, # 16, # 52, and # 113, TriCorner Knob Shelter,  West Prong Trail, Gabes Mountain Trail

 

AREAS CLOSED TO ALL - Native Brook Trout Restoration will close the following area to public entry from 8:00 PM September 7, 2008 until 8:30 PM September 19, 2008
• Middle Prong Trail
• Panther Creek Trail
• Lynn Camp Prong Trail
• Greenbrier Ridge Trail
• Backcountry Campsite 28

 

ROAD CONSTRUCTION - Gatlinburg Spur of Foothills Pkwy between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

ROADS CLOSED, TEMPORARILY  (see seasonal road closings this page for current schedule) - None

 

CADES COVE - The Cades Cove Loop Road is open year round. The Loop Road is closed to all vehicles each Wednesday and Saturday morning until 10:00 A.M. - bicycles are okay.

 

TRAILS CLOSED TO ALL USERS - Little Cataloochee Trail between the Little Cataloochee Baptist Church and the Pretty Hollow Gap Trail is under construction and is closed to horses until October 1, 2008. Horse traffic on this section of trail during the construction is damaging the trail work.

 

HORSE TRAILS CLOSED - None.

BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITES CLOSED - Mount Collins Shelter, Russell Field Shelter, # 10, # 15, # 24, # 26, and # 53

WATER PROBLEMS - Backcountry sites # 4, # 6, # 7, # 19, # 21, # 26, and Mollies Ridge Shelter.

 

 2008 ROAD SCHEDULES IN THE PARK

 

CADES COVE LOOP ROAD - CLOSED TEMPORARILY IN MORNINGS FOR VEHICLES ONLY

Closed to motor vehicles until 10 A.M. Saturdays / Wednesdays May 9 - September 24, 2008

  > Open all year - except for vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings before 10

  > Vehicles prohibited on those 2 mornings, bicycles and pedestrians okay

 

BALSAM MOUNTAIN ROAD - OPEN

  > Trailers, buses, and RV's not allowed on this road - low cars discouraged

  > Must cross a shallow stream: your wheels may skid on rocks - keep moving

  > 14-mile one-way road takes a while to get through - no turning back

  > Excellent road for wildflowers, but you have to want them bad

 

CLINGMANS DOME ROAD - OPEN

  > Highest altitude in the Park - too icy and closed in winter

  > Connects with Spruce Fir Forest Trail and Andrews Bald Trail

  > Very steep hike at high elevation on paved trail up to tower - be fit for this one

  > Check for wildflowers along this road spring, summer, fall

 

NEWFOUND GAP ROAD TO CHEROKEE - OPEN

  > Connects with Clingman's Dome Road; restrooms available at Newfound Gap Overlook

  > How to get to Harrah's Casino in Cherokee from Gatlinburg, Townsend, and The Park

  > How to get to the Blue Ridge Parkway from Gatlinburg

  > The Appalachian Trail is behind the path to the restrooms

 

HEINTOOGA RIDGE ROAD - OPEN

  > Trailers, buses, and RV's not allowed on this road

 

LITTLE GREENBRIER ROAD - OPEN

 

PARSON BRANCH ROAD - OPEN

  > One-way dirt road to Fontana from Cades Cove

 

RICH MOUNTAIN ROAD - OPEN

  > Trailers, buses, and RV's not allowed on this road

  > One-way dirt road to Townsend from Cades Cove

  > Great view of Cades Cove, good photo location looking down toward meadow and church

  > Famous for snakes, watch where you put your feet and hands

 

ROARING FORK MOTOR NATURE TRAIL - OPEN

  > Trailers, buses, and RV's not allowed on this road

  > Always use pullouts or parking lots here

  > Famous for wildflowers of all types and an outrageous area full of mountain laurel

  > Very deep gorge, waterfalls, trails, pioneer cabins, allow 1/2 day minimum

 

ROUNDBOTTOM / STRAIGHTFORK ROAD - OPEN

 

LITTLE RIVER ROAD - OPEN

 

Trailers, buses, and RV's are also not allowed on these roads: Greenbrier Road past the Ranger Station, and the road exiting the Park at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area.  

 

__________________________________________________________________________

 

What is so special about Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

This place is designated as an International Biosphere, and is studied and appreciated by many people. This park has a huge diversity of wildlife and plants, and one can find a large variety of everything depending on the elevation. Every season in the park is special and inviting.

 

SUMMER

Turks Cap Lily, July

Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Newfound Gap Road

Notice the lush near-tropical vegetation around this lily, typical in summer. 

 

Where is Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The park is mostly in eastern Tennessee and partly in western North Carolina. Favorite destinations near the park are Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend, Maryville, Knoxville, Sevierville, Wears Valley, and Cherokee.  this park is in the Appalachian Mountains.

 

SUMMER

From Morton Overlook, July

Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Newfound Gap Road

Notice the dense moving fog that gives these mountains their name. 

 

When can I see fall color in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The first plants to turn color are poison ivy and sumacs. The last will be the weeping willows. Mid-September you can find fall color in the Smokies at the high elevations. Early to mid-October look for fall color in elevations over 4,000 feet. This elevation would be Clingman's Dome Road, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Foothills Parkway. Fall color peak viewing times are mid-October through mid-November. If you are planning to go there in the fall for the colorful spectacle, make your reservations now, because that is one of the most popular times of the year at the Park.

What are those colors? Gingko turns clear yellow, while witch hazel, birch, redbud, hickory, and sugar maple turn yellow or gold. Other maples, oak, dogwood, and black tupelo may turn red or purple. Many oaks turn tan or brown.

 

AUTUMN

From Newfound Gap Road, October

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

  

Where are the best road for touring in this Park?

DRIVING TOUR: Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail

In Gatlinburg, go to Traffic Light # 8 and turn right to get into this area. This is a narrow winding one-way road full of places to park, trails to explore, and old homesteads and cabins to see. The Bud Ogle place has a walking loop trail behind it that is also a good wildflower spot. Roaring Forks is a quiet place, and off the beaten path. A short hike down a trail will take you far away from traffic and noise. You will hear many birds, but they are not easily seen. If you stand still for a while, you will begin to see them in the brush, or flying back and forth across your path. The lower paved road leads you past oaks and maples and tulip poplar trees, and later, the higher elevations will be lined with hemlocks. In one spot, at a large pullout, a few steps up a trail plunges you into a grove of mountain laurel - when you find this in the spring and in bloom, it is like nothing you have ever seen before; you are surrounded by layer upon layer of pink and white blooms. "Grotto Falls" is accessible by a 1.3 mile hike off this paved road. Another spot is called "Place of the Thousand Drips" which is a multi-layered delicate waterfall on the side of the road, nearing the end of your journey. Roaring Forks can best be described as "pink blossoms" in spring, "green mansions" in summer, and "autumn lights" in fall. We have seen black bear, whitetail deer, and raccoons in this place. This area can be enjoyed either on foot or in your car. Take care and follow the rules: no speeding, watch out for the edge of the road, and do not take any rv's, trailers, or buses on this road - it is simply too narrow. This road is closed to vehicles during the winter, and usually re-opens around March 10.

 

SUMMER

Place of the Thousand Drips, July

Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail

This Park is home to many large and small waterfalls.

 

DRIVING TOUR: The Loop Road in Cades Cove

After entering the park from Townsend way, turn right at the Wye and go to Cades Cove. Take the 11-mile Loop Road around the cove. If Roaring Forks is the road less traveled, the Loop Road is rush-hour traffic! If you are in a hurry, do not do this road. It takes a good 3 hours to do it all, and do it properly, and better to devote most of a day here. The loop area is known for wildlife sitings, including black bear, whitetail deer, coyote, pileated woodpecker, wild turkeys, and we have seen them all here at one time or other. There are two gravel roads that you can shorten this loop by taking, Sparks Lane and Hyatt Lane. There is a wonderful visitors center at the back, set in with pioneer buildings and a mill. There is a large restroom here and lots of parking. It makes a nice break from the Loop. There are pastures in the middle where you may see the horses, and where deer and turkeys are easy to spot - if there are there. The best times of day to see wildlife are just after dawn and right before dusk. At the end of the loop, turn right to go to the Cades Cove Campground Store to stock up on what you need for your campsite, or to get souvenirs and refreshments. There are several trails leading off the loop. Visit National Park Service Website to read about trails in the park. There are too many for us to mention here. In the summer you will see bull thistle blooming in the cove, with butterflies flitting from flower to flower. You will also find a lot of spring flowers here such as dogwood and hearts-a-busting. Mountain mint grows on Hyatt Lane, and near one of the churches you will find Passion Flower in the summer. There is always something to see here for the patient traveler. And you can see it from your car or on foot or bicycle. The Loop Road is closed to vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10 a.m. to give wildlife a break. The Loop Road is open all year, although when icy conditions prevail getting in and out of the cove can be tricky. Always check the National Park Service website when planning a trip.

 

SUMMER

Blackberries for Bears and Other Animals

July

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove

Cades Cove is home to many different

types of natural foods such as

berries, nuts, grasses, leaves, flowers, insects,

hive honey, fungi, small mammals and amphibians,

fruits, and plants.

 

 

IMPORTANT PARK PLANS:

 

Click here to read about progress in the Cades Cove Plan - how access to the Cove may change in the future. http://www.cadescoveplanning.com/

 

Click here to read about progress in the Elkmont Historic District Plan http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkId=382&projectId=15794  

 

Click here to read about the Proposed North Shore Road

http://www.northshoreroad.info/

 

Click here to read about the Tremont Development Plan

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkId=382&projectId=16369

 

DRIVING TOUR: Clingman's Dome Road

This is a must-see 7-mile paved road. This road turns off past Newfoundland Gap on the trans-mountain highway going toward Cherokee from Gatlinburg. It takes you to Clingman's Dome, a very high vantage from which you can see forever if you climb to the top of the tower. For the less-than-physical traveler, drive this road slowly and enjoy the scenery. In the spring, you will find fringed phacelia growing like a white carpet on the right side of the road in a couple of areas. On the left, heading toward the dome, will be a barely noticeable trail marker for "Spruce-Fir Nature Trail." This is a very different type of trail for this park, owing to its higher elevation, and it is an easy trail. It winds through a spruce and fir forest. There are huge boulders of milky white quartz here. There is moss, and wild hydrangea, and a couple of different kinds of trillium, and also yellow beaded lily growing in profusion. This trail is very quiet. You can experience sudden changing weather up here though; you may begin your walk in sunshine only to find a cloud of dense fog rolling in as you begin your trek back to the road. You may be in a sudden shower before you know it. There are some muddy spots on this trail, but you can easily hop from root to rock to avoid the wet spots. There are a lot of little birds living in there, and when you are still, they begin to hop around and talk to each other. We have seen groundhogs along the side of the Dome Road too, but they have an aversion to having their picture taken. They always disappear into their holes just when you try to lift the camera to get a shot. Further up on the left before you get to the dome paved trail will be a huge parking lot and a view of the dying fir trees that were wiped out by an insect name the wooly adelgid. Clingman's Dome, on the Tennessee-North Carolina state line is over 6,600 feet and is the highest place in this park and in Tennessee. In fact, it is the highest spot on the Appalachian Trail. This road is closed to vehicles December - April due to icy conditions, but can be hiked or cycled if you are brave and sturdy. Clingman's Dome Road usually re-opens to vehicles around April 1.

These are only a few places to explore in this beautiful park. We will be updating this section of the website periodically so check back often!

Where can I go camping in this park?

There are many campsites here. Most range in elevation from 1100 feet to 2600 feet, although Balsam Mountain Campground is at 5300 feet. The Cades Cove Campground features a Ranger Station, Ampitheatre, Bicycle Rental, Horseback Riding Stables, Campground Store, many Nature Trails, Pioneer Cabins and Churches, and an 11-mile paved one-way Loop Road. The Store sells souvenirs, DVDs, foods including hot dogs, soft serve ice cream, snacks, beverages, and assorted sundries.

Frontcountry campsites for 2008 for most families are:

Cades Cove - 159 sites, open all year, $17-20, up to 40 feet RV

Elkmont - 220 sites, Mar. 7-Nov. 30, $17-23, trailers 32 feet, motor homes 35 feet

Smokemont - 142 sites, Mar. 7-Dec. 31, $17-20, trailers 35 feet, motor homes 40 feet

Look Rock - 68 sites, May 9-Oct. 31, $14, no size limit

Abrams Creek -16 sites, Mar. 7-Oct. 31, $14, up to 12 feet RV

Balsam Mountain - 46 sites, May 9-Oct. 14, $14, up to 30 feet RV

Cataloochee - 27 sites, Mar. 7-Oct. 31, $17, up to 31 feet RV

Deep Creek -92 sites, Apr. 1-Oct. 31, $17, up to 26 feet RV

Big Creek -12 sites, Mar. 7-Oct. 31, $12, no RVs

Cosby -165 sites, Mar. 7-Oct. 31, $14, up to 25 feet RV

 

You can make a reservation at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont only for the period May 15 through October 31; sites can be reserved up to 5 months in advance. All frontcountry campsites have running cold water, toilets that flush, picnic tables, and fire grates for cooking; however, there are no showers.

There are also seven areas for group camping, tents only, (no RVs or trailers) for 8 or more people in one group, reservations only. Check with the Park Service at www.nps.gov/grsm/campingandother for information and phone numbers (1-800-365-2267).

Backcountry campsites are for backpackers only. Free backcountry permits are required as well as reservations for the shelters and 14 of the tent areas. For backcountry reservations call (865) 436-1231. For questions about backcountry camping (not reservations) call (865) 436-1297.

* * *

  

 

OTHER PARK NEWS!

 

Toyota's Million Dollar Donation Enhances Environmental Education         Date: June 26, 2008 Contact: Bob Miller   Hybrid vehicles and $1 million to emphasize science education and promote environmental leadership Toyota and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have partnered to foster environmental education through Toyota’s contribution of $1 million and three hybrid vehicles to America’s most visited national park. In support of raising environmental awareness, the donation will enhance and develop a variety of new science education initiatives for K-12 students, teachers and families to encourage careers in science and service-learning opportunities. The donation, which was made through Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the park’s non-profit fundraising partner, is part of Toyota’s $5 million contribution in support of five national parks and the National Park Foundation to enhance environmental leadership and educational programs at parks around the country. "Toyota and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have a shared goal in enhancing environmental education and advancing the understanding and conservation of the park’s natural resources," said Dian Ogilvie, senior vice president of Toyota Motor North America. "Toyota is proud to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its commitment to promoting science education and developing future environmental leaders." Through Toyota’s grant, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will develop a variety of science education opportunities to enhance its existing educational programs and introduce new specialized programming to promote careers in science. Plans geared toward youth programming encompass the implementation of new Junior Ranger programs such as "Let’s be a Scientist", "Be a GPS Guru", and "Even You Can Play the Hog Fiddle" (Appalachian music). The Kindergarten - 8th grade Parks as Classrooms program will be updated with fresh curriculum, tapping into new technologies in the form of podcasts and earthcaching. Additionally, the funding will support a new "Not-So-Junior Ranger" program for visitors, ages 13 and higher, along with in-park teacher and student enrichment workshops at the Park’s new Twin Creek’s Science and Education Center, the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center in North Carolina and the partner-operated Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont in Tennessee. Besides the educational programs, funding will also support the addition of four temporary staff members to develop program enhancements and engage the public in new opportunities for science and environmental learning. "Throughout the National Park Service, we have become concerned about research that shows a growing disconnect of the public, and especially younger Americans, from the natural environment," said Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. "With its focus on our 6- to 12-year-old Junior Rangers, high school age students and the education community, we see Toyota’s grant as a powerful tool to help engage the next generation’s interest in science and the environment." Toyota selected Great Smoky Mountains National Park as its grant recipient for its environmental educational programs and dedication to developing environmental stewards. "These donations reflect Toyota’s strong commitment to conservation and education, and we are very grateful for their support," said Jim Hart, President of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. "With people turning more of their attention to environmental concerns these days, the timing of Toyota’s support could not be better." Other national parks receiving Toyota funding include Everglades National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park. A total of 23 vehicles will also be donated to the national parks. About Toyota: Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants, with another under construction in Mississippi. Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Through its corporate initiatives, manufacturing operations and philanthropy, Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. In 2007, Toyota contributed more than $56 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S. For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit www.toyota.com/community. About Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an 800 square mile natural refuge which was established by Congress in 1934 to preserve and protect the area’s natural and historic resources for the enjoyment and education of future generations. With over 9 million annual visitors, the Smokies is America’s most visited national park. These millions of visitors come virtually throughout the year to see its lushly forested mountain scenery, fish its 700 miles of streams, and hike its 800 miles of trails. They are also drawn to the Park’s 5 historic districts where over 70 historic cabins, churches and barns are preserved as a "time capsule" of mid-19th and early 20th century mountain culture. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/grsm. About Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park assists the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds and public awareness and providing volunteers for needed projects. Since 1993, Friends of the Smokies has raised more than $24 million to assist with park needs in the areas of environmental education, natural resource protection, wildlife research and conservation, historic preservation, and visitor services. The money that Friends of the Smokies gives to the park comes from many sources. Individuals become members, make memorial and honorarium gifts, provide for the park in their wills, attend special fundraising events, place contributions in Friends’ in-park donation boxes, or purchase specialty license tags for their vehicles in Tennessee and North Carolina. Corporations sponsor events, give gifts of goods or services, join as business members, or make outright gifts. Foundations make grants to Friends of the Smokies for general support and special park needs. It all adds up to more than $1 million in direct support for Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year. For more information, visit www.friendsofthesmokies.org.

 

 

Smokies Launches Global Climate Educational Initiative         Date: June 17, 2008 Contact: Bob Miller, (865) 436-1207   On Monday, June 16, 2008, Great Smoky Mountains National Park launched a new "Do Your Part!" initiative aimed at educating visitors about measures that they can take, in the park and at home, to reduce their contributions to global warming. Visitors to the park’s visitor centers and other facilities will find information posted with suggestions on how they can minimize their carbon footprint during their visit as well as when they return home. The park is encouraging the public to visit the park’s Do Your Part! webpage to get a variety of information on climate change and personal actions to reduce their contribution to the problem. Also at the site they can sign up to learn more about how their current carbon footprint and set goals for reducing it. Simple suggestions for reducing carbon emissions while visiting the park include: Shut off your vehicle rather than letting it idle. Park visitors often leave vehicle running while they get out to enjoy the scenery at overlooks, but if a vehicle idles longer than 20 seconds it burns more gas than it takes to restart it. Bring a reusable water bottle. Americans buy about 28 billion bottles of water each year, but substantial energy is used to fill and transport them and later to collect and dispose of them as waste. At home, ideas include: Use ENERGY STAR® appliances and compact fluorescent lights. Replacing the five most-used lights in an average home can save $65 a year. Lower the thermostat in the winter and raise it in summer. Changing the thermostat and adding insulation offer the best opportunity to save energy and reduce emission from homes. The "Do Your Part!" initiative is the public outreach component of the National Park Service’s Climate Friendly Parks Program. The Smokies is one of 40 National Park Service units nationwide that committed to taking on-the-ground action to address global warming. Climate Friendly Parks, are working to achieve maximum energy efficiency in park buildings and operations by developing a baseline emissions inventory, by setting an emissions reduction target and defining a comprehensive set of planned climate-friendly actions. Great Smoky Mountains National Park earned its distinction as a Climate Friendly Parks Member Park by completing a Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory and hosting a Climate Friendly Parks Workshop. Other park initiatives have included conversion of its entire diesel fleet to biodiesel, acquiring a total of nine hybrid sedans, and constructing its newly-completed Twin Creeks Science and Education Center to qualify for LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

 

 

Spur Road Rehabilitation Work Scheduled         Date: November 2, 2007 Contact: Nancy Gray, (865) 436-1208   Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced the work schedule for the rehabilitation project of the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Spur (U.S. 441), contracted and administered by the Federal Highway Administration. The project, contracted to Charles Blalock and Sons, Inc., on August 24, 2007, in the amount of $6.3 million, will begin on November 5, 2007, and is scheduled to be completed by March 3, 2009. The Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Spur serves park visitors as well as accommodating neighboring communities and carries an estimated 11 million motor vehicles annually. "The extended length of the contract is due to the numerous restrictions placed on the work schedule to avoid lane closures during peak periods and to lessen disruptions to motorists," said park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. "The park, working with Federal Highway Administration officials, has strived to minimize inconveniences for park visitors and our gateway communities, but traffic delays will be unavoidable, and we are asking in advance for everyone’s patience during the duration of this project," Ditmanson continued. In addition, during the design development of this project, a high priority was given to institute stringent safety measures to help avoid accidents on this heavily traveled roadway. The actual paving operation will begin in March 2008, weather permitting, and will be done in conjunction with several other major improvements: slope stabilization at Norton Creek Road, rehabilitating the tunnel lighting system, increase height distance at the Huskey Grove overpass, and improve culverts/drainage. The following contract work is planned during scheduled periods with single lane closures, but will not be allowed during national holidays (with one exception outlined below in 2008 schedule). More specific detailed information will be released as the phases of the different projects are scheduled. November – December 2007: Preliminary work begins which will include some single lane closures along the northbound and southbound lanes. The northbound tunnel will be reduced to a single lane on November 7 to evaluate the condition of the tunnel lighting system. Lane closures will not be allowed during the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. January 3 – May 24, 2008: In addition to the paving operation, three extensive projects will occur during this period. Work will be performed on the northbound tunnel to repair the drainage system and rehabilitate the lighting system. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane. Slope stabilization and repair of a previous landslide on the west side of the Spur at Norton Creek will occur. A two lane detour will be in place to maintain traffic around the work zone. Rehabilitation work at the Huskey Grove overpass to increase height distance below the overpass to accommodate oversized vehicles. All work taking place during the January to May period is allowed 7 days a week, 24 hours a day with lane closures permitted around the clock. No work will be permitted on national holidays with the exception of the tunnel and Norton Creek projects mentioned above. May 25 – December 2008: Paving operations will continue. No weekend lane closures will be allowed. Weekends begin at noon Friday and end at sunrise on Monday. No work will be permitted on legal holidays, the full month of October and the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. January – March 2009: It is anticipated that the majority of the project will be complete prior to the winter of 2009. The contractor is allowed up to March 2009 to complete whatever items may remain.

 

  

National Park Announces First Phase Of Approved Centennial Challenge Projects         Date: August 24, 2007 Contact: Nancy Gray, (865) 436-1208   Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Dale A. Ditmanson announced today the selection of 13 eligible National Park Service (NPS) Centennial Challenge projects totaling $4,276,600 to be considered under the President’s proposed Fiscal Year 2008 National Park Service budget which begins October 1, 2007. National Park Service Director Mary Bomar and Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced at a press conference in Yosemite National Park yesterday a list that includes more than 200 projects and programs in 116 parks to be considered. The Centennial Challenge projects are part of the National Park Service’s 2016 Centennial Initiative, an effort to provide the necessary resources to restore and better protect the parks and prepare them for the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary in 2016 and beyond. The Centennial Initiative, a centerpiece of the President’s proposed Fiscal Year 2008 National Park Service budget, is designed to provide up to $3 billion for investment in the National Park System over a period of 10 years. It includes $100 million of additional operating funds for parks each year and up to $200 million a year for signature projects and programs, a 1-to-1 ratio of private matching donation. NPS Director Bomar said, "I’ve testified before Senate and House subcommittees and judging by the warm reception we received, I believe Congress will include Centennial Challenge money in our next budget. We look forward to working with members from both sides of the aisle to provide the key to the centennial challenge. When that happens we can make decisions on which of these wonderful proposals to begin in the fall." "The park faired very well in this first round and we are extremely pleased. The Smokies is exceedingly fortunate to have many successful partners. Two of those partners are well-established and provide annual monetary support to the park’s education, natural and cultural resource preservation, visitor protection, and facility improvement," said Park Superintendent Ditmanson. He continued, "Since the Friends of the Smokies formation in 1993, it has generated over $19 million through philanthropy to support the park’s critical needs. The park’s cooperating association, Great Smoky Mountains Association, has provided $18 million generated through sales of education materials since its beginning in 1953. Both groups are now ideally positioned to fund NPS centennial projects and the Friends, in particular, will be able to take advantage of the private-federal match to stimulate future donations." The NPS recommendation of Smokies projects includes: Expansion of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory Develop audio and video podcasts to educate visitors Native brook trout restoration Develop Parks as Classrooms educational program with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Implement improved research of airborne mercury pollution Expand suppression efforts of the invasive nonnative hemlock woolly adelgid Conduct research to determine impacts of storm events on aquatic ecosystems Expand the Student Conservation Association intern program Establish a permanent elk population Complete the Development Concept Plan/General Management Plan for Elkmont Historic District Provide educational opportunities to underserved visitors through a mobile visitor center Develop new exhibits in the proposed Oconaluftee Visitor Center Rehabilitate the natural history-themed exhibits at the Sugarlands Visitor Center "If these projects move forward through the budget process and to the next phase," said Ditmanson, "the Park will have a tremendous opportunity to provide expanded visitor services and programs and meet our natural and cultural resource challenges. We will be able to present new rich experiences to visitors through improved and new technology programs and services, new media to capture the imagination of a new generation to connect them to the park, and expand our science and research activities to help us manage these resources with greater knowledge." The potential Centennial Challenge signature projects are in addition to a proposed $1.9 million increase for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park earmarked for cost of living raises, seasonal employee hires, and volunteer program enhancement under the President’s budget. A $1.9 million increase to the Park’s base funding would be the largest increase in the Park’s history. The full list of NPS centennial challenge-eligible projects and programs and remarks by NPS Director Bomar and Secretary Kempthorne are available on-line at the National Park Service’s web site www.nps.gov/2016

 BETTER TO LEAVE DOGS AND OTHER PETS AT HOME

Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, but must be kept on a leash at all times. The leash must not exceed 6 feet in length. Dogs are only allowed on two short walking paths—the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Pets are not allowed on any other park trails. Pet excrement must be immediately collected by the pet handler and disposed of in a trash receptacle. Pets should not be left unattended in vehicles or RVs.

Large national parks that have extensive backcountry areas as a rule do not allow dogs on trails. These include parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Rocky Mountains, and several others. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has prohibited dogs in the backcountry since the park was first established in the 1930s. The park prohibits dogs on hiking trails for several reasons:

• Dogs, like raccoons and bear, are canines, and can carry disease into the park's wildlife populations.

• Dogs can chase and threaten wildlife, scaring birds and other animals away from nesting, feeding, and resting sites. The scent left behind by a dog can signal the presence of a predator, disrupting or altering the behavior of park wildlife. Small animals may hide in their burrow the entire day after smelling a dog and may not venture out to feed.

• Dogs bark and disturb the quiet of the wilderness. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest, and best-trained dog, causing them to behave unpredictably or bark excessively.

• Pets may become prey for larger predators such as coyotes and bears. In addition, if your dog disturbs and enrages a bear, it may lead the angry bear directly to you. Dogs can also encounter insects that bite and transmit disease and plants that are poisonous or full of painful thorns and burrs.

• Many people, especially children, are frightened by dogs, even small ones. Uncontrolled dogs can present a danger to other visitors.

Some public lands outside the Smokies offer a wider range of recreational opportunities than are available here, including hiking with your pet.

Reprinted with permission to KMG from National Park Service

 

CoveBear Recommends Townsend:

 TOWNSEND, TENNESSEE - Close to Cades Cove

Check out these places in Townsend on the main highway when you visit:

> Motels: Econolodge, Tally-Ho Inn, Highland Manor

> Bed and Breakfast Inn: Dancing Bear Lodge (formerly Maple Leaf Lodge)

> Camping: Little River Village Campground, Tuckaleechee Campground, Big Meadow Family Campground

> Musical Instruments and Back Porch Concerts: Wood 'N' Strings Dulcimer Shop

> Food: The Carriage House Restaurant (make reservations for their Thanksgiving Buffet), The Back Porch Restaurant, Timbers Restaurant, Heath and Kettle Restaurant, Little River Village Campground Store/Cafe, the Village Market (at BP gas station)

> Coffee and Smoothies: A.J.'s Coffee House (at the Village Market complex)

> Smoky Mountain Books, Calendars, DVDs: Townsend Visitors Center for GSMNP

> Christmas Decorations: The Christmas Shop

> Natural Attractions: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tuckaleechee Caverns

> Museum: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

> Fishing Gear: Little River Outfitters

> Woodcarvers and Craftsmen: Nauger Nob Complex

> Quilts, Fudge, and Gifts: Apple Valley Farm

 

 TOWNSEND, TENNESSEE - Where to find CoveBear DVDs

 

> Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center - see their Native American artifacts and pioneer cabin!

Spring Heritage Festival - Saturday May 3! http://gsmheritagecenter.org/

> Wood 'N' Strings Dulcimer Shop - a must see and hear, check out their nighttime back porch concerts in summer! http://www.clemmerdulcimer.com/

> Carriage House Restaurant - usually closed in the winter, great Sunday Buffet the rest of the year!

> Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center at Townsend - lots of info about the Smokies!

 

ASK FOR "SEASON OF THE BEAR" DVDS!

 

CoveBear Recommends Gatlinburg:

 GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE - Close to Roaring Forks and Sugarlands

Check out these places in Gatlinburg when you visit:

> Motels: Clarion Hotel, Bearskin Lodge on the River, Auntie Belham's Cabins

> Nature Stores: The Rock Shop, The Happy Hiker, Aquarium of the Smokies

> Gifts: The Maples Tree, The Woodcarvers,  . . . and tons more!

> "The Village Shops" Outdoor Mall including: The Honey Pot, The Happy Hiker, Simply Animals, The Donut Friar, Decorium, Jordan's Village Creamery, Desserts & More Cafe, U Name It, The Hayloft, The Silver Tree, Christalix, The Christmas Tree, Taylor Girls, Candle Cottage, Life According to Jake, The Lamplight Gallery, Hills Creek Collection, Another Me Clothier, Thomas Kinkade Gallery, Smoky Mountain Babies, Verbenas, Cartoons & Toys, Celtic Heritage, Coffee & Company, The Cheese Cupboard and The Hofbrauhaus Restaurant

> "Mountain Mall" Indoor Shopping including: Black Bear Tea Company, Aunt Mahalia's Candy, Big Dog Sportswear, Pepper Palace, Book Warehouse, J's Leather, Bearskin Craft Shop, Lavi's Jewelry, Paws and Claws Pet Fashion, Old Castle Toy Company, New York Pizza

> "Calhoun's Village" Outdoor Shopping Mall including: many gift shops behind the restaurant

> "Baskins Square Mall" Outdoor Shopping Mall including: Guiness World Records Museums, Mountain Woodcarvers, Little Sparrow Gallery, Scents of Gatlinburg, Terri Waters Gallery, and more

> Pottery: Alewine Pottery on Glades Road (left side)  in the Arts and Crafts Community

> Lamps: Smoky Mountain Illuminations on Powermill Road in the Arts and Crafts Community

> Food: Calhoun's, The Lamplighter Inn, The Peddler, Texas Roadhouse, Bubba Gump

 

    

Vase, Luminary, and Mugs created by Alewine Pottery on Glades Road in the Arts and Crafts Community of Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Visit their shop in Gatlinburg, and their website also at www.alewinepottery.net.

 

Click Here to Read About The Smokies!

Click Here to See Cades Cove NEW!