GATLINBURG, Tenn.—On March 1, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will launch the ‘Park it Forward’ program which requires visitors to buy and display a valid parking tag for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes. To make the transition as smooth as possible, the park will offer early sales …
Read More »Spur Tunnel construction to begin January 3
GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Traffic on the northbound Spur will be reduced to one lane from January 3 through April 7, 2023, to allow for repairs to the Spur Tunnel. While the single-lane closures will cause temporary delays, the repairs are necessary to address water leaks and lighting improvements. For the safety …
Read More »Rep. Chuck Fleischmann Congratulates The City of Oak Ridge on Being Designated an American World War II Heritage City
Washington, DC – Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), reacted to the National Park Service (NPS) designating The City of Oak Ridge as one of 18 American World War II Heritage Cities across the United States. This designation is the result of nearly two years of Congressman Fleischmann’s work with the U.S. …
Read More »Single-lane closures planned on the Spur for tree removal
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Richmond Tree Experts will implement temporary, single-lane road closures along the Spur for tree removal Monday, November 28 through Thursday, December 1. The Spur, between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, will remain open, but motorists should expect delays. The single-lane closures will only …
Read More »Fire crews work to suppress 30-acre wildfire in western end of park
On Sunday, November 6, at 11:37 a.m., Blount County notified Great Smoky Mountains National Park that an approximately five-acre wildfire was reported along the western boundary of the park along Highway 129 near mile marker 4.5. National Park Service wildland firefighters responded to the site, which is located approximately two miles west …
Read More »Upcoming Single-Lane Closures on the Spur
Great Smoky Mountains National Park maintenance crews will implement temporary, single-lane closures along the north and southbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, beginning Monday, September 12 through Thursday, September 22 for routine maintenance operations. The single-lane closures will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday each …
Read More »Young girl dies after tree falls on tent
Elkmont Campground Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers responded to an emergency in Elkmont Campground at approximately 12:30 a.m. on July 27, 2022, after a tree fell on a tent and resulted in the death of a seven-year-old girl from Georgia. The other family members, including father and two siblings, …
Read More »Park announces Clingmans Dome Road pavement preservation project
A panoramic view looking north from the observation tower on Clingmans Dome one can see Blanket Mountain on the far left, Cove Mountain and Bluff Mountain near the center, and Sugarland Mountain and Mount Le Conte on the far right. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park …
Read More »Park seeks public review of revised Wears Valley Bike Trail Environmental Assessment
Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites the public to review the revised Wears Valley Mountain Bike Trail System Environmental Assessment (EA) beginning Tuesday, February 8 through Wednesday, March 10, 2022. In October 2020, the National Park Service (NPS) solicited public feedback on the original EA for development of a mountain …
Read More »Park Welcomes New Program Leadership  
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the selection of two key positions in the Park Management Team. Randy Scoggins will step in as the new Chief Ranger to oversee the Visitor and Resource Protection Division and Stephanie Kyriazis will serve as the new Chief of Resource Education. Randy Scoggins, credited to Terra Fondriest As Chief Ranger, Scoggins will lead personnel in the Visitor and Resource Protection Division who perform law enforcement …
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