Tag Archives: National Park Service

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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, …

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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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