Hike Naked Day!

Hike Naked Day! That is right, June 21st is the official international hike naked day! The free and easy event is often a rite of passage for many long distance hikers who love to surprise unwary day hikers. If you decide to bare it all, inhibitions included, and hit the trail in your birthday suit remember that local laws must be observed despite your flamboyant nature. While there are no federal laws prohibiting nudity in National Forest or Park lands that may be overridden by local statutes. Do your research and make sure your trail of choice is agreeable to your lifestyle choices and be generous with the tick repellant! Everyone knows June 21st is the summer solstice and the longest day of the year but they may not be prepared for the moon to come out surprisingly early!

Smoky Mountain Cicadas

Smoky Mountain Cicadas. What’s all the buzz about?

A rare natural history event is unfolding right now! This month through mid-July, billions of 17-year periodical cicadas are expected to emerge across the eastern United States. Grab your earplugs and get ready! Periodical cicadas are a group of species that don’t emerge yearly, they emerge in 13- and 17-year cycles.

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Lights, Camera, Action! Appalachian Bear Rescue double your donation campaign!

Lights, Camera, Action! Appalachian Bear Rescue double your donation campaign! Now’s the chance to DOUBLE YOUR DONATION impact and give your favorite bear cubs a second chance at life back in the wild where they belong. Gatlinburg Brewing Company, National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and an ABR supporter have agreed to match every one of your donations – dollar for dollar – up to $6,000. Help us reach our campaign goal of $25,000 to fix our cameras, care for Hops, Barley and Bourbon Bears and all bears that come to us for care, and to run a world-class bear rehabilitation facility. Double your impact TODAY! For a $50 donation to the campaign, ABR will mail you an exclusive ABR 25th Anniversary holiday ornament (shipping included).For a $25 donation to the campaign, ABR will mail you an ABR 25th Anniversary patch (shipping included).For a $10 donation, ABR will email you an exclusive Hops Bear Paw Print.REMEMBER THAT FACEBOOK DOES NOT SEND ABR YOUR MAILING ADDRESS OR EMAIL ADDRESS. If you want to receive the ornament, patch or paw print, send an email to lisa.philippen@appalachianbearrescue.org. Provide your mailing address and/or email address!! Thank you for your generous support!

Smoky Mountain Road Work Scheduled

Smoky Mountain Road work Scheduled. Smoky Mountain road crews will close single north and south bound lanes on the Spur connecting Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge June 1, 2021 through Thursday June 10, 2021. This work is expected to snarl holiday traffic and create delays.

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Smoky Mountain Volunteer Opportunities

Smoky Mountain Volunteer Opportunities in May and June of 2021. Park staff are hosting several volunteer workdays on trails throughout the park. These chances are ideal for people who enjoy hiking and rewarding hands-on work in a beautiful setting. Volunteers will work alongside experienced park staff and will help preserve the 848 miles of maintained trails throughout the park.

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