Smoky Mountain Earth Day Trash Pick Up
Smoky Mountain Earth Day Trash Pick Up will be held on Earth Day, April 22, 2021. This year Earth day reminds us to take care of and appreciate our planet — whether it’s cleaning up litter, planting trees, recycling, repurposing, going for a walk in a green space, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the amazing beauty of our natural world.
Smoky Mountain Bears
Smoky Mountain Bears are the symbol of the Smokies and sighting one is always a special event! With the tourist season in full swing and a record number of visitors to the Smoky Mountains predicted this summer, along with reports from National Park rangers of increased bear activity, the opportunities for an encounter with the Smoky’s most iconic symbol have increased as well. Approximately 1,600 black bears live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and this year sightings and encounters seem to be on the rise.
There are a few things that visitors and locals alike need to know regarding black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains.
For many, spotting a bear is the most exciting part of their vacation in the Smokies. And rightly so, the majestic creatures are truly a sight to behold and their furry cuteness creates some sort of romantic notion about their gentleness. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans.
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Whiteoak Sink Wildlflower Hike
Whiteoak Sink Wildlflower Hike. Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the implementation of a trial reservation system for group access to the Whiteoak Sink area during the 2021 wildflower season beginning Monday, April 12 through Friday, April 30. This trial project will allow managers to determine if better coordinating group access can reduce trampling and soil compaction around sensitive plant populations.
Continue reading…Smoky Mountain Travel Advisory
Smoky Mountain travel advisory. Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that tree crews will implement temporary, single-lane closures along the Spur between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for tree removal beginning Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 7:00 a.m. through Friday, March 12, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. The roadway between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will remain open, but motorists should expect delays.
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