Smoky Mountain Elk Rut

September 1, 2023
Events Favorite Featured
No Comments
Cataloochee, elk rut, smoky mountain elk

Smoky Mountain Elk Rut is on. The call of the wild echoes in the Smokies as Bull Elks seek mates.

Early autumn sends the powerful mating call of bull elks across many areas of the Smokies during the fall breeding season. This loud bugling sends a challenge to other males in the area, and attempts to attract cows for the bull’s harem. Known as the rut, this annual fascinating ritual, which occurs during mid September through October, is played out each day during the elk mating season.

Smoky Mountain Look Rock Tower Closed

August 28, 2023
Favorite Featured
No Comments
look rock observation tower, smoky mountains

Smoky Mountain Look Rock tower closed. The popular observation tower and access trail at Look Rock, located on the Foothills Parkway, will be closed to visitors from Monday, August 28, 2023 through Friday, September 1, 2023. The closure is needed for the installation of additional microwave equipment to support Blount County emergency communications.

Cades Cove Car Ban

July 15, 2023
Events Favorite Featured
No Comments
Cades Cove car ban, Gsmnp cades cove, smoky mountains

Cades Cove Car Ban will end September 24, 2024. Cove visitors are encouraged to arrive in the afternoons and early evenings to spread use out throughout the day. Parking is limited and parking lots often fill to capacity during morning hours.

Smoky Mountains Need You

July 1, 2023
Events Favorite Featured
No Comments
smoky mountain trails, smoky mountain volunteers

Smoky Mountains Need You! Volunteers are needed for Ramsey Cascades and Little Cataloochee trail rehab. Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are recruiting volunteers to help the park’s trail crews with rehab projects on the Ramsey Cascades and Little Cataloochee trails. Volunteers are needed every Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. anytime through September 2023. Volunteers must register in advance.