Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Veterans Day Tribute: Honoring 250+ Heroes in the Smoky Mountains

Veterans’ Tribute Event at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center There’s something magical about the Smoky Mountains in any season, but when they become the backdrop for honoring our veterans, the experience takes on an even deeper significance. I’ve spent years exploring every hidden trail and local tradition these mountains have to offer, and I’m particularly […]

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Anniversary of 1934 Dedication

Celebrating Father’s Day and the Anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Today is Sunday, June 15, 2025 – the 166th day of the year with 199 days remaining. As we celebrate Father’s Day across the nation, it’s also a perfect time to reflect on a significant historical milestone that occurred on this very date:

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Smoky Mountains Park Created: History & Natural Wonder Milestone

Father’s Day 2025: Celebrating Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Historical Legacy Today is Sunday, June 15, 2025—the 166th day of the year with 199 days remaining. As we celebrate Father’s Day across the nation, it’s also a perfect time to recognize a significant milestone in American conservation history. On this day in 1934, Great Smoky

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Urgent: Rockslide Closes Inbound Lane on GSMNP’s Laurel Creek Road

Rockslide Closes Inbound Lane to Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park As someone who’s spent years exploring the winding roads and hidden corners of the Great Smoky Mountains, there’s nothing that concerns me more than unexpected closures that might impact your visit to this treasure of the Appalachians. This evening, I learned about

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East TN Veterans: 250+ Heroes Honored in Smoky Mountains Cemetery

Honoring Our Heroes: Annual Smoky Mountains Veterans Memorial Event in Townsend As someone who’s spent countless days exploring the mist-covered ridges and historic corners of the Great Smoky Mountains, I’ve always been drawn to the rich tapestry of stories these ancient hills contain. Few stories are as powerful as those of the veterans who once

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Smokies’ Cades Cove: Vehicle-Free Days Return for Nature Lovers

Explore the Serenity of Cades Cove: Vehicle-Free Days Return to Great Smoky Mountains National Park As someone who’s hiked countless trails and driven the winding roads of the Smokies for over a decade, I always get a little thrill when vehicle-free days at Cades Cove are announced. This year, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Thru-Hiking Essentials: Master Appalachian & Pacific Crest Trails

The Trek: Your Ultimate Guide to Thru-Hiking America’s Legendary Trails As someone who’s spent countless dawns watching the mist rise over the Smoky Mountains, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for long-distance hiking. While my heart belongs to those ancient Appalachian ridges, there’s something magical about all of America’s long-distance trails that captures the imagination of

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Townsend Veterans Day Celebration – Great Smoky Mountains Honor Event

Honoring Our Heroes: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Veterans Memorial Ceremony There’s something deeply moving about standing among the ancient trees of the Smokies, knowing that beneath this hallowed ground rest hundreds of brave souls who served our nation. As someone who’s hiked these trails countless times, I’ve often paused at the small, sometimes weathered

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Celebrate July 4th: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s Past & Present

Exploring America’s States: A Journey Through the Nation’s Diverse Landscapes There’s something magical about the way sunlight filters through the towering trees of the Great Smoky Mountains. As someone who’s spent years writing about those misty peaks and hidden valleys, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for America’s diverse landscapes. But today, I want to take

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Cades Cove Trail Closure: NPS Maintenance Update for Hikers

Temporary Trail Closure in the Smokies: What Hikers Need to Know This June As someone who’s spent countless mornings watching the mist rise over the rolling peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, I know how disappointing trail closures can be. But I also understand that maintaining these natural treasures requires occasional inconvenience. The National Park

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