Great Smoky Mountains National Park News
Showing the last 10 news releases. Click here to visit nps.gov's Great Smoky Mountains National Park - News section for more.
National Park Service seeks tips to help identify suspect in poached deer case in Cades Cove
December 23, 2025 | 3:55 pm
The National Park Service is requesting tips from the public to aid in an investigation of a deer poached from fields near Sparks Lane in Cades Cove.
Major safety upgrades coming to the Spur in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
December 19, 2025 | 12:33 pm
Beginning in January, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin a multi-year project to improve safety and infrastructure on the Gatlinburg Spur, the scenic road connecting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This project is designed to improve safety and traffic flow for the millions of visitors and local residents who travel this corridor each year.
Celebrate the holiday season at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
December 6, 2025 | 10:34 am
Embrace the spirit of the season with two festive events at Great Smoky Mountains National Park this December. Visitors are invited to celebrate Appalachian holiday traditions and create new memories during the Festival of Christmas Past, Present and Future on Saturday, December 13, and the Holiday Homecoming on Saturday, December 20.
Gatlinburg Bypass now open following major landslide cleanup
September 30, 2025 | 4:21 pm
The Gatlinburg Bypass in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now open following a significant landslide that temporarily closed the roadway over the weekend.
Tourism to Great Smoky Mountains National Park contributes $2 billion to local economy
September 29, 2025 | 3:27 pm
A new National Park Service report shows that approximately 12.2 million visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024 spent more than $2 billion in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of more than $2.8 billion.
It’s beginning to feel like fall in the Smokies
September 23, 2025 | 12:00 am
It’s beginning to feel like fall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Autumn is a beautiful—but busy—time in the Smokies. Visitors should plan ahead and be prepared for incredible fall colors, but also crowds, traffic congestion and limited parking throughout the park.
Ryan Lakes found deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
September 22, 2025 | 12:00 am
Ryan Lakes was found deceased at approximately 2:45 p.m. on September 21 in the Big Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Park rangers searching for missing man near Big Creek
September 21, 2025 | 12:00 am
Park rangers are searching for a 21-year-old man in the Big Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ryan Lakes was last seen Thursday, Sept. 18 in Nashville, TN. His vehicle was found in the park on Sept. 20.
Elk rutting season underway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
September 16, 2025 | 12:00 am
The annual elk breeding season, known as the rut, is underway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The rut can be exciting to witness, but it can also be dangerous, as elk are especially unpredictable during this time. Park visitors should exercise extra caution and respect all wildlife regulations as they visit the park this season.
Join us at the Mountain Life Festival in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
September 12, 2025 | 12:00 am
Where heritage meets hands-on history—experience the rich traditions of Appalachian Mountain life at the annual Mountain Life Festival, happening Sept. 20 at the Mountain Farm Museum, located just behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, NC.