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.
Synchronous firefly lottery and viewing dates for 2025
April 29, 2025 | 10:06 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host its annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont from May 29-June 5. The public can apply for this opportunity by entering a lottery for a vehicle reservation through recreation.gov. The lottery for reservation applications opens on Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. EDT and closes on Monday, May 5 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. This lottery system ensures that all applicants have an equal chance of securing a reservation.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park begins multi-year rehabilitation of iconic Bullhead Trail to Mount LeConte
April 25, 2025 | 8:27 am
The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with Friends of the Smokies, is beginning a multi-year rehabilitation of the iconic Bullhead Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Beginning May 5, the park will close Bullhead Trail from Monday through Thursday each week, excluding federal holidays, through November 6, 2025.
Plan for routine road maintenance along the Spur in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
April 23, 2025 | 2:18 pm
Visitors should prepare for planned routine road maintenance in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park announces selection of park concessioner to operate LeConte Lodge
April 22, 2025 | 9:18 am
GATLINBURG, Tenn.– The National Park Service has selected LeConte Lodge L.P. as the concessioner for the new contract to provide services at LeConte Lodge in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This contract will be effective for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park to reopen portions of Cataloochee on April 4
April 3, 2025 | 1:00 pm
Gatlinburg, TN – On April 4 by 12 PM EST, the National Park Service (NPS) will reopen portions of Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cataloochee Valley has been closed since September 2024 following significant damage from Hurricane Helene. Within the park, Cataloochee Valley saw the worst impacts from Hurricane Helene.
Whiteoak Sink group size limited for wildflower viewing
March 24, 2025 | 12:36 pm
As Spring begins, Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors of group size limits during the popular wildflower season at Whiteoak Sink. Individuals and small groups of eight or fewer people may access the Whiteoak Sink area throughout the wildflower season Tuesday, April 1 through Sunday, May 4.
Parkwide Fire Ban in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
March 22, 2025 | 11:20 am
Due to dry conditions, low relative humidity, a continued high fire danger, and forecasted high winds, the National Park Service (NPS) is instituting an immediate ban on all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This fire ban will remain in effect until further notice on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park. This is consistent with the National Weather Service Red Flag Warning in our area.
Parkwide Fire Ban in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
March 13, 2025 | 4:00 pm
GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Due to dry conditions, low relative humidity, a continued high fire danger, and a high wind watch, the National Park Service (NPS) is instituting an immediate ban on all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This fire ban will remain in effect until further notice on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park.
Parkwide Burn Ban at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
March 1, 2025 | 12:00 am
GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Due to continued dry conditions, winds, and high fire danger, the National Park Service (NPS) is banning all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park effective immediately.
Missing hiker Ann Houghton found deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
February 2, 2025 | 5:22 pm
Missing hiker Ann Houghton, age 73, was found deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on February 2 at approximately 1:53 p.m.