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.
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.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park searching for overdue hiker
February 2, 2025 | 11:22 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is currently searching for overdue hiker Ann Houghton in the area of Smokemont Campground. Law enforcement and search and rescue personnel are focusing efforts along Bradley Fork, Chasteen Creek, Hughes Ridge and Enloe Creek trails. Houghton is described as a 73-year-old female with gray hair, approximately 105 pounds and 5 feet and 6 inches tall. Her planned itinerary was to hike in the park starting on Jan. 28 until Jan. 29. Her vehicle was found at the Smokemont Campground. Houghton was reported missing on Feb. 1.
Prescribed burns planned for Cades Cove starting Feb. 3
January 31, 2025 | 5:25 pm
The National Park Service (NPS) plans to burn approximately 1,400 acres of fields in the eastern half of Cades Cove at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Weather permitting, burn operations may begin as early as Feb. 3 and may continue through Feb. 5. These seasonal prescribed fires help to safely reduce fuels, restore meadow habitats and maintain the historic landscape of Cades Cove.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park seeks help in identifying historic homesites
January 17, 2025 | 9:14 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking help to identify and document former homesite locations within the park. Volunteer-In-Park Frank March, in conjunction with Park Archeologist Allison Harvey, is leading these research efforts which includes documenting field locations with associated historic records.
National Park Service to remove hazard trees in Cades Cove beginning Jan. 20
January 13, 2025 | 10:32 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remove hazard trees in Cades Cove on Jan. 20-Jan. 24. This includes removing brush from the side of the road to keep vegetation from hitting passing vehicles and removing all hazard trees that could fall onto the road.
National Park Service to begin major rehabilitation of Laurel Falls Trail in January
December 17, 2024 | 9:30 am
The National Park Service (NPS) will begin a major rehabilitation on Laurel Falls Trail, one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail will close for 18 months starting Jan. 6, 2025, as crews make improvements to the trail and parking areas.