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.
Greenbrier area to close for road repairs
February 3, 2023 | 8:15 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Greenbrier Road at U.S. 321 and access into the Greenbrier area will be closed to all use starting February 13 for road construction.
Park announces upcoming bridge closures for routine repairs
January 23, 2023 | 1:07 pm
Routine bridge improvements will occur at four bridges in the park over the next several weeks.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park announces early sales of ‘Park it Forward’ annual parking tags
January 17, 2023 | 11:42 am
On March 1, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will launch the ‘Park it Forward’ program which requires visitors to buy and display a valid parking tag for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes. To make the transition as smooth as possible, the park will offer early sales of annual parking tags starting January 17.
Cherokee Orchard Road and Twin Creeks Trail to close January 9 to January 13 for maintenance work
January 3, 2023 | 1:10 pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials will close Cherokee Orchard Road Monday, January 9 through Friday, January 13 while crews install boulders along the road shoulders. At the same time, Richmond Tree Experts will take advantage of the road closure and remove damaged trees along the roadside.
Park announces Finding of No Significant Impact for the Wears Valley Mountain Bike Trail System
December 29, 2022 | 1:03 pm
The National Park Service issued a decision and a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Wears Valley Mountain Bike Trail System Environmental Assessment.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes new park ranger to oversee Lands Office
December 28, 2022 | 4:39 pm
Park officials recently selected staff park ranger Joshua Johnson to serve as the park’s Lands Specialist to provide dedicated oversight of lands entrusted to the National Park Service. Parklands encompass 522,426 acres, including the 68-mile Foothills Parkway corridor between Chilhowee Lake and Cosby.
Spur Tunnel construction to begin January 3
December 27, 2022 | 10:59 am
Traffic on the northbound Spur will be reduced to one lane from January 3 through April 7, 2023, to allow for repairs to the Spur Tunnel. While the single-lane closures will cause temporary delays, the repairs are necessary to address water leaks and lighting improvements.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park management team welcomes three new members
December 22, 2022 | 2:28 pm
Park officials welcomed three new members to the Park Management Team this year. Barbara Hatcher stepped in as the new Chief of Facility Management, Jamie Cupples joined as the new Chief of Administration and Business Services, and Emily Davis will serve as the park’s public affairs specialist and spokesperson.
Kayaker recovered at The Sinks
December 19, 2022 | 4:10 pm
Water level receded in the Little River overnight making it possible for National Park Service rangers to recover the body of 61-year-old Carl Keaney of Knoxville, TN.
Recovery effort underway near The Sinks; Little River Road closed from Metcalf to Townsend Wye
December 17, 2022 | 11:24 am
Around 3:40 p.m. on Friday, December 16 Great Smoky Mountains National Park dispatch received a call that a 61-year-old man had disappeared underwater while kayaking above The Sinks and did not resurface.