Smoky Mountains

Every year, the national park officials send out a number of biologists to report on the wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. According to the biologists, the year 2013 has officially set a new record for the number of elk calves born in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Known for having outstanding views, the Chimney Tops hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a favorite for many visitors. The trail has been closed due to a reconstruction project to correct the erosion problem and rockslides.

Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a sister? Earlier this year officials with the national park signed an agreement with the Khao Yai National Park in Thailand to establish the park’s first ever sister park arrangement.

Nearly 100 years after 7-year-old Homer Mellen wrote a letter to Santa, the letter has resurfaced and touched the hearts of everyone throughout the Smoky Mountains. The letter, written in 1915, was found in a keepsake box with pictures and other small items from family members who had passed. We hope sharing this letter to Santa will remind families of traditional Smoky Mountain Christmas celebrations, where families enjoyed spending time together, making holiday memories. The letter reads:

On your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll find that there are plenty of hiking trails to choose from. When families walk the hiking trails through the Smokies, they’re walking on land filled with history. But where did the trails begin? Read more to explore the origins of the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

In 2010, the United States Mint began issuing 56 quarters, each featuring designs of the national parks and other national sites. Since, we have been patiently waiting for the release of the Smoky Mountain quarter. The quarter will be the 21st out of the 56 quarters to be sent out.

We all know those friends or family members who are just too difficult to buy gifts for. This year, instead of going with the typical gift sets filled with candy and scented soaps, try something a little bit different, like a gift from the Smokies! We’ve put together a few great Smoky Mountain gifts for those ‘hard to buy for’ friends on your Christmas list.

Mark your calendars! Tickets go on sale this week for Dolly Parton's May concert in Knoxville. The show will raise money for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

Have you ever seen a Smoky Mountain black bear? When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll most likely be keeping your eyes open for any sighting of a black bear. Many people don’t know that our black bears have a hibernation schedule that is a bit different than the northern bears. Where do bears go when they’re looking for sleep, though?

Everyone has winter memories, but which memory tops your list? Did you love standing outside, bundled in layers of clothes, catching snowflakes? Perhaps you liked hiding behind trees during snowball fights? Maybe you remember making your way back inside when it was time to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa overflowing with mini marshmallows.

Year after year, families plan vacations to the Great Smoky Mountains, but why? We all love the unique names of the peaks and the dense fog that makes the mountains so ‘smoky’ but what’s so great about these mountains? Here’s what we know makes our mountains a little different than other national parks:

When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will experience pure relaxation as you take in the mountain scenery and crisp mountain air. Have you ever wondered where the mountains got their names? Here’s what we know:

There is no better way to connect with nature than with a leisurely hike through the scenic Smoky Mountains, especially this time of year. The leaves in the trees are nothing short of spectacular, and all the animals are getting their last bit of energy out before hiding away during the winter.