Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior SMOKIES GUIDE For current road conditions, call 865.436.1200. For seasonal road closures, see map page 6 or visit nps.gov/grsm. Image courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains Association. at na ra H ge ba me B ar nt The Official Newspaper of the Smokies • Winter 2023-24 ch e r, C h i e f of Fa c i M li t y a Words with a Ranger In my role as chief of facility management, I’m responsible for the maintenance and operations of park buildings and infrastructure including 10 campgrounds, 11 picnic areas, 90 historic structures, 150 cemeteries, 270 miles of road, and 848 miles of trail. Thankfully, I’m only one member of an incredibly capable and devoted team that makes it all possible day in and day out. Some fourteen years ago, I began my park service career right here in the Smokies as a park engineer, but before that I worked as a community planner and transportation engineer in the public and private sectors. After moving on to other managerial positions in different regional and Washington offices, I was grateful for the chance to return to this park last year. The Continued on page 8 Your Guide to Winter Driving Take road closures and conditions into account when planning your trip W inter is typically the quietest season in the Smokies, which makes it a great time to get out and explore the park. With a little planning and a few extra layers, the well-prepared can find frosty fields, snow-dusted mountaintops, and waterfalls dripping with icicles. The first step is knowing which roads will take you there. Several of the park’s secondary and higher-elevation roadways are closed for the winter season to ensure visitor safety. Other roads may be temporarily closed due to unsafe conditions and reopened as soon as possible. Road salts are not used within the park to protect vegetation and water quality. Instead, road crews regularly plow and apply a mixture of sand and gravel called ‘chat’ to improve traction. One major roadway subject to frequent closure is Newfound OUR PARK ON SOCIAL MEDIA Gap Road (US 441), the main route connecting Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina. This road stretches 33 miles across the mountains and rises to a height of 5,046 feet. Even though conditions may seem safe down around Gatlinburg or Cherokee, temperatures drop rapidly at higher elevations, and precipitation is much more frequent and heavy. The steep grades and blind corners of this road quickly become dangerous in inclement weather. As you enjoy the park this winter, remember to reduce your speed, avoid sudden braking, and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Travel speeds on most of the park’s paved roads average 30 miles per hour. To plan your trip, see the park map on page 6 for seasonal road closures and the map on the back page for alternate routes. GreatSmokyMountainsNPS 86A-B68 PARKING TAG REQUIRED! Parking in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes requires a valid parking tag (annual tag pictured). For more info, scan code with camera app GreatSmokyNPS S M O K I E S Visitor centers Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove: open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. December through February, 9 a.m–5 p.m. in March. Clingmans Dome: closed for winter, reopens 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. in March. GSM Institute at Tremont: open 10 a.m–4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday only. All visitor centers are closed on December 25. Road closures • Many secondary and higher-­elevation roads close in late fall and remain closed through winter. Refer to the map on pages 6–7 for closing and opening dates. • All roads are subject to temporary closure due to dangerous driving conditions. Shuttle services Local shuttle services offer convenient transportation to and from the park’s most iconic destinations. Routes, schedules, pricing, and pick-up/drop-off locations vary. Visit go.nps.gov/GRSMShuttles for a list of authorized concessioners. Weather As winter arrives, days can be sunny and 65°F or snowy with highs in the 20s. Conditions vary considerably between low and high elevations. Nearly 70 inches of snow fall on Mount Le Conte every year. Lows of -20°F are possible at the higher elevations. At lower elevations, snows of an inch or more can be expected about three to five times a year. Milder temperatures typically arrive by mid-to-late April. T R I P P L A N N E R Firewood Campgrounds in the national park The National Park Service ­maintains developed campgrounds at ten locations in the park. There are no showers, and hookups are only available at Look Rock Campground (ten campsites include electric and water hookups). There are circuits for special medical uses at Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont. Campsite reservations are required at all park campgrounds. Sites may be reserved up to six months in advance. Make your reservation online at ­recreation.gov or call 877.444.6777. Site occupancy is limited to six people and two vehicles (a trailer is considered one vehicle). The maximum stay is 14 days. Campsites for larger groups are available at Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, and Smokemont. Reservations are required and may be secured up to a year in advance. For more information, visit nps.gov/grsm. No. of Sites Elevation Expected Open Dates 2024 Nightly Fees Max RV Length Abrams Creek 16 1,125' 4/26 – 10/27 $30 12' Balsam Mountain 43 5,310' 5/10 – 10/14 $30 30' Big Creek 12 1,700' 3/29 – 10/27 $30 tents only $30 35'–40' Site Cades Cove 159 1,807' open year-round Cataloochee 27 2,610' 3/29 – 10/27 $30 31' Cosby 157 2,459' 3/29 – 10/27 $30 25' Deep Creek 92 1,800' 3/29 – 10/27 $30 26' Elkmont 220 2,150' 3/8 – 11/24 $30 32'–35' Look Rock 68 2,600' 4/26 – 10/27 $30–36 no limit Smokemont 142 2,198' open year-round $30 35'–40' To prevent the spread of destructive pests, only USDA- or state-certified heat-treated firewood may be brought into the park. Campers may gather dead and down wood in the park for campfires. Picnic areas Picnic areas at Cades Cove, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, and Metcalf Bottoms are open year-round. Big Creek, Chimneys, Collins Creek, and Cosby open March 29; Look Rock opens April 26; and Heintooga opens May 10. Picnic pavilions may be reserved for a fee at recreation.gov. Some restroom facilities at picnic areas may be closed for the season. Accommodations LeConte Lodge (accessible by trail only, reopens March 25) provides the only lodging in the park. Advanced reservations required. 865.429.5704 or lecontelodge.com Services There are no gas stations, charging stations, showers, or restaurants in the national park. Event reservations The Appalachian Clubhouse and Spence Cabin at Elkmont can be reserved for daytime events at recreation.gov starting April 1, 2024. Pets Pets are allowed in frontcountry campgrounds and along roads as long as they are restrained at all times. Pets are not allowed on park trails, except for Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River trails. Pets must be kept in control on a leash no longer than six feet. SMOKIES GUIDE Smokies Guide is produced four times per year by Great Smoky Mountains Association and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. nps.gov/grsm SmokiesInformation.org Publication dates Spring: March Summer: June Autumn: September Winter: December Senior Editor Frances Figart Managing Editor Aaron Searcy Supporting Editor Valerie Polk Lead Designer Emma Oxford Design assistants Karen Key Miranda Bemis Smokies Guide Winter 2023-24 • 2 NPS Coordinators Stephanie Kyriazis Stephanie Sutton © 2023 GSMA P.O. Box 130 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Available in digital format at issuu.com/ greatsmokymountains association Printed on recycled paper Download the free NPS App for interactive maps, tours, and more. Bicycling Most park roads are too narrow and heavily traveled for safe or enjoyable bicycling. Bicycles are permitted on park roads but prohibited on trails except Gatlinburg, Oconaluftee River, and lower Deep Creek and Indian Creek trails. Helmets are required by law for persons age 16 and under and strongly recommended for all. Horseback riding Some 550 miles of park trails are open to horses. See park trail map for trails and rules. Horse camps are available at Anthony Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom, and Tow String. Make reservations at recreation.gov. Three concession horseback riding stables offer rides from March through November. Call for exact opening dates. •C  ades Cove 865.448.9009 cadescovestables.com •S  mokemont 828.497.2373 smokemontridingstable.com • Sugarlands 865.436.5470 sugarlandsstables.com Fishing Fishing is permitted year-round in the park, but a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required. Either state license is valid throughout the park, and no trout stamp is required. Fishing with bait is GSMNP BY THE NUMBERS 31 species of salamanders 69 species of mammals prohibited. Special permits are required for the Qualla Boundary and G ­ atlinburg, and licenses are available in nearby towns. A free fishing map with a complete list of all park fishing regulations is available at visitor centers. Backcountry camping Camping can be an exciting adventure for those who are properly equipped and informed. To facilitate this activity, the NPS maintains more than 800 miles of trails and more than 100 backcountry campsites and shelters throughout the park. One of the greatest challenges is deciding where to go. Here are some tools to help. 1. Get the map. Go online to view the park’s official trail map (go.nps.gov/GRSMmaps), which shows all park trails, campsites, and shelters. Park rules and regulations are also listed here. You can purchase the printed version of the trail map for $1 at any park visitor center or online at SmokiesInformation.org. 2. Plan your trip. Call or stop by the park’s Backcountry Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for trip planning help. The office is located in Sugarlands Visitor Center, two miles south of G ­ atlinburg on US 441. 865.436.1297. 3. Get a permit. Make your reservation and get your permit through the Backcountry Office at ­Sugarlands Visitor Center (by phone or in person) or online at smokiespermits.nps.gov. Reservations and permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. The cost is $8 per person per night. Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance. Backcountry camping permit holders are not exempt from parking tag requirements. Winter hikers should be especially aware of abrupt weather changes and the danger of hypothermia—the dangerous lowering of body temperature. Always carry an ample supply of food, water, and reliable rain gear. Layer clothing that provides warmth when wet (not cotton). Be prepared for rain, snow, cold, wind, and sudden weather changes, especially at the higher elevations. Stay dry and know your limits. See page 4 for more hiking tips and trip essentials. Special events and ranger activities See page 5 for more things to do and visit go.nps.gov/GRSMcalendar for a full calendar of events. • December 9: Festival of Christmas Past, Present, and Future at Sugarlands Visitor Center, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. • December 9: Holiday Homecoming at Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. bark ranger great smoky mountains national park Learn the BARK principles so you and your pet can have a safe and fun visit any time you go to a national park. Take the BARK pledge: B ag and bin your pet’s waste A lways leash your pet R espect wildlife K now where you can go 12 million+ 1,000 +species visitors per year new to science found in the park The only two pet-friendly trails in the Smokies are the Gatlinburg Trail in Tennessee and the Oconaluftee River Trail in North Carolina. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. mtns. higher 9,900+species of insects 16 than 6,000' Check out the BARK ranger products at SmokiesInformation.org Smokies Guide Winter 2023-24 • 3 Keep it SMOKIES SMART: S Stay hydrated M Map your hike A Always wear proper clothing/footwear R Remember your flashlight T Turn back when conditions change Tell someone where you’re going, stay on established trails, pack the essentials, and know what to do in case of an emergency. Let the NPS Backcountry Office help you plan and prepare for your hike. Call 865.436.1297, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PACK ESSENTIALS IN AN EMERGENCY • Navigation—map, compass, and knowledge of how to use them • Call 911 if you can acquire a signal. • Water and food • Remain with any injured parties until help arrives. Use what basic first-aid techniques you know, but do not attempt invasive intervention unless you are medically trained. • Extra layers • First aid kit • Headlamp or flashlight • Traction support like microspikes and hiking poles •U  se an emergency whistle to issue a series of three spaced blasts every few minutes to alert rescue crews. If you are in an open area, display brightly colored clothing or gear. • Rain gear and pack cover or waterproof bags • Emergency whistle • Sun protection with sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat FOR A LONGER HIKE YOUR CELL PHONE IS NOT • a light • a map • a survival kit • always going to have service • Repair kit with multi-tool or knife • Fire starter • Shelter—emergency tent or tarp Smokies Guide Winter 2023-24 • 4 THINGS TO DO IN THE WINTERTIME Hit the trail Celebrate the holidays with us T here are more than 800 miles of trails in the Smokies ranging from leisurely quiet walkways to challenging mountain ascents. Just be sure to come prepared with rain gear, layers, traction support, and plenty of water and snacks. Download a free copy of the park’s trail map at nps.gov or purchase one for $1 at a visitor center or kiosk. Visitor center bookstores offer hiking references including Day Hikes of the Smokies and Hiking Trails of the Smokies. See page 4 for pack essentials. Explore Smokies history V isit Cherokee, North Carolina, and immerse yourself in history and culture at the Museum of the Cherokee People, one of the longest-­ operating tribal museums in the country. Visit ­­­­­motcp.org for hours and details. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many historic structures including churches, mills, and log cabins. In Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Elkmont, and Oconaluftee, the bareness of winter reveals hidden structures, cemeteries, and other reminders of past Smokies residents. John Oliver Saturday, December 9 Festival of Christmas Past, Present, and Future Sugarlands Visitor Center, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Holiday Homecoming Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Cabin photo by David McGregor. Spot winter wildlife T here’s still plenty of wildlife to see in the Smokies even after the bears have ambled off to their winter dens. Elk and white-tailed deer remain active in the Smokies, and birds (like this tufted titmouse) are much easier to see when deciduous trees lose their leaves. Take photos of what you see and use the iNaturalist app to identify and share your observations. Remember to avoid feeding or approaching wildlife. If you see wildlife from your vehicle, continue to the nearest pull-out before attempting to view. Sudden stops can be dangerous and cause traffic delays for others. Photo by Warren Lynn. For a full list of programs for the public, please visit: go.nps.gov/GRSMcalendar Smokies Guide Winter 2023-24 • 5 To Knoxville Parking tag purchase locations within the park To I-40 CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST Exit 447 441 PIGEON FORGE 321 All roads are subject to temporary closures due to dangerous driving conditions. 73 321 Gab N OR TH C AROL IN Mount Cammerer Hen Wallow Falls Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail closed for winter Mount Cammerer Trail 40 n t e r) wi in d Parson Branch Rd closed for winter i rs Pa osed (cl n ) ter wi n R at i l Fontana Juney Whank Falls Goldmine Loop Trail La Lake Twentymile H RT vie wD r Ap p al a Swain County Visitor Center 28 Maggie Valley 19 Museum of the Cherokee People Q UA L L A B O U N DA RY (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians land) Soco Gap Parking tag purchase locations (see left column) Soco Falls Current/upcoming construction (see nps.gov/grsm) Horseback Riding (rental) Picnic Areas Camping Major Hwys Major Roads Paved Roads SYLVA NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST 441 23 Select Trails Closed Roads B rk w Gravel Roads 28 WAYNESVILLE Restrooms 23 74 143 To Asheville Dellwood e Pa ©GSMA 2023 Parkw ay Trail Santeetlah Lake 129 e Great Smoky Mountains National Park occupies the traditional lands of the Cherokee (ᏣᎳᎩ, Tsalagi), now the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Cherokee Nation, and the United Keetoowah Band of the Cherokee. n JOYCE KILMER - SLICKROCK WILDERNESS AREA g e R id 441 74 276 Heintooga Ridge Rd and Heintooga/Round Bottom Rd closed for winter id g lue R ch Co ve Ro Cre ad ek Mingo Falls 19 Deep Creek BRYSON CITY Balsam Mountain ad Oconaluftee River Trail CHEROKEE ia NO ke Juney Whank Falls Trail Boogerman Loop Trail Ro Blu 441 Indian Creek Falls Tom Branch Falls PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST Cataloochee Exit 20 Co ve Mountain Farm Museum Loop Trail Twentymile Cascade FONTANA VILLAGE Mingus Oconaluftee Mill Visitor Center Hazel Creek Trail K AR Smokemont Loop Trail Trail Clingmans Dome Rd closed for winter P NAL Smokemont Bone Valley Trail il Big i ch ala Chasteen Creek Falls rk Kan ra i ty m Old NC 284/Old Cataloochee Rd Mount Guyot Straight Fork Rd closed for winter Kephart Prong Trail Clingmans Dome Visitor Center eT Tw e n Lake Cheoah I M O U N TA I N S Andrews Bald ac h i a n Twentymile Loop Trail Wolf Ridge Trail Deals Gap OL SMOKY IO N AT Newfound Gap Trail Forge Creek Rd closes Dec. 31 ad Calderwood Lake NA Chimney Tops Chimney Tops Charlies Bunion ek Ro CA TE NN ES E SE Alum Cave Bluffs Middle Prong Trail Big Creek Trail Thunderhead Mountain 129 CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST re sC ke Ja Ramsey Cascades Bi g B h p Trail an Cre on c ra n Alum Cave Trail Clingmans Dome App al • Open business hours (see page 2) • Accepts cash or credit/debit • Daily, weekly, and annual tags available b er Ga Fern Branch Falls Deep Chilhowee cum Cades Cove Trail Visitor Center Cu Mount Le Conte Rainbow Falls ek T il ra il Tra lls G R E AT Daisy Town Lit tle il Tra d m sF a Elkmont lls re r ve tR Ab ra Abrams Falls (c Little GSM Institute at Tremont Lynn Camp Prong Cascades r i ll iu Tra m Gap il Ri on e los b Traow F il a des Trail sca Mouse Creek Falls Porters Flat Grotto Falls T in Ra Meigs Falls a Ramsey C Sugarlands Visitor Center r Rive Tre m Schoolhouse Gap Trail Red light #8 Road Trail Heritage Center Look Rock Tower Fighting Creek Trail Little Greenbrier Laurel School Falls Laurel Falls 73 l op Trai ut T stn Ch e Cataract Falls Little Greenbrier Road Ap p 321 Townsend Rich Mountain Rd closed for winter Little Brier Gap Trail Po r t e r s C Fo o t hi Great Smokies Welcome Center GATLINBURG Wears Valley Tr Metcalf Bottoms ll s Pa ay rk w Pa ills Lo w Tra Gap il Fo To Chattanooga h F o ot A es M ounta i n Greenbrier y rk wa TENNESSEE Exit 451 32 Cosby Pittman Center Gatlinburg Welcome Center National Park Information Center ek Tra il Walland 129 411 Cades Cove Visitor Center For all purchase locations, see go.nps.gov/GRSMfees. Hartford ek Trail Cre Abrams Creek Parking tags are available outside the park at Great Smokies Welcome Center in Townsend, Gatlinburg Welcome Center, Swain County Visitor Center, and select area businesses. ill Exit 443 416 321 Located at Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cades Cove Loop Entrance, Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, Newfound Gap, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Deep Creek Picnic Area, Clingmans Dome, Greenbrier, Cosby, Big Creek, Townsend Wye, Look Rock, and Cataloochee. Located at Sugarlands, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, Cades Cove, Oconaluftee, and Clingmans Dome (closed in winter). th To Newport ay a il 411 o Fo w ar k s P Tr 129 MARYVILLE 32 Cosby Forge Creek Road closes December 31, opens March 1 Little Greenbrier Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Straight Fork Road closed, open March 29 Clingmans Dome Road closed, opens April 1 Rich Mtn. Road and Parson Branch Road closed, open April 12 Heintooga Ridge and Heintooga/Round Bottom Road closed, open May 10 321 • Available 24 hours per day • Accepts credit/debit only • Daily and weekly tags only 321 SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURES Parking tags may be purchased at locations designated by these symbols on the map: Automated Fee Machine (AFM) SEVIERVILLE ay To Knoxville Parking tag purchase locations within the park To I-40 CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST Exit 447 441 PIGEON FORGE 321 All roads are subject to temporary closures due to dangerous driving conditions. 73 321 Gab N OR TH C AROL IN Mount Cammerer Hen Wallow Falls Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail closed for winter Mount Cammerer Trail 40 n t e r) wi in d Parson Branch Rd closed for winter i rs Pa osed (cl n ) ter wi n R at i l Fontana Juney Whank Falls Goldmine Loop Trail La Lake Twentymile H RT vie wD r Ap p al a Swain County Visitor Center 28 Maggie Valley 19 Museum of the Cherokee People Q UA L L A B O U N DA RY (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians land) Soco Gap Parking tag purchase locations (see left column) Soco Falls Current/upcoming construction (see nps.gov/grsm) Horseback Riding (rental) Picnic Areas Camping Major Hwys Major Roads Paved Roads SYLVA NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST 441 23 Select Trails Closed Roads B rk w Gravel Roads 28 WAYNESVILLE Restrooms 23 74 143 To Asheville Dellwood e Pa ©GSMA 2023 Parkw ay Trail Santeetlah Lake 129 e Great Smoky Mountains National Park occupies the traditional lands of the Cherokee (ᏣᎳᎩ, Tsalagi), now the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Cherokee Nation, and the United Keetoowah Band of the Cherokee. n JOYCE KILMER - SLICKROCK WILDERNESS AREA g e R id 441 74 276 Heintooga Ridge Rd and Heintooga/Round Bottom Rd closed for winter id g lue R ch Co ve Ro Cre ad ek Mingo Falls 19 Deep Creek BRYSON CITY Balsam Mountain ad Oconaluftee River Trail CHEROKEE ia NO ke Juney Whank Falls Trail Boogerman Loop Trail Ro Blu 441 Indian Creek Falls Tom Branch Falls PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST Cataloochee Exit 20 Co ve Mountain Farm Museum Loop Trail Twentymile Cascade FONTANA VILLAGE Mingus Oconaluftee Mill Visitor Center Hazel Creek Trail K AR Smokemont Loop Trail Trail Clingmans Dome Rd closed for winter P NAL Smokemont Bone Valley Trail il Big i ch ala Chasteen Creek Falls rk Kan ra i ty m Old NC 284/Old Cataloochee Rd Mount Guyot Straight Fork Rd closed for winter Kephart Prong Trail Clingmans Dome Visitor Center eT Tw e n Lake Cheoah I M O U N TA I N S Andrews Bald ac h i a n Twentymile Loop Trail Wolf Ridge Trail Deals Gap OL SMOKY IO N AT Newfound Gap Trail Forge Creek Rd closes Dec. 31 ad Calderwood Lake NA Chimney Tops Chimney Tops Charlies Bunion ek Ro CA TE NN ES E SE Alum Cave Bluffs Middle Prong Trail Big Creek Trail Thunderhead Mountain 129 CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST re sC ke Ja Ramsey Cascades Bi g B h p Trail an Cre on c ra n Alum Cave Trail Clingmans Dome App al • Open business hours (see page 2) • Accepts cash or credit/debit • Daily, weekly, and annual tags available b er Ga Fern Branch Falls Deep Chilhowee cum Cades Cove Trail Visitor Center Cu Mount Le Conte Rainbow Falls ek T il ra il Tra lls G R E AT Daisy Town Lit tle il Tra d m sF a Elkmont lls re r ve tR Ab ra Abrams Falls (c Little GSM Institute at Tremont Lynn Camp Prong Cascades r i ll iu Tra m Gap il Ri on e los b Traow F il a des Trail sca Mouse Creek Falls Porters Flat Grotto Falls T in Ra Meigs Falls a Ramsey C Sugarlands Visitor Center r Rive Tre m Schoolhouse Gap Trail Red light #8 Road Trail Heritage Center Look Rock Tower Fighting Creek Trail Little Greenbrier Laurel School Falls Laurel Falls 73 l op Trai ut T stn Ch e Cataract Falls Little Greenbrier Road Ap p 321 Townsend Rich Mountain Rd closed for winter Little Brier Gap Trail Po r t e r s C Fo o t hi Great Smokies Welcome Center GATLINBURG Wears Valley Tr Metcalf Bottoms ll s Pa ay rk w Pa ills Lo w Tra Gap il Fo To Chattanooga h F o ot A es M ounta i n Greenbrier y rk wa TENNESSEE Exit 451 32 Cosby Pittman Center Gatlinburg Welcome Center National Park Information Center ek Tra il Walland 129 411 Cades Cove Visitor Center For all purchase locations, see go.nps.gov/GRSMfees. Hartford ek Trail Cre Abrams Creek Parking tags are available outside the park at Great Smokies Welcome Center in Townsend, Gatlinburg Welcome Center, Swain County Visitor Center, and select area businesses. ill Exit 443 416 321 Located at Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cades Cove Loop Entrance, Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, Newfound Gap, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Deep Creek Picnic Area, Clingmans Dome, Greenbrier, Cosby, Big Creek, Townsend Wye, Look Rock, and Cataloochee. Located at Sugarlands, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, Cades Cove, Oconaluftee, and Clingmans Dome (closed in winter). th To Newport ay a il 411 o Fo w ar k s P Tr 129 MARYVILLE 32 Cosby Forge Creek Road closes December 31, opens March 1 Little Greenbrier Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Straight Fork Road closed, open March 29 Clingmans Dome Road closed, opens April 1 Rich Mtn. Road and Parson Branch Road closed, open April 12 Heintooga Ridge and Heintooga/Round Bottom Road closed, open May 10 321 • Available 24 hours per day • Accepts credit/debit only • Daily and weekly tags only 321 SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURES Parking tags may be purchased at locations designated by these symbols on the map: Automated Fee Machine (AFM) SEVIERVILLE ay Words with a Ranger Continued from page 1 Smokies family is second to none, and I’ve made many of my most cherished memories hiking and camping here with my loved ones. Winter is typically a quiet season in the mountains, but there will still be plenty going on behind the scenes. A few projects we’ll be working on include constructing an accessible campsite at Look Rock Campground, upgrading campground water systems at Balsam Mountain, and restoring the final historic cabin in Elkmont. Meanwhile, our roads, custodial, and utilities teams will be waking up early and staying out late so the rest of us can continue to enjoy the Smokies. Road crews based in Cherokee, Gatlinburg, and Cades Cove are out seven days a week maintaining roadways and keeping them clear of rocks, trees, ice, and snow—sometimes 24 hours a day. Our custodial and grounds employees arrive early—often before sunrise—to clear walkways and make sure visitor centers and restrooms are clean and accessible. Every day, utility operators conduct testing and repairs to ensure we maintain a potable water supply for drinking fountains and toilets. If all goes smoothly, the hard work and many different jobs of the facilities management team will fade into the background as you explore the Great Smoky Mountains this winter. Just be sure to pay attention to road signs, avoid relying entirely on your phone for directions, and make a back-up plan. Some roads or facilities may be closed due to dangerous conditions, but there’s still plenty to see and do even when wintry weather strikes. Visiting the park is about the experience—not always the destination. BIN IT FO R TH E B E A R S Help protect bears by packing out all trash and food waste and using bear-proof dumpsters in the park. Raccoon and firewood pest illustrations by Lisa Horstman. All others by Emma Oxford. LE AV E O N LY FOOT PRINT S Writing on or carving into trees, stones, or structures can cause permanent damage—it’s also a crime! Taking a photo is always a better way to remember your time in the Smokies and helps preserve the park for others too. K E E P PE T S O N ­D ESIG N AT E D T R AI L S Remember that the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the only pet-friendly trails in the park. All pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Smokies Guide Winter 2023-24 • 8 PLE A S E LE AV E YO U R F I R E WOO D AT H O M E Use only heat-treated or dead and down wood within the park. Harmful pests can hitchhike into the park on your firewood, which could kill millions of trees. A LWAYS U S E TH E R U LE O F TH U M B When viewing wildlife, hold your arm out straight. If you can’t cover the animal in your line of sight with your thumb, you’re too close! Smokies Guide Winter 2023-24 • 9 the park’s partners in helping to protect this special IF YOU LOVE THE SMOKIES Join place for future generations Great Smoky Mountains Association Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA) brings people of all backgrounds together as advocates and stewards to honor, sustain, and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park. GSMA operates the park’s official bookstores, publishes books and other high-quality media about the Smokies, and supports the park’s educational, scientific, and historical preservation efforts. Since 1953, GSMA has contributed more than $47 million to the national park. Become a GSMA member today by visiting SmokiesInformation. org or call us at 888.898.9102, ext. 257. Interested in working in the park? GSMA is currently hiring for retail and information desk positions! Rates begin at $15/hr. plus opportunities for monthly bonuses. Apply online at SmokiesInformation.org/employment. GSMA members enjoy... • Bi-annual  Smokies Life journal • Smokies LIVE e-newsletter • Discounts at park bookstores and local businesses • Exclusive group hikes and expert-led events Discover Life in America Friends of the Smokies Since 1993, Friends of the Smokies has raised over $85 million to assist GSMNP in providing visitors a safe, memorable experience while protecting the park’s historic and natural resources. Every year, the park requests funding for projects and programs that would be unfulfilled without support from Friends. Examples include: • Trail rehabilitation • Preservation of historic structures • Facility repairs, upgrades, and renovations • Accessibility improvements • First responder equipment and training • Educational programs for 10,000+ students • Conservation and wildlife management Learn more and become a ‘Friend’ at FriendsOfTheSmokies.org. Discover Life in America (DLiA) is devoted to cataloging every living species in the Smokies through the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory. This ongoing project helps the National Park Service better understand and protect the 21,000 kinds of organisms documented in the Smokies, with more discovered every day. DLiA also offers internship, volunteer, community science, and education opportunities that provide firsthand experiences in the Smokies, promote the importance of biodiversity, and foster stewardship of the natural world. Learn how you can support DLiA at dlia.org or call 865.430.4757. Join the discovery! Record life in the park with the iNaturalist app! dlia.org GSMNP BY THE NUMBERS Tremont Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont offers kids and adults an opportunity to connect with nature through immersive, multi-day experiences in the national park. Through residential workshops, summer camps, and school programs, Tremont promotes curiosity and inspires learning for thousands of individuals each year. Adult workshops include the Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification program, photography courses, backpacking adv