"Autumn - Heintooga Ridge Road" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
Great Smoky Mountains
National Park - NC, TN
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The sprawling landscape encompasses lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Streams, rivers and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. An observation tower tops Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, offering scenic views of the mist-covered mountains.
Tail Map of Appalachian National Scenic Trail (NST) in Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
Official Visitor Map of Trail of Tears National Historic Trail (NHT) in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
Brochure of World Heritage Sites in the United States. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
https://www.nps.gov/grsm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Smoky_Mountains_National_Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The sprawling landscape encompasses lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Streams, rivers and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. An observation tower tops Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, offering scenic views of the mist-covered mountains.
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The three main entrances to the park are in Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; and Cherokee, NC.
Cades Cove Visitor Center
Roughly half-way through the Cades Cove Loop Road, pause to speak with park staff and visit various exhibits. Learn about Southern Mountain life and culture, and see a gristmill (operates spring through fall), the Becky Cable house, and other historic structures. Enjoy seasonal ranger-led activities and peruse the park bookstore and shop. Public restrooms available.
Located halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road.
Clingmans Dome Visitor Contact Station
Enjoy sweeping views of the Smokies, weather permitting, and get your park questions answered. Peruse a small bookstore and shop. Public restrooms are available.
Located at the end of Clingmans Dome Road, seven miles from Newfound Gap Road.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Near Cherokee, North Carolina, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is an ideal starting point as you enter the park's South District. Explore cultural history exhibits. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. Find public restrooms and drink vending machines. The adjacent Mountain Farm Museum contains a collection of log structures including a farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, applehouse, corn crib and others.
Located on Newfound Gap Road (US-441) two miles north of Cherokee, NC
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Near Gatlinburg, TN, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point as you enter the park's North District. Learn about the park's plants and animals with natural history exhibits. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. Access public restrooms and drink vending machines. The Backcountry Permit Office is here, too.
Located on Newfound Gap Road (US-441) two miles south of Gatlinburg, TN.
Abrams Creek Campground
Abrams Creek Campground—open April 26–October 27, 2024—is located beside beautiful Abrams Creek in a remote and secluded setting. With an elevation of 1,125 feet (343 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Flush toilets and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
Camping Fee
30.00
Camping Fee is per site, per night.
Waterside Sites_Abrams Creek Campground
Three campsites in a forested area near a creek, one with a large blue and white tent.
Abrams Creek Campground offers many waterside sites.
Waterside Tent Pad_Abrams Creek Campground
A square tent pad at a waterside site with a picnic table and grill, near an orange and white tent.
Each site offers a gravel tent pad, a grill, and a picnic table. Nearby sites are typically visible.
Shaded Site_Abrams Creek Campground
A forested campsite with a tent pad, picnic table, and grill. A nearby tent pad is visible.
Most sites offer ample shade.
Accessible Restrooms_Abrams Creek Campground
A campground restroom with a paved pathway to it. A sign beside a door says, "Wash dishes here".
Abrams Creek Campground provides accessible restrooms and a dishwashing area.
Trash Receptacles_Abrams Creek Campground
Multiple bear-proof trash cans along a gravel road near campsites under a canopy of trees.
Promptly dispose of trash in bear-proof trash receptacles throughout the campground.
Water View_Abrams Creek Campground
Softly rippling water reflecting surrounding trees. A creek view from a bank in the campground.
Find beautiful views of the water at Abrams Creek Campground.
Accessible Restroom Path_Abrams Creek Campground
A blue handicapped sign beside a paved path and campsite near the gravel roadway.
A paved pathway near sites 12 and 13 provides access to the Abrams Creek Campground restrooms.
Trailhead_Abrams Creek Campground
Brown sign that says, "Cooper Road Trail, Little Bottom Trail 0.9, Cane Gap 3.1, Abrams Falls 5.1".
The Cooper Road Trail starts near the back of Abrams Creek Campground.
Site in Summer_Abrams Creek Campground
A tent pad, grill, and picnic table at a waterside site under a green canopy of trees.
Enjoy lush forest views in July.
Multiple Sites_Abrams Creek Campground
Multiple sites along a gravel road under a canopy of green trees. Colorful tents are visible.
The 16 sites at Abrams Creek Campground are typically available from late-April to late-October.
Balsam Mountain Campground
Balsam Mountain Campground—open May 10–October 14, 2024—is surrounded by mountain ranges and streams. With an elevation of 5,310 feet (1,618 m), summer daytime temperatures rarely exceed 70°F (~21°C) and lows may dip to 50°F (10°C). RV and tent sites plus flush toilets and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground and the restrooms do not have lights.
Camping Fee
30.00
Camping Fee is per site, per night.
Several Sites at Balsam Mountain Campground
A fire ring, picnic table, and gravel tent pad in the foreground surrounded by trees and grass.
Each site includes a gravel tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table. Trash receptacles are available throughout the campground.
Accessible Site at Balsam Mountain Campground
A wheelchair accessible campsite with a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad near grass and trees.
Balsam Mountain Campground includes accessible camping opportunities.
Balsam Mountain Campground View
A paved road lined by grass, shrubs, and trees. A car, trash can, and restroom are in the distance.
The road is fully paved at Balsam Mountain Campground.
Balsam Mountain Campground Dish Washing Station
A brick structure with a brown roof and small windows surrounded by trees. Two sinks visible inside.
A dishwashing area is available near the center of the campground.
Site at Balsam Mountain Campground
A picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad beside a paved road with RVs visible in the background.
Most parking areas for Balsam Mountain Campground are parallel to the sites, rather than individual driveways.
Site with Stairs at Balsam Mountain Campground
Stairs lead up a slight slope to a picnic table, tent pad, and fire ring surrounded by trees.
Some sites include stairs from the parking area.
Restrooms at Balsam Mountain Campground
A paved sidewalk leads to a brick restroom building with a brown roof and trees in background.
Restrooms with flush toilets and running water are available.
Balsam Mountain Campground Site
A picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad with grass in the foreground and trees in the background.
Some sites are along the edge of the forest, offering additional privacy.
Walk To Sites at Balsam Mountain Campground
Two bear boxes, a tent, picnic tables, and multiple tent pads surrounded by trees and grass.
Some sites at Balsam Mountain Campground require a short walk from the parking area.
Tent Sites at Balsam Mountain Campground
A fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad beside pavement. Additional site and trash can in background
Some campsites are specifically designated for tents only.
Big Creek Campground
Big Creek Campground—open March 29–October 27, 2024—is located beside the beautiful Big Creek in a remote and secluded setting. With an elevation of 1,700 feet (518 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Tent only camping, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
Camping Fee
30.00
Camping Fee is per site, per night.
Big Creek Campground
A wooded campsite with gravel tent pad
Big Creek Campground is located in a remote portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Cades Cove Campground
Cades Cove Campground—open year-round—combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. With an elevation of 1,807 feet (551 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
Camping Fee
30.00
Camping fee is per site, per night.
Cades Cove Campground
Wooded campsite with fall color surrounding a yellow tent.
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures.
Cades Cove Group Campground
Cades Cove combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. A camp store provides visitors with basic necessities and bike rentals. Events like interpretive programs in the nearby amphitheater and bicycle-only days on the Cades Cove Loop Road provide visitors with a fun and unique experience.
Group Site #1-2
35.00
20 person maximum
Group Site #3
65.00
30 person maximum
Group Site#4
53.00
30 person maximum
Cades Cove
CADES COVE GROUP
CADES COVE GROUP
Cades Cove
Night Sky
Deer
Bear Cub
Wild Turkey
Cataloochee Campground
Cataloochee Campground—open March 29–October 27, 2024—is located in the historic Cataloochee Valley surrounded by mountain ranges and pristine streams. With an elevation of 2,610 feet (796 m), it is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. It offers traditional camping with the convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. No hookups or showers are available in the campground.
Camping Fee
30.00
Camping Fee is per site, per night. Reservations are required.
Gravel Road_Cataloochee Campground
Several campsites off of a gravel road through a campground. Tents, cars, and trailers visible.
Cataloochee Campground's road is gravel and each site has a gravel driveway.
Campsite_Cataloochee Campground
An empty campsite with a fire ring, picnic table, tent pad, and metal pole in view of trash cans.
Each site includes a gravel tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table. Trash receptacles are available throughout the campground.
Stream View_Cataloochee Campground
A rocky stream with greenery along its banks. Bright sky peaks through the tree canopy.
A streamside view near Cataloochee Campground.
RV and Trailer_Cataloochee Campground
A white RV near a black SUV, a white popup camper, and trash cans in a campground with trees.
In addition to tents, RVs and trailers are permitted at Cataloochee Campground.
Campsite_Cataloochee Campground
A picnic table, fire ring, gravel tent pad, and metal pole near a gravel parking area. Trees nearby.
Campsites at Cataloochee Campground offer ample shade in the summer months.
Parking and Site_Cataloochee Campground
A picnic table, fire ring, tent pad, and metal pole near a gravel parking area and many trees.
Each site includes a level tent pad near a parking spot. Cataloochee Campground offers a more secluded experience compared to some other Smokies campgrounds.
Road_Cataloochee Campground
A gravel roadway framed by trees. Two tents, a vehicle, and trash receptacles are in the distance.
The gravel campground road is level and passable by most vehicles in good weather.
Multiple Sites_Cataloochee Campground
Two campsites near each other, each within view of restroom structure.
Each site is within walking distance of a restroom facility. Most sites are visible to nearby sites.
Cosby Campground
Cosby Campground—open March 29–October 27, 2024—is tucked in the mountains under a canopy of shade. With an elevation of 2,459 feet (750 m), Cosby provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Campsites for both tents and RVs, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
Campsite Fee
30.00
Per site per night. Up to 6 people per site.
Cosby Campground Ranger Station
Sunlit trees behind the campground office with the flag raised
Cosby Campground Ranger Station
Cosby Campground Restroom
Paved walkway leads to a wooden restroom structure
Cosby Campground Restroom
Cosby Campground Tent Only Site
Steps lead to a tent only site occupied by a yellow tent
Cosby Campground Tent-only Site
Deep Creek Campground
Deep Creek Campground—open March 29–October 27, 2024—is located next to one of the park's most popular creeks. With an elevation of 1,800 feet (549 m), the climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Whether blanketed in bright spring wildflowers or vivid fall colors, the scenery at Deep Creek never disappoints. Hookups and showers are not provided, but flush toilets and drinking water are available.
Camping Fee
30.00
Camping fee is per site, per night.
Deep Creek Campground
A campsite near flowing water and trees. A blue tent with orange trim sits on the gravel pad.
Deep Creek Campground offers a variety of sites, some streamside.
Deep Creek Campground Fire Ring
Beside a flowing creek, wood sits inside and next to a metal fire ring with a mobile grate afixed.
Deep Creek Campground offers a variety of sites, some streamside.
Bridge View at Deep Creek
A flowing river from the vantage point of a bridge. The body of water is lined with green trees.
Visitors can find many enjoyable water views near the Deep Creek Campground.
Elkmont Campground
Elkmont Campground—open March 8–December 1, 2024—is the closest family campground to Sugarlands Visitor Center in the North District of the park. With an elevation of 2,150 feet (655 m), the climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Campsites for both tents and RVs, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
Campsite
30.00
Camping Fee is per site, per night.
Elkmont Campground
Sun shining through the forest over an occupied campsite.
Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area.
Forested Elkmont Campground
A paved site driveway, fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad surrounded by trees.
Each site includes a level tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and parking area.
Multiple Sites at Elkmont Campground
A tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring near rocks, trees, and other sites in the distance.
Some sites are visible from others, with trees offering partial privacy.
RVs at Elkmont Campground
A gray and white RV attached to a blue truck. Other sites and trees are in the background.
Elkmont Campground provides sites for both tents and RVs.
Restrooms at Elkmont Campground
A paved sidewalk leading to a restroom building with a brown roof. Trees and grass surround it.
Restrooms with flush toilets and running water are available.
Accessible Site at Elkmont Campground
A wide, paved driveway to an accessible site with a fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad.
Elkmont Campground provides wheelchair accessible camping opportunities.
Creekside Sites at Elkmont Campground
Two campsites separated by trees with a creek in the foreground.
Elkmont Campground offers some waterside sites.
Elkmont Campground
A paved driveway, fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad surrounded by trees and near other sites.
Elkmont Campground offers ample shade in the summer months.
Site at Elkmont Campground
A paved driveway, fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad along the forest's edge.
Some sites are along the edge of the forest, offering additional privacy.
Driveway at Elkmont Campground
A paved driveway near a shaded picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of tree species, both deciduous and evergreen, at Elkmont Campground.
Elkmont Group Campground
These sites offers an ideal setting for group camping excursions and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
Camping Fee, Tent Only Area
53.00
Site #1, 30 people maximum, no RVs or trailers allowed.
Camping Fee, Tent Only Area
35.00
Site #2, 20 person maximum
Camping Fee, Tent Only Area
26.00
Site #3, 15 person maximum
Camping Fee, Tent Only Area
35.00
Site #4, 20 person maximum
ELKMONT GROUP CAMP
ELKMONT GROUP CAMP
ELKMONT GROUP CAMP
ELKMONT GROUP CAMP
ELKMONT GROUP CAMP
ELKMONT GROUP CAMP
Look Rock Campground
Look Rock Campground—open April 26–October 27, 2024—is located along the beautiful Foothills Parkway West between Walland, Tennessee and Chilhowee Lake. With an elevation of 2,600 feet (792 m), the climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Flush toilets and drinking water are available. Ten of the sites offer electric and water hookups. No shower facilities are located in the campground.
Standard Non-Electric Camping Fee
30.00
Camping fee is per site, per night.
Standard Electric Camping Fee
36.00
Camping fee is per site, per night.
Fall_Look Rock Campground
A campsite in early fall surrounded by green, yellow, red, and orange trees.
Each site is equipped with a gravel tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring.
Tent_Look Rock Campground
A white tent with a light green rainfly near a picnic table, fire ring, and two paved parking spots.
Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and paved parking.
Pop-Up Camper_Look Rock Campground
A white pop-up camper shaded by trees, parked in a paved spot beside a wooden post.
Look Rock Campground permits RVs and trailers, in addition to tents. Maximum size depends on the site and is listed on recreation.gov.
Fall View_Look Rock Campground
Paved road through a forested campground in early fall. Campsites and their parking spots in view.
Look Rock Campground in early fall.
Pull-Through Sites_Look Rock Campground
Multiple pull-through driveways near site picnic tables, tent pads, and fire rings. Roads are paved.
Pull-through, one-way driveways are available at some sites at Look Rock Campground.
Accessible Parking_Look Rock Campground
Paved handicap accessible parking beside a restroom facility surrounded by trees.
Accessible parking is available near restroom facilities at Look Rock Campground.
Look Rock Overlook
Rolling mountains in early fall under clouds, seen from a viewing platform with a rail.
Campers can find exceptional mountain views near the campground.
Site with Hookup_Look Rock Campground
A campsite in the forest with a gravel pad, fire ring, and hookups in view beside the parking spot.
Ten sites at Look Rock Campground include electric and water hookups for RV campers.
Look Rock Tower
Early fall views of rolling mountains. A road cuts through the mountains touched with fall color.
A short trail brings visitors to the top of the Look Rock Observation Tower.
Site_Look Rock Campground
A set of stone stairs leads down to a picnic table, fire ring, and gravel tent pad.
Some Look Rock Campground sites are down a set of stone stairs or a slope from the parking space.
Sloped Site_Look Rock Campground
A picnic table and fire ring upslope from a tent pad at a forested campsite.
Some sites are sloped at Look Rock Campground.
Dumpster_Look Rock Campground
A brown dumpster beside a paved road surrounded by green trees.
Bear-proof dumpsters are located throughout Look Rock Campground.
Smokemont Campground
Smokemont Campground—open year-round—is the closest family campground to Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the South District of the park. With an elevation of 2,198 feet (670 m), the climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Campsites for both tents and RVs, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
Camping Fee
30.00
Camping fee is per site, per night.
Tent at Smokemont Campground
A yellow, orange, and white-colored tent on a level gravel pad near a picnic table and bikes.
Each site is equipped with a gravel tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring.
Trailer at Smokemont Campground
A person standing on a level gravel area setting up a canopy tent, all next to a white trailer.
Each campsite includes a level gravel area to set up needed gear.
Trailer at Smokemont Campground
A white trailer and gray SUV parked at a campsite with a red checkered cloth on its picnic table.
Smokemont Campground offers many sites in the shade of the park's various tree species.
Tiny Home Trailer at Smokemont Campground
A trailer that resembles a tiny home with a red roof and porch cover parked in a campsite.
Campsite areas offer space to set up personal chairs and tables.
Trailer at Smokemont Campground
A gray pickup truck and pop up trailer in the driveway of a campsite surrounded by trees.
Smokemont Campground includes some sites that can accomodate trailers.
Summer in Smokemont Campground
Trees in summer surrounding several campsites, one with a white trailer and gold pickup truck.
The trees around many sites in Smokemont Campground offer ample shade.
RV in Smokemont Campground
A white camper trailer with multiple bikes parked on the side, all under the shade of trees.
Many campers enjoy biking around campgrounds during their stay.
Side-by-side sites at Smokemont Campground
A tent and pop up trailer in sites beside each other under green trees near a dumpster and bathroom.
Smokemont Campground offers shady sites for tents, trailers, and RVs.
Smokemont Group Campground
Mountain ranges and pristine streams and rivers are the backdrop for your camping adventure in Smokemont. Whether blanketed in spring wildflowers or vivid fall colors, the scenery at Smokemont never disappoints. At 2,198 feet (~670 m), Smokemont provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Smokemont Campground offers an unforgettable outdoor experience with campsites for both tents and RVs.
The "Wildflower National Park"
A hillside in the forest covered with white trillium flowers
Wildflowers, such as these white trillium, can be found blooming from February through November in the park.
"Smoke" Rising From the Mountains
Wisps of fog hang over the forests in the mountains.
The park gets its name from mists that often rise like smoke from the mountains.
Frosty Morning in Cades Cove
A thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.
Wintertime brings a quiet beauty to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Fall Colors Near Newfound Gap
Bright gold and red leaves shine through the fog in a forest.
Fall leaf season is one of the busiest times of year in the park.
Fall Meets Winter
Gold and red fall colors fill the valleys while snow coats the mountain tops.
In spring and fall, weather in the foothills can be pleasant, while snow and cold rule on the mountain tops.
A Foggy Morning at Cades Cove Methodist Church
Tombstones stand in front of a white, wooden church on a foggy morning.
Historic buildings such as churches, gristmills, barns, and homes allow visitors to get a feel for life in the mountains before the national park was created.
The Waters of Roaring Fork Below Grotto Falls
Rhododendron bushes line the banks of a stream filled with large boulders.
Abundant rainfall means lush forests and beautiful stream scenes in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Listening to the Eclipse: National Park Service scientists join Smithsonian, NASA in nationwide project
A solar eclipse is visually stunning, but what will it sound like? NPS scientists will find out by recording sounds in parks across the USA.
An NPS scientist installs audio recording equipment in a lush valley at Valles Caldera NP.
2015 Recipients: George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service
Six people and programs received the 2015 Harzog Award for their exceptional volunteer service. Check out their amazing contributions!
Young volunteer giving a thumbs up sign
2014 Recipients: George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service
Discover the inspirational stories and amazing dedication of volunteers honored with the 2014 Hartzog Award.
Volunteer Thelma Johnson standing with her cooking equipment
2012 Recipients: George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service
Every year, the National Park Service benefits from the extraordinary contributions of dedicated volunteers. Meet the six recipients of the 2012 Hartzog Awards honoring that service.
Two volunteers assisting a visitor
NPS Structural Fire Program Highlights 2014 Intern Accomplishments
Study Finds Cleaner Air in the Smokies
New research finds that ground-level ozone pollution in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NP) has dropped to its lowest levels since the mid-1980s.
Newfound Gap, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Natural Partnership Forged in Fire: National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy
Early in 2015, Great Smoky Mountains fire staff met with local TNC representatives to explore avenues for sharing resources on prescribed fire activities and getting more fire on the ground in the Smokies and the Southern Appalachians.
Cultural Landscapes by Bicycle
There are many ways to experience national parks by bicycle, with route options for all levels of experience and preference. Here are just three examples of ways to explore park cultural landscapes by bike in the southeastern part of the United States. Ride a loop road through an agricultural community in a fertile valley, follow the path of a former railroad that once brought tourists to Mammoth Cave, or travel mountain bike trails to a farmstead from the late 1800s.
Two people with bikes gaze over a valley filled with fog, with blue mountains in the background.
Testing Hypotheses for Plant Species Distributions in the Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a site with scientific value. One such scientific landmark is the work of Robert Whittaker, whose PhD dissertation research in the 1940s illuminated the complexity of ecological succession. His work has had a lasting effect on the field of ecology ever since.
Orange, yellow and green foliage on a mountainside
Park Air Profiles - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Air quality profile for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gives park-specific information about air quality and air pollution impacts for Great Smoky Mountains NP as well as the studies and monitoring conducted for Great Smoky Mountains NP.
Fall foliage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Canadian Top Prescribed Burn 2013
In May 2013, wildland firefighters in Great Smoky Mountains NP began a prescribed burn in the Jesse Ridge subunit as part of the Canadian Top Prescribed Fire Plan for the pines and mixed hardwoods found on ridges surrounding the Cataloochee Valley area in the eastern portion on the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The plan includes reducing hazardous fuel accumulations and restoring and maintaining a diverse and functioning ecosystem.
Ozone effects on two ecosystem services at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA
Protected areas such as national parks are recognized as important providers of ecosystem services, the benefits nature conveys to humans. However, some threats to these services, such as air pollution, can derive from outside a park’s boundaries.
Stream and forest in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. NPS/Tamara Blett
World War II Plane Crashes in National Parks
During WWII, more than 7,100 air crashes involved US Army Air Force (USAAF) aircraft occurred on American soil. Collectively these crashes resulted in the loss of more than 15,599 lives (Mireles 2006). Many of these military aircraft accidents occurred in remote, often mountainous, areas managed by the National Park Service.
plane crash at base of grassy hill
Louis E. Voorheis
The Voorheis Estate, a landscape within the North District of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, encompass the former mountain retreat developed by Louis E. Voorheis from 1928-1944. It is an example of Rustic style architecture and landscape architecture, evident in the form of structures and designed water features.
A stone wall with a rounded top and a square stone basin, surrounded by woodland
Reef Bay Trail Rehabilitation
Virgin Islands National Park wants to thank Great Smoky Mountain Trail Crew for their tremendous work in rehabilitate the Reef Bay Trail. In addition to clearing the trail much of it had to be reconstructed or redirected.
Smoky Mountain Trail Crew
Bat Projects in Parks: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
There are more than one way to keep up with bats in a park. Find out all the Great Smoky Mountains National Park did!
A bat with white fuzz on its muzzle
Women in Fire Science: Cynthia Worthington
Cynthia Worthington is a fire effects monitor and has worked in several different units of the National Park Service during her career. The importance of collaboration with other fields and the built-in adaptability of fire programs is one of her favorite parts of working in fire that keeps her coming back.
A woman in black rain gear stands with a clipboard in a meadow.
Outside Science (inside parks): Smoky Salamanders
Student interns get their hands dirty while looking for tiny salamanders at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
captured salamander in a baggie
National Parks’ Homefront Battle: Protecting Parks During WWII
Though the National Park Service (NPS) was only 25 years old at the outbreak of World War II, the agency found itself fighting a battle on the homefront. With little precedent to work from and dwindling budgets and staff, the NPS strongly defended its parks against a flood of demands to log, mine, graze, drain, and take over national parks
Pollinators - Monarch butterfly
More than beautiful, monarch butterflies contribute to the health of our planet. While feeding on nectar, they pollinate many types of wildflowers, yet one of the greatest threats to Monarch populations is loss of habitat.
A Monarch clings to an orange flower
Using Citizen Scientists to Document Life Cycle Changes
Citizen scientists of all ages help uncover how the timing of natural events, such as flowering or migration, is changing from year to year in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Two girls identifying a tree
Partnerships Make Wetland Restoration Happen
Tribes, volunteers, and students came together to restore a critically important wetland in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Teamwork made the project successful.
group of people plant native plants in a grassy meadow
Series: Geologic Time Periods in the Paleozoic Era
During the Paleozoic Era (541 to 252 million years ago), fish diversified and marine organisms were very abundant. In North America, the Paleozoic is characterized by multiple advances and retreats of shallow seas and repeated continental collisions that formed the Appalachian Mountains. Common Paleozoic fossils include trilobites and cephalopods such as squid, as well as insects and ferns. The greatest mass extinction in Earth's history ended this era.
fossil corals in a rock matrix
Series: Parks in Science History
Parks in Science History is a series of articles and videos made in cooperation with graduate students from various universities. They highlight the roles that national parks have played in the history of science and, therefore, the world's intellectual heritage.
A woman looking through binoculars
Series: Park Air Profiles
Clean air matters for national parks around the country.
Photo of clouds above the Grand Canyon, AZ
Burned Area Recovery from the Chimney Tops 2 Fire, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
After the 2016 Chimney Tops 2 Fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, staff has undertaken several projects to stabilize and restore the landscape, including a project for the cultivation and preservation of eastern hemlock.
Two Americorps team members hold insecticide next to a tree.
NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports. [Site Under Development]
valley with stream
Cambrian Period—541 to 485.4 MYA
The flat layers of rock exposed in Grand Canyon National Park encompass much of the Paleozoic, beginning in the Cambrian where they record an ancient shoreline.
rock with fossil burrow tracks
Paleozoic Era
During the Paleozoic Era (541 to 252 million years ago), fish diversified and marine organisms were very abundant. In North America, the Paleozoic is characterized by multiple advances and retreats of shallow seas and repeated continental collisions that formed the Appalachian Mountains. Common Paleozoic fossils include trilobites and cephalopods such as squid, as well as insects and ferns. The greatest mass extinction in Earth's history ended this era.
fossil corals in a rock matrix
Dare to Imagine: Alix Pfennigwerth
Scroll through this bright data visualization to learn how Biologist Alix Pfennigwerth studies and protects biodiversity hotspots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This data story is part of a National Park Foundation funded project called the Dare to Imagine project dedicated to highlighting women in parks who are breaking barriers and showing what a scientist looks like.
Meet Alix Pfennigwerth, a Biological Science Technician at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Appalachian-Piedmont-Coastal Zone Fire Management Staff Complete Wears Valley Boundary Prescribed Fire
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian-Piedmont-Coastal Zone fire management staff successfully completed a 175-acre prescribed burn along a half-mile of the park boundary in Wears Valley in March 2021. The prescribed burn was conducted to reduce the amount of flammable brush along the park's boundary with residential homes, as well as maintain an open woodland habitat for drought-tolerant trees, like oak and pine.
Staff monitors prescribed fire at Great Smoky National Park.
Changing Patterns of Water Availability May Change Vegetation Composition in US National Parks
Across the US, changes in water availability are altering which plants grow where. These changes are evident at a broad scale. But not all areas experience the same climate in the same way, even within the boundaries of a single national park. A new dataset gives park managers a valuable tool for understanding why vegetation has changed and how it might change in the future under different climate-change scenarios.
Green, orange, and dead grey junipers in red soil, mountains in background
Girl (Guide) Power
Just as the contributions of many women have been overlooked in NPS history, so too have the contributions of girls who held officially sanctioned guide positions.
Two girl ranger aides speak with a man across a counter.
The bioblitz: Good science, good outreach, good fun
Part contest, part festival, part educational event, and part scientific endeavor, bioblitzes bring together naturalists, professional scientists, and the interested public, who canvass the area over a 24-hour period to find and document all plants and animals.
young woman gathers flying insects from a backlit white sheet at night.
2021 National Park Service Aviation Awards
In 2021, the National Park Service Aviation Program awarded the Excellence in Mentorship Aviation Award, the Tom Clausing Aviation All Risk (Hazard) Program Award, Aviator of the Year Award, and the Wright Brothers Aviation Safety Award.
Five men and a woman stand surrounding a Mesa Verde Helitack sign. Two men hold awards.
Taking the Pulse of U.S. National Parks
How do we know if parks are healthy? We measure their vital signs, of course! Across the country, there are 32 inventory and monitoring networks that measure the status and trends of all kinds of park resources. We're learning a lot after years of collecting data. Check out these articles written for kids and reviewed by kids in partnership with the international online journal Frontiers for Young Minds.
A cartoon of a ranger taking the pulse of the Earth.
Series: Geologic Time—Major Divisions and NPS Fossils
The National Park System contains a magnificent record of geologic time because rocks from each period of the geologic time scale are preserved in park landscapes. The geologic time scale is divided into four large periods of time—the Cenozoic Era, Mesozoic Era, Paleozoic Era, and The Precambrian.
photo of desert landscape with a petrified wood log on the surface
Fuels treatments fulfill needs of wildlife and visitors at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Over the past three years, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest, and the Appalachian-Piedmont-Coastal Fire Management Zone (APC Zone) have worked together to do fuels treatments. This project is one of a suite of management actions used at Great Smoky Mountains to preserve the cultural landscape and ecological character of this unique area in the park.
The corner of a cabin looking toward a cleared area with deciduous forest beyond.
Guide to the Thomas J. Allen Photograph Collection
Finding aid for the Thomas J. Allen Photographs in the NPS History Collection.
50 Nifty Finds #5: Keeping Their Cool
The park ranger uniform is known the world over. Perhaps the most iconic part of the uniform is the broad-brimmed flat hat. Over the last century, however, many different kinds of hats have been worn by rangers depending on their gender, where they work, the season of the year, and the jobs they do. While a pith helmet may bring up images of Colonial Britain, World War II soldiers, explorers, or people on safaris, for a while it was also be worn by some park rangers.
Tan pith helmet with a silver Sequoia cone on the front
Natural High Points of States in Parks
We all strive to reach new heights whether taking on the physical challenge to climb to the top or armchair-exploring from the comfort of our own home through virtual experiences. Discover the highest natural points in each state that are located within the National Park System, many of which can be visited by hikers, climbers, mountaineers, and drivers who are often rewarded by breathtaking views. Find photos, virtual tours, fun facts, and more on park websites.
Snow-covered mountain elevation
50 Nifty Finds #9: Green Stamps
Described by some as "the greatest propaganda campaign ever launched by the federal government to exploit the scenic wonders of the United States," the national park stamps issued by the U.S. Post Office Department in 1934 became one of the most recognized series of U.S. stamps. Despite being in the middle of the Great Depression, over one billion of the 10 national park stamps were printed in under two years.
College of ten colorful national park stamps
Investigation and Stabilization of Apple Trees at Purchase Knob
At Purchase Knob, more than 30 apple trees have persisted for well over a hundred years, despite decades without human care. When they were planted in the late 1800s by John Fergsuon, he found that the high elevation and cool nights were favorable to both production and storage. Now, the NPS is taking steps to stabilize these trees by clearing encroaching vegetation, removing dead or damaged limbs, and using DNA analysis to identify specific varieties.
NPS staff stands with a sign beside the trunk of a tall apple tree with upright, leafless branches
Girl Scouts Use Girl Scout Cookie Boxes to Create National Park Designs
Have you ever considered how Girl Scout cookie boxes could be used for something other than the cookies themselves? In March of this year, six teams from the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas in grades 6-12 partnered with local architects and engineers in Dallas Texas to compete in a design contest that transformed Girl Scout cookie boxes into National Park-themed structures.
A view of a national park made from Girl Scout cookie boxes
2022 Excellence in Education Awards
View 2022 recipients of the National Park Service Excellence in Education Awards, which recognize expertise within the field of education.
Young students participate in an activity with a park ranger at a table outdoors.
2022 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service
The National Park Service is pleased to congratulate the recipients of the 2022 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service.
A montage of photos of volunteers working in a national park.
Project Profile: Detect and Control Invasive Feral Swine
The National Park Service will reduce invasive wild hog populations at Great Smoky Mountains National Park to protect cultural and natural resources.
a group of feral swine
50 Nifty Finds #33: "First Lady" of National Parks
Although the spouses of directors don't have formal roles in the NPS, they can be crucial to the success of a directorship. This was certainly true of the powerful partnership of Director George B. Hartzog, Jr. and his wife. Throughout his career, Helen C. Hartzog was his cheerleader, confident, and partner in developing a vision for the NPS that has had long-lasting effects. More than anyone, she served as a “first lady” of the NPS.
Woman smiling at the camera wearing a fur wrap and corsage.
Mission 66 and Modern Architecture
A brief overview of the Park Service Modern architectural style established during Mission 66.
A modern building with tall, angular window walls and an attached cyclorama
Intern Spotlight: Avery Guy
Meet Avery Guy, a former Fish and Feathers intern through Environment for the Americas. She shares her experience of her internship and the impact it had on her.
A woman sitting on a bench with water, trees, and mountains behind her
50 Nifty Finds #39: An NPS Art Factory
Between 1938 and 1941 the National Park Service (NPS) Western Museum Laboratories (WML) created many iconic posters. Often described as “the WPA park posters,” they should be called “the WML posters.” Research reveals more designs than previously thought (including several previously unknown ones), reevaluates what is known about the artists, and argues that modern reproductions have made the designs more significant to NPS graphic identity today than they were in the past.
Poster with a purple El Capitan at Yosemite
How to Assess Air Pollution's Impacts on Forests
The interconnectedness of living things is evident in a forest, where lichens act as pollution alarm clocks, and soil fungi help trees survive. Scientists studied just four types of organisms in the national park forest ecosystem to gauge its health.
Colorful lichens on a tree trunk.
The Devoted People behind Big Data in National Parks
Citizen science volunteers collect massive amounts of crucial scientific information. They gather it from sources as varied as oceans, mountainsides, and historic archives. Smart new tools are making their contributions even more powerful.
Two smiling women stand in front of a national park sign.
My Park Story: Shanelle Thevarajah
Meet Shanelle, the Internship Programs Manager for Environment for the Americas! Learn how her experience in parks and her studies led her to partnering with the National Park Service.
An individual outside holding binoculars.
50 Nifty Finds #45: Holding the Line
The National Park Service (NPS) was only 26 years old when the United States entered World War II. The young bureau faced very real threats to its mission, with increasing pressure to contribute its natural and cultural resources to the war effort even as its budget and staff were slashed. Under the leadership of Director Newton B. Drury, the NPS was able to do its part for the war while maintaining its public trust responsibilities to the American people.
Worth Fighting For fire prevention poster
50 Nifty Finds #46: Feeding the Habit
Most visitors to national parks today know that wild animals are dangerous and should be enjoyed from a distance. For decades, however, the National Park Service (NPS) struggled to prevent visitors from feeding bears. The situation was unhealthy for bears and downright dangerous for people. Breaking the cycle was a decades-long process of evolving policies, changing human habits, and returning bears to their wild foraging behaviors and traditional foods.
poster of bear reaching out to recoiling man and boy who has food
Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park Service
To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation.
A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera.
2023 Excellence in Interpretation Awards
View regional recipients of the 2023 National Park Service Excellence in Interpretation Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to the practice of interpretation and education by NPS employees.
13 people in tribal attire, uniform, or hiking clothes amid mud bricks.
2023 Excellence in Education Awards
View 2023 regional recipients of the National Park Service Excellence in Education Awards, which recognize expertise within the field of education.
A woman in a park ranger uniform looks at something with two children outside.
Project Profile: Implement Landscape-Scale Restoration of Eastern Grasslands to Improve Ecosystem Health
The National Park Service will restore up to 4,000 acres of agricultural fields and degraded lands across 35 parks in 14 states. This landscape-scale restoration project will expand the range and connectivity of native grasslands across the eastern US, restore biodiversity and critical ecosystem functions, reduce pesticide use, benefit people and wildlife, and create employment opportunities for diverse early career youth.
A park manager and others standing amidst a grassy landscape.
Landscape restoration funds help parks protect natural and cultural resources from invasive swine
Feral swine disrupt natural ecosystems by damaging habitats and cultural resources, preying on native wildlife, and transmitting disease. The National Park Service manages feral swine in southeastern and Texan parks to protect these natural and cultural resources.
Two feral swine in a grassy field. One digging up the ground one looking into the distance.
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Great Smoky Mountains
National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
SMOKIES GUIDE
The Official Newspaper of the Smokies • Summer 2024
D
gi
is t
Catawba rhododendron, a species typically found in the park’s highest elevations, blooms on a mountain ridge.
High-elevation hikes are popular during summer months, but trailhead parking can fill quickly.
i
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Words with a Ranger
As a digital communications
specialist, I help manage the park’s
website, mobile app, and social
media content. In a park this big,
teamwork is key—many park
employees help create our digital
content so visitors can plan their
trips, learn about the park, and
find critical safety information. I
am grateful to be part of such a
collaborative workplace.
Digital communications are
essential both internally and externally, which means I get the chance
to be plugged into everything, and
I enjoy seeing and hearing about
all the amazing work going on in
the Smokies. We have so much to
share—whether it’s the latest scientific discovery or an update about a
reopened trail or a restored cabin.
Continued on page 12
Explore More with a Shuttle This Summer
Shuttle services offer a dependable transportation alternative
P
lanning an adventure in the
Smokies this summer but worried
about finding a parking spot? Local
shuttle services can take the uncertainty out of trip planning and
guarantee a stress-free ride to the
destination of your choice.
Several local businesses offer shuttles to and from the park’s most popular
hubs—including Newfound Gap, Alum
Cave trailhead, and Rainbow Falls trailhead—where demand for parking regularly exceeds capacity. Some shuttles
maintain a regular route and schedule,
while others can be reserved for any
time and pick-up or drop-off location.
Prices generally range from $10 to $25
per person depending on the destination and provider, and services cater to
single passengers as well as groups of
up to 15.
Summer can be a particularly busy
time in the Smokies, where annual
OUR PARK
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
visitation regularly exceeds that of
Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand
Canyon national parks combined. All
vehicles parked anywhere in Great
Smoky Mountains National Park for
longer than 15 minutes must display a
valid parking tag. Parking tags do not
guarantee a specific parking spot in a
specific location, and parking spaces
continue to be available on a first come,
first served basis.
Mid-week and early mornings or
late afternoons are usually the best
times to secure parking, but if no spaces
are available, visitors will need to try an
alternative destination or time.
For more information about shuttles and a list of authorized providers,
visit go.nps.gov/grsmshuttles. Park
staff cannot make shuttle reservations
for visitors. The Backcountry Office
offers additional trip-planning help at
865.436.1297.
GreatSmoky
MountainsNPS
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
GreatSmokyNPS
S M O K I E S
Visitor centers
Sugarlands, Oconaluftee,
and Cades Cove: open 9 a.m–5 p.m.
June through September. Cades
Cove open 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Wednesdays.
Clingmans Dome: open 9:30 a.m.–
6:00 p.m. June through September.
GSM Institute at Tremont: open
10 a.m–4 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday.
Road closures
• Cades Cove Loop Road is
closed to vehicles on Wednesdays
from May 1 through September
25 to allow for non-motorized
recreation.
• All park roads are subject to temporary closure during dangerous driving
conditions. Visit nps.gov/grsm and
click “Alerts.”
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
In summer, the Smokies
are often hot, hazy, and humid by
mid-June. Most precipitation occurs
as afternoon thundershowers.
By mid-September, a pattern of
warm, sunny days and crisp, clear
nights begins. However, cool, rainy
days may also occur.
Special events and
ranger activities
See pages 4–5 for ranger activities,
inquire at a visitor center, or visit
go.nps.gov/grsmcalendar for a full
calendar of events.
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 o
Great Smoky Mountains
National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
SMOKIES GUIDE
The Official Newspaper of the Smokies • Spring 2024
rr
y
De
ng
La
er
A singing northern parula, one of many warblers whose migration back to the Smokies heralds the coming of
spring. Image courtesy of N. Lewis.
che
s s e r, R ov ing P
ar k
Ra
Words with a Ranger
My desire to become a park ranger
came as an epiphany several years
ago while I was on a guided walk in
Yellowstone National Park. The walk
was through what is known as the
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,
and the ranger who led it made it
an incredible experience. Before the
group dispersed, the ranger recommended considering a career with
the park service and gave each of us
a puzzle piece with a small part of
the canyon to take home.
After that, I was determined to
become a ranger so I could make
the same difference for others that
the Yellowstone ranger had made
for me. After I concluded my military career, I joined the park service,
and that puzzle piece is still with me
today. It has traveled to more than
30 other national parks so far.
Continued on page 8
For Birds and Blooms, Timing Is Everything
Species tune into key seasonal signals to thrive
H
umans seem to be the only forms
of life in the Smokies that rely on a
calendar. For the other 21,000+ species
discovered in these mountains so far,
knowing when to sing, bloom, or set out
in search of food depends on paying
close attention to environmental cues.
In spring, as days lengthen,
temperatures climb, and rains soak the
ground, a whole host of plants known
as “spring ephemerals” receive their
signal to flower. Over millennia, these
early risers have adapted to attract
pollinators within the brief window of
springtime when most deciduous trees
have yet to put out their leaves and
direct sunlight is still plentiful on the
forest floor. Spring ephemerals generally peak in early to mid-April in the
Smokies with some persisting into May
at the cooler higher elevations.
Songbirds also take note of these
seasonal signals and the growing avail-
OUR PARK
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
ability of food. Resident birds establish
their territories, sing more frequently,
and develop colorful plumage in hopes
of attracting a mate. Meanwhile,
migrant songbirds start to move and
arrive daily throughout spring from
their wintering grounds elsewhere to
join in the chorus of song and set to
building their nests.
When we humans decide to study
these changes, we call it phenology.
Every year, park biologists and community volunteers organized by the Great
Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
visit designated phenology plots to
measure the progress of the seaons. By
carefully collecting data about natural
events over time, we can reveal fascinating interconnections and better
understand how everything from
blooming wildflowers to migrating
songbirds will respond to change as
they set their busy schedules.
GreatSmoky
MountainsNPS
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
GreatSmokyNPS
S M O K I E S
Visitor centers
Sugarlands, Oconaluftee,
and Cades Cove: open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
March through May (7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Wednesdays in May at Cades Cove).
Clingmans Dome: reopens April 1;
open 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. April and May.
GSM Institute at Tremont: open
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday.
Cable Mill: reopens April 1.
Mingus Mill: closed until further
notice for repairs.
Road closures
Many secondary and higherelevation roads are closed seasonally
in winter and reopen in spring.
Refer to the map on pages 6-7 for
opening dates.
• Cades Cove Loop Road is closed
to vehicles on Wednesdays from
May 1 through September 25 to
allow for non-motorized recreation.
• All park roads are subject to temporary closure during dangerous driving
conditions. Visit nps.gov/grsm and
click “Alerts.”
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.
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, De
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
peop
Great Smoky Mountains
National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
SMOKIES GUIDE
s,
ra
be
rt
nc
Ro
hC
B rad
hief
The Official Newspaper of the Smokies • Fall 2023
Bu
il d i
ng s an d G
n
r ou
ds
B
Words with a Ranger
As branch chief of buildings and
grounds, I oversee a talented and
dedicated team responsible for maintaining 10 campgrounds, 11 picnic
areas, and more than 360 structures
here in Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. It may not be the first
thing you notice as you take in the
scenery, but our team works hard
year-round to make sure all kinds of
critical park facilities stay clean, safe,
and structurally sound.
I began my 31-year career in
the Smokies at the age of 16 as a
Job Corps member serving in Oconaluftee and then as a ‘student in
training’ before I was eventually
hired as a permanent staff member.
Between then and now, I’ve worked
as a laborer, maintenance worker,
work leader, sign maker, building
utility supervisor, and maintenance
mechanic supervisor.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a campground or picnic area in the Smokies, chances are your experience
was made possible by a custodial
or grounds employee. These staff
members perform vital services like
cleaning bathrooms, removing trash,
Continued on page 8
Vacation homes constructed just prior to the creation of the national park are preserved in the Daisy Town area of
Elkmont. Thirteen renovated cabins were recently reopened for visitors to explore. Image by Susan Milinkovich.
Windows into the Past
Historic structures help tell the Smokies story
T
he Great Smoky Mountains are
home to an amazing diversity of
wildlife, more than 100 species of
native trees, and some of the largest
stands of old-growth forest in the
eastern United States. While much of
this mountain range may seem like a
rugged wilderness, human stories have
been embedded within this landscape
even longer than the park’s very oldest
blackgum tree.
“For thousands of years, there has
been a human footprint on this land,”
said Interpretive Ranger Brad Free.
Today, traces of these stories can still be
found in everything from the routes of
trails first created by Cherokee people
to the many historic homes, schools,
churches, and mills maintained by the
park’s Forever Places preservation crew.
“Over a hundred structures have
become tangible pieces of evidence
OUR PARK
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
that show us how life was here in the
Smokies,” said Free. “It doesn’t give us
the whole picture, but it does give us a
foundation on which to gain more knowledge of the folks who once lived here.”
Historic buildings recently renovated and reopened to the public include
more than a dozen cabins in the Daisy
Town area of Elkmont as well as the
Walker Sisters Cabin near Metcalf
Bottoms. Cades Cove, Cataloochee, and
Oconaluftee also offer opportunities
to explore the Smokies’ rich cultural
history. Several structures in these areas
date to the 1800s, and nearly all make
use of materials sourced nearby.
To learn more, talk to a volunteer or
ranger, pick up a book in a park bookstore, or visit nps.gov/grsm. You can also
visit Elkmont during Daisy Town Day
(see page 3) or dive into the Daisy Town
scavenger hunt on page 11.
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.–5 p.m.
September through November;
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. December.
Clingmans Dome: open 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
September through October; 10 a.m.–5
p.m. November. Closed December.
GSM Institute at Tremont: open
10 a.m–4 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday
through December 16. Tuesday–Friday
only after December 16.
Road closures
• Cades Cove Loop Road is
closed to vehicles on Wednesdays
from May 3 through September 27 to
allow for walking and biking.
• 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 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.
Park weather
In autumn, a pattern of warm,
sunny days and crisp, clear nights
emerges by mid-September. However,
cool, rainy days may also occur. Snow
may fall at higher elevations beginning
in November.
As winter arrives, days can be
sunny and 65°F or snowy with highs in
the 20s. Snows of an inch or more may
occur at lower elevations.
SMOKIES GUIDE
P L A N N E R
Firewood
Camping 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
BIRDS
A CHECKLIST FOR SPECIES IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
KEY
STATUS CODE
A = Abundant; over 25 seen on a given day
in proper habitat/season.
C = Common; 5-25 seen per day in proper
habitat/season.
F = Fairly common; at least one individual seen per day in proper habitat/season.
U = Uncommon; at least one individual seen
per proper season or several per year.
O = Occasional; one seen per year or less.
R = Rare; has occurred in park at least
once, but is not to be expected.
P = Permanent Resident
S = Summer Resident
W = Winter Resident
M = Migrant
SPECIAL NOTATIONS
* considered to breed within park
*? suspected to breed within park
cc = most commonly in Cades Cove
he = high elevation (above 3,500’)
ri = reintroduced
(historic) = last recorded sighting 50+ years ago
LOONS
❒ Red-throated Loon RM
❒ Common Loon OM
GREBES
❒ Pied-billed Grebe UM
❒ Horned Grebe RM
STORM-PETRELS
❒ Band-rumped Storm Petrel RM
PELICANS AND CORMORANTS
❒ American White Pelican RM
❒ Double-crested Cormorant OM
BITTERNS AND HERONS
❒ American Bittern OM
❒ Great Blue Heron UP cc
❒ Great Egret OM
❒ Little Blue Heron OM
❒ Cattle Egret RM
❒ Green Heron US* cc
❒ Yellow-crowned Night-Heron RS* (historic)
GEESE AND DUCKS
❒ Snow Goose RM
❒ Ross’ Goose RW
❒ Brant RM
❒ Canada Goose UP*
❒ Wood Duck UP* cc
❒ Green-winged Teal RM cc
❒ American Black Duck RM cc
❒ Mallard UP* cc
❒ Gadwall RW cc
❒ Northern Pintail RM
❒ Blue-winged Teal UM, OW
❒ Northern Shoveler OM
❒ American Wigeon RW cc
❒ Redhead RM cc
❒ Canvasback RM cc
❒ Ring-necked Duck UW cc
❒ Lesser Scaup RM
❒ Greater Scaup RM
❒ Harlequin Duck RM
❒ White-winged Scoter RW
❒ Common Goldeneye RM cc
❒ Bufflehead UW cc
❒ Hooded Merganser UW cc
❒ Common Merganser OS*
❒ Red-breasted Merganser RW cc
❒ Ruddy Duck OW cc
HAWKS AND EAGLES
❒ Osprey UM
❒ Swallow-tailed Kite RS cc
❒ Mississippi Kite RM
❒ Bald Eagle UMP*
❒ Northern Harrier UMW
❒ Sharp-shinned Hawk UP*?
❒ Cooper’s Hawk UP*?
❒ Northern Goshawk RM
❒ Red-shouldered Hawk OMW, US* cc
❒ Broad-winged Hawk FS*, CM
❒ Red-tailed Hawk UP*?
❒ Golden Eagle RMW, RS
❒ American Kestrel UMP* cc
❒ Merlin RM
❒ Peregrine Falcon OWM, US* ri
GROUSE, TURKEYS AND QUAILS
❒ Ruffed Grouse FP*
❒ Wild Turkey CR* cc
❒ Northern Bobwhite UP*
RAILS, GALLINULES AND COOTS
❒ King Rail RM
❒ Virginia Rail RM
❒ Sora OM
❒ Common Moorhen RM
❒ American Coot RMW cc
CRANES AND VULTURES
❒ Sandhill Crane OM cc
❒ Black Vulture FP* cc
❒ Turkey Vulture CP*
SHOREBIRDS
❒ American Golden-Plover RM
❒ Semipalmated Plover RM cc
❒ Killdeer UP* cc
❒ Greater Yellowlegs OM
❒ Lesser Yellowlegs RM
❒ Solitary Sandpiper OM
❒ Willet RM
❒ Spotted Sandpiper UM
❒ Least Sandpiper OM cc
❒ Ruff RM
❒ Short-billed Dowitcher RM
❒ Wilson’s Snipe UMW cc
❒ American Woodcock UP*
❒ Red-necked Phalarope RM
❒ Red Phalarope RM
GULLS AND TERNS
❒ Laughing Gull RM
❒ Bonaparte’s Gull RM
❒ Ring-billed Gull OMW
❒ Herring Gull RW
❒ Sooty Tern RS
DOVES
❒ Rock Dove OM
❒ Mourning Dove CP* cc
CUCKOOS
❒ Black-billed Cuckoo US*
❒ Yellow-billed Cuckoo FS*
OWLS
❒ Barn Owl OP (historic)
❒ Long-eared Owl RW cc
❒ Short-eared Owl OW cc
❒ Eastern Screech-Owl FP*
❒ Great Horned Owl UP*
❒ Barred Owl FP*
❒ Northern Saw-whet Owl FP* he
NIGHTHAWKS AND NIGHTJARS
❒ Common Nighthawk OM
❒ Chuck-will’s-widow US*
❒ Eastern Whip-poor-will FS*
SWIFTS AND HUMMINGBIRDS
❒ Chimney Swift CS*
❒ Ruby-throated Hummingbird FS,* CM-fall
KINGFISHERS
❒ Belted Kingfisher FP*
WOODPECKERS
❒ Red-headed Woodpecker OP*, UM cc
❒ Red-bellied Woodpecker FP*
❒ Yellow-bellied Sapsucker US*, FW
❒ Downy Woodpecker CP*
❒ Hairy Woodpecker FP*
❒ Red-cockaded Woodpecker OP* (historic)
❒ Northern Flicker FP*
❒ Pileated Woodpecker FP*
FLYCATCHERS
❒ Olive-sided Flycatcher OS* UM he
❒ Eastern Wood-Pewee CS*
❒ Acadian Flycatcher CS*
❒ Alder Flycatcher OM RS
❒ Willow Flycatcher OS
❒ Least Flycatcher US* he
❒ Eastern Phoebe CP* (UW)
❒ Great Crested Flycatcher FS*
❒ Western Kingbird RM
❒ Eastern Kingbird FS* cc
❒ Scissor-tailed Flycatcher RM cc
LARKS
❒ Horned Lark OMW
SWALLOWS
❒ Purple Martin OS
❒ Tree Swallow UMS*
❒ Northern Rough-winged Swallow FSM*
❒ Bank Swallow OM
❒ Cliff Swallow OM
❒ Barn Swallow CS*
GNATCATCHERS
❒ Blue-gray Gnatcatcher CS*
THRUSHES
❒ Eastern Bluebird FP* cc
❒ Veery CS* he
❒ Gray-cheeked Thrush FM
❒ Swainson’s Thrush CM, OS*?
❒ Hermit Thrush FW, US*
❒ Wood Thrush CS*
❒ American Robin FP*, CM
THRASHERS
❒ Gray Catbird FS*, OW
❒ Northern Mockingbird UP*
❒ Brown Thrasher FS,* UW
SHRIKES
❒ Loggerhead Shrike OM cc
STARLINGS
❒ European Starling UP*
VIREOS
❒ White-eyed Vireo FS*
❒ Blue-headed Vireo CS* he
❒ Yellow-throated Vireo CS*
❒ Warbling Vireo OSM
❒ Philadelphia Vireo OM
❒ Red-eyed Vireo AS*
PIPITS AND WAXWINGS
❒ Water Pipit OWM
❒ Cedar Waxwing FP* (erratic)
JAYS, CROWS AND RAVENS
❒ Blue Jay FP*
❒ American Crow CP*
❒ Common Raven FP* he
CHICKADEES AND TITMICE
❒ Carolina Chickadee CP*
❒ Black-capped Chickadee FP* he
❒ Tufted Titmouse CP*
NUTHATCHES AND CREEPERS
❒ Red-breasted Nuthatch CP* he
❒ White-breasted Nuthatch FP*
❒ Brown-headed Nuthatch OP
❒ Br
BUTTERFLIES
A CHECKLIST FOR SPECIES IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
KEY
STATUS CODE
A = Abundant
C = Common
U = Uncommon
O = Occasional
R = Rare
SPECIAL NOTATIONS
+ Non-native
SWALLOWTAILS
❒ Pipevine Swallowtail A
❒ Black Swallowtail C
❒ Spicebush Swallowtail C
❒ Zebra Swallowtail U
❒ Giant Swallowtail U
❒ Eastern Tiger Swallowtail A
❒ Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail U
WHITES AND SULFURS
❒ Falcate Orangetip U
❒ +Cabbage White C
❒ West Virginia White C
❒ Sleepy Orange C
❒ Clouded Sulphur C
❒ Cloudless Sulphur C
❒ Orange Sulphur A
❒ Olympia Marble R
❒ Barred Yellow R
❒ Dainty Sulphur O
❒ Checkered White U
❒ Little Yellow C
COPPERS, HAIRSTREAKS AND BLUES
❒ Harvester U
❒ American Copper C
❒ Juniper Hairstreak R
❒ Gray Hairstreak C
❒ Banded Hairstreak U
❒ Red-banded Hairstreak C
❒ Striped Hairstreak R
❒ Great Purple Hairstreak R
❒ Eastern Tailed-Blue C
❒ Spring Azure C
❒ Summer Azure A
❒ Appalachian Azure C
❒ Silvery Blue R
❒ Brown Elfin C
❒ Eastern Pine Elfin U
❒ Henry’s Elfin O
❒ Frosted Elfin R
❒ Early Hairstreak R
❒ White M Hairstreak U
❒ King’s Hairstreak R
❒ Coral Hairstreak R
BRUSHFOOTS
❒ Silvery Checkerspot C
❒ Baltimore Checkerspot R
❒ Pearl Crescent A
❒ Meadow Fritillary C
❒ Appalachian Brown U
❒ Gemmed Satyr U
❒ Carolina Satyr A
❒ Little Wood-Satyr C
❒ Common Wood-Nymph C
❒ Northern Pearly-Eye R
❒ American Snout U
❒ Hackberry Emperor U
❒ American Lady C
❒ Painted Lady U
❒ Common Buckeye C
❒ Red Admiral C
❒ Red-spotted Purple C
❒ Mourning Cloak C
❒ Question Mark C
❒ Eastern Comma C
❒ Green Comma U
❒ Gray Comma U
❒ Gulf Fritillary C
❒ Variegated Fritillary C
❒ Aphrodite Fritillary C
❒ Great Spangled Fritillary C
❒ Diana Fritillary U
❒ Viceroy R
❒ Monarch C
❒ Goatweed Leafwing R
❒ Tawny Emperor R
❒ Tawny Crescent R
❒ Northern Crescent O
SKIPPERS
❒ Silver-spotted Skipper C
❒ Juvenal’s Duskywing C
❒ Horace’s Duskywing C
❒ Common Checkered-Skipper C
❒ Least Skipper C
❒ +European Skipper R
❒ Fiery Skipper C
❒ Long-tailed Skipper O
❒ Peck’s Skipper C
❒ Tawny-edged Skipper U
❒ Northern Broken-Dash U
❒ Sachem A
❒ Hobomok Skipper U
❒ Zabulon Skipper A
❒ Dun Skipper C
❒ Dusted Skipper R
❒ Hoary Edge O
❒ Lace-Winged Roadside Skipper R
❒ Pepper and Salt Skipper R
❒ Reversed Roadside Skipper O
❒ Common Roadside Skipper R
❒ Golden-banded Skipper U
❒ Brazilian Skipper O
❒ Wild Indigo Duskywing R
❒ Sleepy Duskywing U
❒ Dreamy Duskywing C
❒ Mottled Duskywing R
❒ Cobweb Skipper O
❒ Indian Skipper R
❒ Clouded Skipper C
❒ Swarthy Skipper U
❒ Twin-spot Skipper O
❒ Ocola Skipper O
❒ Crossline Skipper C
❒ Little Glassywing C
❒ Southern Cloudywing U
❒ Northern Cloudywing C
REFERENCE
Smith, Charles R., and Elizabeth A. Domingue.
Butterflies and Moths of the Smokies. Gatlinburg,
TN: Great Smoky Mountains Association, 2019.
BUTTERFLY OBSERVATIONS
Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff
are interested in your observations of unusual
butterflies in the park. Information that is of
assistance to the park staff includes:
•date and time
•exact location
•elevation
•weather and temperature
•number of individuals
•your familiarity with the species
Send observations of butterflies to:
Research Coordinator
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Twin Creeks Science and Education Center
1316 Cherokee Orchard Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Produced by Great Smoky Mountains Association in cooperation with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This checklist is available
online as a PDF at SmokiesInformation.org.
115 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865.436.7318
SmokiesInformation.org
Revised 4-2020
MAMMALS
A CHECKLIST FOR SPECIES IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
KEY
STATUS CODE
C = Common
U = Uncommon
R = Rare
X = Unknown
SPECIAL NOTATIONS
+ Non-native
(historic) = last recorded sighting 50+ years ago
OPOSSUMS
❒ Virginia Opossum C
SHREWS AND MOLES
❒ Masked Shrew C
❒ Southeastern Shrew R
❒ Water Shrew R
❒ Smoky Shrew C
❒ Long-tailed Shrew or Rock Shrew U
❒ Pygmy Shrew U
❒ Northern Short-tailed Shrew C
❒ Least Shrew U
❒ Star-nosed Mole R
❒ Hairy-tailed Mole C
❒ Eastern Mole U
BATS
❒ Little Brown Bat R
❒ Northern Long-eared Bat R
❒ Indiana Bat R
❒ Eastern Small-footed Bat R
❒ Silver-haired Bat U
❒ Tri-colored Bat R
❒ Big Brown Bat U
❒ Eastern Red Bat C
❒ Hoary Bat U
❒ Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat U
❒ Evening Bat R
❒ Seminole Bat R
❒ Gray Bat R
RABBITS
❒ Eastern Cottontail C
❒ Appalachian Cottontail R
SQUIRRELS AND RELATIVES
❒ Eastern Chipmunk C
❒ Woodchuck or Groundhog U
❒ Eastern Gray Squirrel C
❒ Eastern Fox Squirrel R
❒ Red Squirrel C
❒ Southern Flying Squirrel C
❒ Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel R
BEAVERS
❒ American Beaver U
MOUSE-LIKE RODENTS
❒ Eastern Harvest Mouse R
❒ Deer Mouse C
❒ White-footed Mouse C
❒ Cotton Mouse U
❒ Golden Mouse U
❒ +House Mouse R
❒ Meadow Vole R
❒ Rock Vole U
❒ Woodland Vole U
❒ Southern Red-backed Vole C
❒ Southern Bog Lemming U
❒ Muskrat C
❒ Allegheny Woodrat R
❒ Hispid Cotton Rat R
❒ Marsh Rice Rat (historic)
❒ +Black Rat R
❒ +Norway Rat R
❒ Meadow Jumping Mouse R
❒ Woodland Jumping Mouse U
CANINES
❒ Coyote C
❒ Red Fox U
❒ Gray Fox C
❒ Red Wolf (historic)
❒ Gray Wolf (historic)
BEARS
❒ American Black Bear C
RACOONS
❒ Raccoon C
SKUNKS
❒ Eastern Spotted Skunk R
❒ Striped Skunk C
WEASELS AND RELATIVES
❒ Long-tailed Weasel C
❒ Least Weasel X
❒ Mink U
❒ Northern River Otter U
❒ Fisher (historic)
FELINES
❒ Bobcat C
❒ Mountain Lion or Cougar (historic)
EVEN-TOED UNGULATES
❒ +Wild Boar C
❒ American Bison (historic)
❒ White-tailed Deer C
❒ Elk or Wapiti C
ARMORED MAMMALS
❒ Nine-banded Armadillo X
REFERENCE
NPSpecies—The National Park Service
Biodiversity Database (online). Fort Collins,
CO: National Park Service, Natural Resource
Stewardship and Science, 2020.
Pivorun, Edward, et al. Mammals of the Smokies.
Gatlinburg, TN: Great Smoky Mountains
Association, 2009.
MAMMAL OBSERVATIONS
Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff
are interested in your observations of unusual
mammals in the park. Information that is of
assistance to the park staff includes:
•date and time
•exact location
•elevation
•weather and temperature
•number of individuals
•your familiarity with the species
Send observations of mammals to:
Research Coordinator
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Twin Creeks Science and Education Center
1316 Cherokee Orchard Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Produced by Great Smoky Mountains Association in cooperation with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This checklist is available
online as a PDF at SmokiesInformation.org.
115 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865.436.7318
SmokiesInformation.org
Revised 4-2020
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32
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
A CHECKLIST FOR SPECIES IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
KEY
STATUS CODE
C = Common
U = Uncommon
R = Rare
X = Unknown
SPECIAL NOTATIONS
+ Non-native
(historic) = last recorded sighting 50+ years ago
REPTILES
TURTLES
❒ Common Snapping Turtle C
❒ Stripeneck Musk Turtle R
❒ Common Musk Turtle or Stinkpot Turtle R
❒ Eastern Box Turtle C
❒ Northern Map Turtle R
❒ Midland Painted Turtle C
❒ Eastern Spiny Softshell U
❒ Cumberland Slider R
LIZARDS
❒ Green Anole C
❒ Eastern Fence Lizard C
❒ Eastern Six-lined Racerunner C
❒ Little Brown Skink C
❒ Five-lined Skink C
❒ Southeastern Five-lined Skink R
❒ Broadhead Skink C
❒ Coal Skink R
❒ Eastern Slender Glass Lizard C
SNAKES
❒ Northern Water Snake C
❒ Queen Snake U
❒ Brown Snake C
❒ Northern Red-bellied Snake C
❒ Eastern Garter Snake C
❒ Eastern Smooth Earth Snake U
❒ Eastern Hog-nosed Snake U
❒ Ring-necked Snake C
❒ Eastern Worm Snake C
❒ Northern Black Racer C
❒ Northern Rough Green Snake C
❒ Red Corn Snake C
❒ Eastern Rat Snake C
❒ Northern Pine Snake R
❒ Eastern Kingsnake C
❒ Black Kingsnake C
❒ Eastern Milk Snake U
❒ Scarlet Kingsnake (historic)
❒ Mole Kingsnake U
❒ Northern Scarlet Snake R
❒ Southeastern Crowned Snake U
❒ Northern Copperhead C
❒ Timber Rattlesnake C
AMPHIBIANS
SALAMANDERS
❒ Eastern Hellbender U
❒ Common Mudpuppy R
❒ Mole Salamander R
❒ Marbled Salamander U
❒ Spotted Salamander U
❒ Red-spotted Newt C
❒ Spotted Dusky Salamander C
❒ Santeetlah Dusky Salamander C
❒ Seal Salamander C
❒ Black-bellied Salamander C
❒ Shovel-nosed Salamander U
❒ Ocoee Salamander C
❒ Imitator Salamander C
❒ Pygmy Salamander C
❒ Seepage Salamander R
❒ Southern Red-backed Salamander C
❒ Southern Zigzag Salamander U
❒ Northern Slimy Salamander C
❒ Southern Appalachian Salamander C
❒ Red-cheeked Salamander C
❒ Southern Gray-cheeked Salamander C
❒ Four-toed Salamander U
❒ Black-chinned Red Salamander C
❒ Mud Salamander R
❒ Blue Ridge Spring Salamander U
❒ Cave Salamander R
❒ Long-tailed Salamander U
❒ Three-lined Salamander R
❒ Junaluska Salamander R
❒ Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamander C
❒ Green Salamander (historic)
FROGS AND TOADS
❒ Eastern Spadefoot R
❒ Eastern American Toad C
❒ Fowler’s Toad U
❒ Eastern Cricket Frog X
❒ Cope’s Gray Tree Frog U
❒ +Green Tree Frog U
❒ Northern Spring Peeper C
❒ Upland Chorus Frog U
❒ Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad R
❒ American Bullfrog C
❒ Green Frog C
❒ Pickerel Frog U
❒ Leopard Frog (historic)
❒ Wood Frog C
REFERENCE
NPSpecies—The National Park Service
Biodiversity Database (online). Fort Collins,
CO: National Park Service, Natural Resource
Stewardship and Science, 2020.
Tilley, Stephen G., and James E. Huheey.
Reptiles and Amphibians of the Smokies. Gatlinburg,
TN: Great Smoky Mountains Association, 2004.
REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN OBSERVATIONS
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
staff are interested in your observations of
unusual reptiles and amphibians in the park.
Information that is of assistance to the park
staff includes:
•date and time
•exact location
•elevation
•weather and temperature
•number of individuals
•your familiarity with the species
Send observations of reptiles or amphibians to:
Research Coordinator
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Twin Creeks Science and Education Center
1316 Cherokee Orchard Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Produced by Great Smoky Mountains Association in cooperation with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This checklist is available
online as a PDF at SmokiesInformation.org.
115 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865.436.7318
SmokiesInformation.org
Revised 4-2020