Cades Cove Car Ban

Cades Cove Car Ban!
The Cades Cove car ban will allow walkers, runners and bikers an opportunity to enjoy the Cove without the congestion and noise of cars.

Cades Cove car ban. Smoky Mountains officials announce the extension of the pilot project in Cades Cove continuing vehicle-free access on the Cades Cove Loop Road on Wednesdays from May 5 through September 1, 2021. Park managers implemented this weekly, full-day opportunity in 2020 in an effort to improve the visitor experience. The project reduces congestion associated with vehicle-free mornings that were previously offered until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

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Smoky Mountain Earth Day Trash Pick Up

Appalachian Bear Rescue earth day trash pick up.

Smoky Mountain Earth Day Trash Pick Up will be held on Earth Day, April 22, 2021. This year Earth day reminds us to take care of and appreciate our planet — whether it’s cleaning up litter, planting trees, recycling, repurposing, going for a walk in a green space, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the amazing beauty of our natural world.

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Smoky Mountain Bears

HeySmokies.com black bear

Be bear aware when you visit their home!

Smoky Mountain Bears are the symbol of the Smokies and sighting one is always a special event! With the tourist season in full swing and a record number of visitors to the Smoky Mountains predicted this summer, along with reports from National Park rangers of increased bear activity, the opportunities for an encounter with the Smoky’s most iconic symbol have increased as well. Approximately 1,600 black bears live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and this year sightings and encounters seem to be on the rise.

There are a few things that visitors and locals alike need to know regarding black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains.

For many, spotting a bear is the most exciting part of their vacation in the Smokies. And rightly so, the majestic creatures are truly a sight to behold and their furry cuteness creates some sort of romantic notion about their gentleness. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans.

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Whiteoak Sink Wildlflower Hike

Whiteoak Sinks wildflower hikes are one of a kind!
Whiteoak Sinks wildflower hikes are one of a kind!

Whiteoak Sink Wildlflower Hike. Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the implementation of a trial reservation system for group access to the Whiteoak Sink area during the 2021 wildflower season beginning Monday, April 12 through Friday, April 30. This trial project will allow managers to determine if better coordinating group access can reduce trampling and soil compaction around sensitive plant populations.  

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