Smoky Mountain Trail Volunteers Needed

Great Smoky Mountains National Park needs trail volunteers.

Smoky Mountain Trail Volunteers Needed. GSMNP is recruiting volunteers to adopt a trail along the 848 miles of maintained trails across the park. Volunteers are needed to hike at least one designated trail, four times per year, and submit a report on their findings. 

Information that adopters provide is critical in helping park trail maintenance staff better prioritize work. Through this coordinated effort, the park can better ensure that trails remain accessible for visitors and that trailside resources are protected. No experience is required, but prospective volunteers should be comfortable hiking in the backcountry and enjoy interaction with visitors.  

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Smoky Mountain Parking Fee Proposed

Smoky Mountain Parking Fee Proposed. GSMNP officials are seeking public input on proposed fee program changes for 2023, including a new park wide parking fee and an increase to existing fee rates at front country and backcountry campsites, picnic pavilions, and day-use cabin rentals. All revenue generated through these user fees would remain in the Smokies to directly support operational costs for managing and improving services for visitors including trail maintenance, custodial services, trash removal, and supporting more law enforcement staffing across the park.  

“Great Smoky Mountains National Park is at a crossroads,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “We’re proud to be the most visited National Park, but it does present challenges due to wear and tear on aging facilities and a strain on park resources and employees. Parking tag sales, at a modest fee, would provide critically needed support to protect and enhance the visitor experience not just for tomorrow, but for generations to come. We appreciate the public’s input throughout this process.”

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Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run

Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run will get your motor running! The area’s largest automotive event will feature top 25 awards, ultimate 5 awards, a huge cash giveaway and a swap meet with hundreds of cars! Fans will enjoy free parking at LeConte Center.

Set up days will be April 5th and 6th. Show hours will occur between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on the 6th and 7th and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9th. The award ceremony will be in the Greenbrier Room at LeConte Center Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Don’t forget to preregister for the $8,000.00 cash giveaway Friday at 5:00 p.m.

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Cades Cove Buffalo Herd Stampede

Cades Cove Buffalo Herd Stampedes through the valley. Millions of visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park were treated to a very special surprise. The largest herd of buffalo in the south eastern United States, over 2,000 strong, were recently released from a nearby holding facility. The herd wasted no time reclaiming their historical range in the Smoky Mountains.

“We are thrilled the buffalo have returned to the safety of the National Park,” said park official G. Howie Lyes. “No living person has had the privilege of viewing the buffalo in the their historical natural habitat until now!”

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