Smoky Mountain Bears

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 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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Smoky Mountain Travel Advisory

Smoky Mountain travel advisory. Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that tree crews will implement temporary, single-lane closures along the Spur between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for tree removal beginning Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 7:00 a.m. through Friday, March 12, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. The roadway between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will remain open, but motorists should expect delays.

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Cades Cove Closure Scheduled

Cades Cove Closure Scheduled. Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced the Cades Cove Loop Road will close for three weeks in September, 2021 to resurface the roadway. Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Smokies and hosts over two million visitors per year. The one-way road will be closed to all motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders from Tuesday, September 7, 2021 through Monday, September 27, 2021.  

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Remember When, Lost Smoky Mountain Attractions – Rebel Railroad and Goldrush Junction

Remember When, Lost Smoky Mountain Attractions – Rebel Railroad and Goldrush Junction?

These two attractions are technically “lost” as in gone and somewhat forgotten…but can you guess what they turned into?  

Yep you got it – Dollywood!

Dollywood saw many incarnations over the years before it became a mega-popular amusement park in Pigeon Forge, TN combining crafts, food and rides that draw on the Appalachian heritage that also produced its namesake Dolly Parton. Of course, music is an extremely important part of Appalachia as it is for Dolly and Dollywood. 

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