Latest GSM Guide Posts

Synchronous Fireflies Show Popular Attraction This Time of Year

June 18, 2014 0 Comments

Elkmont Campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains have hundreds of people using the shuttle service to observed the show of the synchronous fireflies. The light show happens every year and last for only about 2 weeks. This event is growing every year at Elkmont.It’s so popular the Park Service now uses trolleys to bring the large crowds to the campground. People arrive at about 7:00 pm, set up their chairs or blankets and watch till dark to watch the show. Watch what is happening…

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Wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains

June 14, 2014 0 Comments

When traveling in or near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park some great places to view wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains are Cades Cove, Cataloochee and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail because of the open fields where viewing is easier to spot the wildlife. Common wildlife seen in these area are deer, racoon, wild turkey, and black bear. The best time of day to go for wildlife viewing are early in the morning and late in the evening. Remember to view from at least 150 feet away so as not to disturb the wildlife which is a federal violation. And NEVER FEED…
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Bear Warnings- 2 Campgrounds Closed

June 10, 2014 0 Comments

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park bear warnings have been reported by the park rangers due to active bear sightings and some problems in the backcountry campgrounds. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials report having to close 2 back-country campgrounds due to active bear activity. Bear activity in June is normal but for safety reasons 2 areas were closed- Backcountry 13 and Spence Field Shelter. Park rangers remind campers and visitors to not leave food out and take precautions if you encounter a bear.

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Interstate 40 Closure North Carolina Mountains June 5, 2014 for Rock Removal

June 4, 2014 0 Comments

Interstate 40 closure North Carolina mountains planned for Thursday June 5,f 2014. Part of Interstate 40 near the North Carolina and Tennessee boarder will be closed by NCDOT on Thursday June 5, 2014 for most of the day. There was a rock fall last week near I-40 mile marker 8 in Haywood County in North Carolina. The I-40 closure is needed so workers can remove boulders and rocks in order of preventing further rock slides from occurring. All lanes of I-40 will be closed until late Thursday night from exit 20 in NC to exit 451 in TN. Travelers should…
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North Carolina Outdoor Drama Unto These Hills Starts May 31, 2014 in Cherokee

May 25, 2014 0 Comments

The North Carolina outdoor drama “Unto These Hills” returns this  summer at Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee. It  is the story of the Cherokee people – their story and culture that plays in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains in Cherokee, NC. “Unto These Hills”  can be seen nightly (except on Sunday) May 31- August 16, 2014 at Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee. The show is in the evening time. See Unto These Hills for more details and ticket info. If you vacation in the  area during the summer months make sure to see it. See the Eagle Dance from youtube…

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Headed to the Great Smoky Mountains for Memorial Day Weekend 2014 – Stay Safe

May 20, 2014 0 Comments

This Memorial Day weekend 2014 holiday will be a busy one. If you are planning on any travel this weekend make sure you stay safe. And remember to use your seat beat, don’t speed and don’t text and drive! Law enforcement officers are having a NC statewide “Click It or Ticket”  campaign for the busy holiday weekend. So hit the road and enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains-just do it safely! Have fun! Every seat, every time as the video says…

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Hiker Rescued from Ramsey Cascades Trail in Great Smoky Mountains

May 14, 2014 0 Comments

Hiker rescued from trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park Rangers in the Great Smoky Mountains were called on to respond to an unconscious hiker on the Ramsey Cascades Trail in the Greenbrier area about 6 miles from Gatlinburg, TN shortly after noon on Tuesday May 13, 2014. The unconscious hiker had apparently fallen during a hike. Other hikers performed rescue breathing for the victim until he regained breathing on his own. Responders included park rangers. EMTs and paramedics. The man was transported by helicopter using  a rescue litter to get him into the helicopter. The male hiker was identified…
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Birds of Prey to be Presented at Oconaluftee Visitor Center This Week

May 3, 2014 0 Comments

Birds of Prey is going to be presented at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center May 9, 2014 (Friday) at 1:00 pm. It is an educational  program that offers “an up-close glimpse of some of the most recognized and revered birds such as the tiny eastern screech owl and northern bald eagle. From the high, exposed peaks, to the warmer, sheltered lowlands, some 240 species of birds have been found in the park. Sixty species are year-round residents. Nearly 120 species breed in the park, including 52 species from the neo-tropics” as stated on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facebook page. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center…
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elkmont Synchronous Fireflies Viewing

April 29, 2014 0 Comments

Make plans to see this annual amazing Elkmont synchronous fireflies light show. Every year at Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park there is a firefly viewing that is very popular and attracts thousands of spectators. In late May and early June synchronous fireflies or Photinus carolinus, a species of fireflies that live in the park provide a interesting show due to their mating pattern. This flash pattern unique to the type of firefly (also referred to by southerns as lighting bug) has a flash pattern that male and female fireflies of this species recognize and is part of their…
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Junior Ranger

April 26, 2014 0 Comments

Fun day for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Junior Ranger Day. Today in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was National Junior Ranger Day. Activities were held at Oconaluftee, Sugarlands and Cades Cove visitor centers. Children had fun taking ranger-guided walks, talking with a wildland firefighter, working in a blacksmith shop, and holding real animal skins, skulls and scat. Children could earn a Junior Ranger patch and Junior Ranger booklets. It was a lot of fun for the kids as well as the entire families with everybody learning neat stuff about the Great Smoky Mountains.

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