Latest GSM Guide Posts

Wildfire in Linville Gorge Spreading

November 17, 2013

The wildfire in western North Carolina mountains near Table Rock in the Linville Gorge area has grown to cover about 2,600 acres. The fire started more than a week ago and has been difficult to control. US Forest Service officials report the fire is about 40% contained. They also report the smoke from the wildfire could possible cause hazardous driving conditions on roadways in the area due to poor visibility. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The weather forecast calls for rain in the area tonight and Monday hopefully helping the situation. Courtesy of Tony Lee Glenn

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Elk and Photographer Go Head to Head in Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains

November 16, 2013

An elk and a photographer go head to head in Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains. The young bull elk walked up to where the photographer was sitting talking pictures and started head butting with the photographer. It lasted several minutes. The man was not injured. A witness in a nearby car rode up and was able to get the photographer safely way from the elk. Courtesy of ABC News

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Burke County NC Wildfire Spreading

November 15, 2013

The fire in Burke County NC in the Linville Gorge Wilderness area of the Pisgah National Forest in western NC continues to spread. The fire is near Table Rock Mountain and covers almost 100 acres now. About 60 firefighters are fighting the wildfire the U.S. Forest Service reports. Crews are not able to transport heavy machinery into the wilderness due to the terrain so the firefighters are using hand tools  to dig trenches to try to control the wildfire. How the fire started is still being investigated, but the US Forest Service believe  the fire started in the picnic area at Table…
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Winter Hours Announced by Park Service

November 13, 2013

Now that colder weather is here in the Great Smoky Mountains the Great Smoky Mountains National Park service has announced its winter operating schedule. Although the GSMNP is open everyday and year round some secondary roads, campgrounds, and some facilities do close in the winter.  Operating hours for some visitor services will be cut back  for the winter season. The visitor centers Sugarlands in Gatlinburg, TN and Oconaluftee in Cherokee, NC will be open daily from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. through December 1.  Cades Cove Visitor Center located  near the half way point on Cades Cove Loop Road will be open daily…
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Stargazing Program Tonight in Cades Cove

November 9, 2013

Tonight 11/9/13 in Cades Cove starting at 5:30 PM there will be a 2 1/2 hour stargazing program by the GSMNP and the Smoky Mountains Astronomical Society. They will have several telescopes for use and experienced astronomers there to assist. If the skies are clear and with the darkness of the ares it should make for great viewing of the night sky’s stars, planets, and constellations. If Saturday night’s weather is cloudy or raining the program will be cancelled. Call 865-448-4104 to make sure the program is taking place. For more info go to the website http://www.nps.gov/grsm/parknews/stargazing-rescheduled.htm

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Government Shutdown Had Devastating Impact on Great Smoky Mountains Association

November 8, 2013

The impact of the 16 day partial government shutdown in October had a devastating impact on Great Smoky Mountains Association. GSMA Director Terry Maddox said “GSMA lost more than $550,000 in revenue at our park stores.” During the partial government shutdown the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was closed to visitors during one of the busiest times of the year for the park.

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Controlled Burns Planned for Monday 11/4/13 in Cades Cove

November 1, 2013

The Park Service of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is planning a controlled burn in Cades Cove on Monday, November 4, 2013 if the weather cooperates. They plan to burn about 400 acres. The burn is necessary periodiclly to prevent the open fields from returning to forest land with tree and brush regrowth. Cades Cove Loop Road will remain open to traffic but visitors may experience brief delays and temporary closures. Expect to see fire and smoke during the burn operation, slow down in the work zones but do not stop. In smoky areas roll up the windows and…
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