Tag Archive: GSMNP

Clearing Snow and Ice A Challenge for Park Service

February 21, 2015

Environmental Concerns Make Clearing Snow and Ice in GSMNP A Challenge With all the snow, ice and frigid weather that’s occurred at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park the last few weeks clearing snow and ice on the roads can be quite a challenge. The National Park Service does not use ice-melting agents or salt on the roads for winter weather precipitation. Salt, brine and other ice-melting agents can have harmful effects on the environment such as killing roadside grass and other vegetation. When the roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park need clearing of snow, sleet or ice the park…
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Winter Weather Warning!

October 30, 2014

The Great Smoky Mountains is under a Winter Weather Warning for this weekend. If you are headed to the GSMNP this weekend to view the fall foliage you will get an extra surprise – snow! The highest elevations some weather forecaster are reporting may get 6-8 inches of snow for this first weekend in November! Make sure you are prepared before you head to the mountains! Fall foliage and snow will make for some beautiful pictures. Unusual combo for the Great Smoky Mountains!

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Gregory Bald Area Closed Due to Bear Activity and Safety Concerns

July 3, 2014 0 Comments

Gregory Bald and trails close by have been temporarily closed by GSMNP officials due to increased bear activity. There have been multiple bear encounters with hikers recently. The bears are feeding on the ripe cherries that grow in the area. Park officials will continue to monitor the situation and reopen Gregory Bald as soon as it is deemed safe. See these bear safety tips. See the beauty of Gregory Bald…

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State of NC Not Likely to Get Money Back Used to Reopen GSMNP During Govt. Shutdown

December 17, 2013

NC spend $15,000 to reopen the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the government shutdown in October and a spokesman for the Governor says the state probably will not get that money back from the federal government. Tennessee spent $60,00 to reopen the park. Congress would have to pass legislation to repay all the states in the US that used their won money to reopen National Parks during the shutdown. This would be more than $3.5 million  that would have to be repaid to the combined states.

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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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Talk of NC and TN to Fund Reopening of GSMNP

October 13, 2013

With reports of more than $33 million being lost from tourism in North Carolina and Tennessee due to the closure of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is talk from officials from both states about what it would take to open the GSMNP. Other governors from across the US have funded the reopening of National Parks in there own states. The Department of Interior has stated that states can use their own funds to reopen parks. The cost of reopening the GSMNP would be split by NC and TC. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and NC Governor Pat McCrory are…
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Lost Revenue from GSMNP Closure

October 12, 2013

A Western Carolina University economist estimates more than $33 million have been lost in revenue just the first 10 days of the government shutdown in the GSMNP and the surrounding areas. He also reports: > $12 million in lost wages $1.8 million in lost state taxes $1 million in lost local taxes Lost revenue will continue as long as the government shutdown continues and the park remains closed.  

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