Monthly Archive: May 2015

Aggressive Black Bear Activity Results in Some Closures

Two Areas Closed in GSMNP Due To Aggressive Black Bear Activity Two areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have been closed by the park service due to aggressive black bear activity. Mt. LeConte Backcountry Shelter and Cliff Top trails have been closed. Hikers can still hike to Mt. LeConte summit but are cautioned to hike in groups staying close together and make sure to have some bear spray. The park service is monitoring these areas for bear activity and how aggressive the bear act.  Black bear attacks in the park are rare, but attacks can happen. See how to take…
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Bear Sightings On the Increase in Park

Bear Sightings On the Increase This Year in Great Smoky Mountains Park Rangers are warning visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains about an increase in bear activity in the park this year. Multiple bear sightings  have been reported recently in certain areas of the park. Mother bears and their cubs have been spotted on several occasions this spring. Getting too close to the bears are a hazard to the bears and to humans. Park Services is warning visitors to avoid getting closer than 100 yards to bears and cubs and not to chase or approach a bear for any reason. Safely…
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Great Smoky Mountains Synchronous Fireflies Viewing Dates

Great Smoky Mountains Synchronous Fireflies Viewing Dates for 2015 Announced The park service has announced the dates for the annual viewing of the Great Smoky Mountains synchronous fireflies light show at Elkmont for June 2015. The dates for the shuttle buses will be June 2-9, 2015. The park service reports advanced reservations of parking passes have sold out but there will be 85 passes each day of the event available. The passes will be for sale online the day before starting at 10:00am. Great Smoky Mountains Synchronous Fireflies Viewing Dates for 2016 Info Found Here! Each year  in the Great…
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GSM Events

Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen Restaurant Opening Big Hit

Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen Restaurant Big Hit in Pigeon Forge The just opened Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen restaurant at The Island in Pigeon Forge is a hit.  The crowds where huge and according to social media the food is delicious, the staff friendly and the views are amazing.  Paula was there in person to make sure everything was a success. She was all smiles and greeted everyone with her southern hospitality, hugs and photo ops. The new restaurant hours are 7:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. They serve breakfast, lunch…
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New Deputy Superintendent Named

New Deputy Superintendent Named for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a new official Deputy Superintendent. Clayton F. Jordan was just named deputy superintendent for the park. He was the park’s acting superintendent and acting deputy recently. He has a 29 year history with park operations including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shenandoah National Park and Gulf Islands National Park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States with over 9 million people annually.The mountains that form the Great Smoky Mountain National Park straddles the borders…
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