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Increased Bear Activity
Bears are very active in the park at this time. For information about remaining safe in bear country, please click on the "more" link. More »
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Severe Storm Damage
Due to a severe storm, several trails are currently closed. For updated information, please click on the "more" link or call (865) 436-1200. More »
Be A Junior Ranger
Kids-if you're between the ages of 5-12, you can become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for $2.50 at any park visitor center or at the Cades Cove or Elkmont campground. Complete the activities in the booklet then stop by a visitor center to talk to a ranger and receive your Junior Ranger badge. You can become a Junior Ranger at any time of year, but during spring, summer, and fall, ranger-led Junior Ranger programs are offered especially for children. Read through the schedule of ranger-led programs to find these special Junior Ranger programs. Want to get your Junior Ranger booklet before coming to the park? Booklets can be purchased online: Ages 5-6, Ages 7-8, Ages 9-10, Ages 11-12.
Junior Ranger: Blacksmithing Want to see what Junior Ranger programs are all about? Watch a video of the Junior Ranger Blacksmith program at the Mountain Farm Museum. Online Opportunities to explore your National Parks. Can't visit the park in person? Explore the Great Smoky Mountains and other national parks through the following online games and activities: Take an electronic field-trip to the park! Become A WebRanger! Become a World Heritage Junior Ranger! |
Did You Know?
The park’s high elevation heath balds are treeless expanses where dense thickets of shrubs such as mountain laurel, rhododendron, and sand myrtle grow. Known as “laurel slicks” and “hells” by early settlers, heath balds were most likely created by forest fires long ago.