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Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont beginning Tuesday, June 1 through Tuesday, June 8. The public may apply for the limited viewing opportunity by entering a lottery for a vehicle pass through www.recreation.gov. The lottery opens for vehicle pass applications on Friday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. through Monday, May 3 at 11:59 p.m.
Every year in late May to early June, thousands of visitors gather near the popular Elkmont Campground to observe the naturally occurring phenomenon of
Photinus carolinus, a firefly species that flashes synchronously. Since 2006, access to the Elkmont area has been limited during the eight days of predicted peak activity in order to reduce traffic congestion and provide a safe viewing experience for visitors that minimizes disturbance to these unique fireflies during the peak mating period.
Park, Gatlinburg Police crack down on litter
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The Storybook Trail of the Smokies will wind against a backdrop of peaceful forest and rushing waterways. NPS photos
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park hopes to help visitors experience the Smokies story in a new way thanks to a partnership with the University of Tennessee Extension Institute of Agriculture and the Great Smoky Mountains Association.
The Storybook Trail of the Smokies, an initiative to promote literacy in nature, will be open to visitors from April 3 to May 30. As they walk the 1-mile Cosby Nature Trail near Cosby Campground, visitors will read a Smokies-themed book via trailside activities and on-the-trail story pages displayed for them to read along the way.
GATLINBURG â Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rangers and the Gatlinburg Police Department partnered for a targeted enforcement event on the northbound Spur on Sunday, March 28, and Monday, March 29.
The coordinated targeted enforcement was implemented to ensure that motorists transporting trash, construction debris, or other cargo was properly secured to prevent materials from littering scenic roadways.
âWith increasing visitation trends and more use of park roads for business and recreation, we need everyone to do their part to keep our roads litter free,â said Superintendent Cassius Cash. âTo protect our scenic values and wildlife, it is vital that we prevent trash from ever being discarded in a National Park.â
Road closures extended in Greenbrier Ramsey Prong Bridge is in need of replacement, but supply delays are extending the project’s timeline. NPS photo
A delay in supplies for the Ramsey Prong Bridge replacement project is causing an extended closure for Ramsey Prong Road and Greenbrier Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The roads closed in January and were expected to reopen March 26. However, there has been a delay in the availability of steel beams needed to complete the project. The closure pertains to pedestrians as well as to motorists.
“With the spring wildflower season upon us, we understand that many people will be disappointed in this delayed opening,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “For the safety of pedestrians and efficiency of operations, we cannot allow visitors to walk through the construction zone to access the popular trails in this area. The crews are working hard to have the site reopened in time for people to still enjo
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