GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — The system for how people get backcountry camping permits for the Great Smoky Mountains National ...

SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — Editor's Note: This story was updated to reflect some extended closures began in 2024 due to damage from Helene, according to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's website.

Smokies backcountry permits shift to Recreation.gov April 30; small booking fee and thru‑hiker price changes ahead.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Office is staffed by just four rangers, who alternate between office duties and hiking to remote sites. The Backcountry Office stays busy; in 2024, ...

Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — The National Park Service said Monday backcountry campfires would be temporarily banned in the Great Smoky Mountains due to an increased risk of wildfires. In a ...

GATLINBURG (WATE) – The Great Smoky Mountain National Park announced a temporary ban on campfires in the park’s backcountry until further notice. The park said they made the decision to issue a burn ...

Even if you haven't been to our most visited national park yet, you can probably picture those blue ridgelines blurred across a southern Appalachian sky by that perpetual, namesake haze. In the spring ...

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is asking for the public’s input on a plan to create a long-term revenue source for operations through new parkwide parking fees and an ...

Two wildfires that have been burning in parts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park since late March are now contained with ...