While exploring the Smokies, keep an eye out for doghobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana), an evergreen shrub that can be easily distinguished from other plants by its clusters of bell-shaped, white flowers from April to June. Please note, the leaves and flowers are poisonous.

Elk used to be abundant in the park. Their population vanished over time until their reintroduction in 2001 and 2002. We started with just 52 elk and before long, the population grew to five times as many! A study was done recently to learn about current elk population density.

The Cedar Waxwing is one of the most elusive bird species within the park! It’s the only local species with a yellow-tipped tail, ensuring they’re distinct when spotted. Where have you seen a Cedar Waxwing in the park?

Photo Credit: Warren Bielenberg

Keep the Smokies safe and wild!

Park Ranger Jackson wants to remind you to keep your distance when viewing elk or other wildlife in GSMNP. Using the “Rule of Thumb” is a great way to make sure you are a safe distance away.

The annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont is from June 3–10. Apply for the limited viewing opportunity by entering a lottery—open April 26–29—at recreation.gov/ticket/facilit…. Learn more: nps.gov/grsm/learn/nat…

Photo courtesy of Radim Schreiber | FireflyExperience

The pollinators in the park, including this West Virginia white butterfly (Pieris virginiensis), are enjoying a feast. Come check out the beautiful flowering plants all throughout the Smokies! Remember to leave no trace and continue to protect our biodiverse ecosystems.

Adaptive programs at the Smokies are expanding!

This year's lineup includes three opportunities for hiking, two for biking, one for kayaking and one overnight camping trip.

Read more at nps.gov/grsm/learn/new… and register at catalystsports.org/great-smoky-mo….

Would you like to volunteer with the adaptive programs in #GSMNP ?

Join us for Accessibility Awareness and Adaptive Equipment Training this Sat. 4/20 from 10-12:30 at Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg.

To register to volunteer, please contact
[email protected].

Name that flower!

I am a perennial wildflower that typically blooms in April in GSMNP.

I have a range that spans from Canada to Georgia.

I have 3 big white petals that may turn pink with age.

Despite my appealing look, my flower is odorless.

Stay 50 yards away from wildlife. Follow the speed limit to avoid killing wildlife. Respect their distance. If you wish to take a photo remain inside your car and do not block traffic.

NPS Photo Image description: Two black bears, a sow and her cub, in a tree.

One of the 1st trees to flower in GSMNP is the Eastern Redbud. This species is one of the first food sources for many types of wildlife in the spring. Keep an eye out for its bright, purple-colored flowers; you can’t miss it.

When visiting the park please be mindful of the traffic congestion and consider arriving before 9 am or after 3 pm. Please remember to only park in designated spaces, consider a shuttle, have alternate park destinations in mind, and be patient during this popular time.

As flowers bloom in GSMNP, please remember to let them thrive! Leaving flowers be and parking in designated pull-offs/parking spots instead of on the grass is a great way to help our ecosystems flourish and protect our wonderful wildflowers.

Photo Credits: Kenzie Connor

Trilliums are blooming across Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Can you spot their unique speckled leaves? This genus is defined by its multiples of three- from the leaves and petals to the pistils and stamens. #SpringHasSprung

Photo Credit: Warren Bielenberg

Current road closures as of 8:30 AM:

US 441/Newfound Gap Road
Cherokee Orchard Road at the Park boundary
Tremont Road
Greenbrier Road at the Ranger Station
Little River Road
Laurel Creek Road
Gatlinburg Bypass

Looking to get away from the crowds? Check out Big Creek, an area of the park near Cosby. Walk the first two miles of Big Creek Trail to reach Mouse Creek Falls, pictured above. The campground and picnic area open on March 29, but the trails are available year-round!

Did you know that wild turkeys can have different color phases?
The smoke color phase, also called leucism, can be found in wild turkeys in the park. Leucism is the partial loss of pigment in an animal, causing it to appear whiter.

Photo Credit: Kenzie Connor

Phenology, the study of the seasonal changes in the life cycles of trees and plants, is one way to determine when spring has arrived at the park! Collected over time, observations about cyclical changes give us a great look at long-term trends.

#HappyFirstDayofSpring

The Red Burrowing Crayfish (Cambarus carolinus) is 1/11 species of crayfish the lives in GRSM. This crayfish lives its life beneath a small tower of mud called a castle, where it keeps a small pocket of water to be able to live on the land where many other crayfish cannot.

Signs of Spring, celebrating National American Sign Language Day, is back in Cades Cove on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. This year's event will have an all-new theme? Can you guess what is it from the photo?