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J.C. McCaulley spent part of his childhood growing up in Cades Cove. He and his wife Margaret have collected his stories in their book, A Cades Cove Childhood, and spoke to park visitors recently about his family and their life in the Cove. Watch this video to hear Margaret and J.C. share some stories from times past and a childhood spent in Cades Cove. Closed captioning is available for this video by clicking the caption button in the lower right-hand corner of the video controls. |
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Every hike seems to bring different experiences, and if you’re in the right place at the right time, you may have the chance to see some wildlife. Have a look at this cool barred owl seen on the Rich Mountain Loop Trail this week! |
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Experience the joys of spring, from cheerful wildflowers to adorable bear cubs and more, with this new video featuring the beautiful music of Bill Mize. You may recognize wild geranium, squawroot, yellow mandarin, and Vasey’s trillium soaking up the cool spring air. Enjoy! |
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Beautiful dogwood trees are common below 3,000 feet in the Smokies. With their showy white displays, they brighten up the forests during this time of year and remind us that spring is here but a short time. Get out in the park to see them right now, or take a look at this short video to enjoy the lovely dogwood while it’s in peak bloom. |
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The new Oconaluftee Visitor Center opened April 1, 2011, and Great Smoky Mountains Association was there every step of the way providing funding for the construction of this beautiful and long-awaited facility. Whether you stop to enjoy the spacious new orientation area, get help planning your trip at the information desk, peruse the interactive cultural history museum, or shop for park publications and souvenirs in our bookstore, we think you’ll be impressed with the new visitor center! Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located on US 441 (Newfound Gap Road), just two miles north of Cherokee, NC. Watch this short video for a peak at the new visitor center! Closed captioning is available for this video by clicking the caption button in the lower right-hand corner of the video controls. |
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Join us for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smokies on April 26-May 1, 2011! On-site registration will begin Tuesday, April 25 at 5:00 pm in the Mills Conference Center, Gatlinburg, TN. View the on-site registration schedule or register now online at www.springwildflowerPilgrimage.org And watch this video to see what you can expect to find along the Cove Hardwood Nature Trail in April. Closed captioning is available for this video by clicking the caption button in the lower right-hand corner of the video controls. |
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The snow isn’t ready to go away quite yet, and Monday brought one of the most lovely and accessible snows we’ve had this winter. A morning drive on Newfound Gap Road treated visitors to a wonderland of stately trees ornately trimmed in white. And although clouds loomed around the Chimney Tops, higher on up at Newfound Gap, it was a cold, clear view past snowy treetops into layer upon layer of mountain. For those who missed out, here’s a quick video. Enjoy! |
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Daffodils are blooming right now and announcing that Spring is on the way! Wherever you see these cheery blooms, it’s evidence of a former home, church, cemetery, or some other place where Smokies residents once carried on their way of life. Here’s a short glimpse to get your Spring fever going. |