Latest Great Smoky Mountains National Park news

People in forest taking picture using selfie stick

Tourists in the Smokies corner black bear with selfie stick

By Cat Ellis published

Approaching within 50 yards of a bear is a crime in the National Park, and turning your back is an even worse idea

Hiking
Blue Dusk At The Blue Ridge Mountains At Shenandoah National Park

Why are the Blue Ridge Mountains blue?

By Julia Clarke published

We uncover the science behind the cerulean hues of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Hiking
Three black bear cubs in tree

National Park tourist learns why you never harass a mother bear and her cubs

By Cat Ellis published

The man was visiting Great Smoky Mountains when he encountered a sow and three young

Hiking
The Sinks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

Man dies kayaking at Great Smoky Mountains beauty spot

By Cat Ellis published

The 61-year-old went underwater at the Sinks, and was reported missing after he failed to resurface

Hiking
Black bear at Big Bend National Park, Texas

Hungry, aggressive bears force National Park to close miles of trails

By Cat Ellis published

Rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have closed trails after several bears charged at hikers

Hiking
The Precipice Trail in Acadia with views of the Atlantic

The 8 best National Parks on the east coast

By Julia Clarke last updated

The best National Parks on the east coast deliver jaw-dropping landscapes, from rugged mountains to coral reefs

Hiking
Red spotted purple butterfly

Over 100,000 plant and animal species discovered in Great Smoky Mountains

By Cat Ellis published

Biologists have spent 25 years cataloging wildlife in the Smokies, and have found 1,000 species new to science

Hiking