by reservations | Aug 5, 2026 | Uncategorized
In the latter weeks of Summer, hikers who make a trek up Mount LeConte are greeted by fields of yellow flowers in and around LeConte Lodge grounds. These fields are Green-Headed Coneflowers (Rudbeckia laciniata). This native wildflower thrives in the sunny patches and...
by reservations | Jul 6, 2026 | Uncategorized
Turk’s Cap Lilies: The Fiery Wildflowers of Summer If you’ve ever hiked a trail in summer and spotted a brilliant orange flower nodding above the grasses, you’ve likely found one of the most eye-catching wildflowers in the Southeast, the Turk’s...
by reservations | Jun 2, 2026 | Uncategorized
Black Bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Every year, millions of people visit the Great Smoky Mountains hoping to experience waterfalls, mountain views, and wildlife. Among the park’s most fascinating residents is the American black bear. Seeing one in the wild can be...
by reservations | May 4, 2026 | Uncategorized
Leave No Trace in the Smokies: A Practical Guide for Exploration The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Mist-covered ridges, dense hardwood forests, cascading streams, and incredible biodiversity...
by reservations | Dec 10, 2025 | Uncategorized
The Mountains Settle In: How Wildlife Prepares for Winter November draws the Great Smoky Mountains deeper into quiet. The bright canopy of October has faded, and the rhythm of the forest slows. Beneath this stillness, the animal world is busy with one last flurry of...
by reservations | Oct 1, 2025 | Uncategorized
The Forest Prepares to Sleep – October Educational Theme 2025 October is a turning point in the Great Smoky Mountains. The forest’s shift from summer’s vibrant green to a tapestry of gold, red, and bronze. Beneath the beauty, deep processes are unfolding—trees...
