Fall Col- It Includes Such Colorful Trees Wagon Load

LIZ DUPREE PHOTO Ranger-Led Walks & Talks—See Pages 11-13

The Official Newspaper of Great Smoky Mountains National Park e autumn 2015 BILL LEA PHOTO DAVID LUTTRELL PHOTO LUTTRELL DAVID

LOG CABINS

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a wonderland where families can explore the great outdoors and spend quality time together. Did you know the park’s Head Out to “Find Historic Preservation Crew Your Park” this Year protects the largest collection of historic log buildings inety-nine years ago the forests, parkways, rivers, NNational Park Service urban parks, or those “crown in the East? This rich and The Great Smoky Mountains are world-renowned for their immense was created to defend Yellow- jewels” of the national park variety of plants and animals, including 100 species of native trees. stone and other sites against system like Grand Canyon, varied collection includes wildlife poachers and artifact Mesa Verde, Everglades, When Will Colors Peak? collectors who were hauling Arches, Yosemite, Olympic, homes, barns, spring houses, away pieces of our national and Gettysburg. levation profoundly most spectacular display as parks and monuments by the You might be surprised grist mills, a school, and Eaffects when fall col- it includes such colorful trees wagon load. how many ors change in Great Smoky as sugar maple, scarlet oak, Today the beautiful more. Some of the best Mountains National Park. At sweetgum, red maple, and same Service places are the higher elevations, where the hickories. Sunny days protects over preserved by places to explore them are the climate is similar to New and cool nights are generally 400 parks, sea- the NPS, even England’s, color displays start thought to bring out the best shores, historic in your own Cades Cove, Roarking Fork as early as mid-September fall colors. sites, battle- backyard. with the turning of yellow There are many good fields, trails, lakeshores, and Here are just a few of the sites Motor Nature Trail, and the birch, American beech, hob- drives to enjoy the fall color other national treasures in within 100 miles of the Smok- blebush, and pin cherry. peak. Little River and Laurel such a way as to “leave them ies: Mountain Farm Museum at From October 1-15, fall Creek roads between Sug- unimpaired for the enjoyment •Andrew Johnson Na- colors are at peak above 4,000 arlands Visitor Center and of future generations.” tional Historic Site Oconalufteee. feet. To enjoy them, drive the Cades Cove are noteworthy In preparation for the • Appalachian National Clingmans Dome Road, the late in the season. So are the 100th birthday of the National Scenic Trail Blue Ridge Parkway, Balsam Foothills Parkway segments Park Service, the agency is en- •Big South Fork National Mountain-Heintooga Ridge (East and West) and the Deep couraging everyone to “Find River and Recreation Area roads, or Newfound Gap Creek area. Keep in mind that Your Park.” Public lands • Blue Ridge Parkway Road. late October weekend traffic belong to everyone, and this • Carl Sandburg Home Fall colors usually peak at on Newfound Gap and Cades is the perfect opportunity to National Historic Site the mid and lower elevations Cove Loop roads will be ex- explore new places, wheth- • Obed Wild & Scenic between October 15 and No- tremely heavy, especially late er they are historic sites, River. vember 7. This is the park’s in the day. smokies trip planner to order maps, apps, and guides: www.SmokiesInformation.org

accommodations pets in the park

LeConte Lodge (accessible by Pets are allowed in frontcoun-

BILL LEA PHOTO trail only) provides the only try campgrounds and beside lodging in the park. Call (865) roads as long as they are 429-5704. restrained at all times. Pets For information on lodg- are not allowed on park trails, smokies guide ing outside the park: except for the Gatlinburg Bryson City 1-800-867-9246 and Oconaluftee River trails. Smokies Guide is produced Cherokee 1-800-438-1601 Dogs on these trails must be Fontana 1-800-849-2258 leashed. five times per year by Great Gatlinburg 1-800-267-7088 Smoky Mountains Asso- Maggie Valley 1-800-624-4431 facility rentals ciation and Great Smoky Pigeon Forge 1-800-251-9100 Mountains National Park. Sevierville 1-888-766-5948 The historic Appalachian Clubhouse and Spence Cabin Publication dates are roughly Townsend 1-800-525-6834 at Elkmont are now accepting as follows: reservations for day-use rentals. Picnic pavillions are also SPRING: March 15 available for $10-$20 per day SUMMER: June 7 at Collins Creek, Cosby, Deep LATE SUMMER: August 10 Creek, Greenbrier, Metcalf Bottoms, and Twin Creeks. AUTUMN: September 20 To make a reservation, call Abrams Creek and Balsam Mountain campgrounds are open this year. ANN KRESSIG PHOTO MARY WINTER: December 1 1-877-444-6777 or visit www. camping in the national park recreation.gov. Contributing Editors The National Park Service The list below shows Steve Kemp & Kent Cave special events maintains developed camp- number of sites, elevations, NPS Coordinator grounds at nine locations in fees, 2015 operation dates, September 19 Elizabeth Dupree the park. There are no show- and maximum RV lengths. Mountain Life Festival at Editorial Board ers or hookups other than Visit www.nps.gov/grsm for Oconaluftee Visitor Center Karen Ballentine circuits for special medical additional information. November 6-8 & 11-15 Coralie Bloom uses at Cades Cove, Elkmont, ABRAMS CREEK 16 sites, and Smokemont. elev. 1,125’, $14, open May 22- Sorghum Molasses Making at Lynda Doucette Bicycle and pedestrian only Campsites at Elkmont, Oct. 13, 12’ trailers Cades Cove Cable Mill area morning in Cades Cove Kristine Johnson Smokemont, Cataloochee, BALSAM MOUNTAIN 46 Terry Maddox Cosby, and Cades Cove sites, elev. 5,310’, $14, open bicycling December 12 may be reserved. For reser- May 22-Oct. 13, 30’ RVs Festival of Christmas Past at Mike Maslona Most park roads are too vations call 1-877-444-6777 BIG CREEK 12 sites, elev. Sugarlands Visitor Center Stephanie Sutton narrow and heavily traveled or contact www.recreation. 1,700’, $14, open April 10-Oct. by automobiles for safe or gov. Sites may be reserved 31, tents only picnic areas Contributors enjoyable bicycling. However, up to six months in advance. CADES COVE 159 sites, elev. Cades Cove Loop Road is Lisa Horstman, Karen Key Reservations are required at 1,807’, $17-$20, open year- Please see pages 8-9 for lo- an exception. This 11-mile, Cataloochee Campground. round, 35’-40’ RVs cations of picnic areas. All pic- one-way, paved road pro- Other park campgrounds are CATALOOCHEE 27 sites, nic areas have charcoal grills © 2015 Great Smoky vides bicyclists with excellent first-come, first-served. elev. 2,610’, $20, open for cooking. Mountains Association opportunities for viewing Site occupancy is limited April 3-Oct. 31, reservations wildlife and historic sites. visitor centers to six people and two vehicles required, 31’ RVs GSMA Helmets are required for (a trailer = 1 vehicle). The COSBY 157 sites, elev. 2,459’, persons age 16 and under and Park visitor centers offer P.O. Box 130 maximum stay is 14 days. $14, April 10-Oct. 31, 25’ RVs are strongly recommended for information, exhibits, and a Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Camping sites for large DEEP CREEK 92 sites, elev. all bicyclists. bookstore. Fall hours of oper- groups are available at Big 1,800’, $17, open April 10-Oct. From May 6-Sept. 23 on ation are: Creek, Cades Cove, Cata- 31, 26’ RVs Wednesday and Saturday Oconaluftee: 8-6:30 (Sept. & loochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, ELKMONT 220 sites, elev. mornings from sunrise to Oct.), 8-5 (Nov.) Elkmont, and Smokemont. 2,150’, $17-$23, open March 10:00 a.m., only bicycles and Sugarlands: 8-6:30 (Sept. & Group sites must be reserved. 13-Nov. 28, 32’-35’ RVs pedestrians are allowed on Oct.), 8-5 (Nov). Call 1-877-444-6777 or contact LOOK ROCK Closed printed on recycled paper Cades Cove Loop Road. Cades Cove: 9-6:30 (Sept & www.recreation.gov. Group SMOKEMONT 142 sites, elev. Bicycles may be rented at the Oct), 9-5:30 (Nov.) sites may be reserved up to 2,198’, $17-$20, open year- Cades Cove Campground Clingmans Dome 10-6:00 one year in advance. round, 35’-40’ RVs store. (Sept. & Oct.), 9:30-5 (Nov.)

2 v smokies guide, Autumn 2015 park information for additional information, visit www.nps.gov/grsm

Gatlinburg, TN elev. 1,462’ Mt. Le Conte elev. 6,593’

Avg. High low Precip. Avg. High low Precip. DRIVING Jan. 49° 27° 4.0” 36° 18° 6.7” DISTANCES &

Feb. 53° 28° 4.1” 37° 19° 5.6” ESTIMATED PHOTO JIM MOWBRAY March 62° 35° 5.5” 44° 25° 7.0” TIMES April 71° 42° 4.5” 52° 31° 6.7” May 77° 50° 5.7” 58° 39° 8.0” June 82° 58° 5.8” 64° 47° 8.7” Cherokee, NC to: July 85° 62° 6.3” 67° 50° 9.0” Gatlinburg: 34 miles (1 hour) Aug. 84° 61° 5.3” 67° 49° 7.6” Cades Cove: 57 miles (2 hours) Sept. 79° 55° 4.7” 62° 44° 7.2” Newfound Gap: 18 miles Oct. 70° 43° 2.9” 55° 35° 4.7” (½ hour) Nov. 60° 34° 3.4” 46° 27° 6.8” Clingmans Dome: Dec. 51° 28° 4.6” 38° 20° 6.4” 25 miles (¾ hour) The above temperature and precipitation averages are based on data for Cataloochee: 39 miles the last 20 years. Temperatures are in degrees fahrenheit. An annual av- (1½ hours) erage of over 84” (7 feet) of precipitation falls on the higher elevations Deep Creek: 14 miles (½ hour) of the Smokies. On Mt. Le Conte, an average of 82.8” of snow falls. Primitive backcountry shelters like this one at Double Springs Gap are horse riding Gatlinburg, TN to: located along the Appalachian Trail and near the summit of Mt. Le Cherokee: 34 miles (1 hour) Conte. Reservations and permits are required for backcountry campers. Horseback riding is generally Cades Cove: 27 miles (1 hour) Backcountry Camping in the Smokies available from early March Newfound Gap: 16 miles through late November. Rates (½ hour) Camping at a backcountry Center, two miles south of are $30 per hour. Most stables campsite or shelter can be an Gatlinburg on U.S. 441. (865) have maximum rider weight Clingmans Dome: MARY ANN KRESSIG PHOTO MARY exciting adventure for per- 436-1297. limits of 225 or 250 pounds 23 miles (¾ hour) sons properly equipped and 3. Make your reservation and and age restrictions for chil- Cataloochee: 65 miles (2 hours) informed. To facilitate this ac- obtain your permit through dren. Please call the stables Greenbrier Cove: 6 miles tivity, the National Park Ser- the backcountry office at below or stop at a visitor cen- (¼ hour) vice maintains over 800 miles Sugarlands Visitor Center (by ter for detailed information. Deep Creek: of trails and more than 100 phone or in person) or online backcountry campsites and at www.smokiespermits.nps. • Cades Cove (865) 448-9009 48 miles (1½ hours) shelters throughout the park. gov. cadescovestables.com One of the greatest challenges Reservations and permits • Smokemont (828) 497-2373 Townsend, TN to: for backcountry campers is are required for all overnight smokemontridingstables.com Fishing for brook trout is now Cades Cove: 9 miles (¼ hour) deciding where to go. Here stays in the backcountry. • Smoky Mtn. (865) 436-5634 allowed in most park streams. Newfound Gap: 34 miles are some tools to help. The cost is $4 per person per smokymountainridingstables. (1¼ hours) 1. Go online to view the night. Reservations may be com. fishing park’s official trail map made up to 30 days in ad- • Sugarlands (865) 436-3535 Gatlinburg: 22 miles (¾ hour) Fishing is permitted year- (www.nps.gov/grsm/plan- vance. sugarlandsridingstables.com Cherokee: 52 miles (1½ hours) round in the park, but a yourvisit/maps.htm), which Fall hikers should be es- Hayrides and carriage Look Rock: 18 miles (½ hour) Tennessee or North Carolina shows all park trails, camp- pecially aware of the danger rides ($12 per person) are Cataloochee: fishing license is required. sites, and shelters. Park rules of hypothermia—the lower- available from Cades Cove Either state license is valid 87 miles (2¼ hours) and regulations are also listed ing of body temperature. The Riding Stable. Wagon rides throughout the park and no here. If you wish, you can combination of rain, cold, and ($10 per person) are offered at trout stamp is required. A purchase the printed version wind is especially dangerous. Smokemont. Souvenir photos, special permit is required for of the trail map for $1 by stop- At the park’s higher eleva- tee-shirts, hats, and ice may the Cherokee Reservation and ping at any park visitor center tions, hypothermia can be a be available. Soft drink vend- Gatlinburg. Licenses are avail- or calling (865) 436-7318 x226 threat even during summer. ing is available. able in nearby towns. Fishing or shopping online at www. To prevent hypothermia, The Park Service operates with bait is prohibited. SmokiesInformation.org. carry good rain gear at all horse camps at Cades Cove, A free fishing map with a 2. Call or stop by the park’s times. Layer clothing that Big Creek, Cataloochee, and complete list of all park fish- backcountry office, which is provides warmth when wet Round Bottom. Call 877-444- ing regulations is available at open daily from 8-5, for trip (not cotton). Be prepared for 6777 or visit www.Recreation. visitor centers. planning help. The office is sudden weather changes, es- gov for reservations. located in Sugarlands Visitor pecially at the high elevations.

smokies guide, Autumn 2015 v 3 great sights to see an even dozen must-see sights in the Great Smoky Mountains KENT CAVE PHOTO KENT CAVE

WHERE TO BEAT THE CROWDS

If you want to beat the autumn weekend crowds, The observation tower atop the try some of these off-the- Smokies highest peak, 6,643’. beaten-path destinations.

Waterrock Knob 9. Look Rock walking trail 1. clingmans dome and tower. Great views, just off the Foothills Park- A paved, but very steep, 0.5 way West, 18 miles from mile trail leads to an obser- Townsend, TN. vation tower that offers 360° views of the Great Smoky of Gatlinburg, TN on U.S. 441. hiking trails. Around 2 miles 10. Cataloochee Valley. Mountains and beyond. To get Highlights include flora and of walking will acquaint you This remote area is accessi- there: turn off Newfound Gap fauna exhibits, a 20-minute with beautiful Deep Creek and ble only by narrow, winding film in the surround-sound Road 0.1 mile south of New- BILL LEA PHOTO three pretty waterfalls (Juney secondary roads. But when theater, an information desk, found Gap and follow the Whank, Tom Branch, and you arrive, there are elk to and bookstore. Several short 7-mile-long Clingmans Dome Indian Creek). watch, historic buildings Road to the large parking area nature trails also begin at the The trails to the waterfalls center, as do ranger-led walks to explore, and plenty of at the end. A visitor center is start from the large parking and talks. Open 8-6:30 (Sept.- trails to walk. 39 miles from located along the trail to the area at the end of Deep Creek Oct.), 8-5 (Nov.) Cherokee; 65 miles from tower. Road (across the creek from Gatlinburg. The road to Clingmans 4. water-powered Deep Creek Campground). Dome is closed from Decem- The area is located about 3 11. Cosby Campground, ber 1 through March 31 due to grist mills miles from downtown Bryson The Davis-Queen house. Picnic Area, and hiking weather. City, NC. trails. The campground rare- 2. andrews bald Two historic, water-powered 6. oconaluftee 8. blue ridge ly fills, and there are short grist mills operate 7 days per and long trails to waterfalls, week in the park from mid- museums parkway views, and Mt. Cammerer “Balds” are mountaintop March to mid-November. fire tower. The campground meadows of mysterious ori- Cable Mill sits in Cades Cove This history buff’s paradise The Blue Ridge Parkway starts is 20 miles from Gatlinburg, gin. Andrews offers panoram- (halfway around the one-way now offers free indoor and where Great Smoky Moun- TN. ic mountain views in favor- loop road). Mingus Mill is 2 outdoor museums and an tains National Park ends, on able weather. The 3.4 mile miles north of Cherokee, NC audio tour. It also features U.S. 441 near Cherokee, NC. roundtrip hike to Andrews 12. Fontana Dam and Lake. on U.S. 441 (Newfound Gap old-time breeds of livestock The parkway is a 469-mile- A TVA visitor center and Bald is along Forney Ridge Road). Open 9-5. (seasonally) and an heirloom Trail and starts from the end long scenic drive that connects tours highlight the highest garden. The new visitor center of Clingmans Dome parking the Smokies to Shenandoah dam in the East. Fontana 5. newfound gap and mountain farm museum area. The trail leads through National Park. Marina offers boat rentals are located on U.S. 441, two high elevation spruce-fir forest In the early fall it is espe- and shuttles for access to with evergreen trees and un- This gap is a low point in the miles north of Cherokee, NC. cially enjoyable for those look- remote, historic areas of the usual flora and fauna. mountain range and strad- Open 8-6:30 (Sept.-Oct.), 8-5 ing for fall colors, wildflowers, park like Hazel Creek and dles the boundary of North (Nov.). and mountain views. If 469 Eagle Creek. 3. sugarlands visitor Carolina and Tennessee. From 7. deep creek miles sounds a little long, the center here one can enjoy spectacular 20-mile drive from Oconaluft- views into both states and take waterfalls ee Visitor Center to Waterrock a short stroll along the famous Knob takes less than an hour. It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s easy Appalachian Trail. There are The Deep Creek area features to find. Sugarlands Visitor A loop drive that includes also restrooms and the historic a campground, picnic area, Center is located 2 miles south Balsam Mountain Road is also Rockefeller Memorial. mountain stream, and miles of accessible from the parkway.

4 v smokies guide, Autumn 2015 park news Great Smoky Mountains National Park protects over 800 square miles of land National Park Service Smokies Gets Help from Partners, News Briefs Centennial Fund to Restore Mills Firewood Restriction Will Help will be part of the NPS’s 2016 Save Park’s Trees from centennial celebration. Non-native Invaders The crew recently re- placed a roof at Cable Mill in Cades Cove and is beginning PARK OFFICIALS HAVE ENACTED REGULATIONS work to replace the drive belt that will help protect park forests by restricting the type of on the turbine of Mingus Mill firewood brought into the park. Beginning this year, only in North Carolina. The total heat-treated firewood that is bundled and displays a certifica- cost of the public/private tion stamp by the USDA or a state department of agriculture historic preservation project is will be allowed in park campgrounds. The regulation will set at $35,440. “We’re really excited to be help protect ash trees and other species from the total devas- able to do this for the centen- tation caused by non-native insects like the emerald ash borer nial,” said Historic Preserva- that are often stowaways on firewood. tion Program Manager Randy Hatten. “A big shout out for Area Near Caves Closed to Protect Bats the Friends of the Smokies and Great Smoky Mountains Mingus Mill was built in 1886 and is still grinding corn on its original Association for partnering THE WHITEOAK SINK AREA HAS BEEN CLOSED through stones. A turbine and the waters of Mingus Creek provide the power. with us to be able to ac- complish this. The public’s March 31, 2016 to limit human disturbance to bat hibernation hanks to a National Park the Smokies, the park’s elite support for these nonprofit sites and help hikers avoid interactions with bats. An extend- Service Centennial grant historic preservation crew is T partner organizations really ed closure through late spring may be recommended if the and matching funds from hard at work on an ambitious does make a difference.” winter data suggests such an action would increase the chanc- Great Smoky Mountains project to restore two historic Later on the crew plans to Association and Friends of gristmills. The restoration es for survival of a significant number of bats. Park biologists repair rotten cribbing under have reported dramatic declines of cave-dwelling bat popula- the flume at Cable Mill and tions throughout the park. The decline is thought to be due to Group Returns Stream to completely replace the lining white-nose syndrome. Infected bats exhibit unusual behavior of the millrace at Mingus Mill. including flying erratically during the day, even during winter The elevated millrace diverts Natural, Wild Condition water into the flume which months, and diving down toward people. feeds the grist mill’s 19th ational Park Service team, led by the Tennessee The park is home to 11 species of bats including the federal- century steel turbine. officials have announced Stream Mitigation Program ly endangered Indiana bat. N Hatten said keeping the the completion of a project to (TSMP) accomplished this historic grist mill in working restore a nearly mile-long sec- project by reconstructing ma- order requires skilled work- New Audio Tour Brings Farm to Life tion of Chilogate Branch to its jor portions of the stream on a ers. “We’ve got some very natural condition. The stream, new alignment. The Park Ser- experienced craftsmen that located along the park bound- vice provided seeds and seed- A BRAND NEW AUDIO TOUR created by the National Park work here that have been do- ary near Chilhowee Lake and lings of native plants. Eight Service, Great Smoky Mountains Association, and Antenna ing this type of work for more the Foothills Parkway, was hundred fifty tons of boulders International is now available for visitors to the Mountain than 20 years,” Hatten said. degraded by deforestation, and 70 large logs were used in Farm Museum at Oconaluftee. The tour uses oral histories and “They’ve been through the channel relocation, and unre- the reconstruction. Historic Preservation Training other research materials to recreate the hardships and exhilira- stricted livestock Center, operated by the NPS, tion that mountain families experienced on a small farm. The grazing in the past. where they learn to hone their

“The Chilogate NPS PHOTO 30-minute tour rents for $2.99. craft.” Branch site was Cable Mill, which is transformed from a Alum Cave Trail Closed Monday-Thursday powered by the big overshot severely degraded wooden waterwheel, was cow pasture to a built in the 1870s. Tur- THE POPULAR ALUM CAVE TRAIL on Mt. Le Conte will diverse habitat for bine-powered Mingus Mill remain closed Monday-Thursday through November 19, 2015 native plants and dates back to 1886. Both mills wildlife,” said su- for trail restoration work. From November 20 through mid- were restored by the Civilian pervisory forester spring, 2016 the trail will be open daily. Hikers on the trail will Conservation Corps (CCC) in Kristine Johnson. be impressed by the quality of the work already completed. Chilogate Branch after the restoration project. the 1930s. A collaborative

smokies guide, Autumn 2015 v 5 NPS PHOTO NPS - Twelve park streams (41 park streams Twelve miles) remain officially listed miles) remain by acid deposi as impaired is underway tion. Research to determine how much acid deposition must be reduced for deposition must be reduced Water quality improvements are not being are quality improvements Water these streams to recover. these streams (>3,500’) seen in the high elevation streams is a lot of nitrate and sulfate to yet as there these soils, which will take de - flush from An additional brook trout population trout cades. An additional brook since surveys in 1998. has disappeared

- NPS fisheries crews use backpack electroshocking equipment to stun fish and remove non-natives from brook trout habitat. STREAM LIFE - - Recent water quality monitoring data has provided monitoring data has provided the first evidence of slight in stream improvements acidity in mid-elevation . These improvements . These improvements streams Brook trout continue trout Brook Fisheries research indicates that brook indicates that brook Fisheries research Research shows aquaticResearch Monitoring of reintroduced are attributed to reductions in acid rain (from in acid rain (from attributed to reductions are power plants and factories) in the last decade. healthy. populations in the park are trout two produced and rainbow trout trout Brook and 2014 in fish young of classes year healthy will be good num 2015, which means there bers of adult fish in 2016 and 2017. to expand their downstream since range in some streams of 2007. The park the droughts has some of the best brook waters in the Southeast. trout insect diversity in park streams inis generally high, resulting condition ratings ofstream good to excellent for most wa based onters. The ratings are that high-qualitythe premise - usually have the great streams est species richness for mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies. and threatened endangered now are fish indicates there popula viable reproducing tions in the park. -

Wild hogs in the Wild

park continue to test positive for pseudo rabies, a significant disease for the domes - tic swine industry. of The occurrence pseudorabies in the Smokies is thought to to related be directly The cable-pulley systems The cable-pulley backcountryinstalled at campers campsites allow - to easily and secure and ly hang their food items. food-related WARREN BIELENBERG PHOTO BIELENBERG WARREN White-nose Syndrome near the park boundary. has killed 98% of the Eastern the illegal release of feral hogs the illegal release pipestrelles and 95% of thepipestrelles little brown bats in the park. Thelittle brown Some visitors continue to approach, Some visitors continue to approach, bear seriously mauled a backcountry A fungal disease usually affects bats while they the Park hibernating in caves. Consequently, are Service has closed all caves to the public harass, disturb and feed wildlife in the park. it only takes a few careless Unfortunately, people to impact the behavior of wildlife. The this year. area camper in the Hazel Creek camper is expected to recover 16-year-old most of his injuries, but the incident is a from wild and can that park animals are reminder be dangerous. State of the Park State of the Park - - WILDLIFE Wildlife Wildlife The cause is likely The food storage cables at backcountry campsites and to be very shelters have proven successful at keeping bears and people-food apart. Fund ing has been secured this year to ing has been secured 2015 SPECIAL REPORT The non-native wild hog population ap to allows researchers new program A

repair some damaged systems. repair low. pears to be relatively and consistent control due to low reproduction than efforts by park staff. Since 1959, more 12,000 invasive wild hogs have been removed the park. from inside and bears to areas track radio-collared they may be obtaining outside the park where food. garbage or other human-related trouble spots and staff can then pinpoint the take action to clean them up.

6 p smokies guide, Autumn 2015 - - - - - Visitation to Great to Great Visitation The park’s cabins, church The park’s Smoky Mountains Nation al Park is up eight percent al Park is up eight percent the first six months through ings are being permanently ings are damaged by vandals carving es, and other historic build of 2015. The high visitation or writing their names on is testing the limits of walls. If you witness vandalism Someone stole several unique historic ar - The National Park Service has placed a The very popular Alum Cave Trail is The very popular Alum Cave Trail taking place, please call (865) 436-1230 to it. report tifacts on display in Cataloochee prompting tifacts on display in Cataloochee prompting arti all the remaining the park to remove visitors to As a result, the exhibit. facts from Cataloochee no longer have the opportunity to view artifacts associated with the history of that community. brings the mountain farm to life. temporary moritorium on the use of drones in all national parks. (unmanned aircraft) The Appalachian Club in its heyday. park’s infrastructure, including roads, park including roads, park’s infrastructure, ing areas, and restrooms during the peak and restrooms ing areas, months. November closed Monday-Thursday through work. This is the first year 19 for restoration of a two year project. ------VISITOR EXPERIENCE Visitation to Great Smoky to Great Visitation HISTORIC PRESERVATION The park has contracted Mountains National Park through is up eight percent the first six months of 2015. with an archivist to begin with an archivist 300 approximately processing inacces - linear feet of largely If this trend continues, 2015 If this trend sible records that were stored stored that were sible records could set the all-time record for could set the all-time record This project will in park attics. This project Construction is underway on a new joint being pre Reports are Historic Structure Progress is being made on the restoration is being made on the restoration Progress Great Smoky Mountains Association, the Great Collections Preservation Center that is sched Collections Preservation uled for completion in 2016. This facility will house all of the park’s historic and archeo logical collections and historic documents, under appropriate photographs, and records conditions. The facility climate-controlled federal funds by housing leverages scarce National collections for several other regional Park Service units, including Cumberland Johnson. Andrew Gap, Big South Fork, and partners Friends of the Smok - Park nonprofit Association Smoky Mountains ies and Great the at least $1.6 million toward have provided facility. of 18 historic care to guide the park’s pared in Elkmont, includ buildings being preserved ing the Appalachian Club House. Thirteen complete and work has begun on are reports the final five. help protect the records for future generations for future the records help protect new insights into the history of and provide the park. of Alum Cave Trail. The planned work will of Alum Cave Trail. natu overall trail safety and protect improve visits to the park. ral resources by repairing historic cable and by repairing ral resources hanging trail handrail systems, reinforcing - trail braiding, and improv sections, reducing erosion. ing drainage to prevent National Park Service, and Antenna Inter national have completed an audio tour to the Mountain Farm Musuem at Oconaluftee. The tour developers used oral histories and that a program actors to create professional - - -

grows in eastern grows North America and from persons who from had illegally har - vested them in the 500 ginseng roots 500 ginseng roots park . Ginseng only arrest and seized over arrest the national park is Because of sulfate and The non-native emerald Rangers made an early rainfall is five times more rainfall is five times more acidic than natural rainfall, nitrate pollution, park to become causing streams ash borer beetle continues to ash borer In July 2015 it was spread. NC found in Graham county, too acidic for Clean Water too acidic for Clean Water on the south shore of Fontana on the south shore Lake near the USFS Tsali Camp Lake near the USFS Tsali green branches along the trunk. branches along the trunk. green Act standards. one of the few places where there there one of the few places where is prime habitat that is protected. The is prime habitat that protected. native wildflower is a very slow-grow ground level ozone pollu - ground In summer, New infestations of non-native oriental New infestations of non-native oriental tion can make air in the park unhealthy to breathe. ing, long-lived species and areas ravaged ing, long-lived species and areas Plant by poachers take decades to recover. jail sentences of up poachers have received to six months. found frequently, bittersweet plants are especially in Cades Cove and the Fontana by spread the seeds are where Lake area heavily infested lands outside from birds the park. ground. This is the first EAB infestation ground. detected in western N.C. The developing insect feeds unnoticed under the bark; signs dead branches, woodpeck of infestation are ers pecking the bark, and clusters of bright air quality. ing emissions and improving plans to install more TVA Additionally, on other nearby smokestacks. scrubbers ------PLANT LIFE AIR QUALITY Black walnut, oak, The food storage cables at Park management decided 2015 Ozone pollution, acid rain, backcountry campsites and to be very shelters have proven successful at keeping bears to restrict outside firewood outside firewood to restrict from entering the park. Only from is firewood heat-treated al haze levels at the park have dramatically all improved since 1999 . Cleaner power and people-food apart. Fund particulate matter, and region particulate matter, Heat treatment Heat treatment allowed now. plants and cleaner motor vehi ing has been secured this year to ing has been secured kills insects and diseases that cles are the reasons. Visibility on Visibility the reasons. cles are The non-native wild hog population ap to allows researchers new program A The Chilogate wetland restoration at the The Chilogate wetland restoration Fraser Since December of 2008, TVA has installed Since December of 2008, TVA Nearly 12,000 customers have signed up for track radio-collared bears to areas inside and bears to areas track radio-collared they may be obtaining outside the park where food. Wildlife garbage or other human-related trouble spots and staff can then pinpoint the take action to clean them up. repair some damaged systems. repair The cause is likely low. pears to be relatively and consistent control due to low reproduction than efforts by park staff. Since 1959, more 12,000 invasive wild hogs have been removed the park. from may be in wood and reduces the chance that may be in wood and reduces into the park. a new pest could be introduced compliance with the new regulation Visitor un has been good and many visitors already has derstand the need for it—Shenandoah N.P. restriction since 2010. had a firewood west end of the Foothills Parkway near Chil howee Lake is complete. were persimmon and other trees seed collected in the from grown and will area be planted at the site. are fir trees in re-growing where some areas were trees mature killed by the balsam woolly adelgid, a non-native insect. which will provide for Fraser fir, Over 70% of the seedlings for the future. more surviving Fraser firs in the world live Smokies. is also a cone production year is also a cone production sulfur dioxide scrubbers on the nearby Bull Run the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA’s) Green Green (TVA’s) Authority’s Valley the Tennessee Power Program. the worst days has improved from 9 miles in from the worst days has improved the 1990s to 39 miles in 2014. and Kingston coal-fired power plants, reduc power plants, and Kingston coal-fired

smokies guide, Autumn 2015 v 7 GREAT FALL DRIVING TOURS AND SCENIC VIEWS IN THE SMOKIES

To Knoxville To Newport To I-40 SEVIERVILLE 321 ay w Exit rk Pa 443 lls CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST 32 hi ot Cosby Fo Park View 129 416 411 TENNESSEE 441 Exit 451 32 NORTH C MARYVILLE AROLIN PIGEON FORGE A Pittman Mount Cammerer Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Center Cosby 321 321 73 Hen Wallow Falls Big 321 Gatlinburg Welcome Center Paved, narrow, 5.5 mile one-way road Creek 40 National Park o ers old-growth forest, il 321 ra T Information Center waterfalls, and historic buildings. Ga n No RVs, trailers, or buses. bes Mounta i ek Tra Cre il

ig B Mouse 129 Greenbrier Creek 411 Walland Falls Wear Valley GATLINBURG es Trail y ad a Roaring Fork asc To Chattanooga rkw Ramsey C a Motor Nature Trail Ramsey Mount Guyot P Cataract Little Brier (closed Nov. 30 Cascades ls Gap Trail Falls il Townsend Fighting Creek for winter) h Porters t Visitors Center 321 Little Trail Sugarlands Flat o Greenbrier Laurel Visitor Center Grotto o School P Cataloochee Valley: 8 miles from F o

Falls Laurel Falls Falls r t I-40 (including 3 miles on a narrow Trail Road e 73 r s Fern Branch gravel road). The short road through Townsend r Grotto Falls C Trail Rive Maloney Point re Falls the valley o ers wildlife viewing Meigs Trail ek PISGAH T an ra i (including elk) and access to NATIONAL FOREST d rail Falls Little Mount il h a t Top T c o nu Litt Carlos Campbell a a historic church, school, and homes. R st le R Le Conte l e T Elkmont i Ch ve a r r T Overlook e r p r) ai Alum Cave in e m l p Look Rock a t Trail A Schoolhouse o t n n i n Alum Cave Tower u Gap Trail Cataloochee w t o GSM Institute R Blu s M in d Valley at Tremont Newfound Gap Road: This paved h c d Overlook i e s road is the only route over the Great R lo c Lynn Camp ( Smoky Mountains. It stretches Prong Cascades for 31 miles between Gatlinburg Ab and Cherokee and climbs from an ra Middle Prong m Trail Road Prong Newfound Gap s elevation of 1,300’ to 5,046’ Abrams Abrams Fa Trail Kephart lls Creek T (at Newfound Gap). Prong (closed Nov. 1 Falls ra d Oconaluftee Exit 20 i a Trail l o for winter) R Valley e ) m r o te Overlook Smokemont D n Kanati Heintooga Ridge/ Cades Cove s i Loop n w Fork Heintooga a Trail Balsam Mountain Roads: You can Visitor Center in m Trail Chasteen g d Overlook combine these roads with the e To in s Creek Falls 276 l o Blue Ridge Parkway for a scenic C l Asheville Cades Cove Loop Road: 11-mile (c 47 mile loop from Oconaluftee Visitor Chilhowee one-way loop road o ers wildlife Thunderhead Smokemont Balsam Mountain Center that takes approximately 3-4

viewing and access to a historic grist Mountain ad hours to complete. Clingmans Dome Ro mill, churches, and log homes. e d Information Center v oa Allow at least 2-3 hours. o R Clingmans Dome Road: 7-mile C Mingo Maggie ch an r) Andrews Bald paved road leads to the Clingmans ig r te B Falls Valley B in rail n w T Dome trailhead. A very steep, half- o Pa rs in rkw a ek mile walk takes you to Clingmans Mingus e ay Dellwood P d re idg Horseback Riding se C R Mill e lo lu Oconaluftee (c Dome tower and the highest point B (rental) el az in the Smokies (6,643’). Visitor Center Bone Valley H Picnic Areas 19 129 Trail Mountain Farm Oconaluftee River

l Museum i Trail Camping a r

e Soco Gap

e CHEROKEE INDIAN RESERVATION r

C 441 Nature Trails

Hazel Creek Twentymile

Loop Trail Trail p

Calderwood e

e Wolf l D CHEROKEE Lake i Major Hwys a Loop Indian Ridge r CHEROKEE Trail T Trail Creek Falls ile WAYNESVILLE m NATIONAL Twentymile enty Goldmine Juney Whank Falls Major Roads Tw Loop Tom Branch 19 Juney Whank FOREST Twentymile Trail La Falls Fontana ke Falls Trail Deep Lake Cascade Dam Fo vie Paved Roads Cheoah ntana w Creek Lak Dr Restrooms are available E e E Lake View at all park campgrounds, visitor centers, Gravel Roads SS A 441 E N picnic areas, Newfound Gap, and Great Smoky N LI N O BRYSON E R Mountains Institute at Tremont. Vault toilets, Trails T A C CITY port-o-johns, and other facilities are also

H Ap 28 available at some of the most popular T FONTANA pa Autumn Auto Tours R lac 74 O VILLAGE h trailheads, including Clingmans Dome, N ia n Rainbow Falls, Grotto Falls, Abrams Falls, Great Mountain Views

Alum Cave, and the Townsend “Wye.”

JOYCE T B r KILMER - SLICKROCK a lu i 23 e WILDERNESS AREA l 74 R 129 id ge Santeetlah P ark Lake wa SYLVA y NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST ©GSMA2013 143 28 441 23

www.SmokiesInformation.org Fall 2015 ❧ 8 vwww.SmokiesInformation.org Fall 2015 ❧ 9 GREAT FALL DRIVING TOURS AND SCENIC VIEWS IN THE SMOKIES

l Museum i Trail Camping a r

e Soco Gap

e CHEROKEE INDIAN RESERVATION r

C 441 Nature Trails

Hazel Creek Twentymile

Loop Trail Trail p

Calderwood e

Alum Cave, and the Townsend “Wye.”

JOYCE T B r KILMER - SLICKROCK a lu i 23 e WILDERNESS AREA l 74 R 129 id ge Santeetlah P ark Lake wa SYLVA y NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST ©GSMA2013 143 28 441 23 www.SmokiesInformation.org Fall 2015 ❧ 8 vwww.SmokiesInformation.org Fall 2015 ❧ 9 - - - - - The Wild Life Visitation to Great to Great Visitation The park’s cabins, church The park’s Smoky Mountains Nation al Park is up eight percent al Park is up eight percent the first six months through ings are being permanently ings are damaged by vandals carving es, and other historic build of 2015. The high visitation or writing their names on is testing the limits of Big Antlers on Deer walls. If you witness vandalism and Elk Mean Someone stole several unique historic ar - The National Park Service has placed a his autumn, the Smokies’ elk will be players in a courtship is The very popular Alum Cave Trail taking place, please call (865) 436-1230 to it. report tifacts on display in Cataloochee prompting tifacts on display in Cataloochee prompting arti all the remaining the park to remove visitors to As a result, the exhibit. facts from Cataloochee no longer have the opportunity to view artifacts associated with the history of that community. brings the mountain farm to life. temporary moritorium on the use of drones in all national parks. (unmanned aircraft) The Appalachian Club in its heyday. park’s infrastructure, including roads, park including roads, park’s infrastructure, Tritual that is one of the great spectacles of the North American IT’S during the peak and restrooms ing areas, months. November closed Monday-Thursday through work. This is the first year 19 for restoration of a two year project.

animal kingdom. Mature male (bull) elk will compete for control - - - of groups of females called “harems.” - - - Most of the time, the competition between males will be pure showmanship—prancing, preening, bugling, grunting, and other RUT noncontact methods of intimidation. At times, however, the con- tests may turn deadly serious with bulls using their sharp antlers to attack other males. Bugling is one of the most widely-recognized parts of elk court-

TIME! VISITOR EXPERIENCE ship (called the rut). Bulls toss back their heads and utter a long, loud, sonorous call that can be heard for as much as a mile away. Visitation to Great Smoky to Great Visitation HISTORIC PRESERVATION Bugling is a way for bull elk to assert their dominance against rival The park has contracted Mountains National Park through is up eight percent the first six months of 2015. with an archivist to begin with an archivist 300 approximately processing inacces - linear feet of largely If this trend continues, 2015 If this trend sible records that were stored stored that were sible records could set the all-time record for could set the all-time record

males as larger bulls usually have deeper, louder calls. will in park attics. This project Oftentimes, bugling by dominant males is enough to discour- age younger or weaker bulls. If that fails, challengers may prance side-by-side, comparing antlers and body size. Construction is underway on a new joint being pre Reports are Historic Structure Progress is being made on the restoration is being made on the restoration Progress If push finally comes to shove, bulls spar by lowering their Smoky Mountains Association, the Great Collections Preservation Center that is sched Collections Preservation uled for completion in 2016. This facility will house all of the park’s historic and archeo logical collections and historic documents, under appropriate photographs, and records conditions. The facility climate-controlled federal funds by housing leverages scarce National collections for several other regional Park Service units, including Cumberland Johnson. Andrew Gap, Big South Fork, and partners Friends of the Smok - Park nonprofit Association Smoky Mountains ies and Great the at least $1.6 million toward have provided facility. of 18 historic care to guide the park’s pared in Elkmont, includ buildings being preserved ing the Appalachian Club House. Thirteen complete and work has begun on are reports the final five. help protect the records for future generations for future the records help protect new insights into the history of and provide the park. of Alum Cave Trail. The planned work will of Alum Cave Trail. natu overall trail safety and protect improve visits to the park. heads, locking their impressive antlers, and shoving for all they historic cable and by repairing ral resources hanging trail handrail systems, reinforcing - trail braiding, and improv sections, reducing erosion. ing drainage to prevent National Park Service, and Antenna Inter national have completed an audio tour to the Mountain Farm Musuem at Oconaluftee. The tour developers used oral histories and that a program actors to create professional are worth. The stronger animal wins by pushing his opponent backwards until he retreats. In the course of head-to-head com- bat, bulls often inflict minor punctures and bruises upon their - -

opponent, or, in rare cases, they may cause mortal injuries. -

The best places to see elk during the rut are Cataloochee valley and the area around Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Cataloochee is Approaching elk or bear closer a remote area accessible only by a narrow, winding road, three than 50 yards is dangerous miles of which are gravel. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is just and punishable by fines and off Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441). Elk may also be seen around imprisonment. ALL DEER AND ELK PHOTOS BY BILL LEA Heintooga Ridge Road and Balsam Mountain Campground off grows in eastern grows Above: the Smokies’ North America and from persons who from had illegally har - the Blue Ridge Parkway. Please see the map on the back page of vested them in the 500 ginseng roots 500 ginseng roots park . Ginseng only arrest and seized over arrest elk herd has grown this publication. the national park is Because of sulfate and steadily since The elk rut generally begins in September and peaks in early The non-native emerald Rangers made an early rainfall is five times more rainfall is five times more acidic than natural rainfall, nitrate pollution, park to become causing streams ash borer beetle continues to ash borer In July 2015 it was spread. NC found in Graham county, too acidic for Clean Water too acidic for Clean Water the animals were October. Biologists estimate that over 140 elk currently live in of Fontana on the south shore Lake near the USFS Tsali Camp Lake near the USFS Tsali green branches along the trunk. branches along the trunk. green

reintroduced in and near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Elk were rein- Act standards.

2001 and 2002. troduced to the Smokies in 2001 and 2002. there one of the few places where Right: white-tailed Male white-tailed deer (bucks) also have some dramatic court- is prime habitat that is protected. The is prime habitat that protected. native wildflower is a very slow-grow ground level ozone pollu - ground In summer, deer had been almost ship rituals. They generally stop eating during the rut and will chase New infestations of non-native oriental tion can make air in the park unhealthy to breathe. ing, long-lived species and areas ravaged ing, long-lived species and areas Plant by poachers take decades to recover. jail sentences of up poachers have received to six months. found frequently, bittersweet plants are especially in Cades Cove and the Fontana by spread the seeds are where Lake area heavily infested lands outside from birds the park. ground. This is the first EAB infestation ground. detected in western N.C. The developing insect feeds unnoticed under the bark; signs dead branches, woodpeck of infestation are ers pecking the bark, and clusters of bright entirely extirpated or lock antlers with other bucks to determine dominance. Males air quality. ing emissions and improving plans to install more TVA Additionally, on other nearby smokestacks. scrubbers from the Great Smoky may also be observed chasing females and making bleating sounds.

Mountains before Both deer and elk shed their antlers in late winter and start - - - - - park establishment in growing new ones for the upcoming season almost immediately. - Want to know more 1934. They are now The white-tailed deer rut lasts from October into January with about Smokies wild- common in Cades a peak around Thanksgiving. Cades Cove is probably the best place in the park to watch deer. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop life? These books PLANT LIFE Cove and elsewhere. Road is open from sunrise to sunset throughout the year. Deer published by Great AIR QUALITY may also be seen in the vicinity of Elkmont Campground and Smoky Mountains Sugarlands Visitor Center. Association are Both deer and elk are especially unpredictable in fall. People available at all Black walnut, oak, should never approach or attempt to feed them. Use binoculars park visitor centers or online The food storage cables at Park management decided and telephoto lenses to watch them instead. Certain fields in Cat- 2015 at www.SmokiesInformation.org. Ozone pollution, acid rain, backcountry campsites and to be very shelters have proven successful at keeping bears to restrict outside firewood outside firewood to restrict from entering the park. Only from is firewood heat-treated al haze levels at the park have dramatically all improved since 1999 . Cleaner power

and people-food apart. Fund particulate matter, and region particulate matter, Heat treatment Heat treatment allowed now.

aloochee Valley and near Oconaluftee Visitor Center are closed plants and cleaner motor vehi

ing has been secured this year to ing has been secured Smoky Mountain Elk: $9.95 kills insects and diseases that during the elk rut and spring calving season for the safety of people Mammals of the Smokies: $12.95 on Visibility the reasons. cles are and wildlife. Federal law prohibits approaching elk or bear closer than 50 yards or any distance that disturbs or displaces the animals. The non-native wild hog population ap to allows researchers new program A The Chilogate wetland restoration at the The Chilogate wetland restoration Fraser Since December of 2008, TVA has installed Since December of 2008, TVA Nearly 12,000 customers have signed up for track radio-collared bears to areas inside and bears to areas track radio-collared they may be obtaining outside the park where food. Wildlife garbage or other human-related trouble spots and staff can then pinpoint the take action to clean them up. repair some damaged systems. repair The cause is likely low. pears to be relatively and consistent control due to low reproduction than efforts by park staff. Since 1959, more 12,000 invasive wild hogs have been removed the park. from may be in wood and reduces the chance that may be in wood and reduces into the park. a new pest could be introduced compliance with the new regulation Visitor un - has been good and many visitors already has derstand the need for it—Shenandoah N.P. restriction since 2010. had a firewood west end of the Foothills Parkway near Chil howee Lake is complete. were persimmon and other trees seed collected in the from grown and will area be planted at the site. are fir trees in re-growing where some areas were trees mature killed by the balsam woolly adelgid, a non-native insect. which will provide for Fraser fir, Over 70% of the seedlings for the future. more surviving Fraser firs in the world live Smokies. is also a cone production year is also a cone production sulfur dioxide scrubbers on the nearby Bull Run the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA’s) Green Green (TVA’s) Authority’s Valley the Tennessee Power Program. the worst days has improved from 9 miles in from the worst days has improved the 1990s to 39 miles in 2014. and Kingston coal-fired power plants, reduc power plants, and Kingston coal-fired

10 p smokies guide, Autumn 2015 UN FOR EVERYON F Programs and activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park E

Park visitor centers are located at Cades Cove, Sept 20 - Oct 31, 2015 Oconaluftee, Clingmans Dome, and Sugarlands. All offer information, exhibits, and publications related to the park and its resources.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE h Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.

Mornings Afternoons/Evenings

Dawn to Dusk Mountain Farm Museum Adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center h 1:30 p.m. Cherokee Culture Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch Area 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mingus Mill Demonstration Near Oconaluftee Visitor Center h 1:00 p.m. Junior Ranger Program Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area h 10:30 a.m. A Walk in the Woods Sugarlands Visitor Center 2:00 p.m. Autumn Creature Feature Sugarlands Visitor Center h 11:00 a.m. Longing for the “Good Ol’ Days” Mountain Farm Museum 2:30 p.m. WILD Program Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area h 5:30 p.m. Junior Ranger: Smoky Mountain Elk Palmer House, Cataloochee Valley SUNDAY

Dawn to Dusk Mountain Farm Museum Adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center h 2:00 p.m. Autumn Creature Feature Sugarlands Visitor Center h 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mingus Mill Demonstration Near Oconaluftee Visitor Center h 2:30 p.m. Black Bears: Big, Smelly, and Smart Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch h 10:30 a.m. A Walk in the Woods Sugarlands Visitor Center MONDAY

Dawn to Dusk Mountain Farm Museum Adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center h 2:00 p.m. Autumn Creature Feature Sugarlands Visitor Center h 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mingus Mill Demonstration Near Oconaluftee Visitor Center h 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area 10:00 a.m. Longing for the “Good Ol’ Days” Mountain Farm Museum h 4:30 p.m. Evening Hayride Cades Cove Riding Stables 10:30 a.m. A Walk in the Woods Sugarlands Visitor Center 11:00 a.m. to noon Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area TUESDAY

Dawn to Dusk Mountain Farm Museum Adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center h 1:30 p.m. Creation of the Park Newfound Gap 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mingus Mill Demonstration Near Oconaluftee Visitor Center h 10:30 a.m. A Walk in the Woods Sugarlands Visitor Center 11:00 a.m. Forecasting the Future with Mother Nature Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch h WEDNESDAY

Dawn to Dusk Mountain Farm Museum Adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center h 2:00 p.m. Old Town of Elkmont Behind Elkmont Ranger Station 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mingus Mill Demonstration Near Oconaluftee Visitor Center h 10:00 a.m. Coffee with a Ranger Porch, Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Starts October 2) h 10:30 a.m. A Walk in the Woods Sugarlands Visitor Center FRIDAY

Dawn to Dusk Mountain Farm Museum Adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center h 1:00 p.m. Junior Ranger program Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area h 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mingus Mill Demonstration Near Oconaluftee Visitor Center h 1:30 p.m. Fall Foliage Exploration Rockefeller Memorial at Newfound Gap 10:30 a.m. A Walk in the Woods Sugarlands Visitor Center 2:30 p.m. WILD by Design Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area 11:00 a.m. Smoky Mountain Elk Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch h SATURDAY

smokies guide, Autumn 2015 v 11 CADES COVE AREA ** Note that travel time to programs at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area could be an hour or more once you get into the Cove due to heavy traffic volume. Plan accordingly. Sunday Junior Ranger Program Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area halfway around the Loop Road 1:00 p.m. Join a Park Ranger for a hands-on exploration of the Smokies. Participation counts towards credit for earning a Junior Ranger badge and certificate. Duration: 45 minutes h

WILD Program Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area half way around the Loop road. 2:30 p.m. A short talk and demonstration about the wild things in the Smokies. Duration: 30 minutes h Tuesday Evening Hayride Meet at the Cades Cove Riding Stables 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a ranger-led open air hayride viewing wildlife and discover- Park was dedicated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Cherokee Culture ing the diversity of Cades Cove. learn to appreciate both the sacrifice of former Smokies residents Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch Area Duration: 1 1/2 - 2 hours h Fee: $14.00/person and the dedication of park supporters during the formative years 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. of the park. Join Cherokee Friends to learn about Cherokee culture and history Saturday Duration: 30 minutes through demonstrations and storytelling. Junior Ranger program Duration: 2 hours Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area halfway Saturday around the Loop Road Fall Foliage Exploration Monday 1:00 p.m. Meet at the Rockefeller Memorial at Newfound Gap Black Bears: Big, Smelly, and Smart Bring the family for a hands-on exploration of the Smokies. 1:30 p.m. Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch Participation counts towards credit for earning a Junior Ranger Join a ranger to explore the beauty of the changing leaves during 2:30 p.m. badge and certificate. this special time of year. Learn how trees adapt to the cooling Discover the wondrous ways black bears adapt to their environ- Duration: 30 - 45 minutes h temperatures as they paint the mountains with color. ment. Find out how bears prepare for the upcoming winter season. Duration: 45min Duration: 30 minutes h WILD by Design Level: Easy Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area halfway Tuesday around the Loop Road. Longing for the “Good Ol’ Days” 2:30 p.m. OCONALUFTEE AREA Mountain Farm Museum adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor A talk and hands-on demonstration about some of the wild things Center in the park 10:00 a.m. Duration: 30 minutes Daily Mingus Mill Demonstration You’ve heard it before, but was it really the “good ol’ days?” Join a Difficulty: Easy h Located a half-mile north of Oconaluftee Visitor Center on ranger for a walk around the Mountain Farm Museum and learn U.S. 441 (Newfound Gap Road) what life may have been like on an Appalachian mountain farm. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Duration: 45 minutes h CATALOOCHEE VALLEY AREA Chat with a miller and feel the rumble of this historic gristmill in Wednesday action. h Sunday Forecasting the Future with Mother Nature Junior Ranger: Smoky Mountain Elk Mountain Farm Museum Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch 11:00 a.m. Palmer House, Cataloochee Valley Adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center 5:30 p.m. Dawn to Dusk Nuts were fair, berries were late. Several morning fogs and rings around the moon in August. Does this mean a hard winter or a It’s all about connection and balance in nature to insure survival Walk down to the farm for a glimpse into the past. An audio tour mild one? What about snow this year? How did people in the for elk and other species living together in an ecosystem. Learn and self-guiding brochure are available and some days you may past use nature to forecast the upcoming winter? Join park staff about the history of the elk through “show and tell” activities. find demonstrations such as blacksmithing, hearth cooking, or and explore the possibilities this year. Then stay and watch the elk come into in the fields! gardening taking place. h Duration: 45 minutes Duration: 30 minutes h Sunday Longing for the “Good Ol’ Days” Thursday Welcome Home! Mountain Farm Museum adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor NEWFOUND GAP Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch Center 11:00 a.m. Wednesday 11:00 a.m. After more of than a century of absence, the elk have returned. Creation of the Park You’ve heard it before, but was it really the “good ol’ days?” Join a Relax, have a seat on the visitor center porch and hear the story of Newfound Gap ranger for a walk around the Mountain Farm Museum and learn the return of the largest mammal to the Great Smoky Mountains. 1:30 pm what life may have been like on an Appalachian mountain farm. Duration: 30 minutes h Stand on the monument where Great Smoky Mountains National Duration: 45 minutes h

12 v smokies guide, Autumn 2015 Cherokee Culture Tuesday Do you have a few minutes? Get away from the hustle and bustle Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch Area A Walk in the Woods by taking an easy stroll and discover stories of history and nature 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Sugarlands Visitor Center along this scenic, wooded trail. Join Cherokee Friends to learn about Cherokee culture and history 10:30 a.m. Duration: 1 1/2 hours through demonstrations and storytelling. Do you have a few minutes? Get away from the hustle and bustle Level: Easy Duration: 2 hours by taking an easy stroll and discover stories of history and nature along this scenic, wooded trail. Autumn Creature Feature Friday Duration: 1 1/2 hours Sugarlands Visitor Center Coffee with a Ranger Level: Easy 2:00 p.m. Porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center Did you know that the Great Smokies are one of the most bio- 10:00 a.m. (Starts October 2) Autumn Creature Feature logically diverse places in the world? Join a ranger to learn about Join a Ranger for a cup of coffee and find out what’s happening in Sugarlands Visitor Center some of the creatures that live here and how they prepare for win- the park! Coffee provided. Bring a cup if you have one. 2:00 p.m. ter during this “Ranger’s Choice” style program. Duration: 45 minutes h Did you know that the Great Smokies are one of the most bio- Duration: 30 minutes h logically diverse places in the world? Join a ranger to learn about Saturday some of the creatures that live here and how they prepare for win- Friday Smoky Mountain Elk ter during this “Ranger’s Choice” style program. A Walk in the Woods Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch Duration: 30 minutes h Sugarlands Visitor Center 11:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Fall is a great time to view elk in rut and listen to their bugle. Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse Do you have a few minutes? Get away from the hustle and bustle Discover how elk stay warm in the winter. Feel the weight of Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse near Metcalf Bottoms Picnic by taking an easy stroll and discover stories of history and nature the antlers they carry on their head. A ranger will be available to Area along this scenic, wooded trail. answer your questions about elk and let you know the best places 11:00 a.m. to noon, and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Duration: 1 1/2 hours in the park to see and hear the elk. Go back in time to discover what it was like to live in a mountain Level: Easy Duration: 30 minutes h community and go to school in a one-room schoolhouse. This program is fun for all ages. Please arrive 15 minutes before pro- Old Town of Elkmont gram start; space is limited. Meet behind Elkmont Ranger Station SUGARLANDS/ELKMONT/ Duration: 1 hour 2:00 p.m. Level: Easy Take an afternoon stroll with a ranger and learn about Elkmont METCALF BOTTOMS AREA when it was a turn-of-the-century logging boomtown. Wednesday Duration: 2 hours Sunday A Walk in the Woods Level: Easy A Walk in the Woods Sugarlands Visitor Center Sugarlands Visitor Center 10:30 a.m. Saturday 10:30 a.m. Do you have a few minutes? Get away from the hustle and bustle A Walk in the Woods Do you have a few minutes? Get away from the hustle and bustle by taking an easy stroll and discover stories of history and nature Sugarlands Visitor Center by taking an easy stroll and discover stories of history and nature along this scenic, wooded trail. 10:30 a.m. along this scenic, wooded trail. Duration: 1 1/2 hours Do you have a few minutes? Get away from the hustle and bustle Duration: 1 1/2 hours Level: Easy by taking an easy stroll and discover stories of history and nature Level: Easy along this scenic, wooded trail. Thursday Duration: 1 1/2 hours Autumn Creature Feature A Walk in the Woods Level: Easy Sugarlands Visitor Center Sugarlands Visitor Center 2:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. Did you know that the Great Smokies are one of the most bio- logically diverse places in the world? Join a ranger to learn about some of the creatures that live here and how they prepare for winter during this “Ranger’s Choice” style program. Special Programs Cades Cove Full Moon Hike night sky is not clear for viewing. Call Duration: 30 minutes h Meet at the Orientation Shelter at the 865 448-4104 for more information and Blacksmith Demonstrations. beginning of the Cades Cove Loop Road by 9 a.m. on September 19 to check if Monday Meet at the Blacksmith building near Saturday, September 26 & Tuesday, program will be cancelled due to cloudy A Walk in the Woods the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable October 27 8:00 pm or rainy weather. Sugarlands Visitor Center Mill area. Duration: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy 1/3 mile walk to the 10:30 a.m. Saturday & Sunday, October 17 – 18, Level: Easy. Wear comfortable walking program site in an open field. h Do you have a few minutes? Get away from the hustle and bustle 10-4 shoes and bring a flashlight h by taking an easy stroll and discover stories of history and nature Saturday & Sunday, October 31 – Back Porch Old-Time along this scenic, wooded trail. November 1, 10-4 Cades Cove Stargazing Music Jam Duration: 1 1/2 hours Learn the art of blacksmithing and why Meet at the Orientation Shelter at Porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center Level: Easy it was important in the Cades Cove com- the beginning of the Cades Cove Loop 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturdays, munity. h Road. October 3 & 17, November 7 & 21 Autumn Creature Feature Saturday, September 19 Bring an acoustic instrument and join Sugarlands Visitor Center Sorghum Making 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. in on this old-time jam. Or just sit back 2:00 p.m. Demonstration Join a park ranger and the Smoky and enjoy the sights and sounds as others Did you know that the Great Smokies are one of the most bio- At the Cable Mill Historic Area half- Mountain Astronomical Society as play traditional Appalachian music. h logically diverse places in the world? Join a ranger to learn about way around the Cades Cove Loop we learn about the stars and galaxies. some of the creatures that live here and how they prepare for win- Road. Numerous telescopes will be available ter during this “Ranger’s Choice” style program. Friday-Sunday, November 6 – 8, 10-4 for viewing the night skies. Bring warm Duration: 30 minutes h Wednesday - Sunday, November 11 – 15 clothes, a blanket to sit on and a flash- h light. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. The program will be postponed in case of rain and/or cloudy weather where the

smokies guide, Autumn 2015 v 13 if you love the smokies... help protect this place for ourselves and future generations become a support your member friends Great Friends of Great Smoky Smoky JOHN DICKSON PHOTO Mountains National Park Moun- is a nonprofit organization tains that assists the National Park Asso- Service by raising funds and ciation public awareness and pro- has viding volunteers for park support- projects. ed the educational, scientific, Since 1993, Friends has and historical efforts of the National Park Service through cash donations and in-kind services since 1953. In 2015 alone, the association plans to provide more than $1 million in assistance, including funds for hemlock tree treatments, living history demonstrations, environmental education programs, salaries for backcountry information provider, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few large national parks without an entrance fee. Most raised over $35 million for and historic preservation. parks now charge $20 to $30 per vehicle. Without this supplemental income, it is difficult for the Smokies park projects and programs. to adequately protect wildlife, preserve historic areas, and provide educational opportunities. You can help by Association members These donations help: using some of the money you saved at the entrance to support the park partners on this page. receive a number of benefits • protect elk, bear, brook to keep them informed about trout, and other wildlife special events in the park and field school gsmi at tremont summer camps • improve trails, campsites, issues affecting the Smokies: and backcountry shelters An exciting variety of adven- Great Smoky Mountains Great Smoky Mountains • Subscription to the semi-an- • support educational pro- tures await adults who long Institute at Tremont provides Institute at Tremont offers nual, full-color magazine grams for school children to get out and explore the residential environmental a variety of summer youth Smokies Life • improve visitor facilities park accompanied by expert education programs in Great camps in the national park. • Digital access to the season- • fund special educational guides. Programs are offered Smoky Mountains National Camps last from 6-11 days al park newspaper, Smokies services like the park movie by the Smoky Mountain Field Park. Up to 5,000 students and cost from $572. Fees Guide, the association’s news- • preserve log cabins and School and include Mt. Le and adults annually attend include meals, lodging, and letter, The Bearpaw, and the other historic structures Conte overnights, wildlife workshops and school most equipment. monthly Cub Report Your donation can help workshops, edible plants, programs at the Institute. This year’s offerings in- • A 15-20% discount on make these projects a reali- wildflower photography, Tremont’s adult workshops clude: Discovery Camp (ages books, music, gifts, and other ty. Put a few coins or a few animal tracking, bird watch- include birding, backpacking, 9-12), Wilderness Adventure products sold at park visitor dollars in one of the dona- ing, salamanders, mountain environmental education, Trek, Girls in Science (ages centers and at our web store tion boxes located at visitor cooking, and more. One day naturalist weekends, teacher 12-15), and Teen High Adven- • Discounts up to 20% at centers, roadsides, and other programs start at as little as escapes, and photography. ture (ages 13-17). more than 400 national park locations around the park. $49. Contact: (865) 974-0150 or Contact (865) 448-6709 or Contact: (865) 448-6709, or bookstores across the country Buy the Smokies license plate smfs.utk.edu www.gsmit.org www.gsmit.org • Special discounts at area for your car (available in Ten- rental cabins, inns, restau- nessee and North Carolina). rants, shops, and attractions GSMA MEMBERS SIGN ME UP! However you choose to • And most importantly, “Get Rooted in the Smokies” Name(s) ______give, your donation will really the satisfaction of helping to help protect the Great Smoky ______preserve nature and history q Acorn (youth) Membership $15 Mountains for many years to in Great Smoky Mountains q Buckeye Annual Membership $35 Address ______come! National Park. q Chestnut Annual Membership $100 ______Join today using the cou- q Dogwood Membership $200 Email (for Cub Report) ______Friends of the Smokies pon to the right or visit www. P.O. Box 1660 q Hemlock Lifetime Membership $1,000 Telephone # ______SmokiesInformation.org, or Kodak, TN 37764 payable in 5 installments Please include your check with this form. call us at 1-888-898-9102 x222. (865) 932-4794 Memberships start at just $35. q Annual Business Membership $250 Mail to: GSMA, P.O. Box 130, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 1-800-845-5665 per year. www.friendsofthesmokies.org

14 m smokies guide, Autumn 2015 the birds of autumn

here is considerable diversity of habitat, topography, and cli- Tmatic conditions between the high crests and the sheltered lowlands of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These elements, along with a lengthy growing season and an ancient mountain range, all make the Smokies a premier home for birds and a paradise for birders. More than 240 species of birds have been reliably recorded in the park. At least 110 species are known to breed here and more than 60 are year-round residents. Other birds use the park as an important stopover and foraging area during their spring and fall migrations. Fall Birding Hot Spots Fall is a time of restless CADES COVE LOOP ROAD—Be on the lookout for Wild Turkey, Eastern Bluebird, change in the park. Many q The Autumn Birder’s species of birds have raised Eastern Meadowlark, Vesper Sparrow, Water Pipit, Wood Duck. their broods and molted their FIVE MOST WANTED CLINGMANS DOME ROAD/SPRUCE-FIR NATURE TRAIL—Be on the lookout for Com- Here are five of the most asked about feathers. Warblers now wear w birds and some places where you the confusing fall plumage mon Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Hairy Woodpecker, Pine Siskin, Red Crossbill, might find them. which so frustrates the bird- Dark-eyed Junco, Solitary Vireo, Broad Winged Hawk. Watch for flocks of migrating ers trying to identify them. warblers at Indian Gap and Newfound Gap. On one mysterious autumn Northern Saw-whet Owl night, the songbirds leave DEEP CREEK PICNIC AREA AND TRAIL—Be on the lookout for Eastern Screech-owl, Elevations above 4,500 their perch to migrate south. e feet, principally in the Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Belted Kingfisher, Rufous-sid- In mid-September the Broad- ed Towhee, Hermit Thrush, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler. spruce-fir zone. Check winged Hawks begin to out Newfound Gap and kettle-up over the ridges and Clingmans Dome Road. glide to the bottom of the Pileated Woodpecker next thermal, then rise again. Most common in lowland A good place to observe hardwood forests. Look these migrating raptors is in Cades Cove and along from the concrete observation BLUE-HEADED VIREO Huskey Gap Trail. tower at Look Rock on the BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER Foothills Parkway. Autumn is also a time Red Crossbill CHIPPING SPARROW An erratic species that when a cock Ruffed Grouse may stand on a favorite can be found almost any- GRAY CATBIRD where at any elevation drumming log, raise his and at any time of the crest and ruff, fan his tail, INDIGO BUNTING year. and vigorously beat his wings against the air. It OVENBIRD Black-capped begins slowly and acceler- Chickadee ates before fading into the Mid-high elevations. distance; but at first notice it Take a walk on the sounds as if your own heart Appalachian Trail from is running away. WOOD THRUSH Newfound Gap.

Common Raven Most often observed in the highlands of the SOUTHBOUND PEREGRINE FALCON park: Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Many of the park’s summer Parkway, and Alum Cave residents depart for their Trails. wintering grounds in late August, September, and October. The warblers, vireos, arrive. Soon one can count Hermit Here are some of the favorite orioles, Wood Thrush, Veery, Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, wintering grounds for “snowbirds” tanagers, most flycatchers, and Swamp Sparrow, White-throated who breed in the Smokies in summer others steal away in the night. Sparrow, Purple Finch, Evening and then depart for warmer climes in Yet even as they leave, winter Grosbeak, and others in a day’s fall. Most of these species have a diet visitors from the north begin to birding. that consists primarily of insects.

smokies guide, Autumn 2015 v 15 visitor information for more information, www.nps.gov/grsm information emergencies hospitals regulations accessibility

General park information: Listed below are some num- Le Conte/Sevier County -Picking or digging plants is Restrooms at all park visitor (865) 436-1200 bers to call for emergencies (865) 446-7000, Middle Creek prohibited in the park. centers (Cades Cove, Cling- www.nps.gov/grsm that arise after hours. Rd., Sevierville, TN. -Persons feeding wildlife are mans Dome, Oconaluftee, Backcountry information Park Headquarters Blount Memorial (865) 983- subject to a $5,000 fine. and Sugarlands) are fully (865) 436-1297 (865) 436-9171 7211, U.S. 321, Maryville, TN. -Pets are not permitted on accessible. The Sugarlands www.smokiespermits.nps.gov Cherokee Police Haywood County (828) 456- most park trails. Only the Valley all-access nature trail To order maps & guides (828) 497-4131 7311, Waynesville, NC. Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee is located on Newfound Gap (865) 436-7318 x226 Gatlinburg Police Swain County (828) 488-2155, River trails allow dogs on a Road just south of Sugarlands www.smokiesinformation.org (865) 436-5181 Bryson City, NC. leash. Visitor Center.

Frankfort 64 Louisville 64 64 77

Lexington 23 65 WV Beckley 64 Owensboro Richmond Elizabethtown NATCHER PKWY 75 81 80 77 KY Blueﬁeld Roanoke Radford DANIEL BOONE PKWY 80 AND BERL PKW UM Y Glasgow C Somerset Bowling 23 VA Green 81

65 Kingsport Bristol 77 24 75 26 Johnson City Lebanon Morristown 81 Winston-Salem Greensboro Nashville Cookeville 23 High 40 Oak Knoxville NC 40 Point Ridge 40 40 66 Statesville Murfreesboro 129 441 Sevierville 26 Hickory 321 321 85 321 Columbia Gatlinburg 40 TN Townsend 441 Cherokee 19 Asheville 24 411 75 Gastonia 129 Great Smoky 65 Charlotte Mountains 26 Cleveland 85 Chattanooga 19 441 National Park Rock 64 Hill Spartanburg 76 Greenville Athens 411 76 26 Dalton 77 385 129 76 Huntsville 72 SC Anderson Scottsboro 75 Decatur GA 411 5 23 178 Fort Payne 441 85 Florence AL Gainesville 26 Greenwood 20 Cullman 59 575 985 Cartersville Gadsden Athens Columbia 65 Marietta 25 95