NPS PHOTO BY ELIZABETH DUPREE FREE RANGER-LED WALKS & TALKS—PGS 12-14 THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF GREAT SMOKY MOUntAINS NATIonAL PARK e LATE SUMMER 2014 NPS PHOTO BILL LEA PHOTO MOUNTAIN MAPLE The areas in Cades Cove that have been restored to natural meadows support native flowers, quail, deer, hawks, and other flora and fauna. This small tree is a north- Park Crews Restoring A taxidermied male passenger pigeon is on display this summer at the Sugarlands Visitor Center museum. The specimen dates back to 1856. ern species that reaches the Cades Cove Meadows southern edge of its range ark Service managers community where families Exhibit Pays Homage Pwere pleasantly sur- raised corn, wheat, and rye in the Great Smoky Moun- prised this winter when bird and grazed livestock. Farming watchers and photographers and livestock grazing kept the to Passenger Pigeon tains. Here it is a common flocked to Cades Cove to see valley open. some unusual birds of prey. Since the Park Service isitors to the park’s massive flocks flew overhead. The bird lovers were reward- took over the land, their goal Sugarlands Visitor Several landmarks in the species in the higher moun- V ed with frequent sightings has been to maintain the open Center this summer will Smoky Mountain region were of both short-eared owl and character for purposes of his- have the rare opportunity to likely named for the passen- tains, mainly at elevations northern harrier, especially toric preservation and wildlife view an excellent specimen ger pigeon, including the in the fields the Park Service viewing. To do so, the Park of the now-extinct passenger Pigeon River and the town of of over 3,000 feet. In early has been restoring to natural Service employs the following pigeon. The mounted pigeon Pigeon Forge. The birds were meadows. strategies: has been in the park’s natural especially common in the autumn, mountain maple Short-eared owls and • mowing areas near the history collection since 1987, eastern hardwood forests that northern harriers are both loop road for wildlife viewing but has never been widely stretched from the eastern trees turn a pleasant orange northern species that like • burning fields every three displayed until now. Midwest to the Piedmont. open prairies and fields as years to discourage trees and September 1 of this year American beech trees provid- to red color before shedding their native habitats. The owl encourage native plants marks the 100th anniversary ed some of their favored food. had only been sighted in the • planting native meadow of the demise of “Martha,” Passenger pigeons went their leaves for winter. Smokies once or twice before species such as Indian grass, the last passenger pigeon in from billions to extinct in and the harrier is uncommon blue stem, and sunflower. existence. Martha lived at the a relatively short time due here. Throughout their range Park Service forester Cincinnati Zoo where she to such human actions as these birds of prey have Kristine Johnson is optimistic was part of a failed breeding shooting and robbing nests declined because their habitat about the future of the Cove, program. She was the last of for the young birds that were of open fields has diminished. “The former agricultural lease a species that was once the considered delicacies. This ex- They are known to migrate to practices harmed natural most numerous bird on our tinction serves as a reminder areas where voles and other and cultural resources, so planet. Over six billion pas- of the importance of conserv- small mammal prey species we are happy to see good senger pigeons lived in North ing habitat and species and are abundant. results with our restoration America during the 19th cen- strengthening the relationship Prior to park establish- efforts for both wildlife tury, darkening the sky as the between people and nature. ment, Cades Cove was a farm and visitor experiences.” smokies trip planner to order maps and guides: www.SmokiesInformation.org accommodations pets in the park Le Conte 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. four 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 rent- als. Picnic pavillions are also SPRING: March 15 available for $10-$20 per day SUMMER: June 1 at Collins Creek, Cosby, Deep AUTUMN: September 1 Creek, Greenbrier, Metcalf Bottoms, and Twin Creeks. WINTER: December 1 Abrams Creek and Balsam Mountain campgrounds are open this year. To make a reservation, call MARY ANN KRESSIG PHOTO MARY camping in the national park 1-877-444-6777 or visit www. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS recreation.gov. The National Park Service The list below shows Steve Kemp & Kent Cave special events NPS COORDINATOR maintains developed camp- number of sites, elevations, grounds at nine locations in fees, approximate 2014 opera- Elizabeth Dupree the park. There are no show- tion dates, and maximum RV September 20 EDITORIAL BOARD ers or hookups other than lengths. Visit www.nps.gov/ Mountain Life Festival at Karen Ballentine circuits for special medical grsm for more information. Oconaluftee Visitor Center Coralie Bloom uses at Cades Cove, Elkmont, ABRAMS CREEK 16 sites, September 27 Lynda Doucette and Smokemont. elev. 1,125’, $14, open May 23- Wilderness Act Celebration at Kristine Johnson Campsites at Elkmont, Oct. 13, 12’ trailers Bicycle morning in Cades Cove Smokemont, Cataloochee, BALSAM MOUNTAIN 46 Sugarlands Visitor Center Terry Maddox Cosby, and Cades Cove sites, elev. 5,310’, $14, open Mike Maslona may be reserved. For reser- May 23-Oct. 13, 30’ RVs bicycling December 13 vations call 1-877-444-6777 BIG CREEK 12 sites, elev. Most park roads are too Festival of Christmas Past at Contributors or contact www.recreation. 1,700’, $14, open April 11-Oct. narrow and heavily traveled Sugarlands Visitor Center LISA HORSTMAN, KAREN KEY, gov. Sites may be reserved 26, tents only by automobiles for safe or up to six months in advance. CADES COVE 159 sites, elev. enjoyable bicycling. However, picnic areas Reservations are required at 1,807’, $17-$20, open year- © 2014 Great Smoky Cades Cove Loop Road is Please see pages 8-9 for lo- Cataloochee Campground. round, 35’-40’ RVs an exception. This 11-mile, cations of picnic areas. All pic- Mountains Association Other park campgrounds are CATALOOCHEE 27 sites, one-way, paved road pro- nic areas have charcoal grills first-come, first-serve. elev. 2,610’, $20, open vides bicyclists with excellent for cooking. GSMA Site occupancy is limited March 14-Oct. 31, reserva- opportunities for viewing P.O. Box 130 to six people and two vehicles tions required, 31’ RVs wildlife and historic sites. visitor centers (a trailer = 1 vehicle). The COSBY 157 sites, elev. 2,459’, Helmets are required for Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Summer hours of operation maximum stay is 14 days. $14, April 11-Oct. 31, 25’ RVs persons age 16 and under and are: Oconaluftee & Sugar- Special camping sites for DEEP CREEK 92 sites, elev. are strongly recommended for lands: 8-7:30; Clingmans large groups are available sea- 1,800’, $17, open April 11-Oct. all bicyclists. Dome: 10-6, Cades Cove: sonally at Big Creek, Cades 31, 26’ RVs From May 7-Sept. 24, 9-7:30, Some centers close Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, ELKMONT 220 sites, elev. on Wednesday and Satur- earlier in September. Deep Creek, Elkmont, and 2,150’, $17-$23, open March day mornings from sunrise Smokemont. Group sites must 14-Nov. 29, 32’-35’ RVs to 10:00 a.m., only bicycles other services printed on recycled paper be reserved. Call 1-877-444- LOOK ROCK 68 sites, Not and pedestrians are allowed 6777 or contact www.recre- expected to open in 2014 on Cades Cove Loop Road. There are no gas stations, ation.gov. Group sites may SMOKEMONT 142 sites, elev. Bicycles may be rented at the showers, or restaurants in the be reserved up to one year in 2,198’, $17-$20, open year- Cades Cove Campground national park. Mt. Le Conte advance. round, 35’-40’ RVs store. Lodge is the only lodging. 2 v smokies guide, Summer 2014 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.