Tag: elk
25th anniversary of elk reintroduction into Great Smoky Mountains National Park
June 9, 2026
by Julie Dodd When you drive through Cataloochee or Oconaluftee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll probably see elk[…]
Read MoreSmokies to remain open with basic services through Jan. 4 amid ongoing shutdown
October 31, 2025
KODAK, Tenn. (Oct. 31, 2025) – Amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, the nonprofit Friends of the Smokies will continue[…]
Read MoreExplained: 2025 Government Shutdown in the Smokies
October 20, 2025
by Jim Matheny (Updated Nov. 4, 2025) Just a few days after the federal government shutdown began Oct. 1, 2025,[…]
Read MorePartnership keeps Smokies open through Nov. 2 during ongoing government shutdown
October 17, 2025
KODAK, Tenn. (Oct. 17, 2025) – The nonprofit Friends of the Smokies continues to provide funding to keep Great Smoky[…]
Read MoreExtension to keep Smokies open through Oct. 19 during government shutdown
October 8, 2025
KODAK, Tenn. (Oct. 8, 2025) – Sevier County has announced a nine-day extension to the agreement that will keep Great[…]
Read MoreFriends helps fully reopen Smokies Oct. 4-10 during government shutdown
October 3, 2025
KODAK, Tenn. (Oct. 3, 2025) – The nonprofit Friends of the Smokies will help pay to fully reopen Great Smoky[…]
Read MorePrescribed fires preserve and rejuvenate Cades Cove
September 4, 2025
by Jim Matheny Millions of visitors enjoyed the lush green landscape of Cades Cove throughout the spring and summer of[…]
Read MoreColquitt Foundation gives $750,000 for Helene recovery in Smokies
August 21, 2025
The $750,000 donation to Friends of the Smokies is part of a larger $2 million commitment to assist Hurricane Helene[…]
Read MoreCataloochee partially reopens for first time since Helene
April 3, 2025
by Jim Matheny Note: This article was updated April 4, 2025, with more details and links regarding hiking trails, walking[…]
Read More#GivingTuesday donations protect GSMNP black bears and elk
November 30, 2020
by Julie Dodd #GivingTuesday started in 2012 as a day to encourage people to do good and has grown into[…]
Read MorePhotographing and viewing elk safely
October 17, 2019
by Julie Dodd Elk are one of the iconic animals of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and many park[…]
Read MoreFlat Creek Trail – Classic Hike of the Smokies
November 9, 2018
The FOTS October Classic Hike of Flat Creek Trail was led by Jack Case. A life-long resident of the Maggie[…]
Read More“Everybody’s National Parks” explores the Smokies
May 9, 2018
Everybody’s National Parks is a podcast dedicated to family adventure in our national parks and a few weeks ago, I[…]
Read MoreClassic Hikes of Smokies help hikers add miles toward Hike 100 Challenge
October 25, 2016
by Julie Dodd Hikers can add 10 miles toward the Hike 100 Challenge by joining the Friends of the Smokies Classic[…]
Read MoreRestoring trails and supporting wildlife — FOTS highlights in 2014
December 30, 2014
by Julie Dodd This post shares highlights of some of the Friends of the Smokies projects for the Great Smoky[…]
Read MorePark Projects Great and Small
November 7, 2014
Each year we get a funding request from the park with a list of programs and projects for the upcoming[…]
Read MoreElk viewing in Smokies — follow safety tips
September 30, 2014
by Julie Dodd Now is the best time of the year for viewing elk in the Smokies. September and early[…]
Read MoreIn Search of the Wild Salamander by Dee Mason
May 2, 2013
Friend of the Smokies Dee Mason shared with us a story that she wrote for her three grandchildren about a[…]
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