Tag: Smokies
Asheville Benefit nets more than $129K for Friends of the Smokies
November 5, 2026
by Jim Matheny The final numbers are in from the Friends of the Smokies Asheville Benefit held September 25, 2026.[…]
Read MoreDolly Parton: A Best Friend of the Smokies
August 26, 2026
by Jim Matheny With the death of Dolly Parton, we mourn the loss of a best Friend of the Smokies.[…]
Read MoreBalsam Mountain – Facts of the Smokies
July 1, 2026
by Jim Matheny If you’re looking for potential relief from the sweltering heat and an escape from the summer crowds[…]
Read MoreNew marker in Smokies a milestone moment for Mountains-to-Sea Trail
April 10, 2026
A new stone marker for the western terminus of the 1,175-mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) was unveiled Thursday at the highest[…]
Read MoreThe Boyd Foundation gives $750,000 to preserve historic structures in Smokies
February 18, 2026
The $750,000 donation helps Friends of the Smokies reach the finish line of a six-year campaign to complete the ‘Forever[…]
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 MoreSmokies spelling: Bullhead or Bull Head?
June 24, 2025
by Jim Matheny Here at Friends of the Smokies, one of the projects we’re proud to fund in 2025 is[…]
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 MoreHikers Train To Lead ‘Trails Forever Hikes’ in 2025
February 21, 2025
by Danny Bernstein In 2011, Holly Demuth was the North Carolina director of Friends of the Smokies and wanted to[…]
Read MoreCades Cove Loop Lope nets more than $90,000 for Smokies
December 2, 2024
by Jim Matheny The 2024 Cades Cove Loop Lope netted more than $90,000 to benefit Great Smoky Mountains National Park.[…]
Read MoreSupport our N.C. gateway Friends during a time of need
November 21, 2024
(Updated Nov. 27, 2024) As the national park’s gateway communities in Western North Carolina work to recover from the devastation[…]
Read More2014 Friends Across the Mountains Telethon
August 26, 2014
Thank you again for your outpouring of support for our 20th Annual Friends Across the Mountains Telethon. Because of your[…]
Read MoreInvest in Salamanders, Elk, Cades Cove and Education in the Smokies
April 17, 2014
By Holly Scott, Marketing Director Every year, Friends of the Smokies commits to supporting a list of Park needs. This year[…]
Read MoreWhy Santa Volunteers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
December 17, 2013
By Holly Scott, Marketing Director This is Santa’s busiest season, of course, so it was a real treat (almost as[…]
Read MoreWhat is #GivingTuesday? (And how can it work for me?)
November 30, 2013
“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir by Holly Scott, Marketing Director[…]
Read MoreUPDATED-5 Alternative Hikes for Fall Fun Near the Smokies
October 10, 2013
by Holly Scott, Marketing Director Week 2 of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Shutdown Oops. According to Bryson City, I’m[…]
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