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Creature Feature: Some Squirrels Really Can Fly

Submitted by Maggie Gonsiewski on November 29, 2012 - 2:15am
Humans weren't the only ones stocking up for a feast this month. Flying squirrels, which call a number of national parks home, have been busy with their own meals with winter coming.

Emerald Ash Borer Infests The Backcountry Of Great Smoky Mountains

Submitted by NPT Staff on November 24, 2012 - 2:33am
Last week, Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced and infestation of emerald ash borer (EAB). Park Biologist, Glenn Taylor, said, “The 1/2 inch-long metallic green emerald ash borer beetle lays eggs on the bark on all species of ash trees. That creates feeding tunnels that cut off nutrient and water flow to the tree, killing it in three to five years.

Saving Ginseng In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Submitted by NPT Staff on November 15, 2012 - 2:54am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s ginseng poaching prevention program is equal parts science, conservation, and crime scene investigation. How the park approaches ginseng poaching is addressed in the following article from Friends of the Smokies.

Festival Of Christmas Past Coming To Great Smoky Mountains National Park On December 8

Submitted by David and Kay Scott on November 14, 2012 - 2:58am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be offering its annual Festival of Christmas Past on December 8. Co-sponsored by the park and Great Smoky Mountains Association, this will be the 37th edition of the festival that takes place each year on the second Saturday of December.

Update: Stranded AT Hiker In Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rescued

Submitted by NPT Staff on November 2, 2012 - 8:51am
A 56-year-old North Carolina man stranded by wintry weather along the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park was rescued Friday afternoon by a Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter crew.

Updated: "Superstorm Sandy" Brings Heavy Snows, Flooding, And Towering Waves To National Park System

Submitted by NPT Staff on October 30, 2012 - 7:21am
Sunrise today showed deep, heavy snow in national parks in the Appalachians, flooding along coastal and barrier island parks, and waves towering more than two stories along some lakeshores farther inland.

Tallest Native Hardwood Tree In North America Is Located In A National Park

Submitted by Jim Burnett on October 24, 2012 - 1:40am
If you were looking for the tallest native hardwood tree in North America, where might you begin? A group of dedicated volunteers from the Native Tree Society has found the answer, and it's in a national park. Do you know which one can claim the honor?

Good News For The Popular Chimney Tops Trail At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Submitted by Jim Burnett on October 16, 2012 - 1:32am
The spectacular views from the Chimney Tops Trail make the two-mile route one of the most popular in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but heavy use and steep terrain have resulted in major resource damage and safety issues. Here's good news: phase one of a project to rehab the trail has just been completed.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Planning To Implement Backcountry Fees In 2013

Submitted by NPT Staff on September 28, 2012 - 1:59am
A backcountry fee system will be implemented in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2013, unless a legal challenge derails it.

Reader Participation Day: Should Campground Reservations Be Mandatory In The National Park System?

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on September 19, 2012 - 1:19am
Should campground reservations be mandatory in the National Park System, or should all campsites be on a first-come, first-served basis?