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UPDATE: Deadly Storm Kills Two In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on July 6, 2012 - 1:38pm
A thunderstorm packing winds gusting to 70 mph tore through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, downing hundreds of trees, killing two visitors, and injuring several others. By early afternoon Friday officials believed everyone was accounted.

Wildlife Viewing: A Summertime Strong Suit of Southern Applachian National Parks

Submitted by Randy Johnson on July 6, 2012 - 1:09am
Any of these three parks is a great place to meet the Southern Mountains—but a visit to each or all is an even better way to meet the diverse and distinctive resident wildlife that populates the dense forests of the Southern Appalachians.

Reader Participation Day: Given A Choice, Which State Would You Visit To Tour Its National Parks?

Submitted by NPT Staff on June 20, 2012 - 1:16am
If you could visit only one state to tour its national parks, which state would it be? Would you head to Utah with its five "national parks," to California with its eight "national parks" and handful of other designated park units, or choose Maine with its one national park (Acadia), a stretch of Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and lone international historic site?

Essential Friends: Ensuring Excellence In The National Parks

Submitted by NPT Staff on June 13, 2012 - 1:46am
As lovers of national parks look forward to the 2016 centennial of the National Park Service—guardian of ”America’s Best Idea”—there has never been a better time to profile the rise and role of what may be our “Second Best Idea”—the friends groups, trusts, and foundations that support those parks.

Woman Stabbed On Trail In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Submitted by NPT Staff on June 8, 2012 - 5:59pm
A 44-year-old woman was attacked and stabbed several times Friday while hiking the Gatlinburg Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, according to park officials.

Unseasonably Warm Weather Bringing Synchronized Fireflies Out Ahead Of Schedule At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Submitted by NPT Staff on May 31, 2012 - 12:11pm
The fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park know it's getting warmer earlier than usual. According to park officials, the synchronized fireflies that show their stuff at Elkmont are coming out ahead of schedule.

Your Guide To The National Parks: The Complete Guide To All 58 National Parks

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on May 30, 2012 - 1:24am
Your Guide to the National Parks: The Complete Guide to all 58 National Parks
Coming soon to book dealers is a hefty new guide to the national parks -- the 58 "national parks" -- that strives to go a step further than the texts offered by publishers such as Fodor's, Frommers, and Falcon Guides.

Spring Blooming Season Underway Along The Blue Ridge Parkway

Submitted by Jim Burnett on May 24, 2012 - 1:22am
A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic delight any time of the year, but spring and early summer travel offers a bonus: blooming shrubs and wildflowers. Here are some tips for travelers on what to see and where to enjoy the show.

Reader Participation Day: How Long Should Park Personnel Look For Someone Reported Missing?

Submitted by Danny Bernstein on May 9, 2012 - 1:30am
Earlier this year rangers searched extensively for two men In Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The searches went on for about a week without success. Which brings up this question: How long or how hard should park personnel look for someone reported missing?

Camping In The Parks: Big Creek Campground At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Submitted by Danny Bernstein on May 8, 2012 - 1:24am
Only a few miles from I-40, Big Creek Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a quiet place to place your tent. Walk up Big Creek Trail to a great swimming hole.