Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fall Color Report

Every trail in the park is perfect for hiking right now.  Fall foliage surprises and abundant late wildflowers await around every bend.  The last week this month, lower elevation trails such as Deep Creek, Little River, Boogerman Loop, Old Settlers, Smokemont Loop, Old Sugarlands, Kephart Prong, and Abrams Falls will be preferable.  Bears, chipmunks, squirrels, and other wildlife are busily gathering aacorns, walnuts, and other mast where it is concentrated. Thanks to the unusually abundant rainfall, streams and waterfalls are swift and sparkling. Read more...

Slide Show is for the birds

"Birds in a Changing Climate," on Oct. 24, 1PM at NEW RIVER STATE PARK. Although birds are more mobile than most other animals they will also be affected by climate change. Join us at New River State Park's Hwy. 221 visitor center for a slide program and discussion on the threats birds face in a changing climate. For more information or to sign up call 336-982-2587. Open to the public and free of charge.

The Call of the Wild- Elk Watching

To do: Listen to the bull elk bugle during mating season
When/Where: Now in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The fall rut is in full swing and there has been plenty of excitement within GSMNP herd so far! The attraction of watching, and listening to, the elk has brought more visitors into the park, says the ranger. While there are elk both in the Cataloochee Valley, and the Oconaluftee areas, it sounds like Cataloochee is the place to head if elk are on your wildlife checklist. The Elk were re-introduced into the park in 2001 and with 16 surviving calves this year the herd total now is 110 with 55 female and 45 male. There is potential for elk-human conflicts that could result in serious injury to humans or contribute to the demise of an elk so visits to the area should always follow Park guidelines.

Heavy rains cause Parkway Closure

A small section of the Blueridge Parkway approaching Mt. Pisgah is temporarily closed. From Milepost 393.6 at the French Broad River junction to Milepost 405.5 near the Pisgah Campground Country Store is now closed as a precaution. The recent heavy rainfall has made the area subject to slides. Pisgah Inn remains open and accessible from US Highway 276 at Wagon Road Gap. Read more about Parkway closures...

"Off the Beaten Path" in Chimney Rock Park

October 10, 9AM-noon, Rocks Afar Guided Hike. Journey to a distant rock outcropping within Chimney Rock and enjoy a different view of the Chimney and Lake Lure. This is a perfect place to enjoy lunch on a warm rock with great views and very little company. Be prepared for...read more

Grandfather Mountain Habitats Restored

In order to keep the animals and park visitors safe, habitat enclosures must be properly maintained. This summer Dwight Holland, former Director of the North Carolina Zoo, returned to Grandfather Mountain once again to perform a few maintenance and beautification projects on the wildlife exhibits. Holland has become an expert of sorts at making habitats look like they would in the wild. He is especially crafty when it comes to making artificial rocks and most people don't know which rocks are fake and which ones are real, making the habitats look very natural. The primary reason for the upgrades on the Mountain is to ensure safety while maintaining the beauty of the surroundings.

Website:  http://www.grandfather.com

Forest Festival Day in Pisgah Forest

News Event: Forest Festival Day and Intercollegiate Woodsman Meet
Time/Place: Oct 3, 9AM-5PM, The Cradle of Forestry, Brevard area. The chips fly this weekend when lumberjacks and jills from four colleges compete in events like "Team Log Roll," "Horizontal Speed Chop," "Pulpwood Toss" and "Pole Fell." In addition to the competitions over 50 traditional craftspeople, exhibitors and musicians who will be on hand to celebrate the heritage of our nation's forests. The music venue is old time and bluegrass music by some standout musicians, including the unforgettably-named "The Mason Jar Drinkers."
Contact: (828)877-3130
Website: http://www.cradleofforestry.com/events/ForestFestivalDay.asp

Closure News: Great Accessibility for Fall Colors

Blueridge Parkway Closures
As of September 29, 2009 all areas of the Parkway are open except 269.8 at Phillips Gap to 271.9 Cascade Park Overlook. The short section is currently closed for slide repairs but expected to be open this fall.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm