The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Office is staffed by just four rangers, who alternate between office duties and hiking to remote sites. The Backcountry Office stays busy; in 2024, ...

There's a lot to think about before venturing out into the mountains for a camping adventure, but these five tips will ensure you have a smooth experience.

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) — The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is changing its backcountry reservation and permitting process. Beginning early next year, the park will collect a $4 per person per ...

From the daily newsletter: what it takes to be a rescuer at the busiest national park in America.

SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — The Great Smoky Mountain National Park and its partners have announced the expansion of adaptive ranger-led programs in 2024. The ranger-led programs are designed for visitors ...

Here in the backcountry there are only 27 campsites, compared with the 200 sites that can be found at other Great Smokies campgrounds. We were surprised to see that a few RVs had braved the road, but ...

Growing up, Blount County native Carly Pearson considered time outdoors a way of life. When she wasn’t exploring the stunningly diverse landscape of nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, she was ...

There are a few different flavors of wilderness camping. Most often, the term refers to simply camping in the backcountry. That means camping in a place that you have to hike at least a mile or more ...