News Releases

Due to dry conditions, low relative humidity, a continued high fire danger, and forecasted high winds, the National Park Service (NPS) is instituting an immediate ban on all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This fire ban will remain in effect until further notice on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park. This is consistent with the National Weather Service Red Flag Warning in our area.

GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Due to dry conditions, low relative humidity, a continued high fire danger, and a high wind watch, the National Park Service (NPS) is instituting an immediate ban on all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This fire ban will remain in effect until further notice on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park.

GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Due to continued dry conditions, winds, and high fire danger, the National Park Service (NPS) is banning all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park effective immediately.

Missing hiker Ann Houghton, age 73, was found deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on February 2 at approximately 1:53 p.m.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is currently searching for overdue hiker Ann Houghton in the area of Smokemont Campground. Law enforcement and search and rescue personnel are focusing efforts along Bradley Fork, Chasteen Creek, Hughes Ridge and Enloe Creek trails. Houghton is described as a 73-year-old female with gray hair, approximately 105 pounds and 5 feet and 6 inches tall. Her planned itinerary was to hike in the park starting on Jan. 28 until Jan. 29. Her vehicle was found at the Smokemont Campground. Houghton was reported missing on Feb. 1.

The National Park Service (NPS) plans to burn approximately 1,400 acres of fields in the eastern half of Cades Cove at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Weather permitting, burn operations may begin as early as Feb. 3 and may continue through Feb. 5. These seasonal prescribed fires help to safely reduce fuels, restore meadow habitats and maintain the historic landscape of Cades Cove.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking help to identify and document former homesite locations within the park. Volunteer-In-Park Frank March, in conjunction with Park Archeologist Allison Harvey, is leading these research efforts which includes documenting field locations with associated historic records.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remove hazard trees in Cades Cove on Jan. 20-Jan. 24. This includes removing brush from the side of the road to keep vegetation from hitting passing vehicles and removing all hazard trees that could fall onto the road.

The National Park Service (NPS) will begin a major rehabilitation on Laurel Falls Trail, one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail will close for 18 months starting Jan. 6, 2025, as crews make improvements to the trail and parking areas.

The National Park Service (NPS) will conduct additional design work and technical studies for Foothills Parkway Section 8D. This decision was based on feedback from subject matter experts and public comments received during a 30-day public comment which ended on August 21.