the Happy Hiker

08/22/2025

Saturday night September 13 events…

08/22/2025

Friday Night September 12 events…

08/22/2025

Come on over to Cherokee September 12-13 for some outdoor fun!
Mountainside Shrednanigans is presented by 7 Moons . We do a mountain bike progression class for riders who are looking for the little tips and tricks to be successful on the trails. This event will also help raise money for a mountain bike skills course in Cherokee and open to all.
More info coming!

Marla

08/16/2025

Come on out to Cherokee for a fun outdoor event.
I know we don’t post on this page very often, but we know some of you may be interested.
-M

02/02/2025

2/2/2025 Update:
Missing hiker Ann Houghton, age 73, was found deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on February 2 at approximately 1:53 p.m. She was found roughly a quarter mile off of Enloe Creek Trail.

Houghton was a resident of Jackson County, NC. She volunteered in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 20 years. In 2022, Great Smoky Mountains National Park nominated Houghton for a National Park Service George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

“Ann was an enduring and beloved member of our Smokies Community. She was a dedicated volunteer and avid hiker who shared her passion for the park with many visitors,” said Charles Sellars, Acting Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers condolences to her family and friends.”

Several local agencies assisted the park with search operations, investigations, and emergency services including Cherokee Fire and Rescue, BUSAR, Macon Volunteer Fire Department, Cowee Volunteer Fire Department, Appalachian Mountain Rescue Team and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

2/2/2025
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.

If you have any information or see Ann Houghton, please contact Great Smoky Mountains National Park Dispatch at 865-436-1230.

10/25/2024

Appalachian Trail conditions update. 🌀ℹ️ Officials with the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests have reopened part of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area following Hurricane Helene. This includes the A.T. from Elk Garden/VA 600 to VA 42 (NOBO miles 495.2 to 558.6). The Forest Service warns that conditions are dynamic and constantly evolving. Visitors may encounter damaged or closed roads. The A.T. in this section has not been fully assessed for damage.

For the latest Trail conditions and more information on how to get involved with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, please visit appalachiantrail.org/helene.

09/26/2024

Plan for GSMNP travel impacts with incoming inclement weather
GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Visitors should expect closures and event cancellations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park beginning tonight (Sept. 25) in preparation for expected weather impacts from Hurricane Helene.

The National Weather Service forecasts heavy rain through the end of the week with high winds Thursday night into Friday. The park expects 3-5 inches of rain today into tomorrow and an additional 3-5 inches Thursday evening into Friday. Wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour are possible Thursday night into Friday morning.

At sunset today, park staff will close Rich Mountain Road and Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga/Round Bottom/Straight Fork Road) from the Heintooga Picnic Area to the park boundary. Tomorrow, the park will close Heintooga Ridge Road. Balsam Mountain Campground is closed, and park staff are communicating with campers.

Mountain Life Festival, which was scheduled for Sept. 28, is canceled. While the National Weather Service forecasts lighter rain over the weekend, the event’s overflow parking area will be closed to prevent resource damage. Park staff will now offer harvest-related cultural demonstrations on Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parson Branch Road remains closed due to Flint Gap Fire impacts. The fire is 95% contained as of Sept. 24.

Visitors should drive with extra caution, check the weather before coming, and prepare to change their plans with the potential of additional road closures.

No other closures are currently planned, but please check road conditions before visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

-NPS-

Public Affairs Office
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

03/20/2023

Don't go chasing waterfalls...cautiously approach and be careful of slippery conditions. In fact, you may just want to stick to the rivers and lakes that you're used to.

Spring may be just around the corner, but there’s still cold temps and snow in many parks. We know, because we went outside and it’s cold. If visiting a cold-weather park, plan ahead, check weather conditions, and visit a park’s website for important information about roads and facilities. If you're not venturing out this week, stay connected with national parks across the country on social! We’ve got you covered!

P.S. Always be careful of the icy patch! Especially if you think you’re moving too fast or if you’re out in the pourin’ rain. That is all.

Image: Lost Creek Falls frozen in the snow Yellowstone landscape. NPS/ Jacob W. Frank

03/20/2023

Another day of flying ahead, but temps are much warmer today! 🚁 ☀️ 🏔️

http://www.highonleconte.com/daily-posts/march-16-2023

03/20/2023

03/20/2023

The lodge officially reopens for the season today, starting with the gift shop at noon. Temps remain frigid after a low of 1° last night.

http://www.highonleconte.com/daily-posts/march-20-2023

02/12/2023

Per the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6:51 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11: