A lottery for tickets to the 2026 synchronous firefly viewing event in the Great Smoky Mountains opens in mid-April. The park limits access to the Elkmont area to protect the fireflies during their mating season and manage traffic.

Parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed after visitors encountered aggressive bears over the weekend.

Dates to view the synchronous fireflies show in Great Smoky Mountains National Park have been announced. Here’s when and how to try to get in.

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — A series of recent bear encounters has led Great Smoky Mountains National Park to temporarily close Ramsey Prong Road and Ramsey Cascades Trail. Park rangers will monitor bear activity in those areas after responding to three bear‑related incidents at Ramsey Cascades Trail this past weekend.

In Episode 5 of his new video series, the world-class climber explores his home state, from alpine trails to Basque history