Archive for the ‘Elkmont Campground’ Category

Synchronous Fireflies schedule details set

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010
Each June in the Elkmont area of the Great Smoky Mountains, a natural phenomenon occurs that continues to baffle scientists.

During a two week window in late spring, thousands of lightning bugs flash in complete unison.

The synchronous firefly show, which researchers have identified as a rare form of “simultaneous bioluminescence”, is a popular and growing attraction for the Smoky Mountains. Each evening, several hundred park visitors begin arriving in Elmont with blankets, chairs and flashlights to witness the natural phenomenon that occurs after the park becomes pitch black.

If you would like to see this incredible show, you should be aware that the park closes the road to Elkmont. The only way to access the area is by using the trolley service provided by the park from the Sugarlands Visitor Center beginning on Saturday, June 5th, through the following Sunday night, June 13th.

Additional details from Park Officials:

The Elkmont entrance road will be closed to motor vehicles and pedestrian use every night from 5:00 p.m. until midnight, June 5-13, except to registered campers staying at the Elkmont Campground.

The trolleys will begin picking up visitors from the Sugarlands Visitor Center RV/bus parking area at 7 p.m. this year. The trolleys will run continually until the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking area is full, or until 9 p.m., whichever comes first. The last trolley to return visitors from Elkmont to the Sugarlands Visitor Center is scheduled at 11 p.m. The cost will be $1 round trip per person as in previous years.

It's recommended that visitors bring flashlights with red cellophane covers to reduce white light. Visitors can bring lawn chairs, and carry food and water in backpacks which can fit on their laps in the trolleys. Please note that there are no services available at the site.

Visitors are prohibited from bringing coolers, alcoholic beverages, or their pets.

For more information about the synchronous fireflies, including a video, please click here.




Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Posted in Elkmont, Elkmont Campground, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Smokies, Synchronous Fireflies, lightning bugs | Comments Off

Smokies seeking trail improvement volunteers

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
On Sunday, April 25 from 10 am to 5 pm, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will celebrate National Park Week with a community service project that will involve performing trail improvements to the Elkmont Nature Trail located at the Elkmont Campground near Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Thanks to the Coca-Cola Foundation and the National Park Foundation, this community service project will provide families and individuals an opportunity to do hands-on trail work and become involved in creating a better environment. The Elkmont Nature Trail is an easy ¾ mile self-guided loop. The project will include tasks for both youth and adults, from cutting back vegetation to using hand tools to repair sections of trail tread and create water bars (a support structure that diverts water away from a trail).

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will provide all the necessary equipment needed, including work gloves, for the project. Volunteers should come prepared to work for a day in the woods. It is suggested that participants dress in good sturdy foot wear and long pants. Since volunteers will be working a full day, it will be necessary to pack a lunch and plenty of water. Youth volunteers must be accompanied by an adult and are required to be at least 10 years of age.

To attend this event, interested persons need to RSVP by April 19 to the Trails & Facilities Volunteer Coordinator, Christine Hoyer, at 828-497-1949.

This service project is being made possible in part by the Active Trails! grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of the Coca-Cola Foundation, a Proud Partner of America’s National Parks. The Active Trails! grant was designed to enhance your National Parks’ trail resources and promote healthy lifestyles.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

Posted in Active Trails, Elkmont Campground, Elkmont Nature Trail | Comments Off