Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior
SMOKIES GUIDE The Official Newspaper of the Smokies • Fall 2025
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Both sections of the Foothills Parkway—east (accessed near Cosby, Tennessee, and pictured above) and west (accessed near Walland or Wears Valley, Tennessee)—offer views of dazzling fall colors. Photo courtesy of Smokies Life archives.
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Words with a Ranger Greetings! I serve as the prescribed fire and fuels specialist for the Appalachian Piedmont Coastal Fire Management Zone, working within Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Fire and Aviation Management Division. As a child growing up in Kentucky, I had the opportunity to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park multiple times—on family vacations, school trips, and weekend getaways. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong appreciation for the majesty of our public lands and the mission of the National Park Service. Today, I am honored to help protect this iconic landscape, its rich cultural heritage, and the millions of visitors who come here each year. My role centers around managing hazardous fuels—natural vegetation that, if left unmanaged, could increase Continued on page 12
Preparing for Fire Season in the Great Smokies What to expect this fall
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ire is a natural and essential part of the Smokies landscape, playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. It recycles nutrients into the soil, promotes new vegetation growth, and reduces the severity of future fires by preventing hazardous fuels from building up. However, wildfires can also present serious risks—particularly when dry, windy conditions or proximity to developed areas increase the likelihood of rapid spread. As fall approaches, fire managers are closely monitoring wildfire conditions. Forecasts for the upcoming fall season indicate an above-average potential for wildfire activity. Fall leaf litter, combined with low humidity and gusty winds, can elevate fire danger. Great Smoky Mountains National Park maintains a dedicated fire staff that includes a wildland fire module, a Type 6 engine crew, a fuels module, a
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fire effects crew, and fire management officials. Fires in the park are managed using a variety of strategies, including full suppression, containment within a defined perimeter, or a combination of tactics to ensure human safety while also protecting the park’s diverse natural resources. To stay safe, both residents and visitors should stay vigilant during the fall fire season. Follow all posted fire restrictions, ensure campfires are fully extinguished, and avoid open flames during periods of high fire danger. People with respiratory conditions should monitor air quality alerts and limit outdoor exposure when smoke is present. Smoke from wildfires or prescribed burns may be visible—or not—but can still travel long distances. Stay informed through local alerts as well as park fire conditions at nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. GreatSmoky MountainsNPS
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PARKING TAG REQUIRED! Parking in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes requires a valid parking tag (annual tag pictured). For more info, scan code with camera app
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