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Black bellied salamander
Jennifer Fulford

Two updated field guides describe changes in Smokies species

When it comes to species diversity, habitat, and behavior, change in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is ongoing—yet frequently flies under the radar. To reflect shifts in animal populations in the park, Smokies Life has updated two popular field guides to keep enthusiasts and park visitors informed. Revised editions of Mammals of the Smokies and Reptiles and Amphibians of the Smokies are now available for sale

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Jennifer Fulford December 18, 2025
A male and female forest ranger picking up trash and shoveling a fire ring.
Holly Kays

Backcountry rangers hike to help

Backcountry rangers Lydia Williams and Jordan Gibeault have almost reached their destination, Kephart Prong Shelter, when they purposefully veer off-trail. They descend a slight hill, emerge into a small creekside clearing, and immediately turn their attention to a rocky outcrop protruding from the hillside. It’s ringed with stones and filled with ash. “This is a great example of an illegal fire ring,” Williams says. “Every

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Holly Kays December 15, 2025
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Great Smokies

Welcome Center

Hours of Operation

(subject to change)

Open year round (closed December 25)


January - February

Open Daily 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

March - November

Open Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
December

Open Daily 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

The Great Smokies Welcome Center is located on U.S. 321 in Townsend, TN, 2 miles from the west entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can get information about things to see and do in and around the national park and shop from a wide selection of books, gifts, and other Smokies merchandise. Daily, weekly, and annual parking tags for the national park are also available.

Physical Address

7929 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway Townsend TN 37882

Contact

865.436.7318 Ext 320