Rolling Hills Lodge

09/29/2026

I know there has been a great deal of concern in our community following the recent incident involving one of the elk. Our team reached out directly to Charles Sellars, Superintendent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, who provided the following statement:

“The park is aware of the petition and recent rumors suggesting that we plan to euthanize an elk that made contact with a visitor. These claims are false. The park has no plans to euthanize the animal. Our focus remains on educating visitors about the importance of giving elk ample space to ensure both visitor and wildlife safety.

Visitors are encouraged to experience the beauty of elk in their natural habitat while prioritizing safety and conservation. Elk are wild animals and can react instinctually to perceived threats. In particular females (cows) with calves and males (bulls) will defend their territory. To ensure both your safety and the well-being of these animals, maintain a distance of at least 25 yards from elk or any distance that alters their natural behavior. More information is available at Elk - https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/elk.htm "

08/04/2026

The NCDOT has repaired 8,500+ Helene-damaged sites and reopened more than 99% of roads, but major work remains. Permanent reconstruction in Hickory Nut Gorge will continue through 2029, while rebuilding of I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge is slated for completion in late 2028. Officials say Helene recovery remains their top priority.

NCDOT has completed work at about 8,500 Helene-damaged sites, but major rebuilding in Hickory Nut Gorge and along I-40 will take years.

06/17/2026

04/23/2026

GSMNP firefly lottery opens Friday

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host its annual synchronous firefly event at Elkmont from May 20-27.

A lottery for vehicle reservations opens at 10 a.m. April 24 and closes at 11:59 p.m. April 27. Visitors can enter the lottery at recreation.gov for a $1 fee. Every year, in late May or early June, hundreds of visitors gather near Elkmont to watch Photinus carolinus, a firefly species known for its synchronous flashing.

The park limits access to the Elkmont area during the eight-day period of predicted peak firefly activity to ease traffic, keep visitors safe and protect the fireflies during their mating season. Visitors may select two preferred viewing days when entering the lottery.

The park will issue 120 reservations per night for a total of 960 for the event. Each reservation admits one vehicle with up to seven occupants. Applicants will be notified by email by May 6 about their lottery status. Selected applicants will automatically receive a reservation, and a $29 reservation fee will be charged to the same card used for the application. The $29 fee covers the reservation, portable restrooms, supplies and staffing.

Reservations are non-refundable, non-transferable and valid only for the date issued. There is a limit of one lottery application per household per season. Access is restricted after noon during the viewing period to vehicles with reservations and registered campers in Elkmont Campground. Overnight parking at Little River Trailhead, Jakes Creek Trailhead or the Appalachian Clubhouse is not allowed during this event.