Smoky Mountain Skies

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

🐟 It's almost free fishing time in Tennessee! 🎣

Looking for a fun and FREE way to spend time outdoors with the family this summer? Mark your calendars for Free Fishing Day in Tennessee- Saturday, June 6, 2026!

On Free Fishing Day, all ages can fish completely free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters, agency-owned lakes, and Tennessee State Parks 🙌

☀️Even better? Free Fishing Week follows June 6, allowing kids ages 15 and under to fish license-free all week long across Tennessee public waters and state parks.

🎣 Tennessee also offers a free “First Fish Certificate” to celebrate your child’s first catch! You can download the printable certificate and learn more here: https://bit.ly/3N2kEwQ

Plan your fishing trip today and learn more about Free Fishing Day: https://bit.ly/4u5NQaA 🛶

05/30/2026

It's time to start the weekend in Gatlinburg. What are you doing first?

05/30/2026

I'm changing my mind.🤔

At first, I wasn't sure what to think of the new twigloo at Anakeesta, but I really like it NOW.😊

I think it only needs a sign on it to identify with the park, but guests will still flock to this area for pics, and some will mark the spot to pop the ultimate question.❤️

Picture taken in the rain on Wednesday afternoon.🌧

05/23/2026

When was the last time you went driving along Newfound Gap Road?

05/23/2026

And so it begins.

Happy Friday and have a happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone. Be safe and be aware of your surroundings It's going to be busy.🙂

05/16/2026

🥾 You turn a corner on a trail… and there in the path is a black bear. What now?

(“Outrun my hiking partner” is the wrong answer.)

With more than 1,900 bears in the Smokies, there’s a good chance you may see one while exploring the park. Here’s what you should do to keep both you and the bear safe:

🐾 If you encounter a black bear
-Stay calm and alert.
-Do not approach the bear. If the bear is just doing bear things, keep your distance and stand quietly. Enjoy watching the bear from a distance in its natural habitat.
-If the bear stops, watches you, or changes direction toward you, you’re too close.
-Back away slowly while facing the bear. Never run.

🐾 If a black bear approaches or follows you
-Stand your ground. Do not run or turn your back.
-Shout and act aggressively to scare it off, and make yourself look big by raising your arms or lifting your trekking poles into the air.
-Throw non‑food objects (like rocks or sticks) at the bear only if necessary.
-Never feed a bear or leave food behind.
-Use bear spray only as a last resort and only if the bear is within 20 yards.

🐾 If a black bear attacks you
-Fight back. Do not play dead.

📢 When to file a bear incident report
-If you experience unusual bear behavior—such as a bear lingering around campgrounds, picnic areas, or parking lots; showing stalking behavior; or any incident in which a bear obtains human food or garbage—please file a bear incident report on our website using the link below.
-For significant incidents, call 865‑436‑1230. For emergencies, call 911.

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/black-bears.htm

NPS Photo