Smokies Life

06/01/2026

Growing up, Bill Lea was an avid fisherman. But when he moved to the Mississippi Delta, the muddy waters gave him pause.

“One day, I put down the fishing pole, picked up a camera, and fell in love with the adrenaline flow of photographing wildlife,” he said. “I never looked back.”

Since then, Lea has created countless iconic images of the wildlife and landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains. Take a ride with Lea for a morning photography expedition to Cades Cove on our newest Smokies LIVE blog: https://smokieslife.org/2026/05/26/photographer-packs-decades-of-devotion-to-the-park-in-every-frame/



📸 Bill Lea

05/29/2026

Take a walk on Anthony Creek Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with our 2026 Steve Kemp writer in residence, Laurie McDowell. McDowell isn’t in a hurry, as he often spends about three or four hours to walk a mile. But that’s just because he stops so often to sketch the countless wildflowers, insects, and trees that, like him, are native to Appalachia. Through illustration and poetry, he seeks to magnify small, often-overlooked details, while also drawing connections and context across the larger landscape. Video by Robin Pyle, courtesy of Smokies Life.

05/27/2026

Join us in congratulating Discover Life in America Executive Todd Witcher for being honored with the prestigious Z. Cartter Patten Award!

05/27/2026

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed until May 28. For the most up-to-date information on road and trail closures ⬇️
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail will be closed starting this evening until May 28 so that our hazard tree crew can perform maintenance on dangerous trees and branches.
Check our website for the most up-to-date information on road and trail closures ⬇️
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm

05/25/2026

Laurie McDowell grew up in the Appalachians but didn’t start learning about ecology and species identification until later, when he began his career in conservation. Now, as our 2026 Steve Kemp writer in residence, he’s using art and poetry to reacquaint himself with the plant communities of his childhood. Laurie shares his approach to art and outdoor experience in our latest blog: https://smokieslife.org/2026/05/21/poetry-and-art-reacquaint-writer-in-residence-with-smoky-mountain-plants/


📸 Holly Kays, Smokies Life

05/23/2026

We hope you enjoy this pairing of a poem and illustration inspired by springtime in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Both were created by our 2026 Steve Kemp writer in residence Laurie McDowell. A native of Appalachia, Laurie will be spending a total of six weeks in the park this year exploring its native species through drawing and poetry. https://smokieslife.org/2026/05/13/springtime-in-poetry/


📸 Laurie McDowell

05/20/2026

Last night, Smokies Life CEO Jacqueline Harp was a guest on the podcast America at Night with McGraw Milhaven. During the live episode, they discussed Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the role Smokies Life plays in supporting the most visited national park in the United States. That podcast episode is now available to stream on all podcast platforms, thanks to the National Park Foundation. Begin listening at 37:56 for Jacki's portion of the interview.

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mvvksmp4
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4jda7nh5
Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/nhzdnywu
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yc6v7hju

05/20/2026

Regardless of ability or accessibility, learn how to hike, bike, and backcountry camp in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Find out more: https://www.catalystsports.org/gsmnp-programs

05/19/2026

Tonight, May 19, Smokies Life CEO Jacqueline Harp joins host McGraw Milhaven on the nationally syndicated iHeartMedia radio show America at Night. They will be discussing the importance of spending time in our national parks, what makes the Smokies so special, and why preserving these natural treasures remains vital for future generations. Streaming live from 9 p.m. to midnight, listen to the show at https://krocnews.com/listen-live/popup/. Made possible by the National Park Foundation, the episode will be available via podcast beginning May 20.

05/17/2026

A friendly reminder to follow the BearWise® Basics while on vacation or at home.