Smokies

  • 200 Miles and Into the Smokies

    The emerging signs of spring were just gradually becoming more prevalent when the temperatures dropped dramatically accompanied by an unwelcome snow storm. It was initially exciting to officially enter Great...

  • Trolley transports visitors to the synchronous fireflies

    Synchronized Fireflies

    Synchronized fireflies treat Smoky Mountain visitors to a magical light show. Once a year and in one small area, thousands of Synchronous Fireflies (Photinus carolinus) flash their bioluminescence. Then there...

  • National Park Volunteer

    A multitude of volunteer opportunities exist in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and there are National Park Service volunteers serving at parks throughout the country. The majority of volunteers live...

  • Brad Saum and Smoky Mountain Bears

    Hands On With Smoky Mountain Bears

    Black bears are an iconic symbol of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Smoky Mountain bears are wild animals and thrive on a diet of nuts, berries, insects and animal carrion....

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park view from Newfound Gap

    RV Maintenance

    Despite all the distractions of the Smoky Mountains, it is time for some RV maintenance. As I approach nearly a year of living and traveling full-time in my RV, there...

  • Brad Saum volunteering in Smokies

    Volunteering in the Smokies

    After nearly a year of living and traveling full-time in my RV, change is in the air. I am settling down – but only for two months! I am volunteering...