Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that some campgrounds, visitor centers, and additional roads will be accessible to visitors as part of the current phase in the park’s plan to restore public access across the park. Beginning on Monday, June 8, the following areas will be accessible:  Cades Cove and Smokemont CampgroundsAnthony Creek Horse CampSugarlands, Oconaluftee, Cades Cove, and ...

Gatlinburg has always been a favorite destination for celebrating Independence Day and this year is no exception. The family favorite River Raft Regatta and the Fireworks Display will go on as planned along with other patriotic pop events throughout the day. The Midnight Parade was cancelled due social distancing guidelines.  “Gatlinburg wants to be sure that we continue as many ...

Anyone may fish free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters on Tennessee Free Fishing Day 2020. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides the annual free day in hopes of increasing interest in fishing. Tennessee Free Fishing Day will be held Saturday, June 6, 2020. The day allows anyone (resident or nonresident) the opportunity to try this great outdoor sport, ...

Park officials were joined by Second Lady Karen Pence and Deputy Secretary of the Interior Katherine MacGregor at Clingmans Dome to talk about the mental health benefits of being outdoors and announced the next phase in the park’s plan to restore public access to more roads and picnic areas.  Mrs. Pence is the Lead Ambassador for PREVENTS, an interagency task ...

LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville, as a member of the Covenant Health, is participating in a nationwide clinical trial to treat COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma transfusions. Covenant Health hospitals have joined a nationwide effort to begin treating some COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma transfusions as part of a clinical trial. Convalescent plasma is donated by patients who have recovered ...

Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge reopened today after the COVID-19 closure, with its mascot “Doc” to remind visitors how to stay safe. The museum is taking new safety measures to help keep visitors safe and healthy. To help “police” these new safety rules, the museum is introducing their mascot, “Doc” (law enforcement abbreviation for Department of Corrections). Guests ...

City of Pigeon Forge and Sevier County Office of Emergency Management are partnering with Kroger Health to hold a COVID-19 drive-thru testing site in the parking lot of the Pigeon Forge Community Center this week. Kroger is pleased to partner with the City of Pigeon Forge and Sevier County OEM to facilitate a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing opportunity. The two-day ...

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will begin a phased reopening and says it has implemented new safety measures in facility operations and services to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as areas reopen to the public. Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Great Smoky Mountains National ...

The popular Synchronous Firefly Viewing at Elkmont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and inability to safely hold the event while maintaining social distancing. Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have canceled the synchronous firefly viewing event in a continuing effort to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread ...

Tennessee has launched the COVID-19 Essential Employee Child Care Payment Assistance program to provide free child care for essential workers during the pandemic. The Tennessee Department of Human Services is announcing new child care assistance to support families that are serving the state in essential workforce positions. Through payment assistance and a network of temporary care locations, parents who work ...