ERA In The Smokies

03/07/2026

https://www.rentalsinthesmokies.com/

11/01/2024

Happy Halloween from the spookiest flower in the Smokies: ghost pipe! 👻

This hauntingly beautiful bloom is lurking in the darkest corners of the forest, and you better keep an eye out, because this eerie flower doesn’t need any sunlight.

The secret to its unique nature lies in its lack of chlorophyll (green plant pigment responsible for photosynthesis) and its ability to survive as a parasitic plant, feeding on its host. Nature can be wonderfully mysterious.

Kenzie Connor Photo

06/03/2023

Don't miss out on the 2023 Wildfire Preparedness Expo this weekend (Saturday, June 3rd).

The event is free for everyone to attend and will be at the Sevier County Fairgrounds (754 Old Knoxville Hwy) from 10 AM to 3 PM. The event includes interactive demonstrations, kids activities, an aerial exhibit, door prizes and more.

04/25/2023

Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acauleare) are in full bloom here in the Smokies! These orchids are a beautiful and rare sight! They have very specific habitat and soil requirements, so they do not survive transplanting. For this plant to thrive, please only take pictures and remember to leave no trace!

📷 Source: NPS Photo

04/15/2023

04/14/2023

Get trees to plant in your yard. Planting trees is one of the most important things you can do to make a difference for our air, land, water, and communities. Here's how you can participate and help...

04/12/2023

https://www.greeninterchange.org/tntrees2023.html

Get trees to plant in your yard. Planting trees is one of the most important things you can do to make a difference for our air, land, water, and communities. Here's how you can participate and help...

04/29/2022

04/29/2022

The popular synchronous firefly viewing event in Elkmont Campground will be held June 3-10, 2022.

Parking passes are distributed via a lottery to provide an equitable opportunity for interested visitors to obtain a pass for this limited, yet high-demand event.

Click here for lottery entry instructions: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233374

Photo credit: Radim Schreiber
http://fireflyexperience.org/

04/24/2022

Smokey Bear wants YOU to join us at the Sevier County Fairgrounds on May 7, 2022, for a great time at the Wildfire Community Preparedness Expo! Please see the flyer for details. Participating organizations will have information booths offering free publications for wildfire preparedness, risk reduction, and post-wildfire recovery. Smokey Bear will be gussied up and ready for pictures!
For more information please call Fire Administrator David Puckett at (865) 774-3603 or email [email protected].