Forks of the River 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM The site of the present Sugarlands Visitor Center and Park Headquarters was once known as "Forks of the River." Join a ranger to learn about the once vibrant communities of Sugarlands, Fighting Creek, and Forks of the River. more...
Eager Weaver 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Join a ranger and learn how the early settlers spun, carded, and dyed wool and cotton, and how they wove it into clothes. Weave a bookmark on your own loom! Ages 5 and up.
more...
Cabin Home 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM What was it like to make a living in these mountains in the 1800s? Come to the Ownby Cabin (1/3 mile up the Fighting Creek Nature Trail) for short talks on mountain history and culture. more...
Junior Rangers: Let`s Talk About Bears 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM The symbol of the Smokies is the North American black bear. Learn about some of their characteristics and the dos and don`ts of observing these wonderful animals. Ideal for Junior Rangers.
more...
Cades Cove Mill Area Walk 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM Join a park ranger for a guided walk through several of the historic structures that were important in the community. more...
Junior Rangers: Can I Hunt in the Park? 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Can you hunt in the park? If it is with your eyes, of course you can! If you would like to hone your observation skills in order to search for signs of wildlife, gather at the Oconaluftee River Trailhead near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. more...
WILD by Design 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM A talk and hands-on demonstration about the wild things in the park. more...
Cades Cove Evening Hayride 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Enjoy an open-air hayride viewing wildlife and discovering the diversity of the Cove. more...
Elkmont: The Rest of the Story 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Logging and tourism were both factors in the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Elkmont played a major role in this history. Join a ranger for a walk through time. more...
Smokemont Players Story Hour 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Mystery, drama, hilarity! Join us for some interactive Great Smoky Mountains storytelling. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. more...
Cades Cove Night Hike 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM Listen to the spirits of Cades Cove. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. more...
Elkmont Campfire Program 9:00 PM to 9:45 PM Join a ranger for a national park tradition – the evening campfire program. Topics vary, but you’re guaranteed to learn something new about the Great Smoky Mountains. more...
Junior Rangers: Life in a Mountain Stream 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream to find all sorts of critters and other aquatic life. Come prepared to get wet. more...
Junior Ranger: Eager Weaver 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Join a ranger and learn how the early settlers spun, carded, and dyed wool and cotton, and how they wove it into clothes. Weave a bookmark on you own loom! more...
Cades Cove Mill Area Walk 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM Join a park ranger for a guided walk through several of the historic structures that were important in the community. more...
Down on the Farm 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Walk down to the farm and see what pastime activities families may have been busy with, such as quilting, woodworking, or gardening. Demonstration activities vary. more...
WILD by Design 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM A talk and hands-on demonstration about the wild things in the park. more...
Just a-Fiddlin` Around 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Join a ranger for old-time music on the fiddle, banjo, and dulcimer. Sing along and try your hand at making music with spoons, washboards, and even bones! more...
Cades Cove Evening Hayride 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Enjoy an open-air hayride viewing wildlife and discovering the diversity of the Cove. more...
Sunset at Clingmans Dome 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM Walk to the highest peak in the park to get both an inspiring view and a greater insight on how we can protect the majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Bring a flashlight.
more...
Night Hike 8:45 PM to 9:45 PM Move beyond the comfortable glow of the campfire and explore the Smokies nightlife. Limited to 25 participants. Call (828) 497-1904 up to four days in advance to make reservations.
more...
Images of Cades Cove 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Special audiovisual program on unique images of Cades Cove by professional photographer and writer Bill Lea more...
Mingus Creek and Mill Walk 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM Dr. John Mingus, an early settler, lends his name to both the mill and the creek. Highlights of the walk include two cemeteries, an old Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, one easy stream crossing by rock-hopping, and a working gristmill. more...
Elkmont Campfire Program 9:00 PM to 9:45 PM Join a ranger for a national park tradition – the evening campfire program. Topics vary, but you’re guaranteed to learn something new about the Great Smoky Mountains. more...
Geology for Junior Rangers 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM How old are the Great Smoky Mountains? How were they formed? Do rocks talk? What do the rocks tell us? Find the answers at this unique Junior Ranger program. more...
So You Wanna Take a Hike? 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM How should you prepare for day hiking in the Smokies? Learn the do’s and don’ts in this fact-filled program for all ages and experience levels. more...
Cades Cove Mill Area Walk 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM Join a park ranger for a guided walk through several of the historic structures that were important in the community. more...
Junior Rangers: Stream Splashin` 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM What lives in our streams? Discover the stream critters of the Smokies with a ranger. Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream to find all sorts of aquatic life. more...
WILD by Design 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM A talk and hands-on demonstration about the wild things in the park. more...
The Natural World of Elkmont 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM Walk with a ranger along the Elkmont Nature Trail to discover some unique facts about this part of the Smokies. more...
Smokies Nightlife 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM Move beyond the comforting glow of your campfire to explore the “dark side” of the Smokies. more...
Monday 8/4/2008
Stream Stroll 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Water is the lifeblood of the Smokies. Take a short walk along a nearby stream to discover just how true this statement is. more...
The Walker Sisters of Little Greenbrier 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM Six sisters lived out their long lives in this homestead in the old-fashioned way. Join a ranger on this 2.2 mile roundtrip hike to learn about their fascinating history. more...
Junior Rangers: Blacksmithing 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM, 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM, 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM, 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM, 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM Join a park ranger in the blacksmith shop to learn about the blacksmith. Create your own item to take home. Group size will be limited. Ages 8-12 ONLY.
more...
Cataract Falls Walk 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Get away from the hustle and bustle by taking an easy stroll to a beautiful waterfall and learn more about the Great Smokies.
more...
Cabin Home 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM What was it like to make a living in these mountains in the 1800s? Come to the Ownby Cabin (1/3 mile up the Fighting Creek Nature Trail) for short talks on mountain history and culture. more...
Junior Rangers: Let`s be a Scientist! 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM Ever dream of being a scientist? Join a Ranger to try using scientific tools to study wildlife and forests. Be prepared to get up close and personal to some critters that live here. more...
Junior Rangers: Stream Splashers 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream to look for salamanders, damselflies, and other critters. Be prepared to get wet. more...
Cades Cove Evening Hayride 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Enjoy an open-air hayride viewing wildlife and discovering the diversity of the Cove. more...
Junior Rangers: Explore Nocturnal Nature 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM Do you have what it takes to be a creature of the night? Challenge your senses as we take a nighttime stroll into the dark world of Elkmont. Bring a flashlight.
more...
Night Hike 8:45 PM to 9:45 PM Move beyond the comfortable glow of the campfire and explore the Smokies nightlife. Limited to 25 participants. Call (828) 497-1904 up to four days in advance to make reservations.
more...
Tuesday 8/5/2008
Junior Rangers: Critters and Crawlies 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM Join a ranger to discover the amazing animals that call the Smokies home. Learn about some of the exciting creatures you may see during your visit, and create a picture to take home with you. more...
Become a GPS Guru! 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Join a ranger to experience an exciting outdoor adventure game known as Earthcaching. Global Positioning System (GPS) units will be provided for use during the program. Must be 10 years and older. more...
Junior Rangers: Blacksmithing 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Join a Ranger in the blacksmith shop and make your own dinner bell to take home. Limited to children ages 10 and older. more...
Junior Rangers: Little Greenbrier School 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Readin` and writin` and fun. Turn back the clock to 1900 and find out what it was like to attend school in a one-room log schoolhouse. more...
Anikituwahgi: The Cherokee of the Appalachians 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Learn about the inhabitants of the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, as we discuss aspects of their past and present. See and use various artifacts and participate in hands-on activities. more...
Junior Rangers: Slimy Salamanders 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Join a ranger to explore the damp, dark world of the park`s most popular amphibian. Be prepared to get a little wet and even a little dirty as we search for this slimy creature. more...
Cades Cove Night Hike 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM Listen to the spirits of Cades Cove. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. more...
Wednesday 8/6/2008
Heritage Hunt 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Join a park ranger for a program on the cemeteries of Cades Cove. After the talk, a self-guiding activity booklet will be provided to discover the stories, mysteries, and insight cemeteries give us about community life in the cove.
more...
Junior Rangers: Stream Splashin` 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM What lives in our streams? Discover the stream critters of the Smokies with a ranger. Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream to find all sorts of aquatic life. Wear sturdy shoes that you can get wet. more...
Forks of the River 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM The site of the present Sugarlands Visitor Center and Park Headquarters was once known as "Forks of the River." Join a ranger to learn about the once vibrant communities of Sugarlands, Fighting Creek, and Forks of the River. more...
Aw Shucks! 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Come experience the art of making a simple corn shuck doll, while gaining historical insight on the diversity of corn in the region. more...
Cataract Falls Walk 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Get away from the hustle and bustle by taking an easy stroll to a beautiful waterfall and learn more about the Great Smokies.
more...
Cabin Home 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM What was it like to make a living in these mountains in the 1800s? Come to the Ownby Cabin (1/3 mile up the Fighting Creek Nature Trail) for short talks on mountain history and culture. more...
Junior Rangers: Bein` A Kid in the Mountains 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM What was it like to grow up in these mountains? Use some old-timey hand tools, create a mountain toy, and discover some old-fashioned mountain medicines. more...
Cades Cove Evening Hayride 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Enjoy an open-air hayride viewing wildlife and discovering the diversity of the Cove. more...
Night Hike 8:45 PM to 9:45 PM Move beyond the comfortable glow of the campfire and explore the Smokies nightlife. Limited to 25 participants. Call (828) 497-1904 up to four days in advance to make reservations.
more...
Thursday 8/7/2008
Junior Rangers: Pottery Making 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM Join a park ranger and learn about pottery and how it is made and used. You will make a pot to take home as well. more...
Junior Rangers: Batteries Not Included 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM What kinds of toys did kids play with in the old days? Join a ranger to discover how kids were entertained before video games and iPods. Youll be able to take home a buzz button of your very own. more...
A Stitch in Time 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Quilting is often referred to as putting memories into something practical. You can learn a practical way to keep your memories of your visit to the Smokies by making a quilted potholder. more...
Junior Rangers: Trees of the Sugarlands Valley 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM There are over a hundred species of trees that grow in the national park. Join in on a walk along Fighting Creek to identify some of them. Ideal family and Junior Ranger activity. more...
Cades Cove Mill Area Walk 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM Join a park ranger for a guided walk through several of the historic structures that were important in the community. more...
Guided Cades Cove Hayride 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM Join a park ranger for an early morning open-air hayride viewing wildlife and discovering the diversity of life in the cove. more...
Hills, Hollers and Harmonies 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM Join a park ranger to learn about the ballads, fiddle tunes, and hymns of the early settlers that still echo within the hills and hearts of the Smokies. more...
Forks of the River 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM The site of the present Sugarlands Visitor Center and Park Headquarters was once known as "Forks of the River." Join a ranger to learn about the once vibrant communities of Sugarlands, Fighting Creek, and Forks of the River. more...
Eager Weaver 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Join a ranger and learn how the early settlers spun, carded, and dyed wool and cotton, and how they wove it into clothes. Weave a bookmark on your own loom! Ages 5 and up.
more...
Cataract Falls Walk 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Get away from the hustle and bustle by taking an easy stroll to a beautiful waterfall and learn more about the Great Smokies.
more...
Cabin Home 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM What was it like to make a living in these mountains in the 1800s? Come to the Ownby Cabin (1/3 mile up the Fighting Creek Nature Trail) for short talks on mountain history and culture. more...
Junior Rangers: Let`s Talk About Bears 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM The symbol of the Smokies is the North American black bear. Learn about some of their characteristics and the dos and don`ts of observing these wonderful animals. Ideal for Junior Rangers.
more...
Cades Cove Mill Area Walk 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM Join a park ranger for a guided walk through several of the historic structures that were important in the community. more...
Junior Rangers: Can I Hunt in the Park? 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Can you hunt in the park? If it is with your eyes, of course you can! If you would like to hone your observation skills in order to search for signs of wildlife, gather at the Oconaluftee River Trailhead near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. more...
WILD by Design 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM A talk and hands-on demonstration about the wild things in the park. more...
Cades Cove Evening Hayride 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Enjoy an open-air hayride viewing wildlife and discovering the diversity of the Cove. more...
Elkmont: The Rest of the Story 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Logging and tourism were both factors in the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Elkmont played a major role in this history. Join a ranger for a walk through time. more...
Smokemont Players Story Hour 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Mystery, drama, hilarity! Join us for some interactive Great Smoky Mountains storytelling. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. more...
Cades Cove Night Hike 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM Listen to the spirits of Cades Cove. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. more...
Elkmont Campfire Program 9:00 PM to 9:45 PM Join a ranger for a national park tradition – the evening campfire program. Topics vary, but you’re guaranteed to learn something new about the Great Smoky Mountains. more...
Blacksmith Demonstrations 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Learn the art of blacksmithing and why it was important in the Cades Cove community. more...
Junior Rangers: Life in a Mountain Stream 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream to find all sorts of critters and other aquatic life. Come prepared to get wet. more...
Junior Ranger: Eager Weaver 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Join a ranger and learn how the early settlers spun, carded, and dyed wool and cotton, and how they wove it into clothes. Weave a bookmark on you own loom! more...
Cades Cove Mill Area Walk 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM Join a park ranger for a guided walk through several of the historic structures that were important in the community. more...
Down on the Farm 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Walk down to the farm and see what pastime activities families may have been busy with, such as quilting, woodworking, or gardening. Demonstration activities vary. more...
WILD by Design 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM A talk and hands-on demonstration about the wild things in the park. more...
Just a-Fiddlin` Around 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Join a ranger for old-time music on the fiddle, banjo, and dulcimer. Sing along and try your hand at making music with spoons, washboards, and even bones! more...
Cades Cove Evening Hayride 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Enjoy an open-air hayride viewing wildlife and discovering the diversity of the Cove. more...
Music Night at Smokemont 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Bring a blanket or chair and sit back as local musicians share the stories and songs of the mountains at Smokemont Campground. Types of music include traditional old-time, bluegrass, and gospel. more...
Sunset at Clingmans Dome 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM Walk to the highest peak in the park to get both an inspiring view and a greater insight on how we can protect the majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Bring a flashlight.
more...
Night Hike 8:45 PM to 9:45 PM Move beyond the comfortable glow of the campfire and explore the Smokies nightlife. Limited to 25 participants. Call (828) 497-1904 up to four days in advance to make reservations.
more...
Elkmont Campfire Program 9:00 PM to 9:45 PM Join a ranger for a national park tradition – the evening campfire program. Topics vary, but you’re guaranteed to learn something new about the Great Smoky Mountains. more...
Blacksmith Demonstrations 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Learn the art of blacksmithing and why it was important in the Cades Cove community. more...
Geology for Junior Rangers 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM How old are the Great Smoky Mountains? How were they formed? Do rocks talk? What do the rocks tell us? Find the answers at this unique Junior Ranger program. more...
So You Wanna Take a Hike? 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM How should you prepare for day hiking in the Smokies? Learn the do’s and don’ts in this fact-filled program for all ages and experience levels. more...
Cades Cove Mill Area Walk 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM Join a park ranger for a guided walk through several of the historic structures that were important in the community. more...
Junior Rangers: Stream Splashin` 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM What lives in our streams? Discover the stream critters of the Smokies with a ranger. Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream to find all sorts of aquatic life. more...
WILD by Design 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM A talk and hands-on demonstration about the wild things in the park. more...
The Natural World of Elkmont 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM Walk with a ranger along the Elkmont Nature Trail to discover some unique facts about this part of the Smokies. more...
Smokies Nightlife 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM Move beyond the comforting glow of your campfire to explore the “dark side” of the Smokies. more...
Monday 8/11/2008
Stream Stroll 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Water is the lifeblood of the Smokies. Take a short walk along a nearby stream to discover just how true this statement is. more...
The Walker Sisters of Little Greenbrier 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM Six sisters lived out their long lives in this homestead in the old-fashioned way. Join a ranger on this 2.2 mile roundtrip hike to learn about their fascinating history. more...
Junior Rangers: Blacksmithing 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM, 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM, 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM, 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM, 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM Join a park ranger in the blacksmith shop to learn about the blacksmith. Create your own item to take home. Group size will be limited. Ages 8-12 ONLY.
more...
Cataract Falls Walk 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Get away from the hustle and bustle by taking an easy stroll to a beautiful waterfall and learn more about the Great Smokies.
more...
Cabin Home 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM What was it like to make a living in these mountains in the 1800s? Come to the Ownby Cabin (1/3 mile up the Fighting Creek Nature Trail) for short talks on mountain history and culture. more...
Junior Rangers: Let`s be a Scientist! 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM Ever dream of being a scientist? Join a Ranger to try using scientific tools to study wildlife and forests. Be prepared to get up close and personal to some critters that live here. more...
Junior Rangers: Stream Splashers 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream to look for salamanders, damselflies, and other critters. Be prepared to get wet. more...
Cades Cove Evening Hayride 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Enjoy an open-air hayride viewing wildlife and discovering the diversity of the Cove. more...
Junior Rangers: Explore Nocturnal Nature 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM Do you have what it takes to be a creature of the night? Challenge your senses as we take a nighttime stroll into the dark
