The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year. To ensure the preservation and enjoyment of this stunning landscape, the National Park Service has established a set of rules and regulations known as the Smoky Mountain Rules. These rules are designed to protect the park’s delicate ecosystem, wildlife, and the overall visitor experience.
Graffiti and Vandalism
One of the most critical Smoky Mountain Rules is the prohibition of graffiti and vandalism. Destroying, injuring, defacing, or damaging property within the national park is strictly forbidden. This includes painting, drawing, scratching, or writing on any surface, such as fences, rocks, trees, or signs. Violators can face hefty fines of up to $5,000 and up to 6 months of jail time.
Dogs on Hiking Trails
Another important rule is the restriction on dogs on hiking trails. While dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, they are prohibited from hiking trails. This is due to the potential for dogs to carry diseases into wildlife populations, chase and threaten wildlife, disturb the quiet of the wilderness, and even become prey for larger predators.
Wildflowers
Picking or poaching wildflowers is also illegal within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These delicate plants have a symbiotic relationship with the earth, and removing them can disrupt the park’s balanced ecosystem. Visitors are encouraged to admire the wildflowers in their natural habitat and refrain from disturbing them.
Parking Fees
Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are required to purchase and display a valid parking tag for any vehicle parked longer than 15 minutes. The parking tag options include a daily pass ($5), a weekly pass ($15), or an annual pass ($40). These fees help to maintain the park’s infrastructure and support conservation efforts.
Backcountry Regulations
For those planning to venture into the backcountry, additional rules and regulations apply. Reservations and permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry, and only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the USDA or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. Campfires are only allowed at designated campsites and shelters and must be contained in a fire ring.
General Rules
In addition to the specific rules mentioned above, there are also some general guidelines that all visitors should follow. These include leaving no trace by packing out all trash and disposing of it safely outside the park, and refraining from approaching wildlife, as it can disrupt their natural behavior and cause harm to both humans and animals.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or need to report any illegal activities, such as poaching wildflowers, you can contact the park headquarters at 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, or call (865) 436-1200. You can also report any issues to the nearest ranger station or call (865) 436-1230.
By following the Smoky Mountain Rules, visitors can help to preserve the natural beauty and serenity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for generations to come. Remember, these rules are in place to protect the delicate ecosystem and ensure that everyone can enjoy the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Reference:
- https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-regs.htm
- https://www.pigeonforge.com/great-smoky-mountains-national-park/park-rules/
- http://www.mysmokymountainvacation.com/policies.html
- https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/tennessee/2023/03/01/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-parking-fees-here-are-the-rules/69950838007/