Great Smoky Mountains National Park announces a new series of traditional ranger-conducted programs at the Elkmont campground amphitheater on Saturday nights during September and October. These special fall programs are free to the public and cover a broad range of themes, such as the return of elk to the Park, the life cycle of the black bear, and the deciduous forests of the national park. Additionally, history talks will be presented about the Walker Sisters of Little Greenbrier, the life of writer Horace Kephart in the Smoky Mountains, and the Old World origins of music in the southern mountains.
"September and October are fine months to explore the natural and cultural history of the Great Smoky Mountains. The days and nights are cooler, the trees show changes in color, and many animals start preparing for the coming winter," said Kent Cave, North District Resource Education Supervisor. He added, "The programs at Elkmont are designed to complement the seasonal variety of fall by exploring some of the trees, animals, and human history of the national park. These activities are not just for campers. If you’re spending a fall Saturday in the park, or in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, consider capping it off with one of these fun and free ranger programs at Elkmont."
Program dates and times are:
September 1 (8:00 p.m.) -- Return of the Elk. Discover the facts about the experimental release of majestic elk in the park.
September 8 (8:00 p.m.) -- Creatures of the Night. When darkness falls, various animals become active. This program will explore some of the nocturnal creatures of the Smokies.
September 15 (8:00 p.m.) -- What's Killing the Trees? Several non-native insects are threatening specific trees in the park. This program will discuss the situation and what's being done about it.
September 22 (8:00 p.m.) –-The Back of Beyond: Horace Kephart in the Smokies. Writer Horace Kephart came to the Smokies in 1904, wrote about the people and places in the pre-park days, and became involved in the movement for a national park. This program will examine his interesting life in the Smoky Mountains.
September 29 (8:00 p.m.) -- The Road Less Traveled. Want to get away from the more crowded roads in the park? This program will identify some interesting driving routes in the park.
October 6 (7:00 p.m.) -- Life Cycle of the Black Bear. The black bear is generally regarded as the symbol of the southern Appalachian Mountains. This program will explore the fascinating life cycle of bears in this national park.
October 13 (7:00 p.m.) – The Glory of Autumn. One of the most diverse forests in North America puts on a fabulous annual display of color. This program will focus on prominent deciduous trees in the park.
October 20 (7:00 p.m.) -- The Walker Sisters of Little Greenbrier. The Walker Sisters were six unmarried women, born in the 1870s and 1880s in what later became Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The sisters lived their independent lives in their mountain home to the early 1960s. This program will explore their compelling story.
October 27 (7:00 p.m.) -- From the British Isles to Appalachia. Many pre-park residents of the Smoky Mountains had ancestors from the British Isles. This heritage can be found in some of the music of the southern mountains. Dr. Ted Olson of East Tennessee State University's Appalachian Studies and Services Department will explore this Old World connection by playing and discussing traditional ballads and tunes.
Everyone is cordially invited to attend these free evening programs. These are outdoor programs and may be cancelled due to rain. For more information, please contact Sugarlands Visitor Center at 865-436-1291.
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