Take our Wild Turkey Quiz

     

With the holidays just around the corner, we thought it would be an appropriate time to honor the "beautiful" wild turkey, found in abundance throughout the Smokies.

 

Take our wild turkey quiz by clicking HERE. Be the first person to answer all the questions correctly and win a copy of Corn from a Jar by UNC-Asheville history professor Daniel Pierce.

Wild Turkeys in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
You may find a few quiz answers in this video by our own Valerie Polk: Wild Turkeys in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Smoky Mountain Mystery:

What became of the Green Salamander?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last time a Green Salamander was positively identified in the Great Smoky Mountains was 1929, when it was found on Mt. Le Conte, beneath the loose bark of a tree.

 

These bright and beautiful amphibians are almost always found on or near exposed rock faces. They are either in shadowy crevices in the rock or in trees near the cliffs.

 

The Green Salamander's range extends from Pennsylvania to Alabama. In the Smokies, many areas that were bare rock during the last ice age are now covered with vegetation. However, landslides continue to expose new rock faces, possibly creating new habitat, especially in very wet years like 2013.

 

Just perhaps the Green Salamander still lives in the Smokies and you will be the person who rediscovers it!

Spectacular fall color season
2013 Fall Splendor
Click HERE to watch 2013 Fall Splendor, a GSMA video by Gary Wilson

What a time to shuffle through the leaves on a sunny, crisp mountain day!

 

If you want to enjoy the last of the late autumn colors, try some of these low elevation forays. In the Deep Creek area, do the Three Waterfalls Loop, a 2.4 mile moderate hike. Too short? Then take on the strenuous 10-mile Indian Creek/Thomas Divide loop.

 

SPECIAL NOTE from Volunteer Tom Harrington:  "FOOTHILLS WEST PARKWAY IS BEYOND DESCRIPTION WITH ITS AMAZINGLY BRIGHT FOLIAGE, PARTICULARLY IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS WHEN THERE IS FULL SUN. IT APPEARS TO BE AT PEAK COLORS NOW.   AT THIS TIME, BEFORE LATER WEEK STORMS, IT WOULD BE A SAFE BET TO SEE OUTSTANDING COLORS." 

 

In Cades Cove, November is the best time to enjoy views and late colors on the strenuous 8.5-mile Rich Mountain/Crooked Arm Ridge loop. Too long? Try the 5-mile roundtrip out-and-back to Abrams Falls.

 

If you're in the Gatlinburg area, this is the perfect time to walk the Old Sugarlands Trail. The best way to hike this one is with a two-car shuttle. Park one car near Sugarlands Visitor Center and the other near the Rainbow Falls/Bull Head trailhead on Cherokee Orchard Road. It's 3.9 miles of gentle ups and downs with some interesting deciduous forest and historic sites along the way.

 

Don't yet own Hiking Trails of the Smokies? Get your copy today and, because it makes such a wonderful gift, get an extra for a friend. Known as the Smokies' hiking Bible, this resource covers all 150 official park trails with in-depth narratives and invaluable profile charts that show mileage, elevation change, and major stream crossings at a glance.

Join us when we close the Dome

Clingmans Dome Road, and consequently Clingmans Dome Information Center, is slated to close for the season on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 1. We plan to celebrate the end of another good year above 6,000 feet with a big sale, hot drinks, refreshments and more.

 

Unless you are a very fit winter hiker, cross-country skier, or snow-shoer, Sunday, Dec. 1, will be your last chance to climb the Smokies highest peak and enjoy the 360� view from the observation tower. It's also the end of easy access to trailheads for Andrews Bald and the Appalachian Trail until April.

  

Join us as we put the Dome in hibernation for the winter months starting on "Black Friday" and going through Sunday. We'll have selected merchandise marked down at the information center and free hot drinks and snacks.

 

While access may be limited during the winter, 24/7 viewing of the Dome is available with our "An Island in the Sky" DVD/Blu-Ray. Gary Wilson's film is the first in GSMA's Explorer Series. Order yours today and enjoy unlimited access to this unique destination.

Sorghum: It's a sticky situation

 

Come to the Smokies this fall to watch the delicious magic of sorghum cane being transformed into superb molasses.

 

The renowned Guenther family will demonstrate this traditional technique next to the Cades Cove Visitor Center on four weekends in November. This fall tradition has almost vanished, but GSMA and the Guenthers are doing their best to keep it alive.

 

November 9, 10, 11 (Saturday, Sunday, Veterans Day)

November 15, 16, 17 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

November 22, 23, 24 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

November 29, 30, December 1 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Thanksgiving Weekend

 

Can't make it to the Smokies for the demonstrations? Not a problem. Just give us a call at 888.898.9102, Ext. 226, or order your winter provisions direct from our website HERE.

Gift giving without wrapping

 

Membership is the gift that keeps giving throughout the year. A membership in Great Smoky Mountains Association is that, plus so much more...

 

- More activities

- More benefits

- More information

- More opportunities

 

In addition to a discount on purchases at all of our sales locations, recipients look forward to receiving our Smokies Life magazine twice a year, a GSMA lapel pin to proudly display their membership, a window decal, invitation to our annual membership weekend and monthly activities, and increased offering on our website, including Smokies Guide and the Bear Paw. Our monthly Cub Report, with its videos, quizzes, monthly hike and program offerings, products, and updated park information is an added benefit.

 

So if you're all thumbs when it comes to wrapping paper and bows, give that special someone in your life a GSMA Membership! You can order by phone at 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254.

Members invited on a 'Fall Fruit, Foliage and Wildlife Shuffle'

November's monthly GSMA member activity will feature the Thomas Divide trail as former ranger-naturalist Carey Jones takes up to 20 hikers on a "Fall Fruit, Foliage and Wildlife Shuffle" Nov. 16.

 

Hikers will meet at the Newfound Gap parking lot at 9:30 a.m. for this hike, which will be about 3.6 miles round trip. Hikers should be sure to wear layers, bring a water bottle, a snack and comfortable, sturdy shoes. Rain gear and a water-proof map of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are good additions, as well.

 

The hike is expected to take about 3.5 hours, during which participants will enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of fall on this popular North Carolina trail. 

 

GSMA members can register on a first-come, first-serve basis by calling 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254; or emailing us HERE. Cost to attend this hike is $10 or free if you order a gift membership for a friend or family member at the same time you register.

Official Park Store

Buy Here this Fall to Help the Park!

 

Want to keep warm while looking cool, just like our very own Interpretive Products & Services Director Steve Kemp? Get both effects simultaneously when you don this Great Smoky Mountains National Park beanie. Make a fashion statement today with this must-have winter accessory.

 

Counting down the days until your next visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Put this 2014 Park Calendar on your wall to ensure your inspiration stays strong. They also make great gifts.

Ferguson Pottery Black Bears. If these bears look familiar it's because you saw them over a decade ago at renowned Pigeon Forge Pottery. The establishment's founders, Douglas and Ruth Ferguson, were known for their exquisite designs and superior glazes which they successfully used to depict owls, ravens, bears, and other Smokies fauna. Now their daughter Jane is using the same molds to reproduce some of the most popular bear sculptures. These rare pieces are made in the U.S.A. exclusively for us!

Business Member of the Month 

Townsend Gateway Inn

8270 State Hwy 73
Townsend TN 37882
tel: 865.238.0123, ext: 1

 
Welcome to the Townsend Gateway Inn and the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. We are located less than 2 miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the scenic Little River. Easily accessible year-round and within 30 minutes drive of the Knoxville airport, the Townsend Gateway Inn is your perfect gateway to enjoy outdoor adventure and peaceful relaxation amid the natural splendor of every season. A host of activities awaits you, whether it's horse back riding through Cades Cove, trout fishing in Little River or searching for that perfect treasure while strolling the many quaint shops Townsend has to offer. Please be sure to check out our Attractions-Activities-Places of Interest page for more information and our calendar of events. Family owned and operated since 1954, the Townsend Gateway Inn is dedicated to making your stay both enjoyable and memorable, with a strong emphasis on natural, environmentally safe amenities. 

GSMA Members receive a 10% discount on lodging

 

New Business Members

RiverStone Resort and Spa

212 Dollywood Lane
Pigeon Forge TN 37863
tel: 865.908.0660 

 

Barks & Recreation

2159 East Parkway
Gatlinburg TN 37738
tel: 865.325.8245 

GSMA Members receive 10% off boarding

 

If you own a business and would like to be included in this newsletter and on our website, contact Westy Fletcher at 423.487.3131 or [email protected] 


GSMA Members Benefit...  

  

GSMA members earn discounts at more than 50 North Carolina and Tennessee businesses. Think about it - 20% off here, $5 off there, and before you know it, your membership dues have paid for themselves. It's our way of saying "Thank You" for your membership! See our complete list of supporting business on our website.
1/4 Million+ Fans on Facebook! 
We"re up to more than 261,000 FANS! We get more "Likes" when you help. Share our posts and invite your friends to "Like" us on 
With this number of supporters and in light of a few highly-charged emotional outbursts concerning the partial government shutdown, we've deemed it necessary to establish a 
User's Comment Policy, which we've located in our Facebook "About" page within the "Company Overview" section.
 
We have a NEW Twitter
Follow GSMA HERE
Follow us on 
HERE and give us some suggestions for pins

 Impact of government shutdown 

It's over now (thank goodness), but the impact of the government shutdown Oct. 1-15 was truly devastating for our organization.
 

Many of us veteran GSMA staff members have weathered our share of challenges during our tenure in the Smokies: The office fire in 1991 that reduced our headquarters to ashes; the Blizzard of 1993 that literally buried the park for a week and a half; the flood of 1994 that washed out Little River Road; 9/11; The Great Recession; the landslide in January 2013 that closed the main park road for three months.

 

Yet the monetary impacts on GSMA of all these catastrophes combined do not equal the partial federal government shutdown of 2013.

           

Because the park shutdown occurred during our busiest month for sales, and at a time when our warehouse bulges with inventory, the impacts will diminish our nonprofit's ability to help the park far into the future. GSMA lost more than $550,000 in revenue at our park stores, money that can't easily be made up.

 

Most painful for us staffers and park lovers, however, was the fact that the shutdown was caused not by capricious mountain weather, faulty wiring, or foreign terrorists, but by our own elected officials.

 

GSMA's mission to support the Smokies is funded by two avenues: revenue from our seven official park stores and through GSMA membershipsWe greatly appreciate the support of our current members. If you've allowed your membership to lapse or if you're considering renewing, please rejoin us today. 

 

For those of you who do not currently count yourself among our ranks, we encourage you to consider joining us today. Do the math: 1,100 new lifetime members at $500 each would nearly cover our shutdown losses, while 11,000 members at the $50 level would do the same.

 

Finally, we request that everyone reading the Cub Report today consider making at least one purchase of $10 or more from our website store. Our retail sales items not only make unique gifts for the holidays, birthdays and every special occasion, they also make a direct, positive impact on this national park.

 Newest Smokies Life

features frightening true story 
Nance Dude illustration by Joey Heath
Of the stories included in the latest Smokies Life magazine, "Nance Dude: The Boogeywoman of the Smokies" is by far one of the creepiest we've ever told.
 
To illustrate this story, we called upon Senior Publications Specialist Joey Heath. Here's what she said about the work involved to bring Nance's image to the magazine:
 
"Nance Dude's story is fascinating. In all the books I've read I have never come across a person like Nance. Some would say she is the epitome of a sociopath, someone completely devoid of conscience and morals. I would love to have her profiled by the FBI.
 
"The essence of Nance is that she is a poor, hardworking, uneducated and backward individual with few opportunities and little support in her life, but who lived to be over 100, was convicted of murder, served her sentence at hard labor for 15 years and then was released from prison. Whatever her real motivations were in killing Roberta, her granddaughter, essentially I feel she thought she had no choices in life.
 
"It is great fun to create images of monsters, and there are many monsters to read about in real life, but Nance was not one of them. She was lonely, desperate, and old, and she had no one and nowhere to turn. You probably can't tell it from the illustration but the image was created using various filters in Photoshop. I took the photo of her and changed it into something that looks like a monster, but Nance is in there, somewhere."
 
A subscription to Smokies Life is one of many benefits of becoming a GSMA member. Non-members can purchase copies at any of our national park store locations and on our website.

Kephart Knife goes on SALE!

The Kephart Knife: Remaking History
Click HERE to watch
"The Kephart Knife: Remaking History"
 
Just in time for the holidays, Great Smoky Mountains Association is offering both the numbered and non-numbered Kephart knives for sale at huge savings through the Thanksgiving Weekend, Nov. 30.
 

In commemoration of author and park advocate Horace Kephart's 150th birthday, only 150 of the limited-edition, numbered knives were produced and their supply has been reduced significantly since they were first introduced more than a year ago. 

  

In his renowned book Camping and Woodcraft, Horace Kephart says: "For years I used knives of my own design, because there was nothing on the market that met my notion of what a sensible, practical sheath knife should be; but we have it now in the knife shown here. It is of the right size, the right shape, and the proper thinness."

  

GSMA was fortunate enough to find knife maker Glen Brooks of Benton, TN, (featured in the video above) to produce the knife for us. It is a replica of the knife Kephart used and was commercially available at sporting goods stores and by mail order nearly a century ago.

 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to get exactly what that very special man on your holiday shopping list will treasure for years to come. Order today.

Return of Smoky Mountain Recipes:

Popcorn Balls

 
We're happy to reintroduce the Smoky Mountain Recipe, just in time for the ghosts and goblins who'll be visiting you tomorrow evening. Why not try your hand at these old-fashioned treats. 

 

Popcorn Balls
Ingredients:
1 C sugar
1/4 C water
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp butter
2 quarts popcorn
 
Directions:
Combine first five ingredients in saucepan, cook to hard ball stage (250� F), stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Quickly stir in popped corn and turn out into buttered pan. Shape quickly with buttered hands into balls and set on waxed paper to cool. Makes six popcorn balls.
 
Recipe submitted by Louise Woodruff of Walland, TN, from Foods and Recipes of the Smokies book

GSMA enters the 21st century

 

Our look back at GSMA's first 60 years of park support comes to a close this month with a brief mention of milestones from the years 2000-2012. We hope you've enjoyed our "look back," and we are looking forward to your continued support for this national park.

 

2000 - The Smoky Mountain Visitor Center, a new GSMA official park store and information center opened just south of Franklin, NC, in June on U.S. 441. 

The "mini' visitor center at the beginning of the Cades Cove Loop. More GSMA members have been recruited from this location in 2013 than from all other locations combined.
2001 - The "mini" visitors center at the Orientation Shelter at the beginning of the Cades Cove loop began limited operation this summer.

2002 - The Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association dropped two words from its name and became Great Smoky Mountains Association.

2003 - Some 196 GSMA members attended the organization's 50th Anniversary Annual meeting in Bryson City. "The event was considered a success."

2004 - GSMNP Superintendent Dale Ditmanson was introduced to the GSMA board and expressed his desire for a long-term service to the park. (Note: Dale did exactly that and has just recently announced his retirement as of January 2014.)

2005

- Synchronous fireflies were all the rage this year (and they haven't yet gone out of fashion). Firefly merchandise added to the stores this year included book bag, coffee mug, art print and poster, as well as site bulletins for visitors.

2006 - The Save the Hemlock bumper stickers was introduced in the official park stores and more than 2,100 copies of "The Smokies Yukky Book" were sold this year. It's still a strong favorite with kids.

2007 - The first Smokies Life magazine landed on the news stands this year. Not only was it well received, it's been winning awards and endearing itself to visitors and members ever since.

2008 - A huge crowd pleaser, the 4-foot by 8-foot 3D relief maps of GSMNP were installed this year at several visitor centers. (Map lovers should check our out large selection HERE. Our antique-appearance map has been flying off the shelves all summer and is sure to make a great gift this holiday season.)

2009 - The 75th Anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park dominated activites this year. GSMA greatly enhanced its revenue - and, in turn, its ability to support the educational and scientific efforts inside the park - because of the public's desire to own a piece of history.
2010 - The new Clingmans Dome Visitor Center opened to the public. 

2011 - The new Oconaluftee Visitor Center opened to the public on April 15.

2012 - The Kephart Knife and the limited-edition numbered Kephart Knife were introduced to the public.

Have a Happy 'Batty' Halloween

'FAQs about Bats' is a must-have for any creature-of-the-night lover.

 

Knowing our next Cub Report would be released the day before Halloween made it easy to decide to feature bats, bats and more bats.

 

Unfortunately, bats in the Smokies and other areas of the country are experiencing a life-threatening disease known as white-nose syndrome (WNS), which has been characterized as a condition of hibernating bats and was named for the visually striking white fungal growth on muzzles, ears and wing membranes. It is caused by the fungus Geomyces destructans.

 

WNS was first discovered in Howes Cave, near Albany, N.Y., in February 2006, and documented by a photograph.  It is currently affecting nearly half of the hibernating species in 21 states in the U.S., and four provinces in Canada.  It has been found in over 115 caves and mines. Since 2006, it has killed more than 5.7 million bats. The species affected are: Little brown bat, Northern long-eared bat, big brown bat, tri-colored bat, Eastern small-footed bat, gray bat, and Indiana bat.

 

Worldwide bats are ecologically important because they help control insects and help in plant pollination and seed dissemination. One consequence of the disease is that 2.4 million pounds of insects will go un-eaten and become a financial burden on farmers.

 

The symptoms associated with the disease include: unusual behavior (including flying during the day), scarring of wing membranes, and death. In short, it depletes hibernating bats of fat reserves necessary for a successful hibernation. The bats wake up hungry when it is cold and there are no insects for them to eat. They essentially starve to death.

 

Its primary transmission is from bat-to-bat, but it can also be transmitted in the soil by humans.  There has been no obvious treatment or means of preventing transmission discovered, as of yet. There continue to be studies to try and solve the crisis.

 

How can you help?

- Do not handle bats

- Observe cave closures

- Contact a wildlife agency if you find a dead or affected bat with WNS

- Avoid caves during hibernation of large populations.

You can also help bats by:

-Planting a moth-attracting wildflower garden

-Leaving in place a dead or dying tree to provide them natural shelter

-Put up some bat boxes in your area

And the Scary Story Contest winner is...


A number of Cub Report readers accepted our challenge to write a Smoky Mountain scary story for this edition.
 
The winner of the Scary Story Contest is... Rebecca Lee Curry of Columbia, TN, for her story titled "Mountain Players Banjo." The story begins below and continues on our website... As winner of the contest, Rebecca will receive a copy of Mountain Ghost Stories.
 
The Mountain Player Banjo
By Rebecca Lee Curry
"The house was old when the family moved into it. Moving from the mid-North Carolina area, the Alumit family was new to the East Tennessee mountainous region but excited to be moving into a historic mountain home. Surrounded by the impenetrable greenry of trees, the house stood in the heart of the mountains, and the closest neighbor was two miles down a narrow, dirt road..." Read more (if you dare).
 
Can't get enough of the frightening stuff this time of year? Listen to other mountain scary stories HERE.
 
Thank you to our volunteer judge for the Smoky Mountain Scary Story Contest, Chris Dortch, a longtime writer/editor and GSMA member from Ooltewah, TN.

NPS Career Day is this Saturday


Ever wanted to be a park ranger? Of course, who hasn't! Students are invited to find out what it takes to wear the "green and gray" this Saturday, Nov. 2, during National Park Career Day. Read more about this fun-filled and educational adventure on our website HERE.

 

If Saturday doesn't work for your schedule, becoming a Junior Ranger in the Smokies is another great option for young and not-so-young alike. GSMA is the official supplier of Junior Ranger materials, everything from age-appropriate instruction booklets to the super nifty Junior Ranger hat. Check out all the options HERE.

GSMA Staff Spotlight: Dawn Roark


After serving eight years as senior store manager for our Blount County Team (Cades Cove, Townsend and the Cove's Orientation Shelter), Dawn was just this month promoted to product support director. That makes her responsible for purchasing merchandise for our seven park stores as well as managing the warehouse, mail order and wholesale sales departments.

 

Q: Where do you hail from, Dawn?

A: Originally England, but I moved to Maryville in 1977.

 

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: Maryville College, graduated in 1986.

 

Q: So you get paid to buy things, is that a 'Dream Job' or what?

A: It's every woman's dream job.  I actually get paid to purchase!

 

Q: What do you like most about the Smokies?

A: The way it changes depending on the time of day or the time of year.

 

Q: If you could fix one thing about the park, what would it be?

A: Build a visitor's center at the beginning of the loop road in Cades Cove. I think this would service the visitors more effectively.

 

Q: What's your favorite park trail?

A: Porters Creek in the spring.

Answers
to Last
Month's
Fall Quiz

 

1. Starting time for the growth process that results in fall color is dependent on:  Night length

2. This Appalachian tradition usually takes place the end of November when temperatures remain cold. For early residents it coincided with a certain phase of the moon. Hog slaughter

3. Bears can often be seen climbing this brilliant tree in fall to partake of its fruit. Black cherry

4. Autumn colors are revealed when the: Production of chlorophyll slows and then stops

5. A horse or mule-powered mill was used to extract the juice from this cane crop and then cooked for several hours to obtain: Sorghum molasses

6. In the fall black bears prepare to fatten up for the Winter and can become bolder and widen their range when there is a shortage of this: Hard mast

7. The brightest fall colors develop when the following conditions are met: All of the above

8. From early to mid September visitors to the higher elevations of the Smokies may catch a glimpse of these buteos as their kettles glide from one thermal to another on their migration South to the neo-tropics: Broad-winged hawks

9. This fall wildflower has become a popular garden plant not only for its pinkish purple flower clusters atop 12-15 foot stems, but because it attracts a variety of butterflies.  Its stem has a slight vanilla odor when scratched, and it was known as the "Queen of the Meadow" by early settlers. Joe-Pye weed

10 Years ago the last batch of sorghum was often cooked until it thickened considerably. Lard was rubbed on one's hands and this fall activity would begin. Candy pulling  

 

Winner: Wally Roberts of Louisville, KY. For being the first to answer all the questions correctly, Mr. Roberts won copies of 

 

Have Questions?- For questions about online purchases, click HERE and the Mail Order department will help you.
- For questions about membership, click HERE and Judy or Marti will help you.
- For questions about business membership, click HERE and Westy will help you.
- Want to volunteer in the national park for GSMA? Click HERE for details.
Read it on the web- The latest Smokies Guide (the official GSMNP newspaper) is available for viewing,reading and printing. Click HERE.
- The Bear Paw, the GSMA membership bi-annual newsletter, is ready to read, share and print by clicking HERE.
- Be sure to check our Calendar of Events page often for upcoming park activities.