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Take our Historic Buildings Quiz
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Ongoing work to maintain
park's historic structures
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The Hiram Caldwell House in Cataloochee was recently closed for repairs and repainting of the exterior. It was reopened July 26.
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Repairs to the Noah Bud Ogle Cabin on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail began on July 21. The cabin will be closed to the public until Friday, August 15, to replace the wood shake roof. The cabin will be accessible to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, but temporary fencing will be in place during the week to ensure visitor and staff safety.
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Repair work at the Rockefeller monument at Newfound Gap (seen here in 1947) is set for Monday, Aug. 4, through Tuesday, Sept. 30, allowing park staff to reset and re-grout the flagstone walks. Barricades will be placed around affected areas as the work progresses; however, access to the monument and comfort station will remain open. |
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Leave your firewood at home!
 | | "Firewood Pests" by Gary Wilson |
One of the most important things we as visitors and caretakers can do to protect this national park's forests from invasive insects and diseases is to stop bringing invasive pests and diseases to the park on firewood. There's no doubt that the park's forests make it a great place to hike, fish, camp and picnic, but the trees also keep our air clean and our water pure. They must be protected if this park is to remain a place of wonder and awe for our grandchildren to enjoy. Please, leave your firewood at home.
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Visitors to GSMNP generate
$734 million for local economy
A new National Park Service report shows that 9,354,695 visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2013 spent $734,086,600 in communities near the park. That spending supported 10,734 jobs in the local area.
"Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains the most visited national park in the nation, and we are pleased to be the stewards of this national park that welcomes so many visitors from across the country and around the world," said Acting Superintendent Cindy MacLeod. "The Smokies truly are 'great' in so many ways and we are thrilled that the park offers unique experiences that bring visitors back year after year." READ MORE>>>
While last year's figures continue to be analyzed by NPS, all GSMA bookstore locations (see new map at end of this newsletter) have reported record sales in both June and July of this year. Preliminary results indicate a 15% sales increase over this time last year, which includes a similar membership growth rate.
"Because our profits support the national park, we're certainly excited to see this type of growth, not only in our traditional sales items, but also in our membership recruitment," said GSMA Executive Director Terry Maddox. |
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Smoky Mountain Mystery:
Is it Ramsay or Ramsey?
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"An Icy Ramsey Cascades" by Gary Wilson
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Any of you who have been around the Smokies awhile may have asked yourselves, "for Pete's sake, is it 'Ramsey Cascades' or 'Ramsay Cascades?'"
If one has noticed trail signs, maps, trail guides and soft drink vending machines over the last 20 years, one has noticed an aggravating lack of consistency (especially if one is an elementary school teacher or college English major).
Well, here's the skinny. When the national park was still in its formative years, a "nomenclature committee" was convened to standardize all names in the soon-to-be national park. While park managers didn't want a dozen features named Mill Creek, Rock Creek and Laurel Creek, they did want to respect - where possible - what the unofficial names had been for a hundred years before.
In the process, a spectacular waterfall in the Greenbrier area was named "Ramsay Cascades" after a Ramsay family that allegedly lived nearby.
Lo and behold, the nomenclature committee had gotten it wrong. It was Ramseys, not Ramsays, who owned land near that scenic terrain. In the late 1990s, the Ramsey family petitioned the U.S. Geological Survey (the ultimate standardizer of all U.S. place names), stating that the waterfall was misnamed and should have been Ramsey Cascades, after a Dr. Ramsey, who was well known in the area.
After a long, determined effort the Ramsey family prevailed, and all those trail signs, maps, and guidebooks had to be changed.
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Official Park Store
Shop here and support GSMNP!
NEW: Bluegrass music from the 1950s
NEW - " Carroll Best and the White Oak String Band." Could another Grammy nomination be in our future? Get your copy today HERE and judge for yourself. Then make plans to attend GSMA's launch party in honor of the CD in beautiful Lake Junaluska, NC, on Friday, Sept. 19. Read more...______________
2nd SM Explorer film:
"Seasons of the Smokies"
 Gary Wilson, GSMA's c inematographer, signs copies of his latest Smoky Mountain Explorer film, "Seasons of the Smokies," following its premiere viewing at Sugarlands Visitor Center earlier in July. Audience members were also treated to Gary's unique brand of storytelling, which included his harrowing hike to Mt. Le Conte during a spring snowstorm. Get your copy of the film HERE.NEW: Little Brown Bat
 NEW - Our little brown bat has literally flown off the shelves since we introduced it to visitors last month. Unfortunately, this adorable stuffed animal represents a dying species in the Smokies.
"Recent surveys have revealed that nearly 80% of bats in some park caves are missing and most likely dead due to White-nose Syndrome," according to Bill Stiver of NPS. "All caves in the park and most caves on other federal lands in the area have been closed to protect the bats."
For more information about White-nose syndrome, visit HERE. For more in general about bats in the Smokies, try Frequently Asked Questions About Bats from GSMA.
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Business Member of the Month
Nancie Bush Gallery
170 Glades Road, Suite # 29
Gatlinburg TN 37738
tel: 865.430.4038
Nancie gives God the glory for the gift He has blessed her with and for the deep desire that she has for painting the details of His creations. Living in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains has given her inspiration for painting the birds, flowers, local wildlife and landscapes. She also enjoys still life painting of fruit, wine, cheese and more. When in the Gatlinburg area, be sure to stop by the Studio/Gallery and see what Nancie is working on now.
New Business Members
Rocky Top Tours
2828 Parkway, Suite 20
Pigeon Forge TN 37868
tel: 865.429.8687
Tutor Inn Gatlinburg
135 West Holly Ridge Road
Gatlinburg TN 37738
tel: 865.325.1173
GSMA members receive a 20% discount on a three-night stay; some restrictions apply.
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.
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Join our Fans on Facebook!
We're up to nearly 328K FANS on Facebook! We get more "Likes" when you help. Share our posts and invite your FB friends to "Like" us on
 Follow us on Pinterest
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GSMA to open new bookstore
in downtown Bryson City, N.C.
Expressing a shared commitment to enhance Bryson City, N.C.'s national park connection, Great Smoky Mountains Association and Swain County officials many years ago began discussions for an eighth GSMA bookstore location in the town's historic county courthouse. Back then the building situated at the heart of this mountain town was in need of extensive repairs to ensure structural soundness.
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IN THE MUSEUM: Combine hundreds of miles of streams and rivers with access to Fontana Lake, and Swain County serves as a fisherman's paradise. An exhibit dedicated to an angler's life is featured in Swain County History Museum, located one floor up from the newest GSMA bookstore in downtown Bryson City.
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Today, however, the Greek revival structure complete with columns, cupola and clock, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is being heralded as a renovation for the ages.
With the signing of the final letter of commitment in June, GSMA's Bryson City bookstore is set to open to the public in early October and will encompass about 750 square feet on the building's first floor. Together with Swain County Visitor Center employees, GSMA will offer visitors a one-stop shop for directions, recommendations, and official National Park Service merchandise.
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First new store sign
installed at Clingmans Dome
GSMA graphic artist Karen Key designed new signs for each of our bookstore locations. (See our new GSMA location map below.) The new signs represent one of the final projects to be undertaken since our logo was enhanced a couple of years ago.
Our new theme: "Connecting yesterday to today; preserving today for tomorrow," as well as our traditional message of "Supporting this national park since 1953" appear on each store sign. What changes from location to location is the image, chosen by Karen to complement each area's unique qualities.
For our Clingmans Dome location she chose a beautiful fall landscape shrouded in clouds. This photo was taken by Bill Lea, a well-known Smoky Mountain photographer whose work is recognized throughout the region. Bill is also responsible for photographing the adorable bear cub featured at the top of this newsletter.
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HURRY: Membership Weekend
registration deadline approaching
Some 100+ GSMA members have already made their reservations for this year's Annual Membership Weekend at Lake Junaluska, and we still have lots of room for more. The deadline to register for this event is Sept. 1.
Our Schedule of Events 
Friday, Sept. 19
2-4:30 p.m. - Check in at Bethea Welcome Center
FULL - 3:30 p.m. - Take a one-hour boat tour of Lake Junaluska
4 p.m. - GSMA store at Kern Center to include all our new Members Only items
6 p.m. - Dinner by the Lake at Kern Center
7-9 p.m. - "Carroll Best and the White Oak String Band" CD launch party in Stuart Auditorium, free to the public
Saturday, Sept. 20
7:30 a.m. - Breakfast buffet, Lambuth Inn
Morning Sessions, Choose ONE
9:30-11:30 a.m.
+ Birds of Prey with Michael Skinner
+ Make a Cornshuck Doll with Joy Henson
FULL - Learn about Cataloochee Valley's history with NPS Ranger Kent Cave
Afternoon Sessions, Choose ONE
1:30-3:30 p.m.
+ Misunderstood Wildlife with Steve O'Neil
+ Birding around the Lake with Kevin Burke
FULL - Learn about the Elk re-introduction and the last 10 years with Kim DeLozier (Carpool to the valley)
+ Hike around Balsam Mountain with WNC naturalist Don Hendershot
+ 3:30 p.m. - Take a one-hour boat tour of Lake Junaluska
All-Day Session
9 a.m.-3 p.m. - Hike along Cataloochee Divide with a stop at Purchase Knob with Christine Hoyer (Carpool to Purchase Knob Science Center)
Saturday Evening
5 p.m. - Annual Meeting in Lambuth Inn
6 p.m. - Dinner in Lambuth Inn dining room
7 p.m. - Viewing of "Cataloochee," a new documentary film about the valley's history in the Lambuth Inn
8 p.m. - S'mores by the firepit (near the tennis courts)
Sunday, Sept. 21
FULL - Wildflower garden tour with Ila Hatter
9 a.m. - Naturalist Ramble on Flat Creek Trail with Liz Domingue
As an added bonus, GSMA Board of Directors member Danny Bernstein will lead a hike to Hemphill Bald on Sunday morning. Danny is communicating via EMAIL directly with those interested in this hike, so feel free to send her a note.
Registration is easy. Step 1 - Click HERE to visit the Weekend Registration page on our website. Steps 2 through 4 are located on our website.
In combination with this year's Membership Weekend we will launch our new CD, "Carroll Best and the White Oak String Band: Old-Time Bluegrass from the Great Smoky Mountains, 1956 & 1959." French Kirkpatrick, one of the last two remaining members of the WOSB (pictured here on banjo), will be among the many to perform during the celebration. The CD is available now HERE. Read more about how the CD came into existence HERE.
Weekend accommodations are being offered at both the historic Lambuth Inn and in the campground just across U.S. 19 from the entrance to Lake Junaluska. We also recommend you bring your bicycle, fishing pole, lawn chair, walking shoes and kayak/canoe.
As always, you can register for the annual event by calling us at 865.436-7318, Ext. 222, 254 and 325.
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What's blooming in August?
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"What's Blooming in August" by Valerie Polk
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Some of the year's biggest and brightest wildflowers bloom in August and September. Brilliant red cardinal flower will soon start blooming beside streams and attracting humming birds. Bee-balm and coneflower will be gracing places like Clingmans Dome Road.
Turk's Cap lilies are beginning to line most roadways and trails, as these dramatic freckled flowers are found at most elevations throughout the national park.
Click HERE for a look at what's blooming in the park at just about any point on the calendar over the last three years. Our Wildflower Updates are provided by park volunteer naturalist Tom Harrington.
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Wetland Vegetation Restoration underway at Ravensford
Wetland habitats are uncommon in the national park and provide critical habitat for diverse native plants and animals, some found nowhere else in the park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of 23 national parks selected to receive a $25,000 Impact Grant from the National Park Foundation to support the restoration of wetland vegetation in a 3-acre wetland in the Ravensford floodplain near Cherokee Central Schools in North Carolina. The unique Ravensford wetland has been severely impaired by invasive exotic plants reducing habitat for native species. READ MORE>>>
In other North Carolina News, NPS officials announced this week that Balsam Mountain/Heintooga Road season will be extended. The road is now scheduled to close at sunset on Sunday, Nov. 2. The Balsam Mountain Campground season, however, has not changed. It will close at noon on Oct. 14.
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Smoky Mountain Recipe:
Hot Chow Chow Party Dip
Just in time for the start of tailgate season we bring you a recipe sure to make yours the best party in the parking lot.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. softened Cream Cheese
- 1/4 C Mayonnaise
- 1 t Celery Seeds
- 1 t Garlic Pepper or Garlic
- 1/2 t Paprika (optional)
Directions: Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate at least one hour. Serve with you favorite crackers, chips, or vegetables.
Recipe courtesy Sabrina Dickson, Alabama
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GSMA Staff Spotlight: Cliff McElvey
Cliff McElvey is one of our millers in Cades Cove. He operates the Cable Mill and talks to visitors about the legacy of grist mills in this national park.
Q: Where do you hail from, Cliff?
A: Winter Haven, Florida
Q: How old are you?
A: A young 91.
Q: Some of our readers might be surprised to hear of someone who is working at your age. What would you say to them?
A: Buy an alarm clock; stay active; and trust in God.
Q: What are some of the more common questions you get about the mill?
A: "How old is it?" "What type of corn do we use?" and "How long do mill stones last?" Most people want a demonstration to see how it operates. I find that when I build up their interest, they tend to buy cornmeal to take home.
Q: What are some of your answers?
A: The mill is 144 years old; we use white corn; and mill stones can be more than 200 years old, depending on their care and having the right amount of corn between the upper and lower stones.
Q: Working in Cades Cove you must have an interesting commute to and from work?
A: It is the going to my cabin after closing of the mill. I take Rich Mountain Road, which from the park to the paved road is about 7 miles and about destroys my old car, but it's 20 miles closer and saves over an hour of drive time. I usually see turkeys, deer and a couple of bears along the way.
Q: What's your favorite part about working for Great Smoky Mountains Association?
A: The help of those I work with, their friendliness and my absolute love of this old mill.
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Answers
to Last
Month's
Firefly
Quiz
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There are about 2,000 species of fireflies worldwide... 150 of which are thought to be found in North America. Of these, at least this number of species live in GSMNP: 19
2. As an insect, fireflies are classified in the order: Coleoptera
3. The production of light by living organisms is called: Bioluminescence
4. The Big Dipper firefly flies in this pattern as it flashes: "J"
5. Fireflies combine the enzyme luciferase and the chemical luciferin with this to produce light in their lanterns: Oxygen
6. When attacked by a predator, a common defense is for the firefly to shed drops of hemolymph containing a distasteful and toxic chemical. This process is called: Reflex bleeding
7. One group of fireflies is known as the "femme fatales." The females mimic the flashing patterns and colors of another species in order to attract the males of that species... not for mating, but for dinner! In so doing they ingest a toxic chemical they do not have and will protect them and, in turn, will pass that toxicity on to its eggs and larvae. This deception is called: Aggressive mimicry
8. These tiny fireflies don't flash at all, but produce a continuous glow as they float a foot or so above the ground. Females glow, but don't have wings and remain in the forest litter. They're known as: Blue Ghosts
9. Not all fireflies flash or glow. Some of these are diurnal and attract mates by: Pheromone
10. West of Kansas you'll only find fireflies that: Usually don't glow
The winner is Joe Mazzotta of Pittsburgh, PA. Congratulations!
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| 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 with GSMA? Click HERE and Lisa will help you. |
EXTRA!
Read all about it! |
The following are all instantly available, digital, GREEN publications...
+ The all-new Summer 2014 Smokies Guide (the official GSMNP newspaper) is available for viewing, reading and printing. Click HERE. + The all-new Spring 2014 Bear Paw, the GSMA membership bi-annual newsletter, is ready to read, share and print by clicking HERE. This edition includes the 2013 Annual Report. + Read back issues. Archive editions of the Cub Report can be found HERE. |
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All purchases support this national park. 
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