Tarantulas in The Great Smoky Mountains

When you think of tarantulas, you most likely think of the big, furry, scary ones that you see on National Geographic or in movies. Most of these species of tarantulas live in the southwestern parts of the U.S. However, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park there is a species of tarantulas, most-commonly known as the trap-door spider. They are stocky with short, thick legs, and are sparsely covered with hair. They have eight eyes! One pair is located in the middle with three on each side of their head. They are either tan or chestnut brown in color.

Say Safe in the Water, The Great Smoky Mountain National Park

When things get heated, be careful when cooling off. The streams and waterfalls of the park seem like an excellent way to cool off but, water recreation in the National Park is not recommended and you need to use extreme caution. Drowning is the leading cause of death in the park. If you get injured while in the National Park, depending on where you are, medical assistance could be hours away. It is especially important not to  climb on the rocks near waterfalls, and use extreme caution while walking along riverbanks, because these rocks are slippery due to mist and algae. If you do decide to get in and cool off, do no jump or dive into the water. The bottom of the water is dark and rocks may not be visible from the surface. When it comes to water recreation, use extreme caution and common sense. For more safety tips click here.

Poison Ivy in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great way to relax and enjoy nature while visiting the area. However, along with this activity there are some things you should be cautious of – one being poison ivy. The reaction caused by the plant differs from person to person, ranging from no reaction at all to hospitalization. Be careful while walking in moist areas where the plants do not get enough sunlight. The ivy can grow in groups of three leaves, with the largest leaf in the middle, but it can also grow up to nine leaves in a group. Remember the rule, “Leaves of three, Let it be.” Here are a few key things to look out for and know while enjoying your hike:

- poison ivy needs light to grow, so be careful around the edges of the woods, roads, parking lots, and in fields.

- The ivy is generally in low weed-like plants, but can also look like a vine climbing up trees.

- The edges of the leaves have tiny “teeth.”

- Depending on the season, the leaves are not always green. In the spring they are reddish, and yellow or orange in the fall.

- The berries are typically white.

Poison Ivy is not hard to avoid if you are cautious. It is suggested to hike in long pants and shoes that cover your entire foot. If you do get poison ivy, remember to wash the area with COLD water, because it will not open your pores and let the oil in.

Hiking Tips for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 

As the weather gets warmer, there will be an increasing amount of hikers in the National Park. Here are a few tips to keep you safe during your hike.

- Consider the weather: if you get caught in a thunderstorm, stay off the balds and away from open areas (meadows) in order to avoid getting hit by lightening. Always carry raingear.

- Know your limitations: on average, hikers travel 2 miles per hour

- Stick to the trails: you are more likely to get lost or injured if you wonder off the established trails. If you do become lost or overtaken by darkness, stay calm and remain where you are. If you do this, you are more likely to be rescued within a few hours. It may take days to locate hikers who have wondered off the trails. You should never hike alone!

- You should wear bells, whistles, or take loudly in areas if you are afraid you may come across a bear.

- Stream water may contain impurities and parasites that can make you sick. So before drinking it, you should boil, filter, or treat it with iodine pills.

Bear Advisory, The Great Smoky Mountain National Park

 

Black bears look cute and cuddly from the distance, but don’t be mislead, you do not want a black bear near your home or cabin. For your safety, the National Park Service has issued some recommendations of how to behave in the event of a bear encounter:

- Never approach a bear! They are wild animals, in the past three years 2 humans have been killed.

- Never leave unattended food, food scraps, pet food, or garbage outside. Do not use garbage as a way to lure in animals. Garbage kills bears.

- Do not feed birds between April and November unless you use feeders that bears cannot reach and have spill pans.

- Do not overfill garbage containers and make sure they are animal resistant.

- Immediately clean cooking grills and spilled food.

- Do not leave food or snacks in your automobile.

- If a bear approaches, move family, pets, and any food indoors immediately.

- If a bear approaches, yelling really loud, banging pans together, and throwing rocks are tactics to scare them away.

- Never run away from a bear, back away slowly making a lot of noise.

Water Safety, The Great Smoky Mountain National Park

 

While visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in the spring and summer, it can get very hot. The streams and waterfalls of the park seem like an excellent way to cool off, but water recreation in the National Park is not recommended and you need to use extreme caution. Drowning is the leading cause of death in the park. If you get injured while in the National Park, depending on where you are, medical assistance could be hours away. It is especially important to not climb on the rocks near waterfalls, and use extreme caution while walking along riverbanks, because these rocks are slippery due to mist and algae. If you do decide to get in and cool off, do not jump or dive into the water. The bottom of the water is dark and rocks may not be visible from the surface. When it comes to water recreation, use extreme caution and common sense. For more safety tips click here.

Hiking Safety, The Great Smoky Mountains

 

While you are hiking the mountains this spring and summer remember these tips to get the most out of your hiking experience. Remember to travel responsibly and not to wonder off the designated trails and permitted areas. It is best to hike with two or three other people to increase safety. Please respect the rights of other hikers and campers. It is safe to take a map of the area and know the regulations for the trails you are on. While packing for your trip, remember that your pack weight should not exceed 1/3 your body weight. And remember, do your part to help out the park and environment – take out what you brought in. The safer you are the more fun your experience will be. 

Pet Leash Laws in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park

 

The Great Smoky National Park installed pet and leash laws to protect you and your pets. Dogs are only allowed in the campgrounds, picnic areas, and along the roads of the Great Smoky National Park. The dogs must be kept on a leash that does not exceed six feet in length, and you have to clean up after it. They are not allowed on the hiking trails or any of the preserved historical buildings. There are two walking paths that dogs are allowed on, the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trial. If you know you want to get out of the car and hike the trails, it is best to just leave your dog at home, because your pets should not be left unattended in the vehicle. For a list of pet friendly vacation homes click here.

Health and Fitness in Gatlinburg

While on vacation in Gatlinburg is it important to know where and how to maintain your health and fitness. Here you will find a list of businesses dedicated to your health and fitness. These businesses include a hospital, community center, dentist, pharmacy and more.

Visitor Information for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Resources:
General Park information: (865) 436-1200
Backcountry information: (865) 436-1297
To order guides and maps: (865) 436-7318 x226

Emergencies:
Park Rangers: (865) 436-9171
Cherokee Police: (865) 497-4131
Gatlinburg Police: (865) 436-5181

Hospitals:
Blount Memorial: (865) 983-7211 U.S. 321, Maryville, TN
Sevier County: (865) 453-7111 Middle Creek Rd. Sevierville, TN

Accessibility:
Restrooms at all park visitor centers (Cades Cove, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are fully accessible. The Sugarlands Valley all-access nature trail is located on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) near Sugarlands. Please ask at a visitor center for a free guide.

Click here for more information about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.