Podcasts about Great Smoky Mountains National Park

When a woman vanishes while traveling in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, law enforcement and her family act quickly to try and figure out what happened to her. After her skeletonized remains are eventually found in a popular camping area, investigators across multiple states begin searching for a man who they would eventually learn went by many names. View source material and photos for this episode at: parkpredators.com/the-fugitive Did you know you can listen to Park Predators ad-free? Join the Crime Junkie Fan Club! Visit https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/fanclub/ to view the current membership options and policies. Park Predators is an Audiochuck production.  Connect with us on social media: Instagram: @parkpredators | @audiochuck Twitter: @ParkPredators | @audiochuck Facebook: /ParkPredators  | /audiochuckllc TikTok: @audiochuck Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In honor of the 250 years since the United States' conception, Lisa will be chatting about some of the beautiful natural parks that help preserve the landscape and wildlife of this country. In this iteration, she discusses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, between North Carolina and Tennessee, with its Chief of Staff, Katelyn Liming. […]

Tonight on America at Night with McGraw Milhaven: Professor Anat Alon-Beck, an expert in corporate governance and tech litigation, joins the show to discuss the high-stakes OpenAI trial and what the case could mean for the future of artificial intelligence, corporate responsibility, and the rapidly evolving tech industry. Elahe Izadi, staff writer and podcast host for The Washington Post, examines what Stephen Colbert's cancellation could mean for the future of late-night television, the shifting media landscape, and how audiences are changing the way they consume entertainment and political commentary. Plus, Jacqueline “Jackie” Harp, Executive Director of Smokies Life, joins the program for the weekly National Parks segment to highlight the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States and a vital part of America's natural heritage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back-to-back bear attacks in Yellowstone and Glacier, Grand Canyon officials recovered the body of missing 26-year-old, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is investigating 33 federally protected black vultures dumped along Foothills Parkway, Denali introduced this year's sled dog puppies on its puppy cam, state updates include Louisiana's bill to relocate removed monuments to state parks and Maryland's possible expansion of park entry reservations and online payments, and more.   00:00 Yellowstone and Glacier Bears 01:23 Grand Canyon Missing Hiker 02:12 Smokies Vulture Dumping 03:01 Alcatraz Coyote Mystery 05:08 Denali Sled Dog Puppies 06:57 Louisiana Monument Proposal 08:04 Maryland Park Reservations 10:02 Crater of Diamonds Find 11:05 Wrap Up  

16 year old Trenny Gibson Disappeared during a school trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on October 8, 1976. After separating from classmates on the trail back to the bus, she was last seen just 40 minutes before the group was meant to leave. Despite a massive search Trenny was never found, on the podcast we discuss suspicious details, and new theories about what may have happened that day.Contact us at: weeknightmysteries@gmail.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/weeknightmysteriesTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@weeknightmysteries

Explorer and researcher Adam Davies joins Bigfoot Society for one of the wildest Tennessee episodes yet. Deep in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Adam shares firsthand investigations involving terrifying roars, unexplained rock clacks, phantom voices on remote mountain roads, fresh tree breaks, and witnesses who have carried their stories in silence for years.This episode dives into intense activity around Cades Cove, strange encounters near Townsend, and a chilling account from Land Between the Lakes involving red eyes in the dark and creatures moving through the tree line.We also spotlight the 2026 Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival, happening May 2, 2026 in Townsend, Tennessee. The 6th annual event is set to feature guest speakers, live music, vendors, food trucks, contests, family activities, and thousands of Bigfoot fans gathering in the gateway to the Smokies. Townsend has become one of the most exciting destinations in America for Bigfoot culture, and this year's “Bigfoot Birthday Bash” edition looks bigger than ever. Adam also opens up about why serious witnesses stay quiet, what he believes researchers are missing, and the hidden side of Appalachian Bigfoot reports that rarely gets discussed publicly.If you want credible encounters, deep wilderness mystery, Tennessee Bigfoot history, and one of the most compelling researchers working today, this is an episode you need to hear.Resources:Get tickets for the festival here:https://www.thebigfest.com/https://www.youtube.com/@adamdavies-explorer/videoshttps://www.youtube.com/@RelicFilmsMediaAdam Davies books:https://shorturl.at/fVyZqhttps://www.facebook.com/SmokiesBigfoot/The best interview about Adam's encounters with the Oregon portal: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boaa924-adam-davies-john-carlson/id279245126?i=1000354032259

I took this episode from an article I wrote for Flying Snake magazine, which was published in December 2020 (Vol. 6, #18). Show transcript: Welcome to Strange Animals Podcast. I'm your host, Kate Shaw. The Great Smoky Mountains is a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, which stretches from the middle of Alabama in the United States north into southeastern Canada. The Appalachians formed when the world's continents crunched together to form the supercontinent Pangaea. The southern Appalachians formed separately and later than the northern Appalachians, around 270 million years ago. The Appalachians were once as high as the Rockies or Himalayas, but by the time the dinosaurs went extinct, they had eroded down to the mountain cores. Sediment weathered from the peaks and filled in valleys. But during the Pleistocene, when massive glaciers covered the northern parts of North America, the weight of the ice pushed the North American plate down, causing the southern part of the plate to rise. Eventually the ancient mountains' roots were a thousand feet (300 m) above sea level again. Rivers that once flowed east into the Atlantic Ocean or west into the remains of the shallow Western Interior Seaway shifted their courses to flow northward. Streams that once meandered across the land now plunged down steep slopes and dug gorges into the rock. And over thousands of years, animals and plants retreating from the ice migrated southward along the mountain range. When the climate warmed some 11,000 years ago and the ice age glaciers melted, many cold-adapted species were trapped in the peaks of the southern Appalachians. One of the highest peaks is Mount LeConte, with its highest point, High Top, measured at 6,593 ft, or 2,010 meters. I hiked Mount LeConte on 7 May, 2016 when the weather in nearby Knoxville, Tennessee was a warm 82 Fahrenheit, or 27.8 Celcius, but there was snow on the mountain that morning. I wrote my name in it. A spruce-fir forest grows on the upper slopes, a remnant of forest that grew throughout the mountains during the last ice age. The climate at the peak of Mount LeConte is more like that of southern Canada than the warm, humid southeastern United States. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934 to protect the mountains along the Tennessee/North Carolina border. No one lives in the park's 800 square miles (2,072 square km), which receives up to 90 inches [2.29 m] of rain a year, some of it from hurricanes that sweep up from the southern Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico. Large tracts of old-growth forest still remain in the park too. So as you can see, the Smokies are a biodiversity hotspot. In 2018, the park announced its 1,000th species discovered that is new to science, which by July 2020 had grown to 1,025. Overall, 20,000 known species live in the park as of 2019 and scientists estimate that up to 100,000 more are yet to be discovered. The Smokies are heavily forested, of course, but some mountain summits and crests have no trees. Instead, native grasses and shrubs grow. They're called grassy balds and no one is sure why they exist. The prevailing theory is that Pleistocene megaherbivores opened the forests for grazing, and after their extinction, the balds remained open due to bison, elk (wapiti), and deer. When white settlers moved into the area, they used the balds to graze cattle and other livestock. Remains of mammoth and mastodon, musk ox, ground sloth, and other megaherbivores have been excavated from various balds throughout the park. Amphibian enthusiasts call the Smokies the Salamander Capital of the World, with 30 known species. Largest of these is the hellbender, which we talked about in episode 14, a giant salamander that can grow nearly 2 ½ feet long, or 74 cm, and which lives in swift-moving mountain streams. It's most closely related to the Chinese and Japanese giant salamanders, which can grow over twice as long as the hellbender. Twenty-seven of the salamanders found in the Smokies are lungless, in the family Plethodontidae. Instead of breathing with lungs or gills, the lungless salamanders absorb oxygen through their skin. Of these, the red-cheeked salamander is endemic to the Smokies—that is, it's found nowhere else in the world. The red-cheeked salamander lives in forests in high elevations. It can grow up to seven inches long, or 18 cm, and is gray or black with bright red patches on its face. It spends the day in a burrow, then comes out at night to find insects in the leaf litter. But it's hard to tell apart from the imitator salamander, although the imitator only grows a little over four inches long, or 11 cm. The imitator has red cheeks but its body is patterned black and brown instead of solid gray or black. Sometimes its cheeks are yellow, too, while the red-cheeked salamander only ever has red cheeks. Another animal found only in the Smoky Mountains, although it may also be present in mountains outside of the park, is a species of jeweled spider fly called Mary-Alice's emerald (Eulonchus marialiciae). Mary-Alice's emerald has a metallic-green body and yellow legs, and the adults eat nectar. But the larvae eat spiders. Specifically, they parasitize spiders. After hatching, the larva goes in search of a spider, especially trapdoor spiders that live in burrows. When it finds one, it works its way into the spider's body and eats it from the inside out, eventually killing it. Then it pupates in the burrow and emerges as an adult spider fly. It prefers high elevations that are cool and moist. A less horrific animal found in the Smokies is the Carolina northern flying squirrel. It was one of the species whose ancestors migrated south along the Appalachians during the Pleistocene. Then, after temperatures started to warm, the cold-adapted flying squirrel migrated north again. Some populations remained on mountaintops in the Smoky Mountains and have been isolated for thousands of years, evolving into a subspecies of flying squirrel found only in high elevations of the Smokies. It's much rarer than the southern flying squirrel that lives throughout the southeastern United States, and prefers spruce forests instead of the hardwood forests that southern flying squirrels like. But the spruce forests are threatened by climate change, the introduced woolly adelgid insect that kills fir trees, and pollution in the form of acid rain and pesticides that travel to the mountains from other states and even other countries. The Carolina northern flying squirrel has a patagium of furry skin that connects its front and back legs. When it jumps from a branch, it stretches its legs out and uses the patagia to glide to a new perch. It's clumsy on the ground, though, and spends most of its time in trees. It mostly eats fungi, mushrooms, and lichens, but will also eat nuts, insects, bird eggs and even baby birds, and other plant material like tree sap and buds. Bobcats still live in the Smokies, but the cougar, or mountain lion, was supposedly killed off in the area by the end of the 19th century. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the eastern cougar subspecies from the endangered species list in 2018, since it is supposed to be extinct. The last cougar in what is now the park was supposedly killed in 1920. But sightings continue in the Smokies, close to a dozen a year, and some sightings are compelling, like the 2002 report of a cougar crossing a road in the park, spotted by a veterinarian who treated captive cougars in his practice. Considering how seldom seen the bobcat is despite it being relatively abundant, it's possible that a small number of cougars still live in the park—either animals that have moved back into the mountains from elsewhere, or a relict population. The red wolf is native to the eastern United States and was once common in the Smoky Mountains, but was killed off by white settlers throughout most of its range. Where it remained in the wild, it interbred with closely related coyotes, until it was declared extinct in the wild in 1980. Fortunately, by then a captive breeding program was in place. Starting in 1991, 37 red wolves were released in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, following the release of 63 red wolves into the Alligator River Natural Area in North Carolina a few years earlier. But the release didn't go well in the Smokies. Wolves are shy and need enormous territories with lots of game. Before long some wolves were leaving the park and attacking livestock. Others died of parvo virus, especially wolf pups. Worse, this was about the same time that coyotes moved into the area from the west. The wolves started interbreeding with the coyotes, and the coyotes also competed with the wolves for food. In 1998, the Fish and Wildlife Service ended the program and recaptured all but one of the wolves originally released into the park. The North Carolina release went better, with a population peak in 2006 estimated at nearly 130 wolves. But that program was suspended in 2015, and without management of the wild population, the number has dwindled. As of 2019, only 14 wolves remain in North Carolina—and that's the entire population of red wolves in the wild. But sightings of red wolves continue in the Smokies. The trouble is that the red wolf looks very similar to the coyote. It's taller and larger, with a more pronounced reddish shade to its coat, but even experts can have trouble telling the two species apart if they can't get a good look at the animal. Most likely people are seeing coyotes, possibly ones descended from red wolf/coyote hybrids born during the reintroduction program. The biggest mystery in the park is the occasional sighting of a Bigfoot-type creature. Most sightings are probably bears, though. An estimated 1,500 American black bears live in the Smokies, and while some bears get used to hikers and tourists, most are shy and seldom seen. A black bear keeping an eye on hikers or cars will sometimes stand on its hind legs for a better view, and would naturally look like a hulking humanoid if glimpsed. But other sightings aren't so easy to explain. In February of 2009, a photographer named Deb Campbell was hiking the Middle Prong Trail in the snow. The Middle Prong Trail passes three major waterfalls and many smaller ones as it follows along a tributary of the Little River. She had the trail almost completely to herself—she says she only saw one person the whole time. Later she reported, “[A]t some point I am photographing along the stream and I start to smell a gawd awful stench. Not really like anything I had ever smelled before. I look around, see nothing, listen intently…nothing. So I finish up at that spot and go further up the trail.” The smell receded behind her but the snow increased, so finally she turned around to hike out. Around the area where she smelled the stink earlier, she started feeling watched. She stopped long enough to secure her camera gear for much faster hiking in slick conditions, when she heard a deep growl that she described as “very low, not like a cat, almost guttural.” Needless to say, she got off the mountain as quickly as possible. The black bear doesn't truly hibernate since its body temperature remains normal instead of dropping, but it does find a den in cold weather and will sleep for long stretches. It may emerge from its den occasionally during the winter during warm spells, but for the most part it's asleep in its den from around November through March in the Smoky Mountains. But Campbell was hiking in February during a snowfall, with snow already on the ground. A bear would most likely not be out of its den in that weather unless it had been disturbed. And bears don't actually smell bad. During the winter hibernation most bears don't defecate at all. Any feces left in a bear's digestive tract harden to form a fecal plug. If it does feel the need to defecate near the end of the winter, it will do so just outside its den, but the fecal plug has very little odor. Even under ordinary conditions, unless a bear has been eating carrion, it will smell no worse than a dog that needs a bath. Not only that, black bears don't actually growl. They make grunty, huffing noises when warning people away or when males fight in the summer, and a frightened bear will moan, but they don't growl like a dog. It's possible that Campbell hiked past a bear that had emerged from its den early and had found and eaten carrion, possibly roadkill, and that she was so close to the bear without seeing it that she smelled its breath. That's almost more frightening than the thought of passing near a Bigfoot. The growl might have come from a different animal, a coyote or who knows, maybe even a red wolf. Or Campbell might have encountered a creature sometimes called a skunk ape due to its foul odor. The skunk ape is most commonly reported in Florida swamps, but sightings—or smellings—have come from many other states. The smell is sometimes described as that of rotting food and roadkill on a hot day. A bear or other animal that has been rooting around in garbage bins can pick up this odor, especially in hot weather, but it's hard to believe that a bear would be actively foraging so much in winter that it would smell like trash. January and February are the depths of winter in East Tennessee. The bears are hibernating, not foraging. Thanks for your support, and thanks for listening! This is what a couple of fighting bears sound like: [bear sounds]

Alé Dalton, Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, speaks with Kelly S. Street, Shareholder, Egerton McAfee Armistead & Davis PC, about his unique journey from farm boy to soldier to lawyer. They discuss Street's experiences as a first-generation college student growing up on his grandparents' Tennessee farm, what he learned serving in the U.S. Army, transitioning to law school as a veteran, what specifically drew him to health law and what his practice looks like, and why it is important for attorneys to find a “champion” or be one. They also discuss Street's role in Backcountry Unit Search & Rescue, an all-volunteer team that supports search and rescue efforts at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From AHLA's Early Career Professionals Council.Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSEpS0rnjRIEssential Legal Updates, Now in AudioAHLA's popular Health Law Daily email newsletter is now a daily podcast, exclusively for AHLA Comprehensive members. Get all your health law news from the major media outlets on this podcast! To subscribe and add this private podcast feed to your podcast app, go to americanhealthlaw.org/dailypodcast.Stay At the Forefront of Health Legal EducationLearn more about AHLA and the educational resources available to the health law community at https://www.americanhealthlaw.org/. 

Episode OverviewIn this Casting Angles episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash and Mac Brown of Mac Brown Fly Fish cover the spring fishing picture in western North Carolina just ahead of the Easter and spring break rush. The conversation is a candid, practical guide for anglers planning a trip to the region — with an honest assessment of current stocking conditions on delayed harvest water and a strong case for pursuing wild trout in the backcountry instead.Mac and Marvin address a notable stocking reduction on western North Carolina's delayed harvest (DH) water, with Mac reporting no stocking through March and a planned 60% reduction going forward — a ground-level reality check against the rosier picture often circulating on social media. The Nantahala River, which holds a large year-round fish population and most of the state's trout records, is identified as a productive alternative once hatchery-supported waters open in early April. For anglers willing to go further afield, the wild streams of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are described as fishing in peak spring form, with little black caddis hatches actively occurring, Quill Gordons already coming off, and Hendricksons and March Browns on the near horizon. Mac and Marvin both advocate for dry-dropper rigs — specifically an elk hair caddis or Stimulator as the dry with a soft hackle pheasant tail as the dropper — as the most effective and versatile approach for this time of year, targeting fish feeding actively in the surface film and mid-column rather than on the bottom.Mac also updates listeners on his guide school schedule, including an Advanced Line Control casting school on April 11–12.Key TakeawaysWhy wild trout streams in western North Carolina and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer better spring fishing than stocked delayed harvest water during the spring break periodHow a dry-dropper rig — elk hair caddis or Stimulator over a soft hackle pheasant tail — covers both the surface film and mid-column where spring trout are actively feedingWhy fishing the "tabletop" (surface) rather than dredging the bottom is the more productive approach on western NC wild streams this time of yearWhen to expect the spring hatch progression in western North Carolina: little black caddis now, followed by Hendricksons and March Browns, with terrestrials taking over by early summerHow to interpret hatchery-supported water signage and adjust fly selection — toward attractor and "junk food" patterns — when fishing freshly stocked Nantahala water after it opens in early AprilTechniques & Gear CoveredThe primary technique emphasis is dry-dropper fishing for wild trout on freestone mountain streams, with both Mac and Marvin endorsing it as the most versatile approach for early spring in western North Carolina. Mac frames the key tactical principle as targeting the "tabletop" — the surface film — rather than bottom-dredging, which he identifies as a common mistake that costs anglers hours of productive fishing. Specific patterns discussed include the elk hair caddis and Stimulator as the dry fly component, and a soft hackle pheasant tail as the dropper, with Marvin noting he particularly enjoys fishing soft hackles in the mid-column on the swing or drift. For hatchery-supported water on the Nantahala after it opens, both hosts note that recently stocked fish respond best to attractor and "junk food" patterns — worms, eggs and high-visibility flies — consistent with the behavior of fish transitioning out of a hatchery environment.Locations & SpeciesThe episode focuses on the western North Carolina trout fishing corridor centered on Bryson City and the surrounding national park backcountry, with Great Smoky Mountains National Park wild trout streams serving as the primary destination recommendation for visiting anglers. The Nantahala River is highlighted as the region's premier hatchery-supported fishery — holding fish year-round and producing most of the state's trout records — with its hatchery-supported sections opening in early April after the March closure period. Wild trout in GSMNP backcountry streams are the target species throughout, with fish actively looking up and responding to dry flies under spring conditions.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhy should I fish wild trout streams instead of delayed harvest water during spring break in western North Carolina?Mac Brown reports that DH water on the delayed harvest sections received no stocking through March and faces a 60% reduction in planned stocking going forward — meaning heavily fished DH beats likely hold only fish stocked the previous October. Wild trout streams in the Park, by contrast, are in excellent spring condition with active hatches and fish looking up, making them a far more productive and rewarding destination for the spring break window.How should I fish the Nantahala hatchery-supported water when it opens in early April?The Nantahala hatchery-supported sections open in early April after a March closure period. Freshly stocked fish behave like aquarium fish — unselective and responsive to attractor patterns, worms, eggs and high-visibility "junk food" flies rather than technical presentations. Marvin compares it directly to fishing freshly stocked delayed harvest water, so adjust expectations and fly selection accordingly.What dry-dropper setup works best for spring wild trout fishing in western North Carolina?Both Mac and Marvin recommend an elk hair caddis or Stimulator as the dry with a soft hackle pheasant tail as the dropper — a versatile rig that covers surface and mid-column feeding simultaneously. Marvin notes the soft hackle pheasant tail is particularly effective fished in the mid-column, where it can swing or drift naturally on the dropper.What hatches should I expect on western North Carolina trout streams in early spring?Little black caddis are hatching heavily right now and should continue for several more weeks. Quill Gordons have already been observed, with Hendricksons and March Browns coming next. The hatch season progresses quickly — by early summer, terrestrials largely replace mayfly and caddis hatches as the primary dry fly opportunity.When is the best time of day and under what conditions should I focus on dry fly fishing this time of year?Mac reports that overcast conditions are ideal for dry fly fishing on GSMNP wild trout streams in early spring, with fish actively looking up throughout the day under cloud cover. He notes that during a recent pre-school scouting session in the backcountry, dry flies alone were sufficient — fish showed no need for sub-surface presentation.Related ContentS7, Ep 28 – Warming Waters and Active Fish: A Spring Fishing Update with Mac BrownS6, Ep 36 – Mac Brown's Spring Hatch Hacks and Windy Day TacticsS6, Ep 39 – Mac Brown's High Country Hideaways and Warm Water WisdomS7, Ep 85 – Navigating Delayed Harvest: Mac Brown's Insights on Fall Fishing TacticsS8, Ep 18 – The Learning Curve: Mac Brown on Effective Teaching MethodsConnect with Our GuestFollow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.Support the ShowShop through our Amazon link to support the podcast.Join our Patreon community to support the show.If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our

When a gun-wielding man emerges from the Smoky Mountains and menaces visitors on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, a dedicated park ranger responds… Only to discover he will have to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect innocent lives and the parkland he swore an oath to. View source material and photos for this episode at: parkpredators.com/the-overlook   Park Predators is an Audiochuck production.  Connect with us on social media: Instagram: @parkpredators | @audiochuck Twitter: @ParkPredators | @audiochuck Facebook: /ParkPredators  | /audiochuckllc TikTok: @audiochuck Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this gripping episode, we sit down with an all-star lineup of paranormal voices: Laura from the Midnight in the Mountains Podcast, Jason York from AFK Discussions, and Brooks Rinish from the East Tennessee paranormal team The Smokies Unforgotten Spirits.Together, we dive deep into one of Tennessee's most haunted and mysterious locations — Elkmont Ghost Town, nestled deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg.Once a thriving early 1900s logging community and exclusive mountain resort for the wealthy, Elkmont was left to slowly fade after the creation of the national park. Today, its decaying yet eerily preserved cabins, the infamous “Troll Bridge,” and historic homes stand as a haunting time capsule of Appalachian life — and a hotspot for intense paranormal activity.From shadowy air entities and dark figures to chilling encounters with Black-Eyed Kids, aggressive spirits, and even reports of Bigfoot, Elkmont has earned its reputation as one of the most active locations in the Smokies.But this episode goes far beyond the legends. The guys open up about a terrifying personal experience they had in the ghost town — an encounter so powerful it has haunted them ever since and may have left a lasting impact on their lives.Join us for a wild, unforgettable night at Elkmont Ghost Town and discover the lingering effects this abandoned place continues to have on those who dare to investigate it.Got a mind-blowing paranormal encounter, cryptid sighting, UFO experience, or any high-strangeness story that still gives you chills? We want to hear it—and we want YOU on the show! Become a guest on Let's Get Freaky and share your true story with our growing freaky community. Drop us a line at: letsgetfreakypodcast@mail.com Or slide into our DMs on socials: Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, or YouTube → @tcletsgetfreakypodcastEverything you need in one place: https://linktr.ee/letsgetfreaky

00:01 Alright, let's hit the phone lines and talk to Jay. No, we'll talk to Reed in Greenville. Reed, welcome. Hey, it's all good here. Alright. I just wanted to make a comment about electric cars. mean, yeah, it'd be great. I'd love to have an electric car, but you know, they cost a lot of money. Yeah. And you have to have enough stuff at your house to charge the dang things. And I looked at this years ago, so it's probably not correct today. But years ago, I looked at just automobiles. 00:31 And I said, okay, here's how many cars they say we've got. Here's what an average mileage was at the time. And so here's how many, uh how much gasoline we're using. Here's how many, how much energy that is. And how much would it take in solar power, I think it was solar that I used, to come up with that much energy. And we would have had to cover up, I believe it was more, 00:59 than the area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park completely with solar panels in order to meet just the automobile's usage of fuel. Just automobiles. That's no transfer trucks, ships, no planes, no nothing. And so, yeah, I mean, it would be great if we could all drive around with electric cars, but the fact of the matter is, like you said, today, I know this for a fact. 01:28 because I have family that works in utilities. Today, we are seeing orange and red grid situations and companies are going, don't touch anything at the plant because we can't afford to lose any power. That was never the case, never the case when I worked for the power industry at a power plant 25 years ago. Right. happened. Yeah. Now it happened while the day in town. 01:54 Yep, and with more and more of these data centers going up, it's going to be an even bigger problem. I appreciate it, Reed. Now we'll go to Jay and Lawrence. Jay, welcome. Hey, Charlie. Hey, bud. Hey. 02:09 And I'm gonna put it out there as the United States of America. All right? One, it's really, it's two comments about it. One is, who the hell can afford it? Honestly, mean, in South Carolina with all these monopolized power companies, you get one of those electric cars, let's see, maybe your electric bill's gonna be a thousand bucks a month, that's awesome. Also, 02:40 I'm just going to 400 something horsepower down the road and carry it up and make noise. I'm American man. I'm not one of those foreigners. I'm American. I want to blow up the roads. You're one of those four barrel V8 guys. I appreciate it Jay. Thank you. Somebody sent a text in and that's when it hit me because we've been sitting here talking about the price of gas. How many times have you had to fill up? This war has been going on for 11 days. 03:10 How many times have you had to fill up in the past 11 days? Now, I'm not talking about you truck drivers out there. I know that's a different story. Not delivery drivers or anything like that. Just you and your commuter vehicle. You fill up once a week, Do you really? So you filled up one and a half times since the war started. Somebody said, look, it's only cost me an extra 10 bucks. Let's go to Chris in Greenville. Chris, welcome. Hey, John. Good afternoon. 03:40 uh... charlie but that's okay go ahead outside that's right uh... they've been on the tail end of the uh... electric car thing i don't know you probably keep up everything that does not want you to own electric car anymore they want to read to you what about that like you all nothing and be happy and that's right and what that said because i mean that then they can just take it back and you know lease it again you're right 04:07 But that was, I don't even know anybody that leases a car anymore, do you? No, absolutely not. Why would you? I mean, when you can get a good used car for, you know, five to $10,000 easy and last for a long time. And now I'm really into right to repair. don't know how much you know about it. Yeah. It's huge. So all the car companies, they want to capture your data from you so ...

On June 14, 1969, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Spence Field along the Appalachian Trail, six-year-old Dennis Martin vanished during a Father's Day camping trip — and he has never been found. How does a child disappear in the span of just a few minutes while adults are only yards away? Were critical mistakes made in those first hours? And what do we make of the reported scream… and the sighting of a man carrying something red through the woods? More than fifty years later, Dennis Martin is still missing — and the mountains are still silent. Please also consider supporting Coffee and Cases by joining us over on our Patreon page! Are you up-to-date on all our regular content?! Be a part of the C & C Fam by going to https://www.patreon.com/coffeeandcases to register! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a Jeep is found wrecked over an embankment in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, red flags go up right away for investigators. The twisted saga of events and acts of betrayal they uncover next lead them to the doorsteps of two lovers.View source material and photos for this episode at: parkpredators.com/the-wreck Park Predators is an Audiochuck production. Connect with us on social media:Instagram: @parkpredators | @audiochuckTwitter: @ParkPredators | @audiochuckFacebook: /ParkPredators  | /audiochuckllcTikTok: @audiochuck Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Scott and Jesse look at new housing developments — one for homeless veterans, one a new apartment complex near the Old City — as well as the hiring of the City of Knoxville's new downtown coordinator. At the state level, they catch up on bills attacking faculty tenure protections and same-sex marriage. And in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a privately-funded program to preserve historic buildings. They also preview this week's meetings of County Commission and the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees, as well Knox County's next virtual meeting on its Unified Development Ordinance. Support Scott and Jesse by sharing this free service of CompassKnox.com 

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you this very special episode all about one of our favorite organizations in the Smokies, Appalachian Bear Rescue in Townsend, Tennessee! Celebrating 30 years of volunteer-powered bear rescue, ABR is doing incredible work saving orphan cubs, rehabilitating them with minimal human contact, and releasing healthy bears back into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They truly are the gold standard. On a beautiful Saturday we were invited on one of their exclusive behind-the-scenes tours (only four small groups were allowed that day, we felt so honored!). We finally got to see the secluded facility where the magic happens, tucked way back in the county so the bears stay wild and never get used to people. After the tour we sat down right here at our home with the brand-new Executive Director, Greg Greico. What a genuine, passionate guy, perfect for the job! We talked for over an hour about his wild journey into bear work, the history of ABR, why these bears matter so much, and what the future holds. You're in for a treat, this one is full of hope, history, and a few “wow” moments. Learn more at My Smoky Mountain Guide Podcast Produced by Marc & Ann BowmanMy Smoky Mountain Guide, Helping you make the most of your time in the Smokies© 2020-2026 | Marc & Ann Bowman | Maryville, TennesseeArtwork by Ann BowmanRecording and editing by Marc Bowman

In October 1976, 16-year-old Trenny Gibson boarded a school bus in Knoxville, Tennessee, expecting a routine day. Instead, her horticulture class was taken on a rainy hike into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park without warning. Unprepared and uneasy, Trenny borrowed a jacket from a fellow student. By mid-afternoon, she was gone. One moment she was on the trail, the next she had vanished. Nearly 50 years later, her disappearance remains unsolved. Questions linger about suspicious behaviour, missing evidence, and why the case quietly faded from view. In this episode, we speak with podcast hosts Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna about their investigation into the haunting mystery of Trenny Gibson. You can listen to Tim and Lance's podcast Missing, here and watch their YouTube videos here. CREDITS Guests: Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna Host: Gemma Bath Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Audio Engineer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @truecrimeconversations Make sure to leave us a rating and review on Apple & Spotify to let us know how you're liking the episodes. Want us to cover a case on the podcast? Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In June 2004, a 22-year-old college student was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, who had been stalking her for months. The suspect fled the state and triggered a multi-agency manhunt that stretched across the Southeast and ended with a high-risk pursuit in the rugged terrain of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!!  https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and  (1) FacebookSources:https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2004/06/10/murder-suspect-killed-himself/30552840007/ https://www.wect.com/story/1925156/john-peck-killed-after-chase-shootout/ https://www.carolinajournal.com/killings-shock-wilmington-campus/ https://www.stalkingawareness.org/about-sparc/ https://www.wral.com/story/111447/ https://npshistory.com/morningreport/incidents/grsm.htm

Tonights video "TENNESSEE Camper Chased OUT of Forest! | 2 TERRIFYING Scary Stories" we dive into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a Camping and Hiking horror witness accounts.

Locals call it “The Road to Nowhere,” but its official name is Lakeview Drive. It’s a scenic six-mile stretch overlooking Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, North Carolina. After the road goes through a 1200-foot-long tunnel blasted out of a granite mountainside, it abruptly stops. The government spent millions of dollars until environmental concerns discovered later ended the project. Jesus, who was a carpenter by trade, once told a construction parable about counting the cost of following Him. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower,” He asked. “Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28). Another parable follows about a king who considers the cost of going to war, and it makes the same point. Speaking to the “large crowds . . . traveling” with Him (v. 25), Jesus wanted them to understand that there was a cost to sincerely believing in and following Him. Following Jesus only because of what He can do for us is a “road to nowhere.” But following Him for Him—turning daily from sin and self-focus to live for Him and His kingdom (carrying our “cross,” as He put it in v. 27)—changes everything. The cost must be counted. But He’s worth it.

How much do you know about lichens? These incredible taxa are understudied, but today's guest is making sure they're not undervalued. “You can't look at lichens under a microscope and not become immediately obsessed,” says Dr. Erin Manzitto-Tripp. “It's an endless world of magnificent, beautiful biodiversity.”Erin works in the mountains of Colorado to describe new species of lichens along with the rest of her fantastic lab. For this paper they called not just on the power of nature, but also on the power of music. These three new species are named after the Indigo Girls, the individual members of the band and the band itself, in thanks for the many gifts Erin and others have received through their music.Erin Manzitto-Tripp's paper “The Thin Horizon of a Plan is Almost Clear: Towards a Lichen Biodiversity Inventory of the Southern Rocky Mountains, USA” is in volume 712 issue 3 of Phytotaxa. It can be found here: https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.712.3.1A transcript of this episode can be found here: Erin Manzitto-Tripp - TranscriptNew Species: Lecanora indigoana, Lepraria saliersiae, Pertusaria rayanaEpisode image credit: Erin Manzitto-TrippListen to “The Wood Song,” whose lyrics gave this paper its title: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0tUkepNqiALearn about the Lichens of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: https://www.jstor.org/stable/43188704Check out Erin's Lab and their work: https://tripp-report.com/An article about these new species, with some beautiful photos: https://www.cpr.org/2025/07/24/cu-new-lichen-species-named-after-indigo-girls/And the blog post from the Indigo Girls after hearing about their new species:https://www.indigogirls.com/blog/bnjasxuusxhyfhyynob5oiko8om81aBe sure to follow New Species on Bluesky (@newspeciespodcast.bsky.social) and Instagram (@NewSpeciesPodcast) and “like” the podcast page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/NewSpeciesPodcast).Music in this podcast is "No More (Instrumental)," by HaTom (https://fanlink.to/HaTom)If you have questions or feedback about this podcast, please e-mail us at NewSpeciesPodcast@gmail.comIf you would like to support this podcast and enjoy bonus episodes, please consider doing so at https://www.patreon.com/NewSpeciesPod

In 1969 the Martin boys were out in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When young Dennis Martin vanished without a trace, all leads led nowhere. What happened? And how could he disappear under such strange circumstances? Researched by Benj Button Send your scary stories to: ⁠⁠⁠mikeohhello@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thatchapterpodcast⁠⁠⁠ Business enquires : ⁠⁠⁠thatchapter@night.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In September of 1981, Polly Melton went on a hike with friends in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and simply disappeared. Did she get lost in the wilderness? Or did she simply seize the chance to leave her old life and walk away into a new one? Let's talk about i!Note: the first 4 minutes of the episode sound a bit strange, because the microphone volume was too loud. Stick with it, it repairs at just after the 4 minute mark. Also, you can hear the dog chowing down now and then. Sorry! I didn't realize she was being picked up!

In this episode I speak with Erin Hatfield about becoming a member of The 900-Miler Club (hiking all the Great Smoky Mountains National Park trails).  Sponsor: Feral Giant Theme song: Adeem The Artist

Leconte Lodge, the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States, is a bucket list item in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Atop Mount Leconte at an elevation of 6,593 feet, the Lodge is only accessible by trail and through a competitive lottery system. Tune in for more about Leconte Lodge, host Bill's recent journey there, and how you can experience it for yourself. Looking for more hiking? Visit Jesse Brown's, Charlotte's one-stop shop for all things adventure - from apparel to footwear to accessories to plain old advice! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown's

Eight minutes. That is how long it took for Michael's life to be forever changed. In late November 2016, a fire broke out in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unbeknownst to Michael, the winds picked up while he was driving with his oldest son, and the fires swept toward the family home. Michael is haunted by nightmares of his frantic drive back through the fires, trying to get back home. By the time he arrived, the fire had taken the lives of his daughters, Chloe and Lily, as well as his wife, Constance. In the months after the fires, as Michael struggled to sleep, he would write about his pain. One day, he posted a writing on Facebook. It "went nuts," causing Michael to start a blog. Michael continued in his dark world until November 2023, when he stood at the memorial for the fires. He whispered to the empty air, opening his heart to the girls he had lost. In the silence, he heard Chloe's voice, bright and urgent: “Daddy, it's time to do the work.” The words struck a chord deep inside him. That night, he enrolled in college, determined to learn how to translate his pain into something to help others. Thus, The Million Stages of Grief was born. Each chapter opens with an italicized fragment from his old blog — a snapshot of confusion, terror, or numbness. The remainder of the chapter presents the lessons he gathered in classrooms, therapy rooms, and through life's experiences, reshaping those dark moments into pathways forward. Before pressing “publish,” Michael whispered a brief prayer, handing the manuscript over to his girls, asking, "I am completely giving this to you. However big you want this to go, however many people you want to read it, I give it all to you." Years ago, while working as a zipline instructor, a woman kicked Michael, knocking him over. Inexplicably, five years later and one month after that prayer, she posted the video to TikTok, garnering 1.5 million views. Curious, Michael created his own TikTok account, stitching the video to a narration of his story and book. The new post surged to 2.5 million views. I guess his girls decided that their story needed to go very big indeed.

In June 1853, Thoreau wrote of an enchanting encounter with the Wood Thrush: "This is the only bird whose note affects me like music. It lifts and exhilarates me. It is inspiring. It changes all hours to an eternal morning." Wood Thrushes thrive in large expanses of forest. And their numbers have declined as forests have been cut on their breeding grounds. Protected areas like Adirondack Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Ozark National Forest give them a chance to thrive.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. 

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for another Casting Angles segment with expert instructor Mac Brown, where they explore the path from basic technique to true casting mastery. Brown, a renowned fly fishing guide and casting instructor from Bryson City, North Carolina, brings decades of teaching experience to discuss the four stages of learning that transform mechanical casting into effortless, flow-state performance.Perfect timing for the post-Labor Day transition period, this episode dives into advanced line control techniques, kinesthetic learning approaches and why skill retention matters more than flashy one-time performance. Brown reveals how understanding the "why" behind casting mechanics eliminates performance anxiety and joint freezing, while his progressive teaching method ensures anglers build consistency before advancing to the next skill level. Learn about curve casts, double haul variations and systematic approaches to building a complete arsenal of casting techniques that utilize different airspaces for varying water conditions and obstacles. Brown emphasizes why mastering multiple line control methods prepares anglers for real fishing situations when trees and cover block traditional casting lanes. With fall fishing opportunities ahead in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and delayed harvest stocking beginning in October, this episode provides essential preparation for anglers ready to elevate their casting from basic competence to confident mastery on the water.Related ContentS7, Ep 20 - Practice Makes Perfect: Mac Brown on Mastering Casting TechniquesS7, Ep 16 - Simplifying Complexity: Effective Teaching Strategies in Fly Fishing with Mac BrownS6, Ep 10 - Casting Angles with Mac BrownS7, Ep 28 - Warming Waters and Active Fish: A Spring Fishing Update with Mac BrownAll Things Social MediaFollow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.Support the Show Shop on AmazonBecome a Patreon PatronSubscribe to the PodcastSubscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.Advertise on the PodcastIs our community a good

It's been said that the night skies are the other half of the National Park System. And it only makes sense, for when you're in a park and the sun goes down you tend to look into the night sky to spot constellations or, if you're lucky enough and in the right place, a comet overhead. Keeping that other half of the park system in mind, today's podcast will be a somewhat dark one. Our guest is Jeff Pfaller, a fine arts photographer who spent five years capturing night skies over national parks and other public lands. A book coming out in October by Pfaller showcases synchronous fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the famous illumination that makes Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park look like a cascading stream of lava, a shot of the whirling Milky Way against a colorful stump of petrified wood at Petrified Forest National Park, and many other nighttime images that remind us of that other half of the park system is overhead. National Parks Traveler readers can obtain a $15 discount on the book's purchase price by using this link to order it.

In 1969, when a young boy vanished in a matter of minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, his case set off a series of events that forever changed the way search and rescue operations in the United States and around the world are conducted. The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Dennis Martin is as baffling today as it was all those decades ago.View source material and photos for this episode at: parkpredators.com/the-field Park Predators is an audiochuck production. Connect with us on social media:Instagram: @parkpredators | @audiochuckTwitter: @ParkPredators | @audiochuckFacebook: /ParkPredators  | /audiochuckllcTikTok:  @audiochuck

This week Stacey tells us about Dennis Martin, a six-year-old boy who vanished on June 14, 1969, during a family camping trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, sparking one of the largest search efforts in the park's history.Sources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Dennis_Martinhttps://www.nps.gov/aboutus/foia/upload/1969_GRSM_DennisMartin_dissapearance_REDACTED.pdfhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Paulideshttps://medium.com/@brandonellis_25067/they-walked-ahead-on-the-trail-and-vanished-forever-b3d147e75eeb https://www.reddit.com/r/Missing411/comments/1huk8u5/question_about_the_dennis_martin_case/Support the show

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the entire United States. Every year close to 14 million people go to check out the nature, the wildlife, and to see what life was like back in the 1800s (90 structures have been preserved!). What's really exciting about the Smokies, at least to me, is that they're the birthplace of Appalachian culture. In today's episode, we'll begin with some geography, a little bit of history, and then we'll do a deep dive into folklore, bluegrass, and moonshine (homemade corn whisky), which is very much the reason why NASCAR exists today. It's truly mind-blowing. At the very end of the episode I'll share tips on visiting! Hope you enjoy it! :) Mentioned in this Episode ⁠Season 4 Premium Content⁠ ⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When a rancher and early settler of Minnesota's Itasca State Park is shot and killed during a hunting trip, suspicion falls on his partner in the woods who claims a peculiar sequence of events resulted in his buddy's death.An ominously named ridge in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a backstory so unsettling, that it takes diving through a trove of historical documents to settle on what is truth and what is fiction.View source material and photos for this episode at: parkpredators.com/the-accidents Park Predators is an audiochuck production. Connect with us on social media:Instagram: @parkpredators | @audiochuckTwitter: @ParkPredators | @audiochuckFacebook: /ParkPredators  | /audiochuckllcTikTok:  @audiochuck

In this episode ⁠Crawlspace Media⁠'s Tim Pilleri, Lance Reenstierna and Jennifer Amell discuss the disappearance of Thelma Pauline Melton from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. This episode was previously published on March 9th, 2023 on Missing. On an idyllic summer afternoon while hiking with her friends in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, Polly Melton disappeared into thin air. Polly was 58 at the time of her disappearance and would be 99 today. If you have any information in Polly's case please call the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 615-744-4000. Thank you to Laura Riste for her help on this episode. Please check out her site about Trenny Gibson at ⁠https://www.canadiangurl77.com/⁠ and check out the new FB page for Trenny's case: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/searching.for.trenny⁠. Sources/Links ⁠https://www.canadiangurl77.com/⁠ ⁠https://charleyproject.org/case/thelma-pauline-melton⁠ ⁠https://unsolvedappalachia.org/thelma-pauline-melton/⁠ ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Unsolved-Disappearances-Great-Smoky-Mountains/dp/1880308134/⁠ Follow Missing: TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@missingcsm⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/missingcsm⁠ IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/MissingCSM/⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/MissingCSM⁠ FB: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/MissingCSM⁠ Check out our entire network at ⁠http://crawlspace-media.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Midwest Mythos, Ryley explores the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, sharing personal experiences and delving into the rich folklore and legends associated with the area. The conversation covers various cryptids, including the Wampus Cat and Dogman, as well as the infamous Sasquatch sightings. Ryley also discusses the mysterious cases of missing persons in the park, particularly the unsolved case of Dennis Martin. The episode concludes with a promise of more exciting content in future episodes.Youtube: https://youtube.com/@midwestmythospodcast?si=f5qXsiJuuWv4-hqEIf you would like to be a guest on the show contact me on the submission form at: linktr.ee/midwestmythospodcast or contact me on Instagram @midwestmythosThank you for all the support!

In 1969, six-year-old Dennis Martin disappeared in Great Smoky Mountains National Park while out with his family. The extensive search that followed yielded no results, and the case remains one of the park's most enduring mysteries. #missing #411 #abductions #smokies #podcast #paranormal #missing

There are more stories to be found in the National Park System than one could write in a lifetime. Or several lifetimes. Sometimes those stories can be hard to spot. How many were aware of the factoid from Great Smoky Mountains National Park that Jennifer Bain dug up, that if you stacked up all of the park's salamanders against its roughly 1,900 black bears, the salamanders would weigh more? Talk about national park trivia. We're going to talk about stories in the parks today with Kim O'Connell and Rita Beamish, two long-tenured writers for the Traveler. The ones they're currently working on are pretty interesting.

Listener Gavin Fitch joins Jeremy to talk about the Sawback Trail in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.  This fantastic trail gives hikers a chance to experience some of Canada's most amazing backcountry scenery.  And Jeremy walks us through the history of the park.  Also, hear from Nina Veteto about the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:  https://www.wildflowerpilgrimage.org/  And join Jeremy in June hiking in Southern California at Big Bear Lake at the Highlander event:  https://www.highlanderadventure.com/en-us/big-bear-lake  And finally, don't forget to patronize our sponsor, Outdoor Herbivore:  https://outdoorherbivore.com/Questions, comments, or suggestions:  trailsworthhiking@gmail.com; and follow on Instagram @trailsworthhikingpodcast

Our National Park Service staff are under seige, as so many federal employees are, from trump and Elon Musk's unfair attacks on our federal government agencies with haphazard and frankly cruel mass firings of public servants (not truly based on inefficiency or poor performance) along with spending and hiring freezes that are traumatizing and debilitating park employees and surrounding communities, creating a culture of fear and demoralization (the rhetoric not only lacks appreciation but is insulting). What little we gain in $ savings are outweighed by the massive long-term costs for everyone. I turned to a career public servant with over 40 years in the National Park Service -- retired Supervisory Forester Kristine Johnson from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, still living and volunteering in Gatlinburg, TN-- to have her on the "In Tune to Nature" show to help us understand what is going on and how these firings and spending freezes are really affecting park employees and morale on the ground (kids and the broader Gatlinburg community included). In our 47-minute conversation, Kristine also shares the potential long-term harmful impacts on wild animal residents and park habitats, concerns about the government privatizing park jobs and prioritizing recreation over wildlife and scientific research, public and wild animal safety issues, and what we as citizens can do now to help support our parks in this crisis. Prior to the trump regime, our national parks were already overloaded with tourists who love them, while being chronically understaffed and underfunded. The parks can't afford to lose any more dedicated staff, so American citizens need to step up to defend them if we truly care. Do we have the power to get these hardworking and talented folks re-hired if we tell our U.S. Senators and Representative that's what we demand?! Let's find out. Organizations who are speaking out and can serve as resources for us are: PEER: Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility The Coalition to Protect America's National Parks The National Park Conservation Association Indivisible.org "In Tune to Nature" is a weekly radio show airing Wednesdays at 6pm Eastern Time on 89.3FM-Atlanta radio and streaming worldwide on wrfg.org (Radio Free Georgia, a nonprofit indie station) hosted by me, Carrie Freeman, or Melody Paris. The show's website and action items can be found at https://wrfg.org/in-tune-to-nature/  Please support nonprofit indie media like our Radio Free Georgia station at https://wrfg.org/  Thank you! Take care of yourself and others, including the imperiled public servants in our federal agencies. Photo Credit: Supervisory Forester Kristine Johnson, by Joye Ardyn Durham, upon her retirement from GSMNP in 2021. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on In Tune to Nature do not necessarily reflect those of WRFG, its board, staff or volunteers. 

“And I would say for me, there's only a very small number of times where I really felt convicted that this is the path for me in life. This is the thing I'm supposed to do. And this was one of those moments where it just felt really clear. Getting to buy The Swag, it wasn't like it was a dream come true, because I don't think I had bold enough or big enough dreams to dream that. It was beyond a dream.” We're in great company with Annie Colquitt, who along with her husband David, became stewards of both The Swag and Cataloochee Ranch, two mountaintop resorts bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, where they have continued a heritage of hospitality while elevating the comforts and cuisine of these intimate hideaways. Together, Annie and David dreamt of owning a modest family business together, but what they ended up with was so much more - sharing their passion for travel, their love for the outdoors, their talent for hospitality, their craft for luxury accommodations, and their commitment to the community - with guests from around the world.  In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Annie shares a humble and honest story of how these two Relais & Châteaux honored resorts came to be and how far she and her family are willing to go to ensure they stand strong for generations to come - no matter what other storms they may weather.  Top Takeaways [3:25] From becoming best friends to falling in love, from raising their children to building a family business together, Annie and David's story is a source of laughter and learning for us all.  [6:40] A multigenerational friendship with the Matthews family, a memorable honeymoon and a handshake deal later, how Annie and David found themselves the new stewards of The Swag, “this was one of those moments where it just felt really clear, this is the path for me in life.”  [15:15] With little experience and lots to learn, Annie and David found themselves presented with the opportunity to own their neighboring property, the Cataloochee Ranch, beloved by the Alexander family for generations, yet in search for a new vision.  [19:05] The history of The Swag and Cataloochee Ranch can be seen, heard and felt throughout their winding halls, in the stories of returning guests and tenured staff, in the warm welcome of their timeless aesthetics.  [22:40] The Swag experience is built atop a mountain summit on meaningful history, connected community, rejuvenating amenities and breathtaking scenery. [30:45] Cataloochee Ranch is an old frontier made new, mixing classic ranch fun with exceptional accommodations and cuisine, inspiring a sense of adventure across all generations.   [39:15] In light of recent events, the devastation that Hurricane Helene left Western North Carolina in, Annie and David are a beacon of hope, giving over two million dollars to the recovery, restoration and rebuilding efforts of their surrounding community. Notable Mentions Hemphill Bald Trail Gooseberry Knob 2024 & 2025 Experts in Residence Chef Jeb Aldrich at Switchback Visit For Yourself The Swag Website | @theswagnc Cataloochee Ranch Website | @cataloocheeranch  Stay In Good Company Website

The vulnerable red-cockaded woodpecker is known to be found in national park units throughout the southeast.  Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park in Florida, Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are just a few of the parks that either are, or once were, home to the woodpecker. Recently the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service moved to downlist the red-cockaded woodpecker from being an endangered species to being threatened. While that normally would be welcome news, the decision has been criticized as being premature and ignorant of climate-change threats to the species.   This week the Traveler's Lynn Riddick discusses this decision with the southeast program director of Defenders of Wildlife…and the thinking behind that organization's belief that this decision comes at a questionable time.

What began as an afternoon high school field trip to observe plants became one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's most enduring and puzzling missing persons cases when 16-year-old Trenny Gibson vanished from a trail amongst 40 other students. Her story has stumped investigators and broken hearts for decades, but there is still hope that someone, somewhere knows something that can bring answers and peace. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you're listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon  or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website. Thank you so much to our partners, check them out! Lumen.me: Head to lumen.me/NPAD for 15% off your purchase. StoryWorth: Use our link to save $10 on your first purchase. Lume Deodorant: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code NPAD at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod BetterHelp: National Park After Dark is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off. Sources NPS – Incident Report, Missing Podcast, Trenny Gibson, National Geographic, NY Times, DOE Network

Once a year they come out, by the thousands. Fireflies. But these aren't just any fireflies. These are Photinus Carolinas, also known as synchronous fireflies They blink on and off together. It's an amazing site. On this episode, I head to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to experience the synchronous fireflies and learn how light from human development is threatening the future of these delicate, glowing insects and what the park is doing to try to protect them. This show would not be possible without listener support. You can help us continue to create this special immersive storytelling by donating at kuow.org/donate/thewild. Thank you. For some great photographs and clips from our journey through the national parks, check out our Instagram @thewildpod and @chrismorganwildlife. THE WILD is a production of KUOW, Chris Morgan Wildlife, and the NPR Network. This episode was produced by Matt Martin and edited by Jim Gates. THE WILD is hosted, produced and written by Chris Morgan. Fact checking by Apryle Craig. Our theme music is by Michael Parker.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iron comes on to talk about his new book, "Hike It: An Introduction to Camping, Hiking and Backpacking in the U.S.A."Taken from book publisher details:This fully illustrated book is the perfect introduction to enjoying America's great outdoors. Explore 20 National Parks with incredible trails that take you past snow-capped mountains, along stunning coastlines, and through ancient forests, and discover the majesty of nature with glorious artwork throughout. This book is packed with practical information, too.Young adventurers 7+ will learn about:• Navigating, and what to do if you get lost• Essential hiking equipment• How to leave no trace and protect the environment• Pooping in the woods!• Staying safe in the heat, snow, and rain• Fire safety and setting up camp• Encountering wildlife and safety• Locating the North Star and understanding the night skyAuthor and internet sensation Iron Tazz offers a wealth of information based on years of experience hiking every kind of trail and from sharing adventures with his own little boy. Full of kid-friendly tips and tricks for enjoying nature, this is the perfect book for learning how to hike your own hike.National Parks and trails: Olympic National Park; Mount Rainier National Park; Redwood National Park; Death Valley National Park; Yosemite National Park; Acadia National Park; Wind River Range; Sawtooth National Forest; Grand Canyon National Park; Glacier National Park; Arches National Park; Yellowstone National Park; Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Crater Lake National Park; Petrified Forest National Park; Denali National Park and Preserve; Pacific Crest Trail; Appalachian Trail; North Cascades National Park; Continental Divide National Scenic TrailConnect with Iron: https://www.irontazz.com/Buy the book (Amazon) Support the showConnect with Hike:Instagram: @thehikepodcast @shenandoahexplorerFacebook: @thehikepodcastEmail: hikepodcast@gmail.com

On Father's Day Weekend in 1969, six-year-old Dennis Martin was camping with his family near Spence Field in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park when he vanished without a trace, leading to one of the largest searches in the history of the National Park Service. Tragically, he was never found, and the disappearance of Dennis Lloyd Martin remains unresolved after more than half a century.  In recent years, renewed interest in the case has led to speculations about a possible kidnapping, as well as theories that an "Appalachian wild man" akin to Sasquatch may have been involved. Such theories focus on the testimony provided by the late Harold Key and his family, who observed an individual in the park under odd circumstances that unfolded on the same day as the disappearance of Dennis Lloyd Martin.  In this special episode of Sasquatch Tracks, the team takes a deep dive into the details of the disappearance, discussing a recent Hulu series that discusses the kidnapping theory and its possible relevance to what some witnesses liken to wild men or even "apelike" creatures inhabiting the remotest portions of our National Parks. We examine the evidence for this, along with several alternative explanations for the disappearance, and what U.S. government documents and independent research into the landmark search and rescue case reveal.  Stories and other links discussed in this episode:  Dennis Lloyd Martin: 50 Years Ago, This Boy Vanished in the Great Smoky Mountains Cold Cases - Investigative Services (U.S. National Park Service)  Watch OUT THERE: Crimes of the Paranormal Streaming On Hulu Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.

The Family Vacationer Podcast - Episode 166: The Best Places to See the Leaves Changing in the Fall Episode Overview: In this episode of *The Family Vacationer*, Rob takes you on a colorful journey through some of the best places in the U.S. to experience the magic of fall foliage. Whether you're planning a quick weekend road trip or a longer family vacation, you'll get expert tips on the top destinations to soak in the season's vibrant colors. Topics Covered: 1. New England Fall Foliage   - Explore Vermont's Green Mountain Byway, with family-friendly activities like apple picking and cider mills.   - Discover New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway and scenic spots in the White Mountains.   - Experience Acadia National Park in Maine, where coastal views meet stunning autumn landscapes. 2. Southern and Midwestern Fall Adventures   - Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, with Asheville as your base for exploration.   - Enjoy the colors of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including the picturesque Cades Cove.   - Explore Michigan's Upper Peninsula, from the Porcupine Mountains to the waterfalls of Tahquamenon Falls State Park.   - Visit Door County, Wisconsin, where local traditions like fish boils and scenic drives offer a unique fall experience. 3. Western and Mountain Foliage Destinations   - Discover the beauty of the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas and Missouri, with winding scenic drives through dense forests.   - Take in the golden hues of Aspen, Colorado, and the breathtaking views of Maroon Bells.   - Head to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia for the perfect mix of scenic drives and outdoor activities along Skyline Drive. Why You Should Listen: If you love the idea of a family getaway surrounded by the beauty of autumn, this episode is packed with inspiration. Rob shares practical travel tips, must-see spots, and ideas for making the most of your fall foliage trips—whether you're into hiking, scenic drives, or simply enjoying the crisp air and vibrant landscapes. Links and Resources Mentioned - Acadia National Park - Green Mountain Byway (Vermont) - The Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire) - The Blue Ridge Parkway - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Porcupine Mountains (Michigan) - Maroon Bells (Aspen, Colorado) - Shenandoah National Park Follow Us: Be sure to subscribe to *The Family Vacationer* on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode! For more family travel inspiration, follow us on social media and visit our website for additional resources. ---

In 2016, a wildfire escaped the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It killed 14 people, injured dozens more and destroyed parts of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. We talk with an investigative journalist who has new information on the incident.Also, four decades ago rice seeds from Laos crossed the ocean to California and made their way to a family of Hmong farmers in North Carolina.And the Appalachian trail has been exhaustively hiked, explored and written about, but it's still got a few secrets left.

Tonight, we'll read a section from “At Home In the Smokies”, a History Handbook for Great Smoky Mountains National Park produced by the National Park Service and written by Wilma Dykeman and James Stokely. The Great Smoky Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, are renowned for their breathtaking beauty and rich history. Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, they boast the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States. This majestic area draws millions of visitors each year with its ancient mountains, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant display of wildflowers, which bloom year-round. The Smokies are named for the natural fog that often hangs over the range, appearing as large smoke plumes from a distance. This mist is caused by vegetation exhaling volatile organic compounds, a phenomenon that adds to the mystical quality of the landscape. For tonight's selection we'll be reading the section titled “Birth of a Park” — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read a section from “At Home In the Smokies”, a History Handbook for Great Smoky Mountains National Park produced by the National Park Service and written by Wilma Dykeman and James Stokely.The Great Smoky Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, are renowned for their breathtaking beauty and rich history. Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, they boast the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States. This majestic area draws millions of visitors each year with its ancient mountains, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant display of wildflowers, which bloom year-round.The Smokies are named for the natural fog that often hangs over the range, appearing as large smoke plumes from a distance. This mist is caused by vegetation exhaling volatile organic compounds, a phenomenon that adds to the mystical quality of the landscape.For tonight's selection we'll be reading the section titled “Birth of a Park”— read by 'V' —Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2015, Brad Ryan called up his 85-year-old grandmother to see if she wanted to join him on a road trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “She just said, ‘What time are you picking me up?'” Say hello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2BmMZr5 Want to listen to This is Love ad-free? Sign up for Criminal Plus – you'll get This is Love, Criminal, and Phoebe Reads a Mystery ad-free. Plus, behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal and other exclusive benefits. Learn more and sign up here. We also make Criminal and Phoebe Reads a Mystery. Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices