New StoryWalk in Cashiers
The new Cashiers Greenway Ramble StoryWalk is now complete, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday, April 2, set…
Read More
Year of the cicada: After 17 years, large cicada brood will emerge aboveground
This spring, the eastern United States will play host to one of nature’s great marvels — periodical cicadas, mysterious insects…
Read More
Road closures extended in Greenbrier
A delay in supplies for the Ramsey Prong Bridge replacement project is causing an extended closure for Ramsey Prong Road…
Read More
Invasive mussels found in aquarium products
Invasive zebra mussels have been found in commercially available aquatic moss balls in North Carolina, and consumers who have purchased…
Read More
Read through the woods: Storybook Trail promotes literacy and nature
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park hopes to help visitors experience the Smokies story in a new way thanks to…
Read More
Revamped Bryson City market to start in May
The farmers market in Bryson City is growing, with Swain County Cooperative Extension and the Swain County Tourism Development Authority…
Read More
‘Twice the work’: Farmers report higher-than-expected 2020 sales, but also higher costs
When spring sprung in 2020, so did the Coronavirus Pandemic, forcing farmers to make life-altering decisions in the face of…
Read More
New flower found in South Carolina
A new flower species has been found in a South Carolina county bordering the Western North Carolina mountains, according to…
Read More
N.C. birds suffering from bacterial infection
A concerning number of goldfinch and pine siskin birds have been reported dead across the state over the past few…
Read More
Newfound Gap Road named All-American Road
Newfound Gap Road has been designated an All-American Road, joining the Blue Ridge Parkway in claiming a designation that recognizes…
Read More
Wildlife Commission approves rule changes
During its business meeting Feb. 25, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reviewed proposed rule changes and accepted 40 of them.
Read More
Invasive mussels found in aquarium products
Invasive zebra mussels have been found in commercially available aquatic moss balls in North Carolina, and consumers who have purchased…
Read More
Searching for safe passage: Group works for safer wildlife crossings on I-40
Growing up in eastern Kentucky, Frances Figart loved any chance to glimpse the diverse wildlife species roaming those Appalachian foothills…
Read More
Ozone season begins
The 2021 ozone season began March 1, signaling the resumption of daily air quality forecasts across North Carolina.
Read More
New operator chosen for livestock market
After 10 years running the WNC Regional Livestock Market, John Queen is retiring from the job, and the WNC Communities…
Read More
Prescribed burns planned
A 175-acre prescribed burn is planned for this week along the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Wears Valley to…
Read More
Partnership will promote Black participation in outdoor rec
A partnership between the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and Brevard-based Black Folks Camp Too is expected to…
Read More
Connect to the spirit of the Smokies
The “Spirit of the Smokies” certificate program is starting up again, offered by the University of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountain Field…
Read More
Bring knowledge to your home garden
A series of horticulture classes aimed at home gardeners will be offered in the New Year through Haywood County Cooperative…
Read More
‘A trail for everybody’: YouTuber raises funds for Canton bike park
The first trails at Canton’s Chestnut Mountain Park will be ready to ride before the leaves drop this fall thanks…
Read More
HCC grad wins military honors
A 1995 Haywood Community College graduate has received seven awards for his distinguished assistance to the U.S. military in Afghanistan.
Read More
Paving begins on park road
A paving project expected to last through the end of November is now underway on the Great Smoky Mountains National…
Read More
Riding high in Jackson: Proposed 35-mile trail system would be East Coast’s highest for bikes
A group of Western North Carolina mountain biking enthusiasts has unveiled plans to bring the highest-elevation mountain bike trail on…
Read More
WNC claims two of 2020’s three most visited National Park units
Despite the pandemic — or perhaps because of it — Western North Carolina was home to two of the nation’s…
Read More
New trail coming to Old Fort
The U.S. Forest Service wants public input on a proposal to build 42 miles of new trails near Old Fort…
Read More
Pandemic changes trail season plans
With the pandemic still very much in effect as thru-hiker season comes around once more, trail season in Franklin will…
Read More
Full closure planned for Cades Cove Loop Road
Cades Cove Loop Road will be fully closed for three weeks in September to allow crews to resurface the popular…
Read More
Video shows impact of Smokies Hikes for Healing
A new video highlighting the Smokies Hikes for Healing program, a hiking series that Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent…
Read More
Get ready for motorcycle season
Hit the open road virtually at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 2, for author Hawk Hagebak’s humorous take on motorcycling up…
Read More
Groups praise reversal of Trump administration conservation funding policy
Conservation groups are applauding a Feb. 11 order from Acting Secretary of the Interior Scott de la Vega that rescinds…
Read More
More land conserved in Hickory Nut Gap
A recently completed conservation project in Hickory Nut Gap connects to an existing 1,500 acres of conserved land in southwestern…
Read More
Bonsai Expo, Orchid Festival canceled
Two popular springtime events at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville won’t take place this year due to ongoing virus-related safety…
Read More
Vehicle-free Wednesdays will continue at Cades Cove
A pilot project that last year kept Cades Cove Loop Road vehicle-free on Wednesdays will continue this year.
Read More
Cub Scouts seeking new members
Despite the pandemic, Sylva’s Cub Scout Pack 999 has been staying active and is currently seeking new members to join…
Read More
Masks required at Park Service facilities
Face masks are now required at all National Park Service buildings and facilities as a result of President Joe Biden’s…
Read More
Race the slopes
A recreational racing program will offer skiers and snowboarders of all abilities the chance to push their speed with weekly…
Read More
Plans ready for 150-mile Hellbender Trail
Local governments and residents of Western North Carolina have been working for years to improve and construct greenways. Now, there…
Read More
Paper and the Pigeon: Canton mill’s wastewater permit up for renewal
As a college student in the 1990s, Callie Moore would frequently find herself driving along the Pigeon River on Interstate…
Read More
WCU offers outdoor industry certificate program
A new professional outdoor industry certificate will be available through the Western Carolina University Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment…
Read More
Bridge work prompts Greenbrier road closures
Two road sections in the Greenbrier area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed for bridge replacement through…
Read More
Spend the summer at Tremont
Registration is now open for 2021 summer and adult programs at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.
Read More
Projects prompt parking closures at DuPont
Several parking areas in DuPont State Recreational Forest will be closed the next few months due to N.C. Forest Service…
Read More
N.C. Parks reach a quarter million acres
The N.C. State Parks system has crossed the 250,000-acre mark thanks to recent acquisitions at Deep River and Salmon Creek.
Read More
Adventure with REI
REI in Asheville is offering a full schedule of outdoor classes and activities for the adventurous this winter.
Read More
Join the Backyard Bird Count
The Great Backyard Bird Count will return this year, with experienced and novice birders alike encouraged to spend at least…
Read More
Expecting the unexpected: Shuping retires after 20 years as Haywood’s emergency manager
Greg Shuping was 19 years old when he launched his emergency services career in his native Burke County. The son…
Read More
Friends of Dupont gets help with Share the Trails
Friends of DuPont Forest will receive 100 free hours of public relations and marketing services thanks to the Stand Up…
Read More
Parkway section closed for Linville bridge work
A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville Falls will be closed through summer for a bridge rehabilitation project…
Read More
Rock faces closed for peregrine falcon protection
Twelve rock faces in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are closed to climbing, rappelling, hang-gliding and other activities through…
Read More
Below the Pinnacle: Project seeks to protect 250 acres below Pinnacle Rock
The 3.5-mile hike to the top of Pinnacle Rock is a heart-pumping one, the old logging roads that now serve…
Read More
