Friends of the Smokies

Friends of the Smokies: Your Guide to Supporting Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the Tennessee and North Carolina border, is a breathtaking destination that drew over 13 million visitors in 2023, making it the most visited national park in the U.S. With its misty ridges, cascading waterfalls, and endless trails, it’s no wonder folks flock here year after year. But keeping this 522,000-acre wonderland in top shape is a big job, and that’s where Friends of the Smokies comes in.

Since 1993, this nonprofit has been a vital partner to the National Park Service, raising funds, rallying volunteers, and spreading the word about preserving this natural gem. Whether you’re planning your first Smokies trip or you’re a regular hiker, here’s a look at what Friends of the Smokies does, how their fundraising efforts keep the park thriving, and ways you can get involved to make your visit even more meaningful.

The Heart of Friends of the Smokies

Imagine a place so stunning it’s free to visit, no entrance fee, just pure access to nature’s beauty. That’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, thanks to a 1934 agreement ensuring Newfound Gap Road stayed toll-free. But free entry means the park leans on federal funding and outside support to maintain its 800+ miles of trails, historic cabins, and diverse wildlife.

With millions of visitors each year, the park faces wear and tear, from eroded trails to stressed ecosystems. Friends of the Smokies, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, steps up to fill the gap. They’ve raised over $100 million since their start, funding everything from trail repairs to wildlife protection. Their mission? To keep the Smokies as awe-inspiring for future generations as it is for you today.

Fundraising That Keeps the Park Thriving

Friends of the Smokies has a knack for raising money in creative, community-focused ways. Their efforts ensure the park’s trails, wildlife, and history stay in great shape. Here’s a rundown of their key fundraising initiatives and how they make a difference for visitors like you.

Trails Forever: Keeping Trails Ready for Adventure

The Smokies’ trails are a hiker’s dream, but heavy foot traffic and weather can rough them up. In 2008, Friends of the Smokies launched the Trails Forever program with a $2 million matching grant from the Aslan Foundation, creating a $5 million endowment to fund a dedicated trail crew. This team tackles projects like the 2021 rehabilitation of Abrams Falls Trail, fixing erosion and improving safety.

Volunteers pitch in too, clearing fallen trees and maintaining paths to spots like Ramsey Cascades. For you, this means safer, more enjoyable hikes with stunning views, whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just out for a scenic stroll.

Fun Events That Support the Park

Friends of the Smokies knows how to bring people together for a good cause. Their Greenbrier Barn Party, held annually, is a lively evening of music, food, and community that raised a record $400,000 in 2023.

Another highlight is the Cades Cove Loop Lope, a run/walk event in November 2023 that brought in over $110,000. These events not only fund park projects but also create a sense of connection among Smokies fans.

If you’re visiting during one of these events, it’s a great way to join the fun, meet fellow park lovers, and contribute to the Smokies’ future.

Friends of the Smokies Specialty License Plates

For Tennessee and North Carolina residents, Friends of the Smokies offers specialty license plates featuring park imagery. In Tennessee, $30.75 of each plate purchase is tax-deductible, while in North Carolina, it’s $20.00.

These funds support trail maintenance, wildlife programs, and more. If you live nearby or visit often, getting a plate is an easy way to show your love for the Smokies while helping keep the park in great shape.

Memberships and Donations

Joining Friends of the Smokies is a simple way to support the park. For just $35 a year, you get a membership that includes a complimentary guided hike and discounts at local businesses in gateway towns like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Townsend.

Donations are another easy option, drop a few dollars in visitor center donation boxes or give online at friendsofthesmokies.org. Even small contributions help fund things like ranger programs and emergency radios, ensuring the park stays safe and welcoming.

How Friends of the Smokies Enhances Your Visit

Beyond raising funds, Friends of the Smokies makes your park experience richer through education, conservation, and community engagement. Here’s how their work directly benefits you as a visitor.

Guided Hikes for All Levels

If you want to explore the Smokies with experts, check out the Classic Hikes of the Smokies series, running from June to December. For $20 (members) or $35 (non-members, includes a year-long membership), you’ll hike with guides like Danny Bernstein, who share insights on the park’s plants, animals, and history. Trails like Hazel Creek or Clingmans Dome are featured, and your participation supports the Trails Forever program.

For beginners, the “Get on the Trail with Missy and Friends” series, led by Olympic runner Missy Kane in April and October, offers moderate hikes with fun, approachable vibes. To sign up, call 865-932-4794. These hikes are a fantastic way to learn about the park while enjoying its beauty.

Protecting Wildlife and Forests

The Smokies are a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 19,000 species, including elk, black bears, and eastern hemlocks. Friends of the Smokies has played a big role in conservation, like the 2001 elk reintroduction in Cataloochee Valley, bringing these animals back after a 150-year absence. They also fund efforts to save hemlocks from the invasive woolly adelgid, supporting a University of Tennessee lab that raises predator beetles to fight the pest. For visitors, this means more chances to spot elk at dusk or hike through healthier forests, adding to the park’s wild charm.

Preserving History

The Smokies are rich in history, with over 90 historic structures like log cabins and fire towers. Friends of the Smokies has funded projects like the 1995 restoration of the Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower and the rebuilding of a vandalized cabin in Little Cataloochee. These efforts keep the park’s pioneer heritage alive, letting you explore places like Cades Cove or Oconaluftee and feel connected to the past.

Educational Programs for All Ages

Through the Parks as Classrooms program, Friends of the Smokies supports ranger-led lessons for about 18,000 students each year in Tennessee and North Carolina. For families visiting the park, this means engaging junior ranger activities and ranger talks that make learning about the Smokies fun and accessible. Your kids can earn badges while discovering the park’s ecology and history, creating memories that last.

Ways to Get Involved During Your Visit

Visiting the Smokies is a chance to not just enjoy the park but also give back. Here are some easy ways to support Friends of the Smokies while you’re here:

• Join as a Member: For $35, you get access to guided hikes, discounts at local businesses, and the satisfaction of supporting the park. Sign up at friendsofthesmokies.org.

• Take a Guided Hike: Register for a Trails Forever Hike to explore with experts and help fund trail maintenance.

• Donate: Drop a contribution in visitor center donation boxes or give online. Every bit helps keep the park thriving.

• Volunteer: If you’re staying longer, look into volunteering for trail maintenance or park events.

Why Friends of the Smokies Matters

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure, but it faces challenges like heavy visitation, invasive species, and limited funding. Friends of the Smokies steps in to ensure trails are safe, wildlife thrives, and historic sites endure. Their work makes every hike, wildlife sighting, and scenic view possible, enhancing your experience in the park.

As you plan your Smokies getaway, consider supporting Friends of the Smokies. Whether it’s joining as a member, donating a few bucks, or spreading the word, your contribution helps preserve this incredible place for future visits.

So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your camera, and head to the Smokies knowing you’re part of a community keeping this park beautiful. What’s your next Smokies adventure? The mountains are ready for you!