The Scratching Post

12/25/2024

Wishing all a very Merry Christmas!

12/21/2024

It's these types of important items which get overlooked when disasters strike. Giving thanks to the local charities for stepping up in times of need.

12/11/2024

Small Business Saturday and this entire holiday shopping season, support our N.C. gateway community Friends. We’ve compiled a list of partners by county and listed their status. Most are open and ready for your business. You can help them get back on their feet as they recover from Helene. Thank you, Friends! https://friendsofthesmokies.org/blog/support-our-n-c-gateway-friends-during-a-time-of-need/

11/11/2024

Sending heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all our veterans for their services. You are the true heros. ❤️

10/24/2024

Good morning! The mountains are playing peek-a-boo this gorgeous morning.

10/03/2024

10/03/2024

Our hearts and prayers go out to the residents of Western North Carolina who have been impacted by the devastating effects of Helene. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has been working tirelessly to restore a sense of normalcy during this challenging time.

We are pleased to announce that passenger rail operations from Bryson City to the Nantahala Gorge will resume on Monday, September 30. Reservations are now available.

We understand that current road conditions may prevent some passengers from making their reserved trips. Please call 800-872-4681 to modify.

09/27/2024

Entirety of Parkway closed in North Carolina - MP 217 at the NC state line to MP 469 in Cherokee, NC.

As a result, the following facilities are also closed:

Doughton Park Campground and Picnic Area at milepost 239 & 241 and Price Park Campground and Picnic Area at milepost 296.9. Reservation holders will be notified.

Doughton Park Visitor Center at milepost 241.1, Moses Cone Manor House at milepost 294, the Minerals Museum at milepost 330.9, and the Asheville Visitor Center at milepost 384

Additional updates are as follows:

The Pisgah Inn at milepost 408.6 is only accessible via Hwy 276.

The Folk Art Center at milepost 382 is accessible via US-70.

These severe weather closures are full closures to all public use. Closures are expected to remain in place until the storm passes, and staff can safely assess the park and clear any storm damage. The park will issue updates when they are available.

09/27/2024

09/27/2024

"....The U.S. Board of Geographic Names voted on Wednesday in favor of a request from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to officially change the name Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi, according to a news release from the park.

The Cherokee name for the mountain translates to "mulberry place."..."

The highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be renamed Kuwohi, reverting to its Cherokee name after more than 150 years.

07/04/2024

Wishing all a fun safe Independence Day!