Read the latest positive news, breakthroughs, and inspiring stories about great smoky mountains, curated daily by BrightWire.
Tennessee's tourism industry just delivered a $32.5 billion economic win that's putting money back in residents' pockets. The state's 40% tourism growth since 2018 has nearly doubled the national average while saving each household over $1,000 in annual taxes.
A volunteer group of retirees is documenting every living species in the Great Smoky Mountains, discovering rare lichens and fungi that scientists didn't know existed in the park. Their work is creating a complete biodiversity inventory while showing how everyday people can contribute to important scientific discoveries.
A volunteer group dubbed GRISLD is quietly documenting every living thing in America's most biodiverse national park, discovering over 1,000 species new to science. Their work matters more than ever as climate change reshapes mountain ecosystems.
A Tennessee National Guard helicopter crew plucked an injured hiker from a remote mountain trail and delivered them to a hospital in just 90 minutes. The swift rescue showcased how elite military teams serve their communities during emergencies.
When Great Smoky Mountains National Park lost a quarter of its staff, volunteers stepped up to keep America's busiest park running smoothly. Their efforts show how communities can rally to protect the places they love.
