Archives

Aug 16
Bear cub recovering after sibling hit and killed by car in Sevier County

One bear cub is dead while another one is recovering after they were both hit by a car in Sevier County. Appalachian Bear Rescue said the surviving male cub, who has been named Turnip, is about six months old and weighs almost 40 pounds. He was hit in the head in the car crash and is showing signs of a concussion.

Jul 11
Discovering the Butterflies of the Smokies

In this week’s edition of Smoky Mountain Minute, Naturalist and Educator Liz Domingue stopped by the WATE 6 On Your Side studios to talk about the variety of butterflies and moths found in the Smokies. Dominque is also the co-author of Butterflies and Moths of the Smokies, one of the more recent (2019) additions to the Great Smoky Mountains Association’s field guide series.

Jul 11
Laurel Falls Trail to close for bridge repair, tree removal

by: Hope McAlee Posted: Jul 7, 2023 / 02:18 PM EDT GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — Laurel Falls Trail will close for one day as crews work to remove a fallen tree and repair the bridge according to a release from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail will be closed on Tuesday, July 11, and hikers will […]

Jul 11
‘Adaptive Adventures’ New program working to make sure everyone can enjoy the Smoky Mountains

by: Hannah Moore Posted: Jul 7, 2023 / 10:57 AM EDT (WATE) — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is working to make the park more accessible for people of all abilities through a new program and providing adaptive off-road equipment. GSMNP has partnered with Knox County, Catalyst Sports, and Friends of the Smokies to create three ‘Adaptive […]

Jun 24
Walker Sisters Cabin in the Smokies repaired after almost 2 years

by: Octavia Johnson Posted: Jun 22, 2023 / 07:45 AM EDT Smoky Mountains, Tenn. (WATE) — After being closed since 2021, the Walker Sisters Cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has reopened to the public. The two-story cabin was closed due to safety concerns and completed renovations. According to the National Park Service, there were concerns about the […]

Jun 24
Behind the scenes at Buc-ee’s new Sevierville location.

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Monday was a big day for the city of Sevierville and those traveling by exit 407. The newest and biggest Buc-ee’s has officially opened its doors. As of 6:00 a.m. on June 26, the convenience store was open to the public with options for the whole family. While at the opening, I met […]

Jun 24
Sevierville Buc-ee’s opens its doors to travelers at Exit 407A.

By: Melanie Vásquez Russell SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The latest Buc-ee’s travel center to open its doors in the Volunteer State was met with crowds of travelers and enthusiasts early Monday morning at Exit 407 in Sevier County. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and other elected officials including Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters attended the grand opening ceremony, […]

Jun 24
Step back in time with program focusing on Smokies’ history in Cosby

by: Hannah Moore Posted: Jun 20, 2023 / 11:57 AM EDT Smoky Mountains, TENN. (WATE) — Step back in time with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park‘s Celebrating Cosby: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow community programs. The programs take place Friday from June 23 through July 14 at the Cosby Campground Amphitheater. They will honor the “rich cultural and […]

Jun 24
Bear safety tips from TWRA as sightings occur in more populated areas

by: Kristen Gallant Posted: Jun 7, 2023 / 05:49 PM EDT MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (WATE) – This time of year we hear about black bear sightings in East Tennessee and some have been a little too close for comfort. One was even spotted in North Knoxville just last week. Bears have a powerful sense of smell. That’s why bear-proof […]