Friends of the Smokies

Friends of the Smokies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the preservation and protection of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As an official partner of the National Park Service, it plays a vital role in enhancing the park's ecological health, visitor experience, and cultural heritage.

Conservation Initiatives

The organization funds a diverse array of conservation projects, including:​

• Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Control: Since 2003, Friends of the Smokies has supported efforts to combat the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, treating over 280,000 trees and releasing more than 570,000 predator beetles to restore hemlock populations. ​

• Cades Cove Restoration: Funding prescribed fires and mechanical treatments to restore historic fields, promoting native plant growth and reducing invasive species. ​

• Wildlife Protection: Supporting Appalachian Bear Rescue and funding food storage cable systems at backcountry campsites to reduce human-bear conflicts.

• Ginseng Conservation: Marking ginseng roots to deter illegal harvesting and protect this valuable native plant.

Trails Forever Program

In partnership with the National Park Service, Friends of the Smokies established the Trails Forever program. This initiative funds a full-time trail crew dedicated to restoring high-use trails, such as Rainbow Falls Trail, and engages volunteers in hands-on conservation work.