GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is set to launch a new series of monthly programs designed to be accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, with the inclusion of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. The initiative begins in June and will continue through November.
The inclusive programming features a variety of educational and recreational activities, including guided hikes, historical demonstrations, and wildlife encounters. Events will be interpreted in ASL and presented with the assistance of students and interpreters from the University of Tennessee and Maryville College, in collaboration with park staff.
The schedule for upcoming ASL-interpreted events is as follows:
Saturday, June 28:
- Portraits from the Past: 9 a.m. at John Oliver parking area, Cades Cove
- Drop-In History: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cable Mill Historic Area
Sunday, July 20:
- Kuwohi Guided Hike: 9 a.m. at Kuwohi parking area
- Mingus Mill Program: 2 p.m. at Mingus Mill
Sunday, August 17:
- Walker Sisters Hike: 11 a.m. at Little Greenbrier School
- Stream Splashers: 2 p.m. at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
Friday, September 12:
- Bear Aware Drop-In: 1 to 3 p.m. at Cades Cove Orientation Shelter
- Cove After Dark Walk: 8 p.m. at Cades Cove Orientation Shelter
Tuesday, October 7:
- History of Daisytown: 11 a.m. at Jakes Creek parking area
- Hiking 101: 1 p.m. at Little River Trailhead
Friday, November 7:
- Down on the Farm Drop-In: 10 a.m. to noon at Mountain Farm Museum, Oconaluftee
- Wild About the Smokies: 3 p.m. at Oconaluftee Visitor Center
All programs are free and open to the public, with no reservations required. The initiative is funded by the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service.
For additional information and updates on park events, including details on locations, topics, and recommended preparations, visitors are encouraged to consult the park’s official online event calendar.
