Beginning in May and continuing for 6 months, a program of
naturalist-guided field trips and talks is available. This service is
maintained by the Government and is free to the public.
Naturalists meet hikers at designated points in or near the park and
conduct visits to outstanding objectives over good trails. Plant and
animal life is discussed informally along the way. There are several
types of walks ranging from 2 hours to all day. Illustrated talks are
given in the evenings at regular intervals, chiefly in hotel lobbies
and other points of visitor-concentration.
Programs describing the nature-guide service are available
(May-October) at headquarters and at Oconaluftee Ranger Station and
are posted in hotels and various places throughout the park.