Please note the following requirements which are necessary for the
protection of the natural beauties of the park, as well as for your
comfort and convenience:
The park is a sanctuary for all living things. It is a violation of
the law to destroy, injure, or disturb trees, shrubs, flowers, birds,
animals, or any natural feature in the park.
The speed limit is 35 miles an hour, unless otherwise posted. Drive
carefully; keep to the right. Report all accidents to a park ranger.
Camping or lighting fires at places other than designated campgrounds
or picnic areas is not allowed, except by permit. To camp in remote
sections of the park, except during periods of high fire hazard,
permits may be secured at the office of the superintendent, the
Oconaluftee Ranger Station, or from the district park rangers or
wardens. Camping is restricted to certain periods at the campgrounds.
Individual sites provided with fireplaces and water are available.
Please help to keep the park clean. Do not scatter papers, picnic
remnants, and the like; use trash receptacles along roads, in picnic
areas, and campgrounds.
Fire is one of the greatest dangers to the park. Put out fires
completely upon leaving. Be sure cigarettes and matches are out
before disposal. Lunches may be eaten along roadsides, but fires
should not be built.
Only those persons having special permits may collect botanical or
geological specimens in the park. Such permits may be secured by
competent scientists upon application to the superintendent.
Dogs and cats are permitted in the park if on leash, crated, or
otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times.
The feeding, touching, teasing, or molesting of bears is prohibited.
Deliberate infraction of park regulations may bring penalty of fine
or imprisonment or both.
[Illustration: Memorial Plaque
The founders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are honored
with a memorial at Newfound Gap, on the North Carolina-Tennessee
line. A bronze plaque on a high terrace wall of the memorial bears
the following inscription:
“=FOR THE PERMANENT ENJOYMENT OF THE PEOPLE—This Park Was Given
One-half By The Peoples And States of North Carolina And Tennessee
And By The United States of America And One-Half In Memory of Laura
Spelman Rockefeller By The Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial
Founded By Her Husband John D. Rockefeller.=”]