Experience Your Smokies Tennessee

08/26/2026

Tonight we are enjoying another great alumni event for EYS and friends. Author Steve Kemp is sharing the highlights of stories and research found in his book AN EXALTATION OF PARKS. Stay tuned for future alumni events.

08/21/2026

Just when you thought you knew a great deal of GSMNP history, had a good grasp of the story behind Elkmont, and appreciated all aspects of facilitating a park with 500k(+) acres, over 1,000 campsites, 384 miles of roads, and so much more ... EYS fills in all the gaps for you. Class #2 is in the books. Enjoy these photos taken on a spectacular day at Elkmont.

**Thanks to board member Michael Carroll for serving as primary photographer for the day.

08/14/2026

So exciting! Class of '26, you're in for a treat when class #3 rolls around in September 🐻 Greg will be on site to give us insight into all things ABR!

08/01/2026

Reminiscing about an amazing day electrofishing in Abrams Creek! Some great photos have been added to the original Class #1 post, scroll on over and check them out!

>> Class #2 at Historic Elkmont will be here before you know it, watch for an email early next week with all the details!

07/24/2026

Session 1 for the EYS Class of 2026 is in the books. Enjoy these photo memories of an awesome day of learning and discovery. 📷 (July 25 ... added a few more photos) (July 30 … more photos)

07/18/2026

A podcast led by Dana Soehn, a member of the 2026 class and CEO of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Yes please!!

Hey, Friends! Did you know we have a podcast? No. You couldn't have. This is our first episode. 😀 Dana Soehn kicks things off with a fun conversation with Gary Wade, including what led him to help create Friends of the Smokies in 1993. You can catch our monthly Friends of the Smokies Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and our YouTube channel. The first episode is titled "Let's Be Friends." We hope you enjoy the conversation and thank you for supporting Friends of the Smokies!

07/17/2026

Interesting blog from Smokies Life writer Holly Kays, and featuring comments from our liaison Lisa Nagurny! Several of the VIPs in the Cove are EYS Alum, thanks for all you do to create an awesome and safe experience on Wednesdays! Link to blog in comments...

07/17/2026

Saturday the EYS Board of Directors and Volunteers welcomed Alumni and Guests to celebrate the Class of 2026! The Lily Barn hosted our Kick Off event, and their team knocked it out of the park! Enjoy flipping thru these snapshots of EYS Alumni, the 2026 Class, and their Guests!
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📸 Simon deVente, Sharon Anglim, Charity Rutter, & Carla Rafferty
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For more info:
www.ExperienceYourSmokies.org

07/13/2026

EYS 2026 is off and running. Over the next few days, we will upload photos from our event on Saturday evening, July 11, at the Lily Barn in Townsend.

Here is the class photo and a list of those who are just beginning their journey to becoming one of the lucky who can call themselves an EYS alum. If you know one or several in the class, please reach out with your congratulations and encouragement.

* Lise Bender, Knoxville
* Lin Burnett, Norris
* Amy Callahan, Maryville
* Cara Cameron, Chattanooga
* Kate Connolly, Maryville
* Gayle Curtin, Friendsville
* DeAnn Goodell, Townsend
* Amy Howard, Maryville
* Sally Joines, Maryville
* Paden Jordan, Maryville
* Karen Key, Knoxville
* Jessica Miller, Alcoa
* Jennifer Moore, Maryville
* Elise Rayburn, Knoxville
* Gwen Robbins, Moncks Corner, SC
* Larry Saffles, Knoxville
* Dana Soehn, Gatlinburg
* Anne Teasley, Knoxville
* Chris Testerman, Knoxville
* Anne Thomas-Abbott, Knoxville
* Devarrick Turner, Knoxville
* Lee Vanden Heuvel, Knoxville
* Nan Werner, Maryville
* Wally Werner, Maryville
* Daniel Young, Sevierville
Ranger Lisa Nagurny, Park Liaison
Carla Rafferty, Class Coordinator