Not that long ago, the rusty-patched bumble bee was a common sight not only in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but throughout the entire eastern and upper midwestern United States. But the bee’s fate changed quickly—it was put on the federal endangered species list in 2017, and it hasn’t been
The Great Smokies Welcome Center is located on U.S. 321 in Townsend, TN, 2 miles from the west entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can get information about things to see and do in and around the national park and shop from a wide selection of books, gifts, and other Smokies merchandise. Daily, weekly, and annual parking tags for the national park are also available.