"Rescue is Not a Certainty": Great Smoky Mountains Issue Rare Warning After 38 Emergencies in March

Great Smok Mountains -- April 5, 2026: The bottom line: National Park rangers are urging Western North Carolina visitors to prepare for dangerous spring conditions after responding to nearly 40 emergencies in just 31 days. With technical rescues, helicopter extractions, and life-saving resuscitations on the rise, officials have a sobering message: Your safety is your responsibility.A Surge in Spring EmergenciesIn March 2026, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) rangers responded to 38 eme