<![CDATA[Rolling Hills Lodge - Blog]]>Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:36:07 -0700EditMySite<![CDATA[Park IT ForWard Begins MArch 1, 2023]]>Tue, 21 Feb 2023 18:18:40 GMThttps://www.rollinghillslodge.com/blog/park-it-forward-begins-march-1-2023
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Our National Parks are treasures to travelers.  America's National Park System is home to 59 national parks across America according to the National park service; as well as, units (a collection of properties owned or administrated by the national park service), also found in the United States Territories of Guam, American Samoa, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.  North Carolina is home to 12 national park sites, including, but not limited to the Trail of Tears, Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

National Parks provide many the opportunity to experience the natural world in its essence.  From conservation efforts, protection of endangered species, to preservation of  our natural resources, national parks provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of life, a place to renew and reflect on nature's majesty giving us reason to  explore and reconnect with ourselves,  and our families. 

A Parking Permit Will Be Required AS Of March 1, 2023 In All PArking Areas

The Great Smoky National Park will begin  initiating their "Park It Forward" parking program on March 1, 2023.  There are three options for guests of the Smoky Mountains to choose.  
  • Daily Passes ($5)
  • Weekly Pssses ($15)
  • Annual Passes ($40)
​ The parking passes may be bought online and on-site in many of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park Visitor Shops as well as locally through the Swain County Visitor Center in Bryson City, NC.   Motorists traveling through the national park and parking for less than a 15 minute stay will not require a parking tag. 
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For More information Visit: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Tags are not transferable between vehicles; and therefore, if you have multiple cars you will enter the park will need to purchase a parking tag for each automobile you expect to stay inside the Great Smoky National Park.  Those who  have valid disabled placard or license plates from the state in which they live are exempt from the national park service parking program requirements.  

Members of the EBCI Will Be Provided Parking Tags At no cost 

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Tribal Citizens will receive tags from Tribal Leaders free of charge who are performing traditional ceremonies inside the boundary of the Great Smoky National Park.  "The National Park Service expressly allows citizens of American Indian Tribes to enter parks for traditional activities without paying fees. The NPS acknowledges that the phrase “’traditional’ activities” is neither a static concept nor is it a set of neatly listed activities that can be defined by the NPS but should be defined by the member of the respective communities themselves." 
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Lake Santeetlah in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Where Can PArking Tags be Purchased & Things You KNow Before YOu Go

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park will use the funds collected through the Park It Forward program to maintain the public spaces our guests have come to enjoy.  Be Kind! Leave No Trace!
]]><![CDATA[Welcoming Back Our Guests]]>Mon, 20 Jul 2020 22:56:18 GMThttps://www.rollinghillslodge.com/blog/welcoming-back-our-guests
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We want our guests to be well informed during the State of North Carolina's Re-Opening due to Covid19.  This page has up to date executive orders from both the Governor of North Carolina and and the Principal Chief Sneed of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.  If you have any questions upon arrival our staff is fully aware of the procedures and protocols necessary to make your stay with us relaxing, enjoyable and memorable.  Guests are always treated as extended family when you choose to stay with us at Rolling Hills Lodge.  We know life looks a little different now than in the past. We have created two new pages on our website to give you the most recent information we have available to make traveling easier for you with clickable linked images to answer any question you might have.  
We are thrilled to be open again and are looking forward to welcoming old friends and new guests as North Carolina and America continue to ReOpen.  You will notice our check-in procedures have changed due to CoVid19, and rules, recommendations, and mandates are in effect across North Carolina.  One thing that has not changed is Mother Natures's beauty.  If you love the outdoors, her splendor has only increased. Both the Great Smoky National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway are open for scenic drives.  The river is a place to cool off in the heat of summer and if you enjoy waking up to the sunrise or gazing at the star filled night sky our patio is the perfect place to relax.

​Please call us direct if you wish to reserve a room. Our direct line is 828.497.5371.  We are located in the heart of Cherokee's Cultural District where you can leave your car parked and walk to area shops and attractions.  You may even be greeted by an elk or watch a duck waddle by.  This guy decided to hide in the shrubs for a quick nap...social distancing from humans. 
]]><![CDATA[The Beauty of Western North Carolina]]>Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:02:29 GMThttps://www.rollinghillslodge.com/blog/the-beauty-of-western-north-carolina
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The mountains of North Carolina have a rich history going back a millennium.  Two national parks and the longest hiking trail in the world follow the spine of the state border between Tennessee and Virginia.  The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to the most diverse plant and animal life known to the world.  Its rich ecosystem is studied regularly by herbalists, biologists and scientists alike.  The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most traveled scenic byway in America.  Encompassing two states, the parkway weaves through southern Appalachia inviting you to explore the outdoors with stunning vistas, hiking trails, and waterfalls.  Whether you are visiting for a day or week, the beauty of Western North Carolina will touch your soul, renew your spirit and inspire you to return with friends.

​#CherokeeNC  #RollingHillsLodge  #NationalParks #VisitCherokee  #VisitNC  #DayTrips #BlueRidgeParkway #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #GreatSmokyMountains  #WNCMountains  #NCMountains 
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