Editorial Standards

All About the Smokies publishes news and visitor information about the Great Smoky Mountains region. These standards guide how we prepare and review reporting.

Accuracy and sourcing

We aim to identify reliable sources for material factual claims. Sources may include government agencies, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, tourism organizations, official businesses and attractions, established local news organizations and firsthand public reports. Social posts may identify a developing story but are not automatically treated as confirmation.

Current information

Dates, closures, openings, schedules and visitor conditions can change quickly. We evaluate when information was published, when a change occurs and whether a call to action remains current. Readers should confirm time-sensitive details with the responsible organization before traveling.

Developing stories

When a development is incomplete or unconfirmed, the article should say so plainly. Rumor, reposting and copied claims are not treated as independent confirmation.

Original reporting

Articles should synthesize and explain information for Smokies residents and visitors. Source material is evidence; it should not be copied, spun or closely paraphrased as a substitute for original reporting.

Human review

Articles and publication decisions receive editorial review. Emergencies, deaths or serious injuries, accusations, legal disputes and similarly sensitive subjects require particular care.

Independence and corrections

Advertising and commercial relationships do not determine factual conclusions. Relevant commercial relationships should be disclosed. We correct material errors and clarify significant ambiguities under our Corrections Policy.