GSMNP Officials Seek Vandal Responsible for Graffiti Along Laurel Falls Trail

The rocks along the trail are spray painted with symbols, the initials “D+F” and more. (Courtesy: GSMNP)

GSMNP Officials Seek Vandal Responsible for Graffiti Along Laurel Falls Trail

Posted on August 3, 2023
The rocks along the trail are spray painted with symbols, the initials “D+F” and more. (Courtesy: GSMNP)

Gatlinburg, Tn (WOKI) “Graffiti is vandalism;” that’s the message from Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials who are asking for help finding a vandal who defaced rocks along Laurel Falls Trail last month.

U.S. Park Rangers investigated the vandalism report on July 24 and found a large section of rocks spray painted with words and symbols to include a smiley face, heart, the initials “D+F” and more.

The rocks along the trail are spray painted with symbols, the initials “D+F” and more (at left); Vandalism along Laurel Falls Trail (at right) (Courtesy: GSMNP)

In a Facebook post Thursday, August 3, park officials said the graffiti is vandalism and is extremely difficult to remove. Repairing vandalized sites is costly, time consuming, and often crews are unable to restore the site to it’s former condition, according to GSMNP.

“Defacing any part of the national park is illegal, damaging, and spoils the experience of other visitors. There are many rewarding ways to express yourself and mark your time at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, such as taking a spectacular photo or journaling,” GSMNP said.

Anyone with information about the incident or the people involved is asked to contact the Great Smoky Mountains Emergency Communication Center at 865-436-1230.

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GSMNP Officials Seek Vandal Responsible for Graffiti Along Laurel Falls Trail

The rocks along the trail are spray painted with symbols, the initials “D+F” and more. (Courtesy: GSMNP)

GSMNP Officials Seek Vandal Responsible for Graffiti Along Laurel Falls Trail

Posted on August 3, 2023 by rtravers • 0 Comments
The rocks along the trail are spray painted with symbols, the initials “D+F” and more. (Courtesy: GSMNP)

Gatlinburg, Tn (WOKI) “Graffiti is vandalism;” that’s the message from Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials who are asking for help finding a vandal who defaced rocks along Laurel Falls Trail last month.

U.S. Park Rangers investigated the vandalism report on July 24 and found a large section of rocks spray painted with words and symbols to include a smiley face, heart, the initials “D+F” and more.

The rocks along the trail are spray painted with symbols, the initials “D+F” and more (at left); Vandalism along Laurel Falls Trail (at right) (Courtesy: GSMNP)

In a Facebook post Thursday, August 3, park officials said the graffiti is vandalism and is extremely difficult to remove. Repairing vandalized sites is costly, time consuming, and often crews are unable to restore the site to it’s former condition, according to GSMNP.

“Defacing any part of the national park is illegal, damaging, and spoils the experience of other visitors. There are many rewarding ways to express yourself and mark your time at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, such as taking a spectacular photo or journaling,” GSMNP said.

Anyone with information about the incident or the people involved is asked to contact the Great Smoky Mountains Emergency Communication Center at 865-436-1230.