Dec 17th Update:

Great Smoky Mountain NP:

Declining park visits hurt WNC
Visitors spent more money in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding communities than in any other national park unit in the United States last year, according to a report released this month by the National Park Service.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812170344

Misc. Parks (Dept) News:

Park service marks 105th anniversary of NC flight
The National Park Service is hosting a celebration of the 105th anniversary of the Wright brothers' historic flight on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/564/story/711371.html

Yosemite National Park:
Tioga and Glacier Point roads close for winter in Yosemite National Park
The two main roads across the high country of Yosemite National Park closed for the winter season on Tuesday.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11246930