CHEROKEE, N.C. (AP) — The Great Smoky Mountains National Park needs volunteers to assist visitors near the Oconaluftee (oh-kon-oh-LUHF'-tee) Visitor Center.

The volunteers will rove the Oconaluftee River Trail, the Mountain Farm Museum and the fields along Newfound Gap Road. They will provide information to visitors about park regulations, the museum's offerings and the natural resources along the river trail.

When elk are present in the fields, volunteers will help the rangers manage traffic and tell visitors how to view the elk safely.

Volunteers are needed from mid-April through mid-November.

Anyone wanting to help must attend a 6-hour orientation that takes place on April 4.

More information is available by calling 828-497-1914.