The Ultimate Hike is a one-day event in which ordinary folks complete the extraordinary feat of hiking more than 26 miles in one day. The local opportunity will be held this spring on May 19th when participants will hike 26.5 miles of the Foothills Trail in an effort to raise money to help find a cure for pediatric cancer, the number one cause of death by disease in children.
Each hiker is required to attend one of the information sessions held around the Asheville area. The REI Asheville store will hold an information session on February 24th, from 6:30 to 7:30, for anyone interested.
This event benefits CureSearch for Children's Cancer. For more information on the hike, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Saturday, February 4, 2012
"Car Clouting" on the decline in the Smokies
Earlier this week Smoky Mountain News published an interesting article about three individuals that will be heading to prison for breaking into a slew of cars at trailheads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest over a several month period.
In the article, SMN mentions that the Smoky Mountains used to average about 100 car break-ins, also known as "car clouts", per year. That number dropped to 37 incidents in 2010, and only 14 last year.
They offer these tips before leaving your car at the trailhead:
• Remove valuables from vehicles.
• If you must leave valuables in vehicles, hide them out of sight in the glove compartment or trunk.
• Scan the trailhead to make sure no one suspicious is hanging about. If they are, consider moving to another trailhead.
• Do not leave a hiking itinerary on your dash. Leave it with friends, family or at a ranger station.
• Don’t back your car into a parking spot. This provides thieves cover to break into the trunk.
You can read the article by clicking here.
> Backpacks on Sale - Up to 30% off
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
In the article, SMN mentions that the Smoky Mountains used to average about 100 car break-ins, also known as "car clouts", per year. That number dropped to 37 incidents in 2010, and only 14 last year.
They offer these tips before leaving your car at the trailhead:
• Remove valuables from vehicles.
• If you must leave valuables in vehicles, hide them out of sight in the glove compartment or trunk.
• Scan the trailhead to make sure no one suspicious is hanging about. If they are, consider moving to another trailhead.
• Do not leave a hiking itinerary on your dash. Leave it with friends, family or at a ranger station.
• Don’t back your car into a parking spot. This provides thieves cover to break into the trunk.
You can read the article by clicking here.
> Backpacks on Sale - Up to 30% off
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Friday, February 3, 2012
America's Wilderness
Simply beautiful! A National Park Service salute to the 1964 Wilderness Act:
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Making a case for the Great Plains Trail
“While I know that the standard claim is that Yosemite, Yellowstone and the like, afford the greatest natural shows…but the prairies and the plains, while less stunning at first sight, fill the esthetic sense fuller, precede all the rest, and make North America’s characteristic landscape.”
– Walt Whitman
Most people are already familiar with the Appalachian, Continental Divide and the Pacific Crest Trails. All three trails traverse the United States from north to south. However, there's a great void within the middle of the country with respect to a national border-to-border trail. That could change if one mans vision comes to fruition.
Over the last year-and-a-half, Steve Myers, a 5th-grade teacher from Colorado, has been pushing the idea for a "Great Plains Trail". Last week Myers told the National Parks Traveler:
"I believe the Great Plains is an often overlooked national treasure with remarkable scenic qualities, incredible wildlife, and a rich human history. I believe the best way to experience the beauty of the Great Plains (or any place for that matter) is through direct experience and recreation."
Mr. Myers' ultimate goal is to establish a long distance, non-motorized trail that passes through the short grass prairies of the Great Plains. He envisions a trail that will run from Canada’s Grassland National Park on the U.S. / Canadian border in Montana, to the summit of Guadalupe Peak in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas.
In between, day hikers and thru-hikers will pass through the American Prairie Reserve and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Montana, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Pawnee National Grassland in eastern Colorado, Arikaree Breaks in western Kansas, Comanche National Grassland in southeastern Colorado, and will likely follow the Santa Fe National Historic Trail through parts of Kiowa National Grassland in northern New Mexico.
As currently envisioned, the trail will allow for hiking, horseback riding, and in most areas, mountain biking. Eventually, Myers would like to see the trail be designated as a National Scenic Trail.
I know many people might scoff at this idea, but I'm in total agreement with Steve that the Great Plains are truly beautiful, and worthy of a national scenic trail. Non-believers just need to slow down and explore the region, and all it has to offer.
For more information, or how to get involved, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
– Walt Whitman
Most people are already familiar with the Appalachian, Continental Divide and the Pacific Crest Trails. All three trails traverse the United States from north to south. However, there's a great void within the middle of the country with respect to a national border-to-border trail. That could change if one mans vision comes to fruition.
Over the last year-and-a-half, Steve Myers, a 5th-grade teacher from Colorado, has been pushing the idea for a "Great Plains Trail". Last week Myers told the National Parks Traveler:"I believe the Great Plains is an often overlooked national treasure with remarkable scenic qualities, incredible wildlife, and a rich human history. I believe the best way to experience the beauty of the Great Plains (or any place for that matter) is through direct experience and recreation."
Mr. Myers' ultimate goal is to establish a long distance, non-motorized trail that passes through the short grass prairies of the Great Plains. He envisions a trail that will run from Canada’s Grassland National Park on the U.S. / Canadian border in Montana, to the summit of Guadalupe Peak in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas.
In between, day hikers and thru-hikers will pass through the American Prairie Reserve and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Montana, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Pawnee National Grassland in eastern Colorado, Arikaree Breaks in western Kansas, Comanche National Grassland in southeastern Colorado, and will likely follow the Santa Fe National Historic Trail through parts of Kiowa National Grassland in northern New Mexico.
As currently envisioned, the trail will allow for hiking, horseback riding, and in most areas, mountain biking. Eventually, Myers would like to see the trail be designated as a National Scenic Trail.
I know many people might scoff at this idea, but I'm in total agreement with Steve that the Great Plains are truly beautiful, and worthy of a national scenic trail. Non-believers just need to slow down and explore the region, and all it has to offer.
For more information, or how to get involved, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Labels:
Great Plains Trail
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
ATC grants $2000 for bear cables in the Smokies
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has granted $2,000 from its specialty license plate funds to Friends of the Smokies to help reduce black bear access to backpacker food along the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies.
“With more than 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail running along the high ridges of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s only natural for our groups to work together,” said Holly Demuth, North Carolina director of Friends of the Smokies.
The work has taken place at two popular shelters on the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies, Spence Field and Peck’s Corner. Using the grant funds from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, park staff installed poles and cables that backpackers can use to store food out of the reach of black bears.
Friends of the Smokies and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy have also partnered to renovate many of the backcountry shelters along the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies and to support several other efforts to address trail maintenance and hiker safety. Reconstruction at Laurel Gap, the fifteenth and final shelter project, was completed in December.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
“With more than 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail running along the high ridges of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s only natural for our groups to work together,” said Holly Demuth, North Carolina director of Friends of the Smokies.
The work has taken place at two popular shelters on the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies, Spence Field and Peck’s Corner. Using the grant funds from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, park staff installed poles and cables that backpackers can use to store food out of the reach of black bears.
Friends of the Smokies and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy have also partnered to renovate many of the backcountry shelters along the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies and to support several other efforts to address trail maintenance and hiker safety. Reconstruction at Laurel Gap, the fifteenth and final shelter project, was completed in December.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Labels:
bears,
cables,
Laurel Gap,
Peck’s Corner
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
People's Choice Voting Opens for 9th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition
The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition Opening Reception takes place this Friday, February 3rd, along with the start of voting for the AMPC People's Choice Award. 49 finalist images will be on display from February 3 through June 2 at the Turchin Center for the Visual arts on the Campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
A panel of jurors selected the images for exhibition from 1,156 images – the largest number of submissions ever received. The jurors will soon return for the final round of judging to select category winners, award special mention honors, and select one image as Best In Show.
You can cast your vote for the coveted People's Choice Award via a kiosk at the exhibition or online. Voting officially begins with the public reception opening at 7:00 pm, Friday, February 3 and voting will close at 5:00 pm on Friday, March 30, 2012. The winner of the People's Choice award receives a $350 cash award furnished by Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitter in Boone and Blowing Rock.
The 9th Annual AMPC is sponsored by VirtualBlueRidge.com, the premier Blue Ridge Parkway online resource, who provided the entire online presence for the competition; and The Mast General Store, who is providing prize packages in 5 different categories. The AMPC is supported by Peabody's Beer and Wine Merchants; Bistro Roca Casual Fine Dining; Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitters; Appalachian Voices; and Stick Boy Bread Company.
Proceeds from the Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition are used to support students who wish to experience Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions (SOLE) at Appalachian State University. SOLE trips are 21-55 day active educational adventures of discovery.
Students spend extended time exploring rugged and remote wilderness and become immersed in new and exciting cultures all while gaining academic credit. To learn more about the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition, its organizers and sponsors visit the Turchin Center or go online at www.appmtnphotocomp.org.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
A panel of jurors selected the images for exhibition from 1,156 images – the largest number of submissions ever received. The jurors will soon return for the final round of judging to select category winners, award special mention honors, and select one image as Best In Show.
You can cast your vote for the coveted People's Choice Award via a kiosk at the exhibition or online. Voting officially begins with the public reception opening at 7:00 pm, Friday, February 3 and voting will close at 5:00 pm on Friday, March 30, 2012. The winner of the People's Choice award receives a $350 cash award furnished by Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitter in Boone and Blowing Rock.
The 9th Annual AMPC is sponsored by VirtualBlueRidge.com, the premier Blue Ridge Parkway online resource, who provided the entire online presence for the competition; and The Mast General Store, who is providing prize packages in 5 different categories. The AMPC is supported by Peabody's Beer and Wine Merchants; Bistro Roca Casual Fine Dining; Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitters; Appalachian Voices; and Stick Boy Bread Company.
Proceeds from the Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition are used to support students who wish to experience Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions (SOLE) at Appalachian State University. SOLE trips are 21-55 day active educational adventures of discovery.
Students spend extended time exploring rugged and remote wilderness and become immersed in new and exciting cultures all while gaining academic credit. To learn more about the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition, its organizers and sponsors visit the Turchin Center or go online at www.appmtnphotocomp.org.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Monday, January 30, 2012
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Launches “Lodging Give Back” Program
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) recently announced a new program that offers travelers the opportunity to help support the Appalachian Trail by staying at select lodges. The program, called “Lodging Give Back”, was announced on January 20th at the Bavarian Inn and Restaurant in Shepherdstown, WV, during the retirement celebration of David Startzell, ATC’s Executive Director. The Bavarian Inn will serve as the first establishment to offer this “giving back” program to its patrons.
“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with businesses like the Bavarian Inn to help spread awareness and raise support for the Appalachian Trail”, said Amy McCormick, Corporate and Foundation Manager of the ATC.
The program offers the opportunity for hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts along the A.T. to donate a portion of their sales to support ATC’s mission. Patrons will have the option to donate a part of their stay to help support the ATC and maintainer club efforts in order to conserve the footpath, viewsheds, and environmental & cultural resources along the A.T.
Christian Asam, owner and president of the Bavarian Inn, stated, ”The Bavarian Inn is proud to help support the Appalachian Trail Conservancy by showcasing to our guests our commitment to the protection and preservation of the Appalachian Trail.”
For more information about the “Lodging Give Back” program, please contact Amy McCormick at 304-535-6331 x123 or at amccormick@appalachiantrail.org.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with businesses like the Bavarian Inn to help spread awareness and raise support for the Appalachian Trail”, said Amy McCormick, Corporate and Foundation Manager of the ATC.
The program offers the opportunity for hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts along the A.T. to donate a portion of their sales to support ATC’s mission. Patrons will have the option to donate a part of their stay to help support the ATC and maintainer club efforts in order to conserve the footpath, viewsheds, and environmental & cultural resources along the A.T.
Christian Asam, owner and president of the Bavarian Inn, stated, ”The Bavarian Inn is proud to help support the Appalachian Trail Conservancy by showcasing to our guests our commitment to the protection and preservation of the Appalachian Trail.”
For more information about the “Lodging Give Back” program, please contact Amy McCormick at 304-535-6331 x123 or at amccormick@appalachiantrail.org.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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