The Deadly Molasses Flood of Boston

The Deadly Molasses Flood of Boston

Saturday, February 28, 2009

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Has anyone ever heard this story before?This is straight out of a “strange but true” chapter of American History. I know this has nothing to do with the Smoky Mountains or the outdoors, but it’s so bizarre, I had to point it out.I caught wind of the story while watching Good Eats on the Food Network earlier this week.As the story goes, in January of 1919, a 50-foot-high steel tank, holding 2.3 million...

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Southeast Foot Trails Coalition Conference: May 7-10

Southeast Foot Trails Coalition Conference: May 7-10

Friday, February 27, 2009

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The 2009 Southeastern Foot Trails Coalition Conference will be held in Kentucky from May 7 thru May 10. Meetings and some activities will take place at Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville, KY. Other activities will be held at nearby Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, including guided hikes led by park staff.The conference will include educational sessions and group breakout discussions....

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75 Hikes on the 75th: March Schedule

75 Hikes on the 75th: March Schedule

Thursday, February 26, 2009

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As part of the year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Jerry Span from the Fontana Hiking Club has organized a program called “75 Hikes on the 75th”. As the name would imply, there will be 75 organized hikes in the Smoky Mountains throughout 2009.Below are the six hikes scheduled for March:March 7. Caldwell Fork/Boogerman/Caldwell Fork/ Rough ForkMarch...

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2009 Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

2009 Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

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The annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will take place from April 22 thru April 26 this year. The pilgrimage is a five-day event consisting of a variety of wildflower, fauna, and natural history walks, motorcades, photographic tours, art classes, and indoor seminars. Most programs are outdoors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while indoor offerings are...

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HikingintheSmokys.com wins American Trails best website award

HikingintheSmokys.com wins American Trails best website award

Sunday, February 22, 2009

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American Trails, the only national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail interests, announced the winners of its 2008 American Trails Website Contest today.Among the several categories awarded in this year's contest, HikingintheSmokys.com was named the best website for Trails on Federal Lands.HikingintheSmokys.com has prided itself on being the most comprehensive resource for free...

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Smoky Mountain Field School 2009 Schedule

Smoky Mountain Field School 2009 Schedule

Friday, February 20, 2009

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The Smoky Mountain Field School recently published its 2009 schedule.The Field School is a partnership between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the University of Tennessee. For more than 30 years the school has offered high-quality workshops, hikes, and adventures to more than 750 people each year who want to enhance their enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of the Smokies and the great...

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Backpacker Mag Reader's Choice Awards: TN and NC?

Backpacker Mag Reader's Choice Awards: TN and NC?

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

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Backpacker Magazine recently published their 2009 Reader's Choice Awards. As part of the magazine’s annual awards, the best hike in each state is voted upon by their readers.After reviewing the list, I have to admit that I have a bit of a bone to pick with the choices made for Tennessee and North Carolina. Obviously, this list is based solely on reader’s opinions. If, for whatever reason, there weren’t...

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The annual LeConte Lodge helicopter resupply

The annual LeConte Lodge helicopter resupply

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

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According to staff employees, the date for the annual LeConte Lodge helicopter resupply will be on Monday, March 16 this year, weather permitting.Restocking the wilderness lodge atop Mt. LeConte in Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires some fairly unique solutions. With no roads anywhere near the mountain, the Lodge uses llama pack-trains to carry certain supplies throughout the season. However,...

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The Top 6 Survival Stories of All Time

The Top 6 Survival Stories of All Time

Sunday, February 15, 2009

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What’s the definition of a great survival story? Beyond the obvious - coming face to face with death, an unbelievable escape, or, because of fate or just plain luck, an individual was able to survive some extreme disaster.For me, my list of the top six survival stories of all time is based on two criteria: a convincing story of human perseverance and an iron will to survive, and the author’s ability...

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New additions to HikingintheSmokys.com

New additions to HikingintheSmokys.com

Friday, February 13, 2009

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We have a couple of new additions to our HikingintheSmokys.com website I’d like to share.Appalachian TrailThe first is our new Appalachian Trail pages. The combined two pages offer detailed information on hiking the Appalachian Trail through the Smoky Mountains, including information on key points along the way, backcountry shelters, water sources, mileage data, an elevation profile, a brief history...

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Great lodging bargains abound in national parks this year

Great lodging bargains abound in national parks this year

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

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With a sagging economy, gas prices at their lowest levels in four years, and softening hotel rates, 2009 will be “the year of travel deals,” predicts Genevieve Shaw Brown, senior editor of Travelocity. “As long as the economic slowdown continues, deals will abound for people who do have discretionary income to travel.”Pauline Frommer, the guidebook writer, agreed. “Because of the sharp drop off in...

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Amazon unveils new Kindle; will release Feb. 24

Amazon unveils new Kindle; will release Feb. 24

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

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Amazon just announced the release date for their new Kindle 2, the next generation wireless reading device.Kindle is a convenient, portable reading device that gives you the ability to wirelessly download books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs. It utilizes a revolutionary new display technology called electronic paper, which provides for an exceptional reading experience. Reading Kindle's screen...

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Hiking guidebook author to give presentation

Hiking guidebook author to give presentation

Monday, February 9, 2009

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Danny Bernstein, an avid hiker and author of “Hiking the Carolina Mountains”, will be giving a presentation and slide show in the Kaplan Auditorium of the Henderson County Public Library on February 19 at 4 p.m.Bernstein has hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail, has reached the summit of every mountain higher than 6000 feet in elevation in the Southern Appalachians, and is currently working...

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National Geographic: Best of the National Parks

National Geographic: Best of the National Parks

Saturday, February 7, 2009

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Below is a link for the National Geographic photo contest winners for their "Best of the National Parks" photos. I know these were published last summer, but I just recently came across them.There are some outstanding pictures in this collection, including photos from Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, and my favorite from this collection, Yellowstone.Enjoy: http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2008/06/national-parks/most-beautiful-places-photographyDon't...

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Backpacker Magazine: How to do Everything

Backpacker Magazine: How to do Everything

Friday, February 6, 2009

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Backpacker Magazine recently published on their website an in-depth primer on "How to do Everything" from their November issue.This is an excellent read for all you newby hikers and campers out there, and is a good refresher course for experienced hikers as well. This comprehensive guide is packed with the backcountry secrets that separate average campers from true wilderness experts.The guide is...

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Several roads remain closed in Smokies (update)

Several roads remain closed in Smokies (update)

Monday, February 2, 2009

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As of February 4, each of the roads listed below remain closed in GSMNP.Snow showers and windy conditions will continue throughout the day and into tonight. Total additional snow accumulations of up to 5 inches is expected, with frigid temperatures and wind chills expected today and tonight.---------------------------------------------------------------------------As a result of the snow and icy conditions...

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The World's Most Dangerous Hike

The World's Most Dangerous Hike

Sunday, February 1, 2009

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You've probably seen the pictures floating around the internet or in your email box. Pilgrims, hikers and adventurers walking across wooden platforms precariously situated on the face of a cliff on some remote mountain in China.Well, we now have someone who was brave enough to make the trek to Mt. Hua in China to film his experience as he crossed his way over what some people are calling "The World's...

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