The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog: April 2010

appalachian trail · Carolina Mountain Club · invasive plants · Lemon Gap · Pisgah National Forest · Roan Mountain · Sam's Gap · Workshops

Invasive plants along the Appalachian Trail

Friday, April 30, 2010

Throughout the month of May the Carolina Mountain Club will be hosting informational workshops concerning the problems associated with invasive plants along the Appalachian Trail.The workshops will be taught by expert instructors who will discuss the problem of invasive exotic plants, threats to native biodiversity, identification of 12 to 15 plants of particular concern, and management techniques...

Chimney Rock State Park · Naturalist Series · Park-wide Wildflower Walk

Chimney Rock State Park Wildflower Walk

Friday, April 30, 2010

As part of its Naturalist Series, Chimney Rock State Park will be offering a park-wide Wildflower Walk on May 15th.In a quest to see the maximum diversity of wildflowers, this program will take place on several trails throughout the park. Be prepared to walk about three miles with frequent stops to study in detail some of the 700+ species of plants known to occur at Chimney Rock.The program will last...

Backpacker Magazine · Get Out More · Sheri and Randy Propster · Tour

Get Out More Tour: local stops

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Backpacker Magazine’s “Get Out More Tour” will bring Randy and Sheri Propster to the Great Smoky Mountains area over the next couple of weeks.Get Out More is a one-of-a kind mobile tour that brings the pages of Backpacker to life for audiences nationwide. From April to December, Backpacker’s experienced Get Out More road team will travel the country to educate consumers about the skills and equipment...

debt · Greece · Portugal · Spain · spending · State Park Closures

State Park Closures

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

In keeping with the theme from earlier today, I wanted to point out an article that was posted on Trailspace.com yesterday.Due to mounting dept and financial stress, states are beginning to close parks, reduce services, or increase fees at several state parks around the country. The article noted the following:* Arizona has been forced to close five state parks and reduce days of operation at four...

blue ridge parkway · shenandoah national park · wildflowers

Wildflower Roundup

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

* The latest wildflower report from Tom Harrington has been posted on the Great Smoky Mountain Association's website today. The report includes wildflowers he saw on the Porters Creek Trail and on his hike to Mount Cammerer. Please click here to see the full report.* The online Blue Ridge Parkway Guide has a wildflower bloom schedule on their site that offers what varieties can be seen on the Parkway,...

C-Span · Director · Jon Jarvis · national park · Washington Journal

National Park Director Jarvis Interviewed On C-Span

Monday, April 26, 2010

National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis was interviewed on C-Span’s “Washington Journal” last Wednesday morning. Questions focused on the condition of the national parks and “how the U.S. should adapt its conservation strategy to the 21st Century.”You can view the entire 42-minute interview, which covers a range of topics and phone calls from individuals, by clicking on the C-Span web site.JeffHikingintheSmokys.com...

elk · Rocky Mountain National Park

Elk on the move

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Check out this pretty amazing video of an elk herd crossing a road in Colorado. This was sent to me via email the other day. One Youtube viewer said they counted at least 310 elk. I didn't know that these animals traveled in such large numbers: The video was supposedly taken near Estes Park just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. Jeff HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails...

appalachian trail · Jordan Romero · Mike Hanson · Mt. Everest · Seven Summits

We proceeded on....

Friday, April 23, 2010

"We proceeded on" was the phrase Meriwether Lewis often used in his journals as he and William Clark made their trek to the Pacific Ocean and back. This phrase would be quite appropriate for a few modern day travelers as they proceed on with their own expeditions.I thought I would take this opportunity to provide an update on some of these treks that I've mentioned on this blog in the past.Blind Hiker...

Alaska · Best of the National Parks · Wrangell-St Elias

National Parks factoid of the day

Friday, April 23, 2010

What percentage of the U.S. surface area is designated as national park?Answer: 3.5%There are 58 U.S. national parks. The largest is the Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska, which is two-and-a-half times the size of the country of Wales.You can find a few other interesting factoids by clicking here.JeffHikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains;...

bicycles · bicyclists · bike · Cades Cove Loop Lope · cades cove loop road · jog · reopening · run · running

Cades Cove Loop Road reopening details

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced details for the reopening of the Cades Cove Loop Road during two celebratory events on Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25. The park has implemented temporary measures and organized personnel to direct traffic and parking to make these events run as smoothly as possible.On Saturday, the Loop Road will reopen only to bicyclists and pedestrians from...

40th Anniversary · air quality · blog · carbon monoxide · Carpe Diem · Dr. Mark J. Perry · Earth Day · lead · nitrous dioxide · professor · sulfur dioxide

Earth Day: Air quality best in 40 years

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Today is the 40th anniversary of the first Earth Day and the air quality in the United States today is at it's best over that time period.A couple of weeks ago, Dr. Mark J. Perry, a professor of economics and finance at the School of Management at the Flint campus of the University of Michigan, published an article on his Carpe Diem blog about how much the air quality has improved over the last 40...

Bote Mountain · Finley Cane Trail · Great Smoky Mountain Association · Great Smoky Mountains · School House Gap · Smokies · Turkeypen Ridge · wildflowers

Smokies wildflower update

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The Great Smoky Mountain Association has posted the latest wildflower report from Tom Harrington.The report includes a long list of wildflowers Mr. Harrington has seen on the following trails: Turkeypen Ridge, School House Gap, Bote Mountain and the Finley Cane Trail.Please click here to see the full report.JeffHikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail...

Appalachian Trail Conservancy · grants · North Carolina · Overmountain Shelter · specialty license-plate

ATC awards $25,000 in grants towards AT projects

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s specialty license-plate program in North Carolina is distributing $25,000 in 2010 grants to nine organizations for their work on projects to benefit the Appalachian Trail.Projects to enhance the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) experience this year include treadway improvement; maintenance of the popular Overmountain Shelter, commonly called “the big red barn”; and the...

Hike the Smokies Challenge · mileage record books · Reward Yourself

Hike the Smokies Challenge

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

A new program, "Reward Yourself - Hike the Smokies Challenge" in 2010, was announced yesterday by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in order to help visitors reach individual milestones. The park will distribute mileage record books for free on Sunday, April 25, at Sugarlands and Oconaluftee Visitor Centers between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and at the Cades Cove Visitor Center from 1:00 p.m....

American Trails · Magazine · Ronald Bearwald · Twenty life lessons from the trail

Twenty life lessons from the trail

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Traveling in a chosen mode at a pace that allows us to immerse ourselves in the surrounding environment far surpasses what we might experience as a passerby in a speeding car. In addition to the scenery, serenity, stimulation, and the intrinsic rewards that come with walking, hiking, riding, and climbing, the pathway uniquely presents life “lessons.” The trail can be a great teacher if we allow ourselves...

Behind the Scenes · Grandfather Mountain · Keeper for a Day · tours

Habitat tours available at Grandfather Mountain

Monday, April 19, 2010

Beginning this Saturday, April 24, the general public will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes of Grandfather Mountain’s Animal Habitats. Two new exciting programs are being offered in the wildlife habitats: "Behind the Scenes" habitat tours and "Keeper for a Day" outings.Behind the Scenes habitat tours give the public an opportunity to see where the animals sleep, learn about what it takes...

American Red Cross · first-aid course · Haywood County · wilderness

First aid course geared towards wilderness settings

Monday, April 19, 2010

A first-aid course for wilderness settings will be offered this weekend (April 24 and 25) by the Haywood County, North Carolina chapter of the American Red Cross. The course is designed for anyone who works, lives or participates in activities in remote areas where medical help may be delayed.The 16-hour course covers everything from treating serious injuries in the woods and evacuating hurt patients...

and Dying in the National Parks · Andrea Lankford · Living · Ranger Confidential · Working

Ranger Confidential: Living, Working, and Dying in the National Parks

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Ranger Confidential: Living, Working, and Dying in the National Parks is a new book written by Andrea Lankford in which she relates the real stories behind the beautiful scenery of our national parks.Lankford is a former national park ranger and the author of three other books, and has been published in several national publications such as USA Today, Arizona Highways, and Backpacker Magazine.For...

new trail pages

New trail pages for surrounding region

Sunday, April 18, 2010

I just wanted to let everyone know that I've added several new pages for trails in the surrounding region. Here are the new park and wilderness areas that have been added to my website: Tennessee: Big Frog / Cohutta Wilderness Areas Big South ForkCumberland TrailRoan Mountain - Grassy Ridge Bald North Carolina: Blue Ridge ParkwayChimney Rock State Park Gorges State ParkGrandfather Mountain...

Appalachian Trail Conservancy · Great Smoky Mountains · S.W.E.A.T. · Smokies · Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew

Volunteers needed for S.W.E.A.T. Crews

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Volunteers are needed for extended work trips on the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this summer.The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which maintains the 70-mile stretch of the AT through the Smokies, runs volunteer trail crews every year known as “Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew,” or S.W.E.A.T.Tools, equipment and food are provided free. All volunteers have...

30 Hikes · Asheville · brochure · FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway · Mountains-to-Sea Trail

'30 Hikes' brochure

Saturday, April 17, 2010

The Asheville Chapter of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway announced this week the publication of a revised, updated edition of its popular brochure, “30 Hikes.” The brochure describes 30 day-hikes along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in the Asheville vicinity, each with parking and access from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The new edition was funded by a grant from REI Asheville.The brochure rates the difficulty...

Angel Falls Rapid · Big South Fork · canoers · rescued · stranded

Stranded canoers rescued at Big South Fork

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Late last week, a visitor called 911 and reported a canoe pinned on rocks above Angel Falls Rapid (Class IV) on the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Two boaters were clinging to the rock at the head of the rapid.Multiple drownings and boating accidents have occurred at this rapid (which has severely undercut rocks) in recent history.Rangers,...

Backcountry · hiking · Mark Ellison · North Carolina State University · restorative benefits · Survey

Survey on the restorative benefits of hiking

Friday, April 16, 2010

I discovered this on Facebook yesterday:Mark Ellison, a doctoral student at North Carolina State University, is studying the restorative benefits of backcountry hiking and the relationship to job satisfaction.“I know from personal experience that hiking in natural environments is restorative, that it provides opportunity for reflection because there are not demands on attention; and that the experience...

Freestyle Shootout · kayak rodeo · Nantahala Ooutdoor Center · Nantahala River · NOC

NOC Freestyle Shootout kayak rodeo this weekend

Friday, April 16, 2010

The third annual Nantahala Ooutdoor Center Freestyle Shootout kayak rodeo on the Nantahala River will happen this weekend, April 17 and 18, in which some of the biggest names in paddling will dish up their best stunts and tricks.Similar to skateboarding or snowboarding on a half-pipe, freestyle kayaking involves technical tricks and highly-stylized moves — including spins, turns, cartwheels and flips...

cataloochee valley · Little Cataloochee Trail · Maggie Valley · prescribed fire

Little Cataloochee Trail expected to be closed today

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Last week park managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced plans to conduct a series of controlled burns in the Cataloochee Valley area near Maggie Valley.The first burn is scheduled to begin today. As a result, the Little Cataloochee Trail may be closed today and tomorrow. Weather conditions will determine if the fire can be conducted. If you plan to hike in this area, you should plan...

Base Camp · Himalayas · Johnny Collinson · Jordan Romero · Mt. Everest · Seven Summits · Vinson Massif

13-year-old about to attempt Mt. Everest

Thursday, April 15, 2010

About a year and a half ago I posted an article about a then 12-year-old who was on his way to conquer Mt. Vinson, the highest point in the Antarctica. Although that expedition was abandoned, Jordan Romero now has his sights squarely on Mt. Everest, the second last hurdle for him in becoming the youngest person to reach the highest point on all seven continents.The record is currently held by Johnny...

Controlled burns · Duke University · fire history · Nantahala National Forest · Norman Christensen Jr · prescribed fire

Study supports the use of controlled burns

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

A Duke University study that reconstructs thousands of years of fire history in the southern Appalachians supports the use of prescribed fire, or controlled burns, as a tool to reduce the risk of wildfires, restore and maintain forest health and protect rare ecological communities in the region's forests.Professor Norman Christensen Jr. and his team said their study, the first of its kind, involved...

blossoms · Smokies · springs · video · wildflowers

In case you can't make it to the Smokies this spring...

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

....here's the latest video from the Great Smoky Mountain Association showing the serviceberry, redbud, silverbell, trillium, and dogwoods that are blooming in the lower elevations right now:And if you can make it, and need some suggestions on the best trails to see wildflowers, please click here.JeffHikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions,...

Base Camp Cullowhee · Cullowhee · Tuckasegee River · Western Carolina University

Volunteers needed for Tuckasegee River clean-up

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Hundreds of volunteers are expected to turn out for the 26th annual spring cleanup of the Tuckasegee River around Cullowhee, NC this Saturday (April 17). The event has become the largest single-day river cleanup in the nation.Volunteers get a life jacket, paddle and trash bags then climb aboard rafts to troll the river and fish out trash. No rafting experience is necessary.“It’s awesome to see everyone...

Drum Hike · Iraq War · Troy Yocum · Veteran

Drum Hike

Monday, April 12, 2010

A couple of weeks ago my wife brought home a flyer that was left on her car entitled "Drum Hike".Intrigued, I took a look at the website listed. Here's what I found out:Beginning at 9am on April 17th at the Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville, KY, Iraq War Veteran Troy Yocum will begin a 7,000-mile hike across America - while banging a drum.With Emmie the SuperDog by his side, Yocum will beat...

ARAMARK · Glen Canyon National Recreation Area · Mesa Verde · National Park Week · Olympic National Park · shenandoah national park · Skyland Resort · Togwotee Mountain Lodge · Yellowstone National Park

Shenandoah N.P. lodging offers BOGO deal during National Park Week

Sunday, April 11, 2010

In honor of National Park Week and the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this month, Shenandoah National Park's Skyland Resort is offering a special promotion where guests can book one night and receive the second night free. The offer is valid April 18-29, 2010.ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, recently announced several deals on lodging, tours and...

appalachian trail · Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine · Mau-Har Trail Loop · McAfee Knob · Mount Rogers · Nantahala Gorge Ridgetop · Nolichucky River · Overmountain · Tinker Cliffs

Best of the Appalachian Trail Guide

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine published an article on their website earlier this week that offers suggestions for tackling the best of what the Appalachian Trail has to offer.BRO Magazine took an interesting take on this subject. While trying to include some of the best sections of the Appalachian Trail, they broke down their recommendations based on 2, 3, 4 and 5-day hiking options.They offered two...

cataloochee valley · Great Smoky Mountains · Hattie Caldwell Davis · oconaluftee visitor center

Noted Author to Present History of Cataloochee

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host author Hattie Caldwell Davis on Saturday, April 17, from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.Ms. Davis was born in Cataloochee Valley and attended the Beech Grove School. She has written four books about life in Cataloochee: Reflections of Cataloochee Valley and its Vanished People in the Great Smoky Mountains; Step Back in Time to See...

ash trees · Citizen Scientist · Emerald Ash Borer · Great Smoky Mountain National Park · mapping · volunteers

Volunteers needed for Smokies ash tree research

Friday, April 9, 2010

Last year over 50 Citizen Scientist volunteers helped researchers collect scientific data on ash trees by mapping the locations of hundreds of these trees in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The mapping project, which will take several years to complete, will be used to monitor future threats from a nonnative insect. People are again being invited to join park biologists and educators during a...

appalachian trail · Buck Ridge Trail · dedication · hike · Kings Gap Environmental Education Center · Museum · Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Appalachian Trail Museum dedication hike

Friday, April 9, 2010

Midway along the 2,179-mile long Appalachian Trail between Maine and Georgia is a beautiful stone grist mill that is being restored. Once restoration is completed, it will be opened as the only museum devoted to the Trail — a tribute to the more than 11,000 hikers who have hiked the A.T. from end to end and millions of others who have enjoyed hiking portions of it. The museum opening will be at 11...

hike · watershed · Waynesville

Waynesville watershed guided hike

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Sign up now for one of the coveted spots on a rare guided hike in the Waynesville watershed to be held Saturday, April 24.The 8,600-acre preserve is off limits to public recreation except for twice a year when the North Carolina town sponsors hikes.The three-to five-mile hike will be led by Dr. Peter Bates, who will discuss the development of the Waynesville watershed management plan as well as current...

Backpacker Magazine · Contest · gear testers

Backpacker Magazine seeking gear testers

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Backpacker Magazine is again seeking readers who would be interested in becoming a gear tester for the publication in 2010.The magazine is seeking six passionate, frequent hikers who understand equipment and aren't afraid to tell it like it is. If you match this profile, you'll need to enter the online contest.If you happen to be one of the lucky winners, you’ll be given regular testing assignments...

Cucumber Gap Trail · Elkmont · Little River Trail · wildflowers

Wildflowers at lower elevations in Smokies at peak

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

The latest Wildflower Report from the Great Smoky Mountains Association was posted by Steve Kemp yesterday. Mr. Kemp reports that wildflowers at lower elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains are at peak bloom right now.Here's his report:Wildflowers are abundant along the Little River and Cucumber Gap trails in the Elkmont area right now. Trout-lily, hepatica, spring-beauty, and anemone are all blooming....

appalachian trail · fire tower · Peter Barr · Shuckstack Lookout Tower

Hiking the AT to save the Shuckstack Lookout Tower

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Peter Barr, Chair of the Carolina Mountain Club Challenge Committee, and author of Hiking North Carolina’s Lookout Towers, is hiking the Appalachian Trail to raise money for the restoration of the Shuckstack fire tower in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.On March 22, Peter started his hike from Springer Mountain in Georgia. His goal is to raise a dollar for every mile that he hikes on the Appalachian...

Active Trails · Elkmont Campground · Elkmont Nature Trail

Smokies seeking trail improvement volunteers

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

On Sunday, April 25 from 10 am to 5 pm, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will celebrate National Park Week with a community service project that will involve performing trail improvements to the Elkmont Nature Trail located at the Elkmont Campground near Gatlinburg, Tenn.Thanks to the Coca-Cola Foundation and the National Park Foundation, this community service project will provide families and...

America’s Great Outdoors · White House Conference

Conference on Great Outdoors to be held at White House

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Administration officials announced last week that they will host a White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors on Friday, April 16th.Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior, and Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, are leading the conference, which will address the challenges, opportunities and innovations surrounding...

Bryson City · George Masa · Horace Kephart Days Celebration · Horace Kephart Weekend

Horace Kephart Weekend

Monday, April 5, 2010

The second annual Horace Kephart Weekend in Bryson City, North Carolina will be held on April 30 - May 2, this year.This special event celebrates the life and works of author and national park advocate Horace Kephart. It's sponsored by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, the Horace Kephart Foundation, the Great Smoky Mountains Association, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All events are...

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