SOCIAL MEDIA

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The 2011 Get Out More Tour

Thursday, March 31, 2011

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Spot LLC, a leader in satellite messaging and emergency notification technology, has partnered with Backpacker Magazine for the 11th annual Get Out More Tour, a national event designed to inspire others to live healthy, active lifestyles outside. For the third consecutive year, integrated SPOT satellite technology allows retailers, sponsors and fans to follow the tour online from town to town. The...
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New air quality webcam for Shenandoah N.P.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

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New webcam websites were launched early last week for Shenandoah and Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks. These sites are now part of the NPS air quality webcam network (that includes the Great Smoky Mountains) and present current air quality and meteorological data in conjunction with digital images of current conditions at each of the parks.NPS air quality webcam sites also provide links to NPS natural...
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Jennifer Pharr Davis to discuss adventures on the Appalachian Trail

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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Jennifer Pharr Davis will at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville this Saturday to discuss her book, Becoming Odyssa: Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail.The book chronicles her adventures, experiences and challenges during her first A.T. thru-hike just out of college in 2005.Davis became a local celebrity in 2008 when she set the women's speed record by completing the entire length of the 2175-mile...
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Rip & Go: Thunderhead Loop

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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In the "Rip & Go" section of the March issue of Backpacker Magazine there's an article on hiking the Thunderhead Loop in the Great Smoky Mountains.The monthly column describes a three-day, two night backpacking trip that begins at the Great Smoky Mountains Tremont Institute near Townsend. Some of the highlights of the 27.9-mile hike include Spence Field, Rocky Top, Lynn Camp Falls and the Middle...
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Extensive damage to trails in Abrams Creek area

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

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If you're planning a hiking trip to the Abrams Creek area in the near future, please take note of this warning from the Smokies website:Hikers have reported extensive damage to Beard Cane and Cooper Road trails in the Abrams Creek area. Severe storms in the area have resulted in numerous downed trees. Beard Cane is reported to be impassable.JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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Appalachian Trail Conservancy plans celebration Of Hiking Season

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

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On Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry, WV will celebrate the spring hiking season. May marks the arrival of northbound thru-hikers from Georgia and an upswing in day-hikers and overnight hikers out to enjoy the milder temperatures. Festivities will feature an official unveiling of new visitor center exhibits and displays, kids’...
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It's official: Ireland is now part of the International Appalachian Trail

Monday, March 28, 2011

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Last year a group of European nations endorsed a project to extend the International Appalachian Trail across the Atlantic. Over the weekend, Ireland announced that it will officially become a part of the IAT.The original Appalachian Trail, completed in 1937, extends roughly 2175 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia, to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Between 1995 and 2002, the AT was extended north into...
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Burt's Bees founder pushing for new national park

Monday, March 28, 2011

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Sometime within the next decade it's very possible that the Appalachian Trail's northern terminus could end in Maine Woods National Park instead of Baxter State Park. Mount Katahdin would still be the final destination for thru-hikers, but the mountain would lie in a new national park if one philanthropist has her way.The multi-millionaire founder of Burt's Bees, Roxanne Quimby, is proposing to ...
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Backpacker Mag offers Maps and GPS Webinar

Saturday, March 26, 2011

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Backpacker Magazine is offering a four-week online tutorial in April for those looking to become navigational experts.Backpacker will use photos, videos, and map displays to show you how to plot a bearing, create a Google Earth flyover, save GPS waypoints, geotag photos, and much more. By the end of the course you'll be able to navigate confidently in trail-less terrain and profit from a whole new...
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Foundation allocates $500,000 to Blue Ridge Parkway projects & programs

Saturday, March 26, 2011

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As the primary fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation announced on Thursday that they will be providing $500,000 in funding for park projects and programs.Superintendent of the Parkway, Phil Francis, told the BRP Foundation that, “The staff of the Parkway and I are very grateful to the Foundation for their very generous contribution to fund a variety of important...
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Auxier Ridge in Red River Gorge reopens after wildfire

Friday, March 25, 2011

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Effective today, the Auxier Ridge area of the Red River Gorge is reopened to the public, including Tunnel Ridge Road and all trails.Forest Supervisor Frank Beum of the Daniel Boone National Forest ordered the Auxier Ridge area closed last October after a destructive wildfire burned 1,640 acres. The fire was illegally set during a declared fire ban under drought conditions.“Since the wildfire, we have...
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Video: Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in Smokies

Friday, March 25, 2011

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With the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage just one month away, the Great Smoky Mountains Association has published a short video from last year's event that features close-up views of many of the wildflowers that can be found in the Smokies.This year's Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, which will take place on April 26 - May 1, 2011, is a five day event that will offer 141 professionally guided walks and...
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Blue Ridge Parkway 2011 Opening & Closing Schedule

Thursday, March 24, 2011

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Yesterday, managers for the Blue Ridge Parkway announced the opening and closing dates for all BRP facilities in 2011.CAMPGROUNDS:* Linville Falls, April 1 – October 31.* Otter Creek, April 1 – November 1.* Doughton Park, (under construction) mid July – October 31.* Peaks of Otter, May 13 – November 1.* All other Parkway campgrounds May 13 – October 31.To view the opening and closing dates for all...
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Deadline nears for Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame nominations

Thursday, March 24, 2011

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As announced earlier in the year, a Hall of Fame is being established by the Appalachian Trail Museum Society to recognize those who have made a significant contribution toward establishing and maintaining the 2,181-mile Appalachian Trail."The Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame is a natural fit with the museum that opened last June," said Larry Luxenberg, president of the Appalachian Trail Museum Society....
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Cabin listings on Hikinginthesmokys.com continue to expand

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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Need a cabin or chalet for your next visit to the Smokies? Check out the cabin and chalet listings on our hiking trail website. With the addition of several new advertisers, the number of listings on our site continues to grow. You'll find a variety of overnight lodging opportunities in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend, as well as on the North Carolina side of the Smokies.Supporting our advertisers...
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The Ultimate Ride Guide

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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I know there are quite a few cyclists that read this blog, so I wanted to make you aware of the VeloNews Ultimate Ride Guide that hit newsstands yesterday.The Guide spans across world-class riding at home and abroad, with special sections focusing on Italy, France, Switzerland and Spain, as well as U.S. events like Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge Gran Fondo, and Ryder Hesjedal’s Maui Cycling Camp.It...
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Renowned Appalachian Photographer Subject of Program & Exhibit at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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Cumberland Gap National Historical Park's Hidden History Lecture Series continues with an exciting opportunity to hear about the life and work of renowned Appalachian photographer Earl Palmer from Dr. Jean Haskell, the woman who wrote the definitive book on the "Blue Ridge Mountains' Roamin" Cameraman." Palmer spent his life photographing the southern Appalachian Mountains, its people and their daily...
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Overdue hiker in Smokies is located

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

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Some of you may have heard about the missing hiker in the Smokies who was located on Sunday. A report on this morning's NPS Digest has provided more details on Chad Hunter's multi-day ordeal:A major, week-long search for missing backpacker Chad Hunter came to a happy conclusion Sunday evening when he showed up at the Tricorner Knob Shelter on the Appalachian Trail, and hikers there notified park dispatch.A...
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Woolrich Launches “Woolrich Adventures” Sweepstakes for Canadian Rockies Railroad Adventure

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

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Woolrich, the Original Outdoor Clothing Company®, has teamed up with Travel Alberta to give away a railroad adventure for two through the Canadian Rockies in the Woolrich Adventures Sweepstakes.The grand prize for two includes airfare to Vancouver, B.C.; multi-day service on the world famous Rocky Mountaineer; accommodations at legendary Fairmont Hotels; and return airfare from Calgary, Alberta.“The...
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Horace Kephart Days Celebration

Monday, March 21, 2011

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The third annual Horace Kephart Weekend will be held on April 29 - May 1, in Bryson City, North Carolina this year.The three-day event celebrates the life and works of author and national park advocate Horace Kephart.Kephart first came to the Great Smoky Mountains in 1904 looking for a fresh start in life. He moved into an abandoned cabin on a remote tributary of Hazel Creek where he pursued his passions...
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Backcountry permit station temporarily moved

Monday, March 21, 2011

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Backpackers may want to note that the permit station at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center has been temporarily moved. During construction of the new visitor center, the backcountry permit station has been moved to the the patio of the current visitor center, near the pay phone.JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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Gasline Road closures in Shenandoah National Park

Sunday, March 20, 2011

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If you're planning a trip to the South District of the Shenandoah National Park over the next couple of weeks, you may want to make note of this alert on the Shenandoah website:Attention Hikers and Horse Riders: Gasline Road from Route 611 to Skyline Drive will be closed for two to three days during a planned prescribed burn in late March or early April. If you are planning to visit this area during...
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Rip & Go: Big Creek Loop

Sunday, March 20, 2011

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In the "Rip & Go" section of the January issue of Backpacker Magazine there's an article on hiking the Big Creek Loop in the Great Smoky Mountains.The column describes a two-day, one night backpacking trip in the northeastern part of the park. Some of the highlights of the 16.4-mile hike include Mouse Creek Falls and the Mt. Sterling fire tower.Also included in the article is some information...
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Hiking Road Scholar

Saturday, March 19, 2011

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The Great Smoky Mountains Institute, in conjunction with Road Scholar, is offering a week-long spring hiking seminar next month.Led by the education staff of the GSMIT, daily hikes will explore the cultural and natural history of the Smokies region with its unique traditions and rich biodiversity. Each day, between April 3-8, hikers will start off with a hot breakfast before heading out on the trail.Daily...
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National Park Week (free entrance April 16-24)

Saturday, March 19, 2011

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Need some fresh air to clear your mind? How about a stroll through a garden to mellow out the stress of a busy day? Or maybe winter has packed on a few extra pounds, and it's time to hit the bike trails again.America's 394 national parks offer many close-to-home opportunities for outdoor recreation. A growing number of doctors even write "Park Prescriptions" to get patients outside and active. The...
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BRP Controlled Burn in Haw Creek Area Today

Friday, March 18, 2011

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Blue Ridge Parkway managers plan to conduct a controlled burn totaling approximately 80 acres within a tract of forest near the Haw Creek Overlook (Milepost 380) in Asheville, North Carolina. This operation will occur today, and possibly tomorrow. In order to reduce the amount of smoke produced, managers plan to burn the area over a span of 1 to 2 days.The goals of the "Haw Creek Burn" are to use...
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Construction Worker Injured On Foothills Parkway Project

Friday, March 18, 2011

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This morning's NPS Digest is reporting that a construction worker was injured on Wednesday while working on the Foothills Parkway Project.NPS reports that Jesse Lee Powell, 23, of Bessemer City, North Carolina, was struck by a rock - measuring approximately four feet by two feet by two feet - that rolled about 20 feet down a steep slope and landed on him. Powell was clearing brush from the right-of-way...
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ATVs on the A.T.?

Thursday, March 17, 2011

7 comments
On Tuesday of this week, new Department of Justice rules went into effect that will allow “power-driven mobility devices” to be used on trails by “individuals with mobility disabilities.”An “other power-driven mobility device” is defined in the rules as: "any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines — whether or not designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility disabilities...
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The Smoky Mountain Hiker Store is Open

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

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Warmer weather is literally just around the corner, which means prime hiking season has finally arrived. Need any new gear, trail maps or guide books? Check out our Smoky Mountain Hiker Store. We specialize in books and maps related to hiking, history and travel in the Smokies, Blue Ridge Parkway and the Southern Appalachians.Also, you may want to note that Backcountry and Altrec are holding end of...
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More prescribed burns for Pisgah National Forest

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

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The U.S. Forest Service announced two new prescribed burns for Western North Carolina this morning.The Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest is planning to implement prescribed burns near Lake James and Dobson Knob in McDowell County. The two burns will likely take place between now and mid April depending on the weather. The burn near Lake James is approximately 1,950 acres and...
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Two New Appalachian Trail Communities in North Georgia

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) will hold two ceremonies celebrating Dahlonega and Blairsville/Union County Georgia’s designations as the newest Appalachian Trail Communities™ with a proclamation signing and speakers, including local and regional leaders.Launched in 2010, the Appalachian Trail Community™ designation program recognizes communities for their part in promoting awareness of the...
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Smokies ranked fifth in volunteer service in 2010

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

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Almost 350 volunteers and Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff got together on the evening of Saturday, March 4th, for the park’s annual volunteer recognition banquet at the Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg.Last year, a total of 3,700 individuals donated more than 135,000 hours to the park, an increase of about 10,000 hours (7.4%) from 2009. The Smokies ranked first in the Southeast Region and...
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Blue Ridge Parkway grows by 110 acres

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

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The Conservation Trust for North Carolina announced yesterday the sale of 110 acres to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood County.The National Park Service purchased the 110-acre Richland Creek Headwaters Tract, near Milepost 440, in February for $500,000, less than half of the appraised value of the entire parcel.The conservation group purchased 64 acres of the tract in April 2010 from Joe and Wilma...
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Swannanoa Rim Explorer hike to Weatherford Heights

Monday, March 14, 2011

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This Saturday the Swannanoa Rim Explorers will hold another hike in their year-long series, this time, hikers will visit Weatherford Heights.The Swannanoa Rim Explorer hiking series is an exclusive program of the Swannanoa Valley Museum, and offers several hikes throught 2011. Each hike will cover a portion of the approximately 31 miles of the Swannanoa Rim, which runs from Jesse’s High Top, across...
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Appalachian Trail to be relocated near AT Museum

Sunday, March 13, 2011

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A section of the Appalachian Trail in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Pennsylvania will soon be relocated so it passes by the front door of the Appalachian Trail Museum, which opened last year in the park."This is just one of many exciting changes that we are working on before we open the museum for its second season on Saturday, April 2," said Larry Luxenberg. president of the Appalachian Trail...
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Proposed Planning Rule Public Forum in Asheville

Saturday, March 12, 2011

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The USDA Forest Service, Southern Region, is hosting a public forum on the Proposed Forest Planning Rule. The purpose of the public forum is to increase public understanding of the proposed planning rule, and to provide an opportunity to ask questions and dialogue with other stakeholders.On February 10, 2011, the USDA Forest Service unveiled its proposed Forest Planning Rule which would establish...
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Winter Hike to Baskins Creek Falls

Friday, March 11, 2011

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Join Elizabeth and Jill from the Great Smoky Mountains Association for a winter hike to Baskins Creek Falls, one of the less visited waterfalls - and one of the most underrated falls in the park.© GSMA 2011. All rights reserved.For more information on the hike to Baskins Creek Falls, please click here.JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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New NPS State-by-State Web Pages Launched

Thursday, March 10, 2011

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The National Park Service yesterday launched a new state-by-state suite of web pages to communicate the breadth of the Service’s work. Although many people think of only national parks when they think of the NPS, the agency’s work touches almost every county in the country – regardless of its proximity to a national park. Truth is, communities invite the NPS to work with them and help them by providing...
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Trails Forever Volunteer Workdays

Thursday, March 10, 2011

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Earlier this week Trails Forever announced their schedule for volunteer workdays for the year.This year, Trails Forever crews will continue work on the Forney Ridge Trail. In 2009 crews reconstructed about 1.2 miles of trail from the Clingmans Dome parking lot to Andrews Bald. Completing the work on the remainder of the trail will be the primary project for the 2011 Trails Forever Trail Crew. Trails...
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Prescribed Burns Planned for Shenandoah and Big South Fork

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

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A series of prescribed burns are scheduled for Shenandoah National Fork and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area over the next several weeks.Prescribed burns are fires ignited on purpose by managers under a pre-determined set of conditions, called a prescription, in order to accomplish specific resource management objectives. The prescription includes weather, fuel moisture, and resource...
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JanSport Launches What’s Your Outdoors? Contest

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

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Late last week, JanSport announced the launch of its video contest, What’s Your Outdoors, challenging the traditional definition of what it means to be outside. The contest invites people to share their favorite outdoor spot with JanSport’s community for the chance to win $10,000.Now through August 31, 2011, JanSport asks participants to film a 360-degree view of their favorite outdoor spot — whether...
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New Tools Available For Reducing Noise Footprints

Monday, March 7, 2011

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According to a report on today's NPS Digest, the Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division has recently published three reference guides to help park staff and visitors reduce their noise footprints.Two of the guides were published for national park staff, contractors, and concessionaires. A third guide was developed with park visitors in mind. This publication provides educational information and tips...
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The AT and Great Smoky Mountains from a Chinese Perspective

Sunday, March 6, 2011

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The Kinda Long March: in which a team of Chinese men travel to the United States for the first time to hike the legendary Appalachian Trail — and find its manicured paths a little wimpy.Outside Magazine has an excellent article in their March 2011 issue about six men from China who trekked across the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains (I assume last spring). Yang Xiao, the author, compares...
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How to become an Outdoors-Woman

Sunday, March 6, 2011

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The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will hold its Becoming an Outdoors-Woman weekend workshop March 25-27, with 26 hands-on topics, ranging from wildlife photography to wilderness survival.Open to women 18 and older, the workshop will be held at scenic Camp Cheerio, a rustic setting in the mountains of Alleghany County. Cabins are dormitory style with bunk beds, indoor plumbing and hot showers,...
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Centennial Celebration at Bent Creek Experimental Forest

Saturday, March 5, 2011

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This year the U.S. Forest Service is celebrating the centennial of the Weeks Act, a landmark piece of legislation that led to the creation of our national forests.To help celebrate this significant event, the USDA Forest Service is inviting everyone to a Spring Forest Festival at the Bent Creek Experimental Forest on Saturday, April 2.Kids of all ages are invited to attend the special event dedicated...
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U.S. Forest Service Planning Prescribed Burn in Pink Beds Area

Saturday, March 5, 2011

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The Pisgah Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest is planning to implement a prescribed burn in the Pink Beds area. The burn area will be up to 2,000 acres in size and will likely take place in the next six weeks depending on the weather. The purpose of the burn is to reduce the amount of hazardous fuels in the forest and to improve wildlife habitat. Forest Service Road #1206 (Yellow Gap Road),...
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People's Choice Voting Opens for 8th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition

Friday, March 4, 2011

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Voting will open tonight at 5:00 pm for the 8th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition People's Choice Award. 46 finalist images are now on display through June 4 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 among all submissions and will soon return for the final...
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Friday's Video

Friday, March 4, 2011

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Here's another via ferrata, or mountain route equipped with fixed cables and ladders wherever necessary. It's an experience somewhere between mountain hiking and all-out mountaineering.This via ferrata is on Mt. Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and is considered to be the world's highest via ferrata:JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service concludes eastern cougar extinct

Thursday, March 3, 2011

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Although the eastern cougar has been on the endangered species list since 1973, its existence has long been questioned. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted a formal review of the available information, and in a report issued yesterday, concludes the eastern cougar is extinct and recommends the subspecies be removed from the endangered species list.“We recognize that many people have seen...
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Hike to Upper Catawba Falls with the Swannanoa Valley Museum

Thursday, March 3, 2011

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This Saturday the Swannanoa Rim Explorer series continues with a hike to Upper Catawba Falls.The Swannanoa Rim Explorer hiking series is an exclusive program of the Swannanoa Valley Museum, and offers several hikes throught 2011. Each hike will cover a portion of the approximately 31 miles of the Swannanoa Rim, which runs from Jesse’s High Top, across Lakey Gap, over Ridgecrest and Montreat, up to...
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