SOCIAL MEDIA

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Shenandoah National Park Plans Controlled Burn of 500 Acres

Saturday, April 30, 2011

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Shenandoah National Park Fire Managers plan to burn 500 acres Sunday, May 1 and Monday, May 2, weather permitting. The area is in the park's south district, west of Jarman Gap and northeast of Waynesboro, Virginia.The Jarman Gap Prescribed Burn aims to reduce hazardous fuels and the threat of a major wildfire. The burn will also help oak and pine communities. The forest of chestnut oak, pitch, Virginia...
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A.T. Ridgerunner Report on 4 Hikers Rescued in Smokies

Saturday, April 30, 2011

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You may or may not recall this story from early last month, as it was not widely reported, but four hikers suffering from hypothermia had to be rescued in the Smokies by a couple of Appalachian Trail Ridgerunners.The report (below) comes courtesy of the latest Friends of the Smokies email newsletter. The report was written by Doug McFalls, a name you might recall associated with the LeConte Lodge....
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10,000 trees destoyed on Natchez Trace Parkway

Friday, April 29, 2011

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On April 26th and 27th, a 300-mile stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway was impacted by several major storm systems. An estimated 10,000 trees were blown down by high winds within the boundary of the park, including hundreds on the parkway itself. A single 10-mile section took park crews most of a day to clear. One visitor was killed as a tree was blown over onto his tent.Park staff handled about...
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Former seasonal employee sentenced for poaching in Smokies

Thursday, April 28, 2011

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NPS Digest is reporting this morning that a former Great Smoky Mountains National Park seasonal employee has been sentenced in federal court in Kentucky for taking a deer and a bear in the park while working there in 2009.Jason Taylor, 25, pled guilty in April to three counts of violating the Lacey Act by unlawfully transporting taken wildlife – specifically, a black bear skin and an eight-point set...
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Little River Road Temporarily Closed

Thursday, April 28, 2011

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As a result of fallen trees from strong overnight storms, the Little River Road between Metcalf Bottoms and the Townsend "Wye" is temporarily closed.Additionally, both the Foothills Parkway West and the Chimneys Picnic Area are also closed due to downed trees.You should also note that the Beard Cane, Cooper Road, and Ace Gap trails in the Abrams Creek area continue to be closed. As a result of numerous...
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Appalachian Trail Conservancy Launches New Website

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), in collaboration with Williams Forrest, a premium technical services agency, launched a new website yesterday, featuring a fresh new design, updated photos and content, and overall improved user experience for the hiking community. This new site captures the feel of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), while communicating what the ATC is all about and providing information...
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Local Resident Commits Suicide on Shenandoah Trail

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

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NPS Digest is reporting this morning that a local resident committed suicide on a trail in Shenandoah National Park late last week.A 53-year-old Luray man was found dead on the Mary’s Rock Trail, part of the Appalachian Trail, about a half mile from the Panorama parking area. The body was found by a couple hiking the trail. The couple had met the man on their way up the trail and described having...
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Video: Glacier National Park's Early Days

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

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Slow news day in the Smokies, so I thought I'd show this short film about the early days of Glacier National Park. The video combines historical photos and video clips with comtemporary views of the park in northwestern Montana. Just like the Smokies, Glacier is a hikers paradise with over 740 miles of trails to explore.I've made two trips to Glacier myself. About a year-and-a-half ago, I posted a...
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Smokies opens Appalachian Clubhouse to Public Use

Monday, April 25, 2011

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson has announced that the Park’s newly-restored Appalachian Clubhouse is now available for public day-use rental. The rustic frame building lies about 9 miles from Gatlinburg, TN, in the heart of the national park adjacent to the Elkmont Campground.“We expect the Clubhouse to be a really popular option for people organizing events such...
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Trails Forever kicks-off with Spring Break projects

Monday, April 25, 2011

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Last week Christine Hoyer from the Trails Forever Project provided a quick update, including several photos, regarding trail improvement projects during spring break. Students from the University of Virginia, New York University, and Calvin College provided plenty of sweat equity on projects along the Smokemont Nature Trail, Smokemont Livery Trail, and Rich Mountain Loop Trails.You can click here...
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Happy Easter

Sunday, April 24, 2011

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Happy Easter from HikingintheSmokys.com!J...
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Following Bald Eagles on the Channel Islands

Saturday, April 23, 2011

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A couple of weeks ago I posted live video streaming of a bald eagle family with three young hatchlings in Decorah, Iowa. Yesterday, the Channel Islands National Park off the coast of California announced that they have also set-up a live webcam feed for a pair of nesting bald eagles. To view the webcam, please click here. I should also note that there are some great pictures in the eagle forum the...
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Speedflying

Friday, April 22, 2011

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"Speedflying" with Neil Amonson down the beautiful mountains in Chamonix, France. The extreme sport combines skiing with paragliding:JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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Blue Ridge Parkway Begins Next Phase of Reconstruction of Historic Stone Guardwalls

Thursday, April 21, 2011

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Beginning yesterday, the Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed to all traffic from Milepost 232.5 at Stone Mountain Overlook to Milepost 244.7 at Basin Cove Parking Overlook. The closures will last until mid-summer of 2011. Detour traffic signage will direct Parkway visitors around the closure area via NC Route 18 and US Highway 21 through Laurel Springs and Sparta.Upon completion of the second phase...
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Rose Creek land along BRP now state property

Thursday, April 21, 2011

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Hikers, hunters and others who enjoy North Carolina’s mountain landscapes will soon have access to 534 acres of gameland and a national historic trail that are accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway near Spruce Pine.The Conservation Trust for North Carolina (CTNC) recently conveyed the Rose Creek property to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC). CTNC purchased the property in 2008 from a developer...
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Topline 2011 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report Published

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

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The Outdoor Foundation published its annual Outdoor Recreation Participation Report yesterday.In the latest study, the Outdoor Foundation reports that the rate of participation in outdoor recreation in the United States remained solid in 2010, and at the same level seen in 2008. Nearly half of Americans ages 6 and older, or 137.9 million individuals, participated in at least one outdoor activity in...
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Oconaluftee Visitor Center Officially Dedicated

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

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A crowd of over 200 people joined the staff and partners of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Friday, April 15, in dedicating the Park’s new 100% partner-funded Oconaluftee Visitor Center.The new 6,300 square-foot state-of-the-art center was constructed under a $3 million contract with Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA) and was donated to the Park at Friday’s ceremony. The project...
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White-Nose Syndrome continues to spread

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

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White-nose syndrome in bats continues to spread in the eastern part of the country. In the last week White-nose syndrome was confirmed in caves in Kentucky and at the New River Gorge National River in West Virginia.On Monday, National Park Service wildlife biologists at New River Gorge announced the confirmation of the disease among little brown bats in the park’s abandoned mine portals.And last week,...
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Bloggers giving away gear

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

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If you're in need of some new hiking and camping gear, now is a great opportunity to possibly win some with a couple of giveaway contests this week.Steven over at MyLifeOutdoors is giving away a Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar Pack - and he includes multiple ways in which you can enter. Click here for more information.Over at the Adventure Blog, Kraig Becker is giving away a GoLite Men's Litespeed Backpack,...
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Restored Outcroppings Trail at Chimney Rock State Park now open

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

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Late last week Chimney Rock State Park reopened the Outcroppings Trail, a trail that leads from the upper parking lot to the Chimney stairs. The reopening restores access to Chimney Rock and all the natural features above it, including Devil’s Head, the Opera Box and the Skyline Trail to Exclamation Point — the highest peak in the Park at 2,480 feet. The Outcroppings Trail’s upper staircase reconstruction...
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Road Work on Newfound Gap Road and Gatlinburg Bypass

Monday, April 18, 2011

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitors can expect minor delays between now and May 23 while work is underway to repave the Gatlinburg Bypass and the 1.5 miles of Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) just south of Gatlinburg, TN.From this morning, April 18 through Thursday afternoon, April 21 there will be single-lane closures along the 1.5 mile segment of Newfound Gap Road between Gatlinburg and the...
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GSMA is giving away Smokies App during National Park Week

Monday, April 18, 2011

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During National Park Week (through April 25), the Great Smoky Mountains Association is giving away its Best of the Great Smoky Mountains app. The comprehensive app contains a bundle of six guides to help plan your trip to the Smokies - or experience the park without leaving the house.The app includes:* Favorite Destinations* Black Bears* Recreation (including auto touring, camping, picknicking, horse...
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4 hike AT to raise funds for African hospital

Monday, April 18, 2011

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On March 2nd James Gower, Christopher Danger Mendrala, Erik Christiansen, and Mike Healy left the trailhead at Springer Mountain, Ga. in their quest to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. Although reaching Mt. Katahdin in Maine was their ultimate destination, it wasn't their only goal.The four are also hiking the 2180-mile trail in order to raise money for the Mufindi Highlands Orphans...
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Win a Garmin GPSMAP 62

Sunday, April 17, 2011

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Looking for a new GPS device for your next hiking adventure? You might be able to snag one for free if you're lucky enough to win the Outside Magazine Sweepstakes for a Garmin GPSMAP® 62.The Garmin GPSMAP® 62 Handheld GPS Navigator features a rugged, waterproof navigator with a 2.6-inch, sunlight-readable, 65-K color TFT screen, 160 x 240 pixel resolution, and a built-in worldwide basemap with shaded...
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Section of AT in N.E. Georgia closed due to bear activity

Saturday, April 16, 2011

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A section of the Appalachian Trail in the Chattahoochee National Forest was closed to camping yesterday due to persistent bear activity and improper food storage by hikers, and will remain closed until further notice.The closed section is between Neels Gap and Jarrad Gap in northeast Georgia. Other areas impacted by the closure include the Byron Herbert Reece Trail, Dockery Lake Recreation Area,...
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Smokies to benefit from Nature Valley's National Parks Project

Saturday, April 16, 2011

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To kick-off National Parks Week, Nature Valley announced earlier in the week its continued commitment to the National Parks Project. Launched by Nature Valley in April 2010, the National Parks Project supports the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and will contribute up to $500,000 in 2011 to support its work to preserve America’s national parks.There are few places in our country that...
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Nature Journaling Workshop at the Wilderness Society

Saturday, April 16, 2011

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Earlier in the week I received an email from the The Wilderness Society asking me to pass on an invitation to a nature journaling workshop to be held next month. For those of you interested in art and nature, this may be of interest:The Wilderness Society and renowned artist Robert Johnson will host a three-day workshop at the Wildacres Retreat Center in Little Switzerland, North Carolina, May 12-15....
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Trail Days in Damascus

Friday, April 15, 2011

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Next month is Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia.Trail Days is the annual Woodstock for hikers. It’s the mother of all hiking gatherings. It’s a celebration of all things Appalachian Trail. And it all happens in tiny Damascus, Virginia, also known as Trail Town, USA where the Appalachian Trail, the Virginia Creeper and the Iron Mountain Trail slice through the middle of town. Each year Damascus becomes...
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Drunk Drivers in the Smokies Beware

Friday, April 15, 2011

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Rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced plans to begin a series of DUI vehicle checkpoints and traffic patrols this weekend in an effort to provide a safer visit for the approximately 20 million people who drive through the Park or travel the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Spur and Foothills Parkway each year. The Smokies has received $25,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation,...
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Trails Forever Presentation by Friends of Smokies at REI

Thursday, April 14, 2011

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On Wednesday, May 4th, come out to the REI store in Asheville to learn about the "Trails Forever" trail-care program and how rangers and volunteers are making great things happen in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Trails Forever is a unique opportunity for anyone who loves the Smokies and its trails to contribute to its lasting preservation - through donation or volunteer time ("sweat equity")....
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Win a Trip to Glacier National Park

Thursday, April 14, 2011

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Win a trip to Glacier National Park and enjoy a vacation as big as all outdoors - worth more than the $3000.The winning couple will take Amtrak to Montana’s Glacier National Park – the heart of Big Sky Country, with more than one million acres of pristine forests, mountains and lakes. Roam the land where Native Americans lived centuries ago. Hike breathtaking valleys carved by glaciers, and cross...
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Laurel Falls Trail to be Closed next Tuesday

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced today a one-day closure of the Laurel Falls Trail on Tuesday, April 19th for litter clean-up and graffiti removal. Mangers say that the closure will both improve the experience of hikers and reduce the likelihood of bears being attracted to the litter and food waste along the trail.The Trail closure will only affect the 1.7-mile paved section...
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Oconaluftee Visitor Center Dedication

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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Great Smoky Mountain National Park officials are inviting the public to the Grand Opening and Ribbon-cutting at the Park’s new 100% Partner-funded Oconaluftee Visitor Center just inside the Cherokee, NC entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 15 about 1.5 miles north of Cherokee, NC along Newfound Gap Road.The new Oconaluftee Visitor Center...
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Chimani Announces Free iPhone Apps for National Park Week

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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Chimani, LLC announced today that all iPhone national park apps will be free during National Park Week, which runs from April 16-24. The Android versions of each national park app will be available for only $.99 cents. The Chimani national park apps normally sell for between $4.99-$9.99 each.The current Chimani suite of national park apps include Acadia National Park, Cape Cod National Seashore, Cuyahoga...
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Jennifer Pharr Davis Sets Sights on the Appalachian Trail’s Overall Speed Record

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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I heard a few rumblings about this a few months ago, but wasn't sure if it was true or not. But now comes confirmation from a press release that Jennifer Pharr Davis will indeed attempt to break the Appalachian Trail’s Overall Speed Record this June. To break the record, she will have to hike the entire 2,180-mile trail in less than 47 days, 13 hours and 31 minutes.Davis is the current holder of the...
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Garmin Introduces SD Cards for Appalachian Trail

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

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Late last month Garmin introduced brand new microSD™/SD™ cards for what they are calling the Trailhead Series.These are highly detailed 24K topographic maps for both the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail (no word yet on the Continental Divide Trail). The maps feature terrain contours, topo elevations, summits, parks, coastlines, rivers, lakes, geographic points, as well as a fully routable...
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'A Year of Adventure’ sweepstakes

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

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Exotic locations, breath-taking scenery, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences await three lucky winners in the co-sponsored Sierra Designs and Alaska Mountain Guides ‘A Year of Adventure’ sweepstakes. The ‘A Year of Adventure’ consumer sweepstakes offers contestants an incredible opportunity to learn mountaineering skills in Ecuador, win a trek to Everest Base Camp, or access untracked powder via helicopter...
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Threats mount against state and national parks

Monday, April 11, 2011

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Although the U.S. escaped a government shut-down over the weekend, thus keeping our national forests and parks open, by no means are we out of the woods yet. In fact, the latest show-down was but a mere skirmish for what’s approaching law makers over the next several months.Our national parks could again be threatened when the U.S. reaches its debt ceiling as early as mid-May. In the next couple of...
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8 Perfect Weekend Trails

Sunday, April 10, 2011

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The April edition of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, published earlier in the week, includes a list of eight weekend backpacking trips for those looking for new territory to explore in the Southern and Central Appalachians.Most of the hikes laid out in the article are 2-3 days long, but there are a couple that will keep you out with mother nature for even longer. The list includes the following hikes:*...
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Roan Mountain Spring Naturalists' Rally

Sunday, April 10, 2011

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Next month is the 53rd Annual Roan Mountain Spring Naturalists' Rally. The three day rally, May 6-8, 2011, features guest speakers, nature programs, and several hikes and tours in and around Roan Mountain.For more information, please click here for the rally brochure.JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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15th Annual Trailfest in Hot Springs

Saturday, April 9, 2011

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Next weekend is the 15th annual Trailfest in Hot Springs, North Carolina. Trailfest is a celebration of the Appalachian Trail, which runs right down Main Street. Activities and attractions include live music, local foods, a chili cook-off, local arts and crafts.On Friday, April 15th, is a free rafting and river cleanup trip that includes breakfast and lunch at Huck Finn River Adventures. Then, later...
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Ranger hikes: Walker Sisters of Little Greenbrier

Saturday, April 9, 2011

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Each Wednesday between now and 05/11/2011, Smoky Mountain rangers will host a free 2.2 mile roundtrip hike to learn about the famous Walker Sisters of Little Greenbrier.Ranger will discuss the adaptation and the flexibility required of these strong-willed sisters to live in the old-fashioned way. The hike is rated easy to moderate in difficulty.The hikes start from the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse...
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Invasive plant removal on the Appalachian Trail

Friday, April 8, 2011

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In the latest Carolina Mountain Club newsletter is a schedule for invasive plant removal projects along the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and its partners will be holding several invasive plant removal days along the Tennessee-North Carolina border over the course of the next several months. Here's the schedule for those wishing to volunteer:April 9 – Garlic mustard/Japanese...
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It's a Boy!!

Friday, April 8, 2011

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Well, it could be a girl. How can you tell the difference anyway?Earlier in the week I posted a live video feed of a Bald Eagle family in the process of giving birth to three hatchlings. The young eagle family is being streamed online 24/7 from their nest atop a tree at a fish hatchery in Decorah, Iowa via the Raptor Resource Project.The first two hatchlings arrived over the weekend, and at the time,...
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Hiking Blog Giveaways

Thursday, April 7, 2011

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Two hiking blogs began gear giveaway contests this week - and the only thing you need to do to enter is to leave a comment.HikingBoots.com is giving away a Hi-Tec Salt Creek Shirt. Just tell HikingBoots.com where you'll sport the shirt and why. The HikingBoots.com staff will then select the best comment and will announce the winner on Tuesday, April 19.The Hiking Lady is offering one lucky reader...
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Wild About Wildflowers at Cloudland Canyon

Thursday, April 7, 2011

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Cloudland Canyon State Park in Trenton, GA will be hosting a series of guided wildflower hikes during the month of April. The hikes will provide guests with the experience of seeing many of the rare and beautiful wildflowers of the Cumberland Plateau in northeastern Georgia.The three hikes will take place on Saturdays, April 9th, 23rd, and 30th. Hikers will need to meet at the park's interpretive...
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Two workers die at Gatlinburg sewage treatment plant

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park personnel are working with emergency management authorities from the city of Gatlinburg, Sevier County, and the state of Tennessee in responding to the catastrophic failure of the equalization tank at the city's wastewater treatment plant, which resulted in a massive sewage spill and the deaths of two employees yesterday morning.One wall of the main equalization...
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Live video feed of budding Bald Eagle family

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

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Below is a live video feed of a Bald Eagle in the process of giving birth to three hatchlings. The young eagle family is being streamed online 24/7 from their nest atop a tree at a fish hatchery in Decorah, Iowa via the Raptor Resource Project.The mother gave birth to the first hatchling on 4/2/11, and the second on 4/3/11. A third hatch is expected within the next couple of days.The nest is roughly...
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Strong storms close roads in Smokies

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

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Due to the strong storms that passed through the Smokies yesterday and overnight, there are a couple of road closings you might want to make note of:• Cades Cove Loop Road due to high water• Clingmans Dome Road due to ice and snow• Little River Road between Metcalf Bottoms and the Townsend "Wye" due to downed trees.• Forge Creek Road in Cades Cove is closed due to mud - this is the access road to...
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Indians, Bushwhackers, and Conscripts: The Civil War in the Smokies

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

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Each Friday, between 04/01/2011 to 05/13/2011, the Great Smoky Mountains will be hosting a short - easy to moderate - walk where rangers will discuss the war stories of Colonel Thomas and his legion of Cherokees, outposts at Clingmans Dome, Fort Harry, and the Battle of Gatlinburg. The short walks (no charge) will take place from the Sugarlands Visitor Center from 11:30 PM to 2:00 PM.JeffHikin...
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Rededication of Shenandoah National Park

Monday, April 4, 2011

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On Saturday, June 25, 2011, is the formal Rededication of Shenandoah National Park in Luray, Virginia.The rededication will celebrate Shenandoah’s 75th Anniversary that will include a full day of activities, beginning with a Rededication Ceremony at 10:00 a.m.If you're interested in attending this historic event, please note that the ceremony seating will be limited, and a free ticket will be needed...
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Operation Spring Clean at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Monday, April 4, 2011

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Next weekend, staff at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and the city of Middlesboro will be gearing up for a community cleanup along Yellow Creek which borders Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.The cleanup will take place on Saturday, April 9 and is a joint effort with Operation PRIDE in Middlesboro. "We are pleased to be working with National Park Service staff to do something good for...
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Reelfoot Lake State Park offers Deep Swamp Canoe Floats

Sunday, April 3, 2011

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Looking for something new and different to do this spring?Every weekend through April 30th, experienced naturalist staff at Reelfoot Lake State Park will be guiding half-day canoe floats through seldom-explored areas of Reelfoot Lake.Canoeists will observe the old-growth cypress forest unique to the area, a heron rookery and an American Bald Eagle’s nest during a leisurely paddle through the swamp....
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National Natural Landmarks Photo Contest

Sunday, April 3, 2011

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Looking for a new photo expedition? Try making America’s national natural landmarks your next destination and send the results to the National Park Service’s National Natural Landmarks photo contest.“We’re in search of images that capture our nation’s diverse and scenic natural features,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis. “The contest is an opportunity to learn about these nationally...
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