SOCIAL MEDIA

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Join the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to Remove Invasive Exotic Plants

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is seeking volunteers to participate in two invasive exotic plant workshops on Friday June 3 and Saturday June 4, 2011. The second workshop coincides with 2011 National Trails Day, which encourages all Americans to get outside, experience, appreciate, and help to protect our valuable natural resources and recreational opportunities.The workshops, hosted by the...
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Affordable Footwear Act introduced in U.S. Senate

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

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When I first saw that headline (above) my initial reaction was "are you serious - don't these guys have anything else better to do!". But after clicking on the link and reading the press release, I realized this was probably something that should've been done a long time ago. Number one, I believe in free trade and open markets. And, since I spend a lot of time playing outdoors, this bill appears...
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Video of tornado damage in the Smokies

Monday, May 30, 2011

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Check out this amazing video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association that shows some of the extensive damage from the EF-4 tornado that ripped across the western end of the park on April 27th.JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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Come Outside and Play Event

Monday, May 30, 2011

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The Forest Service (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests), U.S. Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, is sponsoring a “Come Outside and Play” event at Glen Alton in Giles County, Virginia on Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Partners from a number of local organizations will be on hand to teach skills, lead activities, guide hikes,...
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Hiking the Colorado Trail

Sunday, May 29, 2011

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Earlier in the week I received an email from Nathan Stoll, a hiker and budding film maker. He asked me to take a look at a series of videos he's publishing to Youtube that document his hike across the Colorado Trail - a nearly 500-mile trail that stretches from Denver to Durango:Nathan hiked the trail with his friend, Jon, in 2010. He's already released the first 6 episodes, and plans to release the...
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GSMA Synchronous Firefly Night Walk

Saturday, May 28, 2011

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Join the Great Smoky Mountain Association and naturalist Wanda DeWaard next Friday, June 3rd, at 7:00 pm for a Walk with the Fireflies. Wanda will not only discuss the synchronous fireflies in the Smokies, but also will give you some history of the Elkmont area and other interesting natural history and cultural facts.Pre-registration and payment is required and is limited to 15 participants. The fee...
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CLIF Bar launches "Meet the Moment" iPhone app

Saturday, May 28, 2011

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Two weeks ago CLIF Bar launched a new campaign called Meet the Moment in which outdoor types have the opportunity to upload photos and share stories on how they Meet the Moment.

Now, CLIF Bar has just announced that people will now have the opportunity to upload their "Meet the Moment" photo directly from their mobile phone, and will have the chance to win their next adventure courtesy of CLIF Bar!

LeadDog's first iPhone app is now available in the App Store! Just search "Clif Bar" or "Clif Bar Meet the Moment" from the app store on your phone and download.

As part of the campaign, after creating your first Moment, CLIF Bar will donate $5 to one of five non-profit projects - each one focused on protecting the Places we Play - the places we Meet the Moment. Every time you upload a new Moment, you'll have a chance to win your next big adventure of your choice - like trekking the Amazon or chasing the Tour de France. There will be 3 lucky winners in all.

The campaign ends on July 31st, and the winners will be selected in September. Donations will be made to the Access Fund, International Mountain Biking Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, Leave No Trace, and Surfrider. For more information, and to enter, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Abrams Falls Trail has reopened

Friday, May 27, 2011

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Just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend, park officials in the Great Smoky Mountains have announced that the popular Abrams Falls Trail has reopened.The trail was closed after a tornado ripped through western end of Cades Cove on April 27th and downed more than 4500 trees in the area.The 2.5-mile trail to Abrams Falls was reopened yesterday, however, 33 miles of trails and three backcountry campsites...
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Searchers Find Body of Missing Man in Smokies

Friday, May 27, 2011

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NPS Digest is reporting that the body of a missing Florida man was found by searchers in the Great Smoky Mountains on Tuesday evening.The 58-year-old man’s SUV had been parked for nearly a week in a pullout along Newfound Gap Road. The pullout, about a half mile from Smokemont Campground, serves no trailheads, so vehicles would not normally be there overnight. Rangers checked on the plate several...
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A sprint to the top of the Eiger

Friday, May 27, 2011

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In November 2008, Swiss climber Ueli Steck set the solo speed record on the 13,025-foot north face of the Eiger in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland. In this video, Steck makes a mockery of the mountain by practically sprinting to the summit in a ridiculous two hours and forty seven minutes. This clip comes from the award-winning film, Swiss Machine, which was shown as part of last year’s Reel Rock...
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New Speed Record for Smokies A.T. Traverse

Thursday, May 26, 2011

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Nearing Newfound Gap I passed former Smokies Traverse record holder Will Harlan heading the other direction. Upon realizing who he was I blurted out something like "Are you Will Harlan! Oh cool. I'm going to break the record today!"Yesterday I received an email from Gatlinburg resident, David Worth, announcing that he just broke the record for the fastest trek across the Appalachian Trail in the Great...
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Park Scales Back Search For Missing Man

Thursday, May 26, 2011

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Great Smoky Mountains rangers have scaled back their efforts to find 45-year-old Christopher Lee Cessna, who has been missing since April 27th.For over a week, rangers and search dog teams combed the forest near the Newfound Gap parking area where Cessna’s car was found, but found no sign of him. Searchers intensively covered an area of about two miles radiating out from the parking lot and from the...
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National Park Photos of the Day

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

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For a couple of national parks in the Rocky Mountains, winter isn't quite over yet. Check out the NPS photo below from earlier this week showing 22 foot drifts near Bus Terminus on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road runs through the heart of the park, and is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. The road climbs to 12,183 feet and connects the towns...
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Benton MacKaye Trail Presentation

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

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Dick Evans, President of the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, will be discussing the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) at the Asheville REI next month. 288 miles in length, the BMT begins at Springer Mountain, GA and ends in Davenport Gap at the north-eastern end of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.The BMT celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2010.The free event will be held from 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m....
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Chattahoochee N.F. releases tornado damage assessment

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

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US Forest Service officials for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest have released a damage assessment for the tornados that ripped through the area late last month.According to the report, tornados damaged more than 80 miles of roads, numerous trails, a campground and more than 2000 acres of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Lumpkin, White, Habersham, Rabun and Jasper counties in north...
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Curry Mountain Trailhead Closure

Monday, May 23, 2011

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The GSMNP website is reporting that the parking area at the Curry Mountain trailhead on Little River Road has been closed for safety and resource protection purposes. Hikers should park in the nearby Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area.You may also want to note that bear warnings have been posted on the popular Clingmans Dome Trail and Laurel Falls Trail. A bear warning indicates that bears have been active...
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Treating and avoiding blisters

Monday, May 23, 2011

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Peak summer hiking season is just around the corner, which means many people will be dealing with the unpleasant experience of blisters over the next several months.Backpacker Magazine recently posted a series of photos that show to properly treat blisters in order to help keep you on the trail.The best thing to do, however, is to avoid blisters. Here are a few suggestions:* Train your feet. Don’t...
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Trail Dames Summit 2011

Sunday, May 22, 2011

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Trail Dames, a "hiking club for women of a curvy nature," will be holding its first annual Hiking and Backpacking Conference for Women next month.Summit 2011 will feature classes on all aspects of hiking and backpacking, lectures and slide shows featuring women that have hiked all over the world, panel discussions focusing on the challenges that women in the outdoors face today, as well as many other...
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Big Savings on Outdoor Gear

Saturday, May 21, 2011

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With Memorial Day Weekend just a week away now, a couple of online outdoor retailers have already launched major sales to help adventurers get ready for the summer hiking, backpacking and camping season.Through May 30th, REI is running their Anniversary Sale - their biggest sale of the year. Shoppers can save up to 30% on top-brand outdoor gear, clothing and footwear, including tents, packs, sleeping...
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George Washington National Forest Management Plan Released for Comment

Saturday, May 21, 2011

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Earlier in the week, the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the release of the Draft Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the George Washington National Forest (GWNF) for public review and comment. The Plan will guide forest management activities on the 1.1 million acre forest for the next 15 years. The Plan is the result of a...
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Appalachian Bear Rescue Video

Friday, May 20, 2011

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Within the last couple of weeks Appalachian Bear Rescue has launched a new Youtube Channel containing several new bear related videos - as one might expect! Appalachian Bear Rescue, located just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rehabilitates orphaned and injured bears for release into the wild.Below is a video of Easter, a malnourished and severely dehydrated cub when found and...
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Search In Progress For Missing Man in Smokies

Thursday, May 19, 2011

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Rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have begun a search for a North Carolina man who was reported missing on April 27th. Searchers are also asking that anybody who may have seen Christopher Lee Cessna, 45, during the last three weeks, whether in the park or elsewhere, to contact the park.Cessna was reported missing to the Cary, NC Police Department on April 27th. They then issued a missing...
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Fish and Wildlife Service Unveils National Plan to Combat Deadly White-Nose Syndrome

Thursday, May 19, 2011

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Yesterday, the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service unveiled a national management plan to address the threat posed by white-nose syndrome, which has killed more than a million hibernating bats in eastern North America since it was discovered near Albany, New York in 2006.“Having spread to 18 states and four Canadian provinces, white-nose syndrome threatens far-reaching ecological...
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National Trails Day Events

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

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On June 4th is National Trails Day, a celebration of trails that evolved from Ronald Reagan's 1987 report, President's Commission on Americans Outdoors, that recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps.Across the country, in just a couple of weeks, will...
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Trails Forever Presentation Rescheduled

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

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Last month I posted a blog about the Trails Forever Presentation that was to be given by the Friends of the Smokies at the REI store in Asheville. For whatever reason, the original date for that event has been cancelled, with the rescheduled date now being June 22nd.The presentation will provide an overview of the "Trails Forever" trail-care program, and how rangers and volunteers are making great...
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Cosby in the Park Festival

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced the annual “Cosby in the Park” festival to be held on Saturday, May 21, at the Park’s Cosby Campground. “Cosby in the Park”, in its 12th year, is presented by the Cocke County Partnership, Great Smoky Mountains Association, and the Park. The event celebrates the cultural heritage of this area and highlights the many recreational opportunities available...
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Foxfire Hikes at Anna Ruby Falls

Monday, May 16, 2011

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Is it magic? An unexplainable scientific phenomen? Join Chattahoochee National Forest rangers at Anna Ruby Falls in North Georgia tomorrow night (and next Tuesday) to view the bioluminescence more commonly referred to as “Foxfire”. Hikers will walk up to the waterfall for nighttime viewing, and then back down the trail to view the magical foxfire.Bring a flashlight, and wear comfortable shoes, as...
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CLIF Bar's Meet the Moment

Monday, May 16, 2011

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CLIF Bar has launched an exciting new campaign today called Meet the Moment.Meet the Moment is about supporting the pursuit of athletic adventure, and the lifestyles and communities that come with it. Whether it's action, adventure, or the thrill of the chase, CLIF Bar wants to know how you Meet the Moment.To take part, all you need to do is upload photos and share your stories on how you Meet the...
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Shenandoah National Park Announces 2011 Resource Seminar Series

Sunday, May 15, 2011

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Shenandoah National Park has announced its Resource Seminar Series for the park's 75th Anniversary celebration in 2011. Resource Seminars provide participants with the opportunity to get to know their national park a little more personally through hands-on opportunities and field experience. They provide a more in-depth experience to learn from scientists, researchers, educators, and other experts...
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The Salamander Capital of the World

Sunday, May 15, 2011

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Next Saturday, May 21st, join the Great Smoky Mountains Association and former park ranger Carey Jones for a Salamander Foray in "The Salamander Capital of the World".Meet at Sugarlands Visitor Center at 10 a.m. The program will take place on the Ash Hopper Branch Trail across from the RV parking lot.The cost is $10 for adults, but children under 12 are free. Call 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254 to...
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AASHTO Approves New U.S. Bicycle Routes Across America

Saturday, May 14, 2011

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Earlier this week the Adventure Cycling Association and the American Association of Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) announced that AASHTO’s Special Committee on U.S. Route Numbering has approved of six new U.S. Bicycle Routes (USBR):USBR 1 in Maine and New HampshireUSBR 20 in MichiganUSBR 8, 95, 97, and 87 in AlaskaThese are the first official U.S. Bicycle Routes to be established since...
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Join the Konnarock Trail Crew this summer

Saturday, May 14, 2011

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is looking for volunteers to work and play in the backcountry on its Konnarock Trail Crew. Konnarock, the ATC flagship crew, tackles projects involving trail construction and rock work between the Trail’s Southern terminus, Springer Mountain Georgia and Shenandoah National Park: just over half of the Appalachian Trail. The program runs Wednesday to Monday evenings...
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Blogs are back up and running!

Friday, May 13, 2011

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In case you're wondering what happened to this blog, and blogs all over the world for that matter, here's a statement from Blogger (Google):What a frustrating day. We’re very sorry that you’ve been unable to publish to Blogger for the past 20.5 hours. We’re nearly back to normal — you can publish again, and in the coming hours posts and comments that were temporarily removed should be restored. Thank...
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2011 Roan Mountain Goat Sitting Schedule

Friday, May 13, 2011

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Grassy balds in the Great Smoky Mountains, such as Gregory and Andrews, require occasional mowing in order to prevent trees from reclaiming the open meadows. On Roan Mountain, however, they use goats!For the last three years scientists have been testing the use of goats as a measure for keeping the more than 1000 acres of grassy balds in tact.Known as the “Baa-tany Goat Project,” the goats are surrounded...
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Hiking and backpacking in the Red River Gorge

Thursday, May 12, 2011

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“The amount of use in the Red per square foot far exceeds most other national forest units and is actually on par with most national park units,” says Charlie Rowe, a forest service ranger who leads a volunteer maintenance crew inside the Red.Last week I posted a blog about our recent hike along the Auxier Ridge Trail in the Red River Gorge. Coincidentally, in the latest issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors...
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Tips for crossing streams and rivers

Thursday, May 12, 2011

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Over the weekend the folks over at Trailspace.com published an excellent article offering tips for crossing streams and rivers.As most of you are probably already well aware, there are numerous streams that hikers must cross in the Great Smokies. Many have footbridges, while others require just a step over to reach the other side. However, the Park has this warning on their website that you should...
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Big Brothers Big Sisters raffles cabin in Smokies

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

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For the second year in a row, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina will be giving away a custom-built log cabin as part of its fundraising campaign this year. The grand prize in this years' raffle will be a fully furnished log home, located in Bryson City, North Carolina, near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The cabin is valued at more than $280,000!The 2,000 square...
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NC State Parks Announces Mobile Phone Application for Park Visitors

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

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A free mobile phone application with comprehensive information about North Carolina’s state parks has been introduced by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation in partnership with Friends of State Parks and ParksByNature Network, a developer of mobile, interactive networks.The downloadable Pocket Ranger Mobile Tour Guide for Apple iPod and iPhone and Adroid smartphones allows visitors to plan and...
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Shortage of Freeze Dried Camp Food This Summer

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

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Steven over at My Life Outdoors posted a report yesterday, that as a result of economic times and natural disasters, makers of freeze dried foods, like Mountain House and Backpacker’s Pantry, are currently experiencing shortages due to high demand. The shortages, according to his report, are likely to persist through the summer hiking season.Steven even went so far as to check in with his local Mountain...
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Two more trails closed in Smokies

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

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In addition to the 7 trails that were closed last week, rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced the closure of two more trails as a result of the EF-4 tornado that ripped through the west end of Cades Cove on April 27th.The damage from the storm resulted in more than 4,500 downed trees in the area.The new closures include the Wet Bottoms Trail, and the Cooper Road Trail from...
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Damascus, VA Designated An Appalachian Trail Community

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

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On May 14, 2011, as a part of the 25th annual Trail Days festival, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club, and town leaders from Damascus will hold a ceremony celebrating their designation as the newest Appalachian Trail Community with a proclamation signing, speakers and presentation of town signs. Scheduled speakers include Mayor McCrady, Virginia Delegate Joe Johnson,...
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National Trails Day in the Smokies

Monday, May 9, 2011

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Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Regional Office of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, are pleased to coordinate the Annual Appalachian Trail Work Day on National Trails Day, on Saturday, June 4, 2011. They invite you to participate in helping them to take care of the A.T. in the Great Smoky Mountains.The A.T. Maintainers Committee of the Smoky...
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Outdoor events and festival calendar

Sunday, May 8, 2011

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Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine has created a comprehensive database of many (if not all) of the outdoor events and festivals occurring in the Southern Appalachian region this summer. The database includes everything from music festivals, BBQ festivals, and beer and wine tastings, to hiking, mountain biking and water sport festivals.Blue Ridge Outdoors' top 50 events are listed here. BRO also has a complete...
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75 Reasons to Visit Shenandoah National Park Contest

Saturday, May 7, 2011

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In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the park, the 75 Reasons to Visit Shenandoah National Park and the Surrounding Communities contest was launched this week. The contest consists of a game of questions about the park and its neighboring communities, and will provide an opportunity for visitors and residents alike to participate in the anniversary celebration, learn more about the area, and...
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Emergency Survival Pack Essentials

Saturday, May 7, 2011

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Guest blog by Tom Huntington:Spring is finally here! With prime summer hiking season just around the corner, now is a good time to check your gear for wear and tear, and to make sure your emergency survival pack still has all the essentials. Every outdoor enthusiast should know to bring an emergency survival pack and what items it should contain. Here are five basic things every survival pack of any...
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Over 4,500 trees down in Smokies

Friday, May 6, 2011

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Great Smoky Mountains officials published a press release late yesterday reporting that a survey by trail workers shows that, as a result of last weeks' tornado, a total of over 4,500 trees are down in the closed sections of the park, with some areas resembling jackstraws for over a mile at a time.Trail workers also counted over a thousand areas where trees were blown down and their roots tore gaps...
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The World's Oldest Cyclist Turns 103

Friday, May 6, 2011

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Check out this video interview with Octavio Ordunez, likely to be the world's oldest cyclist, who turned 103 years of age this past March.Despite the fact that his 81-year-old wife made him switch to a three wheel bike after he turned 100, Octavio still rides almost everyday - riding roughly 6 miles. During the interview Octavio offers a few tips for staying healthy, including eating an apple each...
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New Hiking Books for the Southern Appalachians

Thursday, May 5, 2011

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Below are four recently published hiking related books that might be of interest to you. Three of the books trail guides for various locations within the Southern Appalachian region, while the fourth provides tips for ultralight backpacking and camping.Backpacking North Carolina: The Definitive Guide to 43 Can't-Miss Trips from Mountains to SeaAuthor Joe Miller provides the first-ever stand-alone...
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