The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog: October 2011

Buffalo National River · injured hikers · Lost Valley

Hiker Hell: Two Hikers Seriously Injured In Consecutive Falls

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Late this past week NPS Digest reported that two hikers in the Lost Valley area of the Buffalo National River in Arkansas, were seriously injured in consecutive falling accidents on Monday, October 24th.Brian Anderson, 22, and Jennifer Anderson, 23, were hiking with another couple near Eden Falls when they decided to climb to another cave beyond the end of the designated trail. Brian entered a V-shaped...

great smoky mountains association · Naturalist Ramble · Rhododendron Creek Trail

Greenbrier Off-trail GSMA Hike of the Month

Saturday, October 29, 2011

The latest edition of the Cub Report from the Great Smoky Mountains Association announced an off-trail hike in the Greenbrier area as their hike of the month for November.On Saturday, November 19th, Carey Jones will lead a Naturalist Ramble on the Rhododendron Creek Trail, a trail that's no longer maintained by the Park Service. There are several waterfalls on the trail, as well as some old home sites....

American Public Health Association · Jon Jarvis

Park Prescription: Take a Hike and Call me in the Morning

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Amid the twin crises of health care and a tough economy, national parks and protected lands are a largely unrealized source of public health benefits. National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis says, “Being outdoors has positive effects on health that don’t cost a dime.”Jarvis will share more of those thoughts in a keynote speech Sunday in Washington before thousands of public health leaders...

cades cove · meadows · Prescribed Burns

Smokies to Conduct Prescribed Burns in Cades Cove Next Week

Friday, October 28, 2011

Fire managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park plan to conduct a series of prescribed burns of fields in Cades Cove on Tuesday through Friday, November 1st through 4th if weather conditions permit. Park managers plan to burn several tracts totaling about 550 acres.The selected fields are being burned as part of a cost-effective strategy to prevent the open fields from being reclaimed by forest....

Elk Management Plan · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Smokies

Smokies Elk Management Plan Receives Approval

Friday, October 28, 2011

In June of 2010, the Great Smoky Mountains published an Environmental Assessment (EA) outlining the findings of the 8-year experimental elk release (2001-2008), and to determine the most appropriate and feasible approach for permanent management of elk in the park. Late last week the park announced (PDF) that their "Preferred Alternative" would have no significant impact on the environment, public...

great smoky mountains association

LeConte Hiking Feats

Thursday, October 27, 2011

The latest edition of the Cub Report from the Great Smoky Mountains Association is reporting that three hiking feats and records were set in the Smokies or on the AT this summer.I was already aware of the fastest hike ever on the entire 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail, set by Jennifer Pharr Davis back in July. However, I was not aware of two amazing accomplishments set on Mt. LeConte last month:* On...

American Hiking Society · National Trails Fund

American Hiking Society Announces 2012 National Trails Fund

Thursday, October 27, 2011

The American Hiking Society announced yesterday that they will begin accepting applications for the 2012 National Trails Fund on November 1, 2011. AHS is a non-profit that is dedicated to promoting and protecting foot trails and the hiking experience and provides support to grassroots trail organizations around the country.Since its inception in 1998, the National Trails Fund has granted over a half...

blue ridge parkway · temporary road closures

Blue Ridge Parkway section near Asheville to close for several weeks

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Blue Ridge Parkway officials announced earlier today that a section of the Parkway, just south of Asheville, will be closed for up to seven weeks.Beginning on November 1, 2011, and until further notice, the Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed for all visitor use from Milepost 388.3 at US Route 25/Hendersonville Road to Milepost 393.6 at NC Route 191/Brevard Road. This Parkway closure is necessary for...

George Washington National Forest · Illegal Firewood Cutting · Jefferson National Forests

Forest Service Reports Illegal Firewood Cutting

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests have seen a dramatic increase in illegal firewood cutting. Large healthy oak trees, some as much as two feet in diameter, are being illegally cut and removed from the national forest. Cutting dead trees for firewood is allowed throughout most of the national forest with the appropriate permit; however, cutting live trees is only permissible in designated...

Chattahoochee National Forest · road closures

Projects to temporarily close roads in Chattahoochee National Forest

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The Federal Highway Administration is preparing to improve travel through the Chattahoochee National Forest. Contractors for the agency will repair several roads and replace a bridge. Much of the road work addresses damage caused by a major flood event in September of 2009. That work is carried out through the Emergency Relief of Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) Program. Other road work is conducted through...

Big South Fork NRRA · Fee Free Days

Fee Free Days at Big South Fork NRRA

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Earlier in the year Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the National Park Service will once again offer fee free days this year in order to encourage Americans to visit these national treasures.National Park Service sites across the country that charge fees for entry will waive these entrance fees on November 11-13 in recognition of the Veterans Day weekend. Parks that do not charge...

Cooper Road Trail · Rabbit Creek Trail · tornado · Wet Bottom Trail

Three trails closed by April tornado reopen in Cades Cove

Monday, October 24, 2011

According to the Great Smoky Mountains website, three trails that have been closed in the Cades Cove area as a result of last April's tornado have been reopened. There are still two trails that remain closed.The Cooper Road Trail, Rabbit Creek Trail and the Wet Bottom Trail are all officially open as of today. Backcountry Campsites 15 has also reopened.The Beard Cane Trail and the Hatcher Mountain...

National Parks Conservation Association · Senate Interior Appropriations Bill

National Parks Conservation Association says Interior Appropriations Bill falls short

Monday, October 24, 2011

On Friday of last week, the National Parks Conservation Association issued a press release critical of the recent Senate Interior Appropriations Bill. In their press release, the NPCA states:“The proposed funding for park operations however falls short of protecting park resources and serving visitors. Although the Senate has proposed a more robust allocation than the House, the NPS operating account...

Bridge Day · New River Gorge National River

Annual Bridge Day Celebration Draws Huge Crowd

Monday, October 24, 2011

Some pretty amazing stats from this mornings' NPS Digest on the most recent Bridge Day at New River Gorge:Bridge Day was held in the park on the Saturday before last and drew almost 100,000 visitors.The bridge over New River Gorge National River is a prominent icon in West Virginia. Dedicated and officially opened on October 22, 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge spans 1,700 feet with an overall length...

25 Unforgettable National Park Hikes · National Park Foundation

25 Unforgettable National Park Hikes

Saturday, October 22, 2011

In the latest edition of GoParks, the National Park Foundation presents a quick guide to "25 Unforgettable National Park Hikes".The list includes several classic hikes from Acadia to Zion, and everywhere in between. Making the list was the Andrews Bald hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. Most of the hikes are easy to moderate, but there are a couple of relatively strenuous hikes on the list. I've been...

Good Times on the Appalachian Trail · Photo Contest

“Good Times on the Appalachian Trail” Photo Contest

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is looking for great photos of people enjoying the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in 2011! The ATC is looking for images that illustrate your idea of a perfect day on the A.T.Creative and unique shots are encouraged. Send the ATC photos of you and your loved ones hiking your favorite section, enjoying an overlook, staying overnight at a shelter, swimming in a lake,...

Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Vote for the Mountains-to-Sea Trail license plate design

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The NC Legislature has authorized a special license plate for the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and the Friends of the MST want your opinion about what that design should look like.The Friends of the MST have come up with five potential designs for the plate, and are asking citizens of NC to vote for their favorite. The Friends group will choose the most popular plate as the one to "put on the road."The...

arrests · cultivating marijuana · Mammoth Cave National Park

Two Men Arrested For Cultivating Marijuana in Mammoth Cave National Park

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Back in June, officials at Mammoth Cave National Park set up a reward program for information leading to successful prosecutions of crimes within the park. In the press release, Ranger David Alexander, one of the park law enforcement officers. was quoted as saying that; "Drug activity is a major concern. Every year we find marijuana plots in the park. We need the community's help in tracking down...

Smokies · visitation

Visitation up 4.4% in September in Smokies

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Through the first nine months of the year, visits to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are 6.2% below the numbers for the same time last year. Through September the park has seen 6,797,955 visits.For the month of September, however, visitation was up by 4.4%.Interestingly, the number of people camping in front country campsites in the park is down 6.8% for the year. However, the number of backcountry...

2012 · Fee Free Days · National Parks

National Parks Announce Fee Free Days for 2012

Monday, October 17, 2011

To encourage Americans to explore America’s natural beauty, rich history and culture, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that the National Park Service will waive admission fees on 17 days in 2012.Salazar emphasized that our national parks and public lands serve as an economic engine for many local communities, supports jobs and driving tourism. Recreation in national parks, refuges,...

Upcoming Road Closings in the Smokies

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Earlier in the week GSMNP officials announced a couple of upcoming road closings you may want to make note of in case you plan to visit sometime during the late fall:• Old NC-284 between Big Creek and Cataloochee is schedeled to be closed for approximately two weeks between mid-November and early December for bridge repair. The actual dates of the closure will be posted on the Smokies website once...

National Natural Landmarks · Photo Contest · Winners Announced

National Natural Landmarks Photo Contest Winners Announced

Friday, October 14, 2011

One hundred and fifty-two images representing 92 different National Natural Landmarks sites across 31 states were submitted to the 8th Annual NNL Photo Contest. A National Park Service-wide vote took place in mid-August and the winners were announced today. Top honors went to Debra Miller of Highlands Ranch, Colorado for her photograph of Hanging Lake, east of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.The three...

bear

Bear

Friday, October 14, 2011

Matt Brass just published another video this week, one which he calls "Bear". he claims on his Vimeo site that this is the second in a series of clips from a year long documentation project of the Smokies:Bear from Matt Brass on Vimeo. JeffHikingintheSmokys....

blue ridge parkway · General Management Plan

Blue Ridge Parkway releases General Management Plan

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Yesterday the National Park Service released a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Blue Ridge Parkway’s General Management Plan for review and comment. Public comments on the document will be accepted through December 16th.The draft plan provides comprehensive guidance for perpetuating natural systems, preserving cultural resources, and providing opportunities for quality visitor experiences...

euthanized · gray wolf · Yellowstone

Yellowstone Gray Wolf Euthanized

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

It's 2011....and people are still feeding wild animals!A habituated gray wolf believed to be conditioned to human foods was killed by Yellowstone National Park staff on October 8th.Since July, the 110-pound male wolf had approached staff and visitors at close range at least seven times and had been unsuccessfully hazed each time from the Fishing Bridge developed areas. The wolf was a member of Mollie's...

oconaluftee visitor center · Special Fall Programs

Oconaluftee Visitor Center Special Fall Programs

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite the public to attend two special programs held at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center complex on Saturday, October 15, and Monday, October 17.On October 15, an hour-long Birds of Prey program will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. by naturalist Doris Mager at the Oconaluftee Multipurpose Room. Mager, also known as the "Eagle Lady", has been working with raptors...

Hiking News Updates

Monday, October 10, 2011

Hiking news from around the region:* The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is recommending that anyone spending time outdoors in areas that see hunting activity, should consider wearing blaze orange. Blaze orange clothing stands out against an outdoor background and studies have proven it increases visibility of the wearer in low light situations. *California hunter safety course online**** The Southeastern...

Leadville · rodeo

One Photo

Sunday, October 9, 2011

At the Leadville Rodeo a few years ago:JeffHikingintheSmokys....

The Rut

Friday, October 7, 2011

Matt Brass has published another wonderful video from the Cataloochee side of the Smokies. This time he explores "The Rut":The Rut from Matt Brass on Vimeo.JeffHikingintheSmokys....

Glacier National Park · wildflowers

Glacier National Park Wildflowers

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Over the last couple of weeks I've been sharing photos and stories from my trip to Glacier National Park. This will be the last posting on that subject. I thought I'd end this series with a few wildflower photos.Although the ice and sheer cliffs at Iceberg Lake get all the attention, the wildflowers in the alpine meadows just before reaching the lake are quite amazing:Indian Paintbrush:A Glacier Lily...

Franklin · North Carolina · WNC OutdoorAthlon

This weekend: WNC OutdoorAthlon

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachians in Western North Carolina, Franklin, NC is a small town located at a key crossroads that consistently funnel in the region’s most valuable resource – tourism. For the first time ever, on October 8th and 9th, 2011, this quaint mountain town will host a unique event unlike any the region has ever seen. The focus: highlight the outdoor resources and community...

Cumberland Trail · Hiketoberfest · Signal Mountain

Hiketoberfest

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Join the Friends of the Cumberland Trail for the inaugural Hiketoberfest. This event is a celebration of the Cumberland Trail’s immense diversity of fauna and flora, its rich musical and cultural heritage, and the breathtaking geology of Signal Mountain, the Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee River Gorge.The event is this sunday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Shackleford Ridge County Park facility...

Fall Color Update

Fall Color Roundup

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Although most of the region is still in the early stages of autumn, the highest elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains are already approaching peak fall colors. Below are a few fall color updates from around the Smokies region:Steve Kemp of the Great Smoky Mountains Association states in the latest Fall Color Forecast from yesterday that, "Colors should be peaking at the higher elevations over the...

shenandoah national park · Wilderness Weekend

Wilderness Weekend at Shenandoah National Park

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Shenandoah National Park will honor America's wilderness heritage during its 11th annual Wilderness Weekend, October 15 - 14, 2010. This year commemorates the 35th anniversary of Shenandoah's wilderness designation. Celebrate wilderness by viewing Shenandoah's wilderness from Skyline Drive, hiking a wilderness trail, joining a ranger program, completing the Wilderness Explorer Ranger Activity Guide,...

Glacier National Park

The Best Of: Glacier's Waterfalls and Lakes

Monday, October 3, 2011

With roughly 200 waterfalls, and 762 lakes - 131 of which are named, including "No Name Lake" - many of the hikes in Glacier National Park end at a lake or waterfall. Below are a few of my favorites.Redrock Falls is an outstanding choice for an easy hike in the Many Glacier Valley. You'll have great opportunities for seeing wildlife, it passes two picturesque lakes, and ends at one of the most scenic...

Maine Watch · Maine Woods National Park · Roxanne Quimby

Should there be a Maine Woods National Park?

Saturday, October 1, 2011

The multi-millionaire founder of Burt's Bees, Roxanne Quimby, is proposing to donate 70,000 acres to the federal government, a tract of land that lies just east of Maine's Baxter State Park. Her vision is to create a brand new Maine Woods National Park.Below is a discussion with Ms. Quimby, and others who oppose the controversial proposal, on Maine Public Broadcasting Network's Maine Watch program...

Nantahala National Forest · Rape Suspect

Agencies Seek Help in Finding Nantahala N.F. Rape Suspect

Saturday, October 1, 2011

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Forest Service and the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) are seeking information on a rape which occurred Sunday September 25, 2011, at approximately 4:00 p.m. in Macon County within the Nantahala National Forest.The incident occurred at the intersection of Forest Service Road (FSR) 711 and the Wayah Road, FSR 1310. A female driving through the area stopped...

award · Daniel Boone National Forest · Preservation Kentucky · Red River Gorge · rock shelter protection

Preservation group awards Daniel Boone N.F. for rock shelter protection efforts

Saturday, October 1, 2011

On Thursday, September 22, Preservation Kentucky recognized the Daniel Boone National Forest for achievements in protecting cliff rock shelters in the Red River Gorge.State and federal archaeologists joined other resource management officials for a brief ceremony. Forest Supervisor Frank Beum accepted the award on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service.“Preservation Kentucky is proud to recognize the U.S....

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