Hiking News Updates

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 Foot Trails Coalition will be conducting a Leave No Trace Trainer Course for those seeking to learn the seven principles of outdoor ethics for personal enrichment or to teach others. The course features a short easy backpack and overnight campout in Vogel State Park. The course fee includes food and educational materials.

* The Appalachian Trail Museum in Gardners, Pa. is seeking a Museum Manager. The primary responsibilities of the Volunteer Coordinator are to recruit, motivate and train volunteers and schedule volunteer docents whenever the Museum is open. The coordinator also supervises other volunteers, is the local representative of the Museum, maintains visitation and other records, and other tasks as agreed upon.

* The Appalachian Trail hiker photo database is available online. If you passed through Harper's Ferry while hiking the A.T. and had your picture taken between 1979 and 2008, chances are that your photo, or photo of someone you may have hiked with can be found in the database.

* The hotly debated Transmission Line Project that will result in 200-foot towers and power lines being built across the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Middle Delaware National Scenic River, and the Appalachian Trail, has been "Fast-Tracked" for approval by the federal government.

* Learn more about the Wilderness areas of WNC and explore the adventures they have to offer at the REI store in Asheville on October 18th.

* The REI store in Asheville will also hold a Cold Weather Backpacking Basics seminar on on October 19th. The course will cover backpacking essentials: choosing a backpack, selecting proper clothing, gloves, socks, the right footwear, tips on staying warm, and understanding the basic gear you need to reach your destination.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com