SOCIAL MEDIA

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Appalachian Trail: 60 is the New 40 Thru-Hiker Presentation

Monday, April 30, 2012

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After retiring at the age of 59, Chuck Aldridge, an Asheville resident, decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2011. Now's your chance to get helpful tips and hear stories about thru-hiking the AT from a fairly different perspective.Chuck will talk about how to start, how to stay, how to keep going, and how to finish the Appalachian Trail during his presentation at the Asheville REI on May...
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Win a Trip to Glacier thru See More On A Train Contest

Monday, April 30, 2012

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Train passengers experience travel unlike any others; they get to see the vastness of the American landscape more intimately when traveling by rail, from cities big and small, to country vistas and everything in between. In honor of the fifth anniversary of National Train Day, Amtrak is inviting train fans to share what they see and experience on their train journeys and enter the See More On A Train...
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Look Rock Observation Tower to Close for Construction

Sunday, April 29, 2012

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Managers at Great Smoky Mountain National Park have announced that Look Rock Tower and the access trail will be closed May 1st and 2nd, and May 10th and 11th, in order to complete the final steps of a radio installation project.Look Rock is located off the Foothills Parkway in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.During the closure period, installation of a new radio repeater will be completed...
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First Full Moon Hike in Cades Cove

Saturday, April 28, 2012

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Next Sunday night, May 6th, will be the first "Full Moon Hike" of the year in Cades Cove of the Great Smoky Mountains.This is an excellent opportunity to take a stroll in Cades Cove under the light of a full moon. If interested, meet at the Orientation Shelter near the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road. The hike is from from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM.JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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Trail Days

Friday, April 27, 2012

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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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Closures in the Smokies during elk calving season

Thursday, April 26, 2012

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The latest edition of the Cub Report from the Great Smoky Mountains Association is reporting that all fields in the Cataloochee Valley, and the field east of US Hwy. 441 between the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the fields at Couch's Creek and along Tow String Road, are closed to pedestrian and horse traffic during the months of May and June as a result of this being the...
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Outcroppings Trail Finally Reopened

Thursday, April 26, 2012

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Earlier this week Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina announced that the Outcroppings Trail is now open. After four months of challenging construction, the Outcroppings Trail reopened on April 14. The trail, rebuilt over the winter, offers new stunning views of the Park, increased capacity and improved comfort with more places to rest. The reopening of the Outcroppings Trail, which leads from...
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FBI offers $10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the death of A.T. hiker Scott Lilly

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

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More details emerge on the murder of Scott Lilly on the A.T. in Virginia last summer. The following was released by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy this afternoon: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever killed Scott A. Lilly, 30, of South Bend, Ind., last summer near the Appalachian Trail in central...
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Chimney Tops Closure: Two Years or Just One?

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

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Last week officials from Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced additional details on the upcoming Chimney Tops reconstruction project. As has been known for several weeks now, the popular trail will be closed each Monday through Thursday, from April 30th through October 18th. However, I thought the most intriguing piece of news from the park press release was the fact that the project will...
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Smokies Announces Firefly Viewing Reservation Plan

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park today announced a new reservation system for the Elkmont Firefly Viewing event beginning in 2012. The popularity of the firefly event has increased significantly over the past several years, prompting park officials to re-evaluate the effectiveness of managing the event on a first-come-first-served basis.Every June, thousands of visitors gather near the popular...
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Participation in Outdoor Recreation Reaches Highest Level in Five Years

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

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In 2011, more Americans participated in outdoor recreation activities than in the past five years – perhaps signaling a move toward healthier, active lifestyles. More than 141 million Americans, or 49.4 percent of the U.S. population, participated in outdoor activities last year – reflecting an increase of three million people compared to 2010 and continuing a five-year trend. In addition, Americans...
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Bland County, Virginia Designated as an Appalachian Trail Community

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) will celebrate the official designation of Bland County, Virginia as its newest Appalachian Trail Community™ on May 26th at the Bland County Fairgrounds. A full day of celebratory activities is planned as a part of the county’s inaugural Festival of Trails. Starting at 10:00am, guided hikes along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) with the local Piedmont Appalachian...
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The Great Glacier Giveaway

Monday, April 23, 2012

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Glacier Country Montana is giving you a chance right now to win a five-day, four-night vacation getaway to Western Montana’s Glacier Country.The lucky winner will receive a trip for two to the heart of Glacier Country with destinations that include Whitefish and Glacier National Park. The prize package includes airfare (up to $600), double occupancy accommodations, a rental car, red bus tour for two,...
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Hiking Through History

Sunday, April 22, 2012

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The following is a guest blog by Alice Kemp:The Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s more than 800 miles of foot and horse trails are as lovely and varied as any you’ll find east of the Mississippi. Although the Alum Cave Trail to the summit of Mt. LeConte is certainly one of the more exciting and popular ones here, the other trails also have much to offer, whether it’s a tramp along a rushing mountain...
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Star Gazing Event at Purchase Knob

Sunday, April 22, 2012

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting a star gazing event on Saturday, April 28 at one of Haywood County's clearest views of the sky - Purchase Knob, home to the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Astronomy Club of Asheville will lead an exploration of the night sky at this high elevation site with a 260 degree unobstructed view of the...
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New Energy Bar from '800-Year-Old Recipe'

Saturday, April 21, 2012

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Who knew that Italians were eating energy bars 800 years ago? This may explain why they've done so well in cycling over the last century!Earlier this week the GearJunkie announced on his blog that CLIF Bar will be rolling out a limited edition energy bar in May, based on “a traditional 800-year-old Italian recipe”. The bar, called Gary’s Panforte, was named by the company founder, Gary Erickson, who...
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Birds of Prey Program at Oconaluftee

Saturday, April 21, 2012

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is teaming up with the Balsam Mountain Trust for a special program on Birds of Prey at the Oconaluftee Multipurpose Room on Thursday, April 26.Michael Skinner, Executive Director of the Balsam Mountain Trust, will conduct an hour-long Birds of Prey program beginning at 1:00 pm. This program will provide visitors with an up-close glimpse of some of the planet's most...
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Smokies releases more details on Chimney Tops Project

Friday, April 20, 2012

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Officials at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced that the popular Chimney Tops Trail will be closed each Monday through Thursday from Monday, April 30 through Thursday, October 18 while the trail undergoes a major facelift. The Chimney Tops Trailhead is along Newfound Gap Road about 8 miles south of the Park's Gatlinburg, TN entrance. The work is expected to take two seasons to complete.The...
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Thru-hiking: What does it really take?

Friday, April 20, 2012

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Everyone has seen videos and photos of hikers trekking on one the three great long-distance trails: the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail or Continental Divide Trail. Most of those images highlight the incredible beauty of the trails. But what is it really like to thru-hike a long-distance trail? What does it really take?Here's a video from Brett, Nate, and Tyler as they discuss their thru-hike...
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Volunteers Needed for the Appalachian Trail Crew this Season

Thursday, April 19, 2012

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is currently searching for volunteers, 18 and over, to help maintain the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) through their Konnarock and Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew (S.W.E.A.T.) programs. No previous Trail experience is required - just a desire to work hard, live in the backcountry and have a great time among new friends. All food, tools and equipment...
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National Natural Landmark Photo Contest for 2012 Opens

Thursday, April 19, 2012

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Don’t forget your camera as you head outdoors this spring: the National Natural Landmarks Program annual photo contest is now open and accepting entries.“We’re looking for images that capture the beauty and diversity of these natural areas” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis.Winning photographs will be featured in the 2013 National Natural Landmarks calendar. Contest entries will...
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Trails Forever to Focus on Chimney Tops Trail This Year

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

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The latest edition of the Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Newsletter is reporting that the Chimney Tops Trail will be the primary project for the 2012 Trails Forever Crew. This trail rehabilitation project will stabilize and improve the trail conditions to protect the resources and enhance the visitor's experience.The Chimney Tops Trail will be closed Mondays through Thursdays from...
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Wildflower Hike and Ride at the Big South Fork

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

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Join Park Ranger Howard Duncan this Saturday, April 21, for a delightful hike along the Big South Fork River looking at the spring wildflowers. You will certainly see some of the more common spring wildflowers and may discover some uncommon ones as well. Wear comfortable walking shoes; bring your wildflower guide, your camera and your interest in discovering nature. For those wanting to bring along...
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New hiking guide for Smokies by Johnny Molloy

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

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Tennessee native and veteran hiker, Johnny Molloy, has just published a brand new hiking guide for the Smokies. Top Trails: Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains a comprehensive sampling of 50 "must-do hikes" in America’s most visited national park.These "must-do" hikes represent every stunning feature of the area; from the park’s classic destinations to lesser-known jewels; from secluded mountain...
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Music of the Mountains Scheduled

Monday, April 16, 2012

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced the 8th annual "Music of the Mountains" celebration, which will be held this year April 20th through the 22nd. Over the years, this event has grown to span an entire weekend, with performances of traditional music in neighboring communities, including an entire day of free music at the Sugarlands Visitor Center on April 21st.The three-day event begins...
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Forest Service to Close Wolf Laurel Road in the Nantahala National Forest

Monday, April 16, 2012

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Last week the U.S. Forest Service announced that part of Wolf Laurel Road in the Nantahala National Forest will be closed as improvements are made to the road from April 15 thru mid-October. The project will enhance fish habitat by replacing two culverts, while performing other road repairs.Wolf Laurel Road will be closed from the Swan Cabin Road intersection to the Wolf Laurel Trailhead, approximately...
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Smoky Mountains Trail Closure Round-up

Sunday, April 15, 2012

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As the spring hiking season ramps-up in the Great Smoky Mountains, I just wanted to remind readers that several trails in the park remain closed, while others have cautions posted on them. In particular, you may want to note the scheduled closings of the Chimney Tops Trail over the next several months:• Chimney Tops Trail is scheduled to be closed on Mondays through Thursdays, April 30 - October 18,...
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Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Announce Open Dates

Saturday, April 14, 2012

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A number of recreation and camp sites in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests will be openning over the next several weeks.The following is a list of sites that open April 1.Nantahala National Forest campgrounds:* Cheoah Point* Rattler Ford Group Camp* Appletree Group Camp* Standing Indian* Hurricane Campground* Van Hook GladeNantahala National Forest day use areas:* Finger Lake* Cliffside Lake*...
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Spring Ephemerals

Friday, April 13, 2012

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Spring Ephemerals bloom during late winter and early spring before the trees sprout their leaves. The latest video from the Great Smoky Mountain Association documents some of the common species of ephemerals in the Smokies:© GSMA 2012. All rights reserved.JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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Spring Improvement Projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Thursday, April 12, 2012

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The Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Chapter is sponsoring Spring Improvement Projects at The Mount Pisgah Campground on Saturday, April 21st and/or Saturday, April 28th.Lunch for all volunteers will be provided by Chick-fil-A!The goal for the project is to get the campground ready for visitors this season by cleaning up debris, leveling any erosion on campsites, and installing bear proof...
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Couple at Craggy Gardens Calls 911 to Report They Might be Dead

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

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This interesting report is from this morning's DPS Digest:On the evening of March 31st, rangers were dispatched to the Craggy Gardens picnic area in response to a 911 call concerning a probable drug overdose. Upon arrival, they found a man and woman parked in a vehicle, both exhibiting an altered mental status. They said that they’d ingested psilocybin mushrooms, with the woman adding that she was...
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Nature Valley's Preserve the Parks Program to Benefit Smokies

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

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Commonly referred to as “America’s best idea,” the national parks are awe-inspiring places that provide a deep connection to our country’s heritage, and to nature. But threats to the parks and to their funding are impacting park wildlife, water and air quality, and require our attention and support. Leading granola bar brand, Nature Valley® is a longtime supporter of national park preservation through...
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High Fire Danger Warning Issued for National Forests in North Carolina

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

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The U.S. Forest Service announced yesterday that there is a high threat of wildfire this week in the Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests and encouraged visitors to help prevent wildfires. Dry conditions are increasing the chances of wildfire across North Carolina.All campfires should be completely extinguished before leaving a campsite and never leave a campfire unattended. The...
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Tennessee State Natural Areas Week

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

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Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has proclaimed April 9–15 Tennessee State Natural Areas Week, and Tennesseans are encouraged to join in a weeklong celebration with activities such as wildflower hikes, canoe trips, guided tours and volunteer efforts. The Tennessee Natural Areas Preservation Act was passed 41 years ago by the General Assembly and signed by former Gov. Winfield Dunn. Today, that legacy encompasses...
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Happy Easter!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

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JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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Friends Favorite Hikes in the Smokies

Saturday, April 7, 2012

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More than 800 miles of trails await your exploration in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. But where to start? What to bring? And what about those bears? Those questions and many more will be answered at a free presentation offered by the Friends of the Smokies at REI.From a leisurely stroll along the Oconaluftee River to a two night backpack along the Apalachian Trail, Friends of the Smokies' adventurous...
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US Forest Service targets $40.6M to purchase, restore lands in 15 states

Friday, April 6, 2012

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Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the U.S. Forest Service will dedicate $40.6 million for 27 exceptional land acquisition projects in 15 states that will help safeguard clean water, provide recreational access, preserve wildlife habitat, enhance scenic vistas and protect historic and wilderness areas.Projects funded are in Alaska, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan,...
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State Land and Water Conservation Fund Creates or Enhances Nearly 200 Parks across Country in 2011

Thursday, April 5, 2012

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Last week the National Park Service announced that revenue from leases for offshore oil and gas development in federal waters helped states build or improve 198 parks across the country in 2011, ranging from establishing a new park on Texas’ most pristine river, to protecting and providing public access to prehistoric petroglyphs in Wyoming to building a new wheelchair-accessible playground in Indiana,...
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Recipients Announced for 2012 North Carolina Appalachian Trail License Plate Grants

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) announced yesterday the recipients of this year’s North Carolina Appalachian Trail (A.T.) License Plate grants for projects which enhance the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in North Carolina. $35,000 was granted this spring to twelve individuals and partner organizations including Trail clubs, schools, botanists and ecologists, environmental & conservation...
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Two New Books for Hikers

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

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Hikers and lovers of the Southern Appalachians may be pleased to learn of two brand new books.The first book, released last month by prolific hiking guide author, Johnny Molloy, is called Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes on Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau.This new release details 50 hikes on the Cumberland Plateau, including the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area near Kentucky, the fascinating...
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The Top 10 Hikes in Glacier National Park

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

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Many people who are unfamiliar, or are making their very first visit to Glacier National Park, want to know what the best day hikes are in the park. Below are my personal top ten hikes in Glacier. Hopefully this will be a helpful starting point as you try to decide where you want to hike during your visit.Highline Loop – This world famous hike should be on the bucket list of any self respecting hiker....
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Hiking the Foothills Trail

Monday, April 2, 2012

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Whether you are looking for a long-distance backpacking trip or an exciting day-hike, the Foothills Trail offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the Southern Appalachians. About 77 miles in length, the Foothills Trail is located along the Blue Ridge Escarpment in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, and is within easy driving distance of Asheville. Join Foothills Trail Conference...
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From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Sunday, April 1, 2012

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I found about Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, a brand new release by Cheryl Strayed, in a book review published in the Wall Street Journal last weekend. Intrigued by the story, I saved the clipping until I could find a little more time to do some research on the book.The book is about how Cheryl reclaimed her life on the Pacific Crest Trail after the death of her mother, divorce,...
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