The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog: May 2012

Cucumber Gap Night Awareness Walk · great smoky mountains association

Cucumber Gap Night Awareness Walk

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Join the Great Smoky Mountains Association and Naturalist Wanda DeWaard on Saturday, June 23rd, for a Cucumber Gap Loop walk during the late evening and early night hours. Experience a whole new perspective on the park as you focus on the amazing changes that take place as day turns into night.Special emphasis will be put on using your ability to become aware of night creatures and interpreting what...

Elkmont · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · synchronized fireflies

Synchronized Firefly Viewing Affected by Warm Temperatures

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Due to the unseasonably warm spring, the synchronized fireflies found in Elkmont at Great Smoky Mountains National Park are displaying earlier than ever recorded according to park officials. The shuttle service to the event site is still scheduled to take place from June 2-10 for ticketed reservation holders only. Park biologists are predicting that there may still be some activity during the weekend...

5th Annual Herding of the Goats · Baa-tany Goat Project

5th Annual Herding of the Goats

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Kick off the first day of summer by helping Jamey Donaldson herd 34 goats from Carvers Gap to Jane Bald at part of the Baa-tany project. The Baa-tany Goat Project is a stewardship initiative to manage and restore grassy balds in the western Highlands of Roan Mountain.Volunteers make the Baa-tany Goat Project a success each year. This year's herding event will occur on June 20th. If interested in participating,...

cherokee national forest

Cherokee National Forest Offering One Free Night

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The Cherokee National Forest is offering one night free stay at several campgrounds on June 9th. In honor of the grand opening of the North River Checking Station and National Get Outdoors Day, the Forest Service is offering one night free at the following campgrounds:* Dam Creek* Birch Branch* Davis Branch* Rough Ridge* North River* Spivey Cove* Holder Cove* Big Oak Cove* StatelineJeffHiking Trails...

Backstage at the Tour Contest · SuperSix EVO · Team Liquigas-Cannondale · Tour de France

Win a Week-Long Trip to the Tour de France

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Cyclists and cycling fans may want to note that Cannondale Bicycles has recently launched its exciting Backstage at the Tour Contest. For the second consecutive year Cannondale will make a cycling fan's dream come true by giving them a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend a week with Team Liquigas-Cannondale at the Tour de France. As part of the experience, the winner will be a member of the behind...

Allegheny National Forest · North Country Trail · The Allegheny 100 Backpacking Challenge

The Allegheny 100 Backpacking Challenge

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Quick: What's the longest National Scenic Trail in the United States? Most people would probably say the Appalachian, Continental Divide or the Pacific Crest trails. They would all be wrong. Stretching more than 4600 miles through 7 states, from New York to North Dakota, the North Country Trail actually owns that distinction.To help promote this relatively new and unknown trail, the North Country...

Chimney Rock State Park · Daniel Day-Lewis · The Last of the Mohicans

Outdoor Viewing of The Last of the Mohicans at Chimney Rock

Monday, May 28, 2012

This year is 20th anniversary of the release of the epic adventure film, The Last of the Mohicans. In celebration of the film starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Chimney Rock State Park will offer an outdoor viewing of the film next month - on location where many of the scenes were actually filmed.Marvel at the beauty of the Hickory Nut Gorge's towering rock cliffs, lush landscape and 404-foot waterfall on...

Active Trails · National Park Foundation

National Park Foundation Grants more than $200,000 to Restore and Establish Trails

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Earlier this week the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, announced over $200,000 in grants to be awarded to the thirteen national parks selected to participate in the 2012 Active Trails program, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Now in its fourth round of grants, the National Park Foundation's Active Trails program promotes national parks as a venue...

arrests · car break-ins · Little River Trailhead

Three Men Arrested for Auto Break-Ins at Little River Trailhead

Friday, May 25, 2012

NPS Digest is reporting that three men have been arrested for breaking into parked automobiles in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Park dispatch received a report of suspicious activity from park employees at the Elkmont Campground ranger station on April 25th. Three men in a red vehicle had been seen at the Little River Trailhead looking into the windows of unoccupied cars. Ranger Heath Soehn...

Glacier National Park

Plowing the Going-to-the-Sun Road

Friday, May 25, 2012

Earlier this week Glacier National Park posted a video showing a plower in a front end loader making some serious progress on the Going-to-the-Sun Road near Triple Arches on the west side of the park.If you've never been to Glacier the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile engineering marvel that spans the interior of the park, and allows visitors to cross the Continental Divide in dramatic fashion....

Asheville · blue ridge parkway · speed limit

Blue Ridge Parkway speed limit lowered in Asheville corridor

Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is reporting that effective immediately, the speed limit between Highway 74A and Highway 25 (Hendersonville Road) will be reduced from 45 MPH to 35 MPH. This section of the Parkway through the Asheville corridor, from Milepost 383 to Milepost 389, is the most heavily traveled section of the most visited national park site in the country. The speed limit change is...

America’s Great Outdoors River Initiative · Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River Recognized by America’s Great Outdoors River Initiative

Thursday, May 24, 2012

On Monday, May 21, 2012, Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar identified the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and National Water Trail as one of 10 river projects across the Southeast to serve as models of the America's Great Outdoors River Initiative to conserve and restore key rivers across the nation, expand outdoor recreational opportunities and support jobs in local communities."The...

Destination Summer · Friends of the Smokies · National Park Foundation · Scripps Networks Interactive · Travel Channel

Travel Channel Partners with NPF for “Destination Summer” campaign

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

The Travel Channel, the preeminent travel brand in the media landscape, will join with the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official charity of America’s national parks, in a summer-long campaign to promote America’s 397 national parks. The primary goal of this alliance is to motivate support of our national parks by inspiring Travel Channel viewers to visit these adventure-packed and history-rich...

National Trails Day

National Trails Day Events

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

In 1987 President Ronald Reagan authorized the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. The final report 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. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and...

Cummins Falls · State Park · Tennessee

Tennessee Dedicates 54th State Park at Cummins Falls

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau will join members of the General Assembly, local elected officials and members of the community today for a dedication ceremony announcing the newly created Cummins Falls State Park. The new state park will serve as the 54th addition to the Tennessee State Parks system. Located on the beautiful...

Bob Martineau · Environment and Conservation Commissioner · Gov. Bill Haslam · recreational trail projects · Tennessee

Gov. Haslam Awards $547,000 in Parks and Recreation Grants

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Last Friday Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau awarded an additional $547,000 in grants for recreational trail projects across Tennessee. The grants are through the Recreational Trails Program, a federally-funded program established to distribute funding for motorized, non-motorized and diverse recreation trail projects. The funds are available...

andrews bald · Classic Hikes of the Smokies · Friends of the Smokies

Classic Hikes of the Smokies: June

Monday, May 21, 2012

The Friends of the Smokies Classic Hikes of the Smokies series continues next month with a hike along the Appalachian Trail and out to Andrews Bald.Thursday, June 21: A.T. and Andrews Bald7.2 miles, 1,600 ft ascentWe'll drop some cars at the Clingmans Dome Parking lot and drive back to the intersection with the Fork Ridge Trail. We'll walk up to Mt. Collins and to Clingmans Dome on the A.T. This section...

Photos from Hyatt Lane

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Below are a few random photos I took during an evening drive on the Cades Cove Loop Road. All four photos were shot on Hyatt Lane. The coyote in the third photo was steadily making his way towards us until a car showed-up. I took the picture just before he disappeared into the grass.JeffHikingintheSmokys....

Bob Miller · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Public Affairs Officer

Smokies Public Affairs Officer Bob Miller To Retire

Friday, May 18, 2012

NPS Digest is reporting this morning that Bob Miller, public affairs officer for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, will retire from almost 40 years of federal service on June 2nd. Bob has served as the “voice of the Smokies” since 1989 as the spokesman of America’s most-visited national park.Bob began his career with the National Park Service in 1974 in Washington, DC, where he supervised the rangers...

Smokies · waterfalls

Waterfalls in the Smokies

Friday, May 18, 2012

Waterfalls are one of the Smoky Mountains most popular features. Over 100 prominent cascades and waterfalls can be found in the park, and this podcast from the Great Smoky Mountains Association showcases some of those places:For a list (and details) of some of most prominent and popular hikes to waterfalls in the Smokies, please click here.JeffHikingintheSmokys....

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

Celebrating National Trails Day in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

Thursday, May 17, 2012

On Saturday, June 2, 2012, the U.S. Forest Service, partnering organizations and volunteers will host a number of volunteer service events across Georgia’s national forests in celebration of the 20th annual National Trails Day. Hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and everyone who enjoys the outdoors and wants to give something back are invited to participate. Events include activities such as trail...

Pisgah 111K Mountain Bike Race · Pisgah Ranger District

Heavy Bike Traffic in Parts of Pisgah Ranger District this Saturday

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Pisgah National Forests officials issued an alert today for motorists planning to visit the Pisgah Ranger District this Saturday.Today's notice said that motorists should be aware of the Pisgah 111K Mountain Bike Race and associated heavy bicycle traffic scheduled for this Saturday, May 19th.Affected roads include FSR (Forest Service Road) 1206 (Yellow Gap Road), FSR 5000 (Wash Creek Road), and FSR...

free access · Military Pass · National Parks · public lands

New Military Pass for Free Access to National Parks and Other Public Lands

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

As part of the Joining Forces initiative to support our nation’s service members and their families, several U.S. government agencies have announced an annual pass to active duty service members and their dependents, granting free access to more than 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, and other public lands around the nation in the coming years.Beginning on Armed Forces Day...

blue ridge parkway · Love Gap

Naked Man Apprehended near Love Gap on Blue Ridge Parkway

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

NPS Digest published a report yesterday about naked man that was apprehended near Love Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway.On the morning of May 1st, a suspect fleeing from the Virginia State Police for a speeding violation entered the park in the Love Gap area. Shortly after coming onto the parkway he lost control of his vehicle, resulting in the vehicle flipping onto its roof and catching fire. The man...

Cosby in the Park Festival · Cosby Nature Trail

Cosby In The Park Festival

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced the annual "Cosby in the Park" festival to be held this Saturday, May 19th, at the Park's Cosby campground. In its 13th year, "Cosby in the Park" 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...

Flame Azaleas · gregory bald

Are you ready for Gregory Bald this June?

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Although Gregory Bald is an excellent destination anytime of the year, mid to late June is the absolute best time to make the trek to the summit. In addition to its excellent views of Cades Cove, Gregory Bald provides for one of the best flame azalea shows in the world during this time period.In fact, azalea lovers from all over the world come here to visit perhaps the finest display of flame azaleas...

camping · can opener

No can opener? No problem!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Have you ever arrived at your campsite, got a nice cooking fire going, and then realized that you forgot your can opener! No problem! This short video offers a technique that could come in handy some day:JeffHikingintheSmokys....

guns · hikers · murder · trail · violence

Do hikers need to carry a gun now?

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Do hikers need to pack heat when venturing into the wilderness? I raise this question after reading about several violent acts in the wilderness within the last year. Allow me to list a few of these in chronological order:* The FBI continues to search for the person(s) who murdered Scott Lilly on the Appalachian Trail in central Virginia. His “partially buried” body was found on August 12th of last...

Great Smoky Mountains Institute · Tremont Road

Temporary Closure of Tremont Gravel Road

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced that the gravel section of Tremont Road beyond the Great Smoky Mountains Institute will be closed on May 15 and 16 to allow crews to clean ditches, culverts and grade the road while using heavy equipment and dump trucks. Workers will also be adding gravel to the road and removing standing dead trees along the shoulders. The closure of this...

Alliance for the Cumberlands · Cumberland Plateau · Edge Trekker

New Travel Website for Cumberland Plateau

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Planning a trip to the Cumberland Plateau for a little hiking, biking, canoeing, or any other outdoor pursuit you can think of?The folks over at the Alliance for the Cumberlands recently launched a brand new website to help tourists and outdoor types find almost any type of adventure in the region.The website, called Edge Trekker, is an online platform for exploring the possibilitites of travel in...

Chris Gallaway · Punished into Ecstasy · The Smokies

The Smokies: Punished into Ecstasy

Friday, May 11, 2012

Below is a film by Chris Gallaway. At roughly 20 minutes, this is much longer than most films I've posted on this blog. However, don't let that deter you from watching it. Punished into Ecstasy just might be the best film about hiking in the Smokies I've seen. If you don't have time to watch it now, bookmark the link and watch it later. Chris did an excellent job of putting this together. Back in...

Asheville Comprehensive Access and Trail Study · blue ridge parkway · Buncombe County · Greenways and Recreation Services · Parks

Blue Ridge Parkway Seeks Public Input for Official Trailhead and Access Locations

Friday, May 11, 2012

The Blue Ridge Parkway has partnered with Buncombe County's Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services (BCPGRS) in the planning process of the Greenways and Trails Master Plan for the County, which will identify greenway connections mutually beneficial to the Parkway and the County. The goal of the public process is to find the most optimum locations for these connections.This partnership is part of...

shenandoah national park · Shenandoah Scramble

Hike-a-palooza at Shenandoah National Park

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Mark your calendars for September 22, 2012 for the Shenandoah Scramble.Join over 100 hikers in this one-day hike-a-palooza to support the Shenandoah National Park Trust! Pledge or raise $100 or more and choose from one of 6 great hikes in the park. SNPT will feed you breakfast and present you with a one-of-a-kind Shenandoah Scramble hiking shirt. Then you, your group and your trail guide will head...

Adventure Grant · Outside Magazine

The Outside Magazine 'Adventure Grant'

Thursday, May 10, 2012

In celebration of their 35th anniversary Outside Magazine is seeking proposals for its first annual Adventure Grant, a $10,000 endowment to help fund a "smart, creative, and (perhaps) slightly foolhardy project" that they will feature in an upcoming issue.Outside offers a few examples of the kinds of "audacious" missions they're looking for (taken from Outside stories):* Sailing a homemade raft down...

Mountain Laurel · rocky top · Spence field

The best mountain laurel hike in the Smokies

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

It's already mid-May, which means mountain laurel will soon be in bloom atop Spence Field.The hike to Spence Field out of Cades Cove is probably one of the most underrated hikes in the Smokies. I would go so far as to say that the combination of Spence Field with Rocky Top would rate as one of my favorite hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains.In addition to the outstanding views from Rocky Top anytime...

American Eagle Foundation · Bald Eagles · Franklin · Independence · pigeon forge

Three Bald Eagles Hatched in Pigeon Forge

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Over the last two days three baby eaglets have been hatched at the American Eagle Foundation in Pigeon Forge.The bald eagle nesting pair, "Independence" and "Franklin", both disabled and "non-releasable" birds, are cared for by the AEF at its United States Eagle Center in Pigeon Forge. The AEF cares for about 80 birds of prey daily, including the world's largest collection of "non-releasable" bald...

Old Rag Mountain · shenandoah national park · The Rock Scramble

Injured Hiker Rescued From Old Rag Mountain

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

This morning's NPS Digest is reporting that a hiker had to be air-lifted off Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park last week.On the afternoon of May 3rd park dispatch received a report of an injured hiker near the summit of Old Rag Mountain, within a three-quarter-mile section of the popular hike known as The Rock Scramble. The initial report indicated that a 42-year-old man had taken a five...

Grandfather Mountain · Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation · Naturalist Weekend

Experience Naturalist Weekend at Grandfather Mountain

Monday, May 7, 2012

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is hosting its annual Naturalist Weekend May 11-13. This weekend provides guests with an in-depth look at the diversity found in the mountain’s ecological communities through guided hikes and workshops.The weekend starts off Friday with the all-day Grandfather Spring Bird Count. During the bird count, visitors will be birding at various locations around...

blue ridge parkway · horse

Naked Man Found Riding Horse Along Blue Ridge Parkway

Monday, May 7, 2012

Here's a little "news of the weird" from this morning's NPS Digest for your reading pleasure:On April 13th Blue Ridge Parkway rangers received a report that state police had a man in custody who may have been involved in a possible accident in the area where the parkway crosses over Interstate 77. Upon arriving on scene, rangers learned that a man travelling the parkway drove his vehicle off the road...

National Park Stat of the Day

Monday, May 7, 2012

According to a recent press release from the the National Park Office of Communications, there are 18,600 miles of trails in our national parks.That means, with roughly 850 miles, Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains more than 4.5% of all the trail mileage in our national parks!JeffHikingintheSmokys....

Gauley River NRA · Lower Mash Rapids

Man Dies on Gauley River during commercial rafting trip

Sunday, May 6, 2012

NPS Digest is reporting that a 45-year-old Virginia man died last Saturday while on a commercial rafting trip on the lower Gauley River in West Virginia.Rangers and other emergency resources responded to a 911 call regarding an unresponsive passenger, with CPR in progress, on a remote and mostly inaccessible section of the Gauley River downstream from the Lower Mash Rapids. An aero-medical helicopter,...

bear activity · Graveyard Fields

Bear Encounter in Graveyard Fields Reported

Friday, May 4, 2012

The U.S. Forest Service is encouraging campers and visitors to the Graveyard Fields area of the Pisgah National Forest to be aware of black bears, following a bear encounter on May 1.A group of campers reported that a black bear, apparently in search of food, approached their tent at night. The campers scared the bear away by banging pots and pans. No injuries or property damage were reported. Other...

2012 Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers · video

Video: 2012 Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers

Friday, May 4, 2012

Appalachian Trail thru-hikers Tom Foster and Avery Richardson discuss their motives and goals behind hiking the entire 2200-mile trail. The two started their quest in early March, and the Great Smoky Mountains Association caught up with them at Clingmans Dome to talk about their quest:JeffHikingintheSmokys....

Glacier National Park

The Best Easy Hikes in Glacier National Park

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Last month I published a list of my Top 10 Hikes in Glacier National Park. After creating the list I realized that many of the trails were fairly long day hikes, which obviously won't appeal to everyone. So I decided to start from scratch and build a new list, based on the best of the easier hikes in the park. Hopefully you'll find this helpful as a starting point in trying to decide where to hike...

armed robbery · foothills parkway

Investigation Underway Into Armed Robbery on Foothills Parkway

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Rangers and special agents continue to investigate an armed robbery that occurred last Wednesday afternoon on the Foothills Parkway-East.A man and woman, both from Newport, Tennessee, reported that they were sitting in their vehicle at an overlook when they were confronted by two people dressed in dark clothing and wearing ski masks. One of them assaulted the man by spraying him with pepper spray...

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