Update on Shenandoah National Park Fire

Saturday, June 30, 2012

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The Neighbor Mountain Fire in Shenandoah National Park has now grown to 827 acres as of the latest update this morning. The fire is burning in steep and rocky terrain, north of Route 211 and west of Skyline Drive. The forest involved is a mix of hardwoods, mountain laurel, blueberry and leaf litter. The number of firefighters and overhead staff assigned to the fire has also grown to 181 crew members....
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John Muir Was Absolutely Right!

Saturday, June 30, 2012

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"Give a month at least to this precious reserve. The time will not be taken from the sum of your life. Instead of shortening, it will indefinitely lengthen it and make you truly immortal. Nevermore will time seem short or long, and cares will never again fall heavily on you, but gently and kindly as gifts from heaven."-- John Muir on his visit to Glacier National Park in the early 1890sWith more than...
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Thomas Divide Hike

Saturday, June 30, 2012

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Join the Great Smoky Mountains Association and naturalist Liz Domingue for a 3.5 mile round-trip hike on the Thomas Divide Trail next Saturday. This trail, located off Newfound Gap Road on the North Carolina side of the park, was built by the CCC in 1934.It has moderate uphill and downhill grades. You'll encounter a forest of Eastern hemlock, yellow birch, American beech, and several species of maple....
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Smoky Mountains Exploring Sister Park Relationship with New Icelandic Park

Friday, June 29, 2012

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The Alcoa Foundation has just announced that it is providing grants to Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) to launch a two-year Icelandic National Parks Training Program, which helps promote and protect national parks and reserves throughout Iceland. The program is designed to develop the capacity of Icelanders working on the development, management,...
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Wildfires in Southern Appalachians Grow; More Trail Closures

Friday, June 29, 2012

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As of this morning there are now 47 uncontained large wildfires burning nationwide, up 6 from yesterday. Below is a run down of the three fires burning in the Southern Appalachians:The Neighbor Mountain Fire in Shenandoah National Park has grown to 800 acres as of yesterday afternoon. The fire is burning north of Route 211 and west of Skyline Drive. Seventy-three firefighters and overhead staff are...
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Appalachian Trail Conservancy Seeks Trail Crew Volunteers

Friday, June 29, 2012

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy(ATC) is searching for volunteers, ages 18 and older, to help maintain sections along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). No previous Trail experience is necessary - just a desire to work hard, live in the backcountry and have a great time among new friends.For more adventurous volunteers, the Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew (S.W.E.A.T.) leads volunteers...
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Clingmans Dome - Highpoint of the Smokies

Friday, June 29, 2012

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Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the third highest point east of the Mississippi, and provides one of the most scenic viewpoints in the United States. This video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association takes you on a journey through one of the most interesting mountain ecosystems in the country:© GSMA 2012. All rights reserved.Most people are likely already...
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Wildfire in Ocoee Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest

Thursday, June 28, 2012

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US Forest Service officials at the Cherokee National Forest say a wildfire has burned nearly two hundred acres on the Ocoee Ranger District in Polk County since Monday. The fire is located off U.S. Highway 64 near Goforth Creek in steep rugged terrain. There are currently no threats to any structures. Approximately 50 personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, Tennessee Division of Forestry, and various...
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Wildfire Shuts Down Trails in Shenandoah National Park

Thursday, June 28, 2012

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As of yesterday afternoon, a 180-acre wildfire in Shenandoah National Park has shut down the following trails:* Appalachian Trail between Elkwallow and Beahms Gap* Jeremys Run* Neighbor Mountain* Knob Mountain* Knob Mountain Cutoff.Jeremys Run Overlook and Byrds Nest #4 shelter are also closed. The fire is currently burning on Neighbor Mountain, roughly located near the Thornton Gap Entrance.Just...
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Most fire and all fireworks banned in Daniel Boone National Forest

Thursday, June 28, 2012

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Due to current drought conditions, management officials have issued emergency orders concerning visitors’ use of fire in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Beginning June 27, campfires, charcoal grills, candles and open-flame torches are prohibited outside of developed recreation areas on national forest lands. Fires are allowed in developed sites within Forest Service designated fire rings constructed...
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Mulberry-Globe Stewardship Project to Improve Caldwell County Streams

Thursday, June 28, 2012

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Earlier in the week the U.S. Forest Service announced that several streams around the Boone Fork Campground will be improved as part of the Mulberry-Globe Stewardship Project, now underway in the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.China Creek is among the waterways that will benefit from new project added to the Mulberry-Globe project.“Thanks to $74,611 in matching funds from the...
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Mammoth Cave NP bans all fires north of Green River

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

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Superintendent Patrick Reed announced today that the park has placed a temporary ban on all campfires in the backcountry, along the floodplains, and at Maple Spring Group Campground north of Green River."The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement today regarding increased fire danger, and like most of our area, the park has not experienced significant rainfall for three weeks,"...
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New Report Finds Annual Spending on Outdoor Recreation Reaches $646 Billion, Employs 6.1 Million

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

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A report released last week by the Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) shows that outdoor recreation is a major economic driver in the United States — and one that has grown throughout the recession. According to The Outdoor Recreation Economy report, more than 140 million Americans engage in outdoor activities each year, directly delivering $646 billion to the economy and supporting 6.1 million domestic...
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Great Smoky Mountains on Late Night Radio

Monday, June 25, 2012

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Every now and then I have a hard time getting to sleep - for whatever reason. Last night was one of those nights. After getting a little bored with the topics being discussed on the national sports talk station, I searched the dial for something a little more interesting. I happened upon a discussion on missing persons in national parks.The program was on Coast to Coast with George Knapp as the host....
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Friends of Shenandoah Day: July 28, 2012

Monday, June 25, 2012

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On Saturday, July 28, the Friends of Shenandoah will hold its Second Annual Friends of Shenandoah Day. This day of special hikes, ranger programs and entertainment is for Shenandoah National Park Trust members and their families. Activities overlap so you can choose what you like best. All activities are suitable for able-footed children or toddlers in backpacks.For more information on all the events...
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How would like to be a Backpack Field Tester?

Sunday, June 24, 2012

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Tahoe Mountain Sports and Boreas Gear are teaming up to get real-world feedback from hikers, bikers, campers and climbers across the country on the unique, innovative backpacks from Boreas Gear.Five testers will be selected to put a Boreas pack to the test – whether it’s on a week-long backpacking trip or daily bicycle commute – whatever you’re adventure is, Tahoe Mountain Sports wants to know how...
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NC Wildlife Commission Seeks Information on Wrongful Elk Deaths

Saturday, June 23, 2012

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The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking information from the public to assist in an investigation about the deaths of three elk, found outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Mount Sterling area of Haywood County.All three elk are believed to have died as the result of gunshot wounds inflicted sometime around May 18th. Forensic tests show a bull elk was mortally wounded by a .22...
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US Forest Service adds four heavy helicopters to support wildfire suppression

Saturday, June 23, 2012

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U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced earlier this week that the agency is adding four heavy helicopters to the aviation firefighting fleet.The helicopters will be available this summer for large fire support and initial attack to any location in the United States.The U.S. Forest Service successfully suppresses about 98% of the approximately 10,000 wildfires that occur each year on National...
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park seeks Protection Ranger

Friday, June 22, 2012

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting for a protection ranger who is interested in working at the Little River Ranger Station within the Tennessee District.Little River rangers are responsible for a full range of law enforcement and all-risk duties, including traditional patrol operations, EMS, SAR, resource protection and wildland fire details. The park has an active FLETC field training...
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Understanding Survival

Friday, June 22, 2012

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In this episode of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife outdoor survival video series, outdoor expert Peter Kummerfeldt discusses weather, lightning and altitude:JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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Woman Reports Sexual Assault on Blue Ridge Parkway

Thursday, June 21, 2012

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This morning's NPS Digest is reporting that a rape took place along the Blue Ridge Parkway last month.A Virginia woman reported that she was attacked and raped by two men at the Ground Hog Mountain picnic ground.On Sunday, May 13th, the woman was transported to a local hospital, where she reported the assault to hospital staff. They in turn contacted park dispatch that evening and reported the incident....
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Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2012

Thursday, June 21, 2012

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The 2012 Class of the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame was introduced at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet, held at Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, PA on June 8. The 2012 Class included five pioneers of the Trail, including the first two women inductees."Each class of Appalachian Trail Museum Hall of Fame inductees includes people who have made a major contribution to the Appalachian Trail, or otherwise...
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National Parks From Space

Thursday, June 21, 2012

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Most of you are likely aware, or have seen photos of earth taken from the space shuttle or the International Space Station. However, did you know that NASA has a collection of photos featuring various national parks around the country? To be honest, many of the photos weren't all that impressive, in my opinion. There are a couple, such as Death Valley, or Crater Lake and North Cascades, that are quite...
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Appalachian Trail Celebrates 75th Anniversary This August

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

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This year marks the 75th anniversary of the completion of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, measuring roughly 2,180 miles in length from Georgia to Maine. The anniversary will occur on Tuesday, August 14, 2012.The original Trail took more than 15 years to build and was completed on August 14, 1937. Construction involved the cooperation of hundreds of volunteers,...
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Smokies Offer New Programs For Families

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with support from the National Park Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation and the Great Smoky Mountains Association, will be kicking off the summer with new programs designed specifically for families. The new programs are based on the park's current Hike the Smokies and Adopt a Trail programs, both of which have been hugely successful.The new child-friendly Hike...
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Possible new clues in Gatlinburg Trail assault

Monday, June 18, 2012

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National Park Service investigators are seeking to identify and question an individual who a local couple says meets the description of the June, 8th assault suspect. The couple saw the man on the Gatlinburg Trail on Wednesday, June 6th, and again that Friday, near the time of the attack. Both his physical appearance and dress match that of the suspect.During contact with the couple, the unknown man...
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Classic Hikes of the Smokies: July

Monday, June 18, 2012

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The Friends of the Smokies Classic Hikes of the Smokies series continues next month with a hike to Purchase Knob.Thursday, July 19: Purchase Knob7.5 miles, 1,500 ft. ascentFrom Purchase Knob, we'll walk to the Swag and back. When we return, Smokies rangers will show us around the building and explain the work that goes on at Purchase.To register email Hannah Epperson at hannah@friendsofthesmokies.org...
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Rosebay Rhododendron Super Bloom

Sunday, June 17, 2012

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According to the latest video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association, the Great Smoky Mountains just may be experiencing a Rosebay Rhododendron "super bloom".Rosebays are already blooming in abundance in the lower elevations, and over the next several weeks will bring out the blooms up to elevations of 5000 feet. But as the video explains, in some years, there are more blossoms than usual, and...
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Part of Davis Creek Road in Nantahala to Remain Closed until Early Fall

Sunday, June 17, 2012

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The USDA Forest Service announced Friday that a portion of Davis Creek Road in the Tusquitee Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, will remain closed until early fall to complete road improvement work. The contract road work affects approximately three miles of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 420-1 (also known as Davis Creek Road or Tipton Creek Road), from the intersection of NFSR 420-5...
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REI Awards Appalachian Trail Conservancy $20,000 Grant to Support Volunteer Leadership Development

Saturday, June 16, 2012

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) announced yesterday that it has just received a $20,000 grant from REI, a national outdoor retailer, to support the ATC's Volunteer Leadership Meeting held this August. Ninety leaders from the ATC's 31 Trail Club affiliates will attend the two day meeting to focus on volunteer leadership development. Participants will learn about volunteer recruitment and retention,...
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No Water at DeSoto Falls Recreation Area

Saturday, June 16, 2012

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Water resources at DeSoto Falls Recreation Area in the Blue Ridge Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest will be unavailable until further notice. The water source is contaminated and not suitable for use at this time. The bathhouse and drinking water facilities are unavailable for use. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest ask that you bring your own water until further notice....
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Defining Survival

Friday, June 15, 2012

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Below is the first in a series of outdoor survival videos, produced by Colorado Parks & Wildlife, that I will be posting on this blog over the next several weeks. Each episode deals with a different aspect of survival in the outdoors. Although the videos are geared towards hunters and fishermen, the excellent advice and tips they provide are applicable to anyone who ventures into the wilderness,...
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Americorps Team Begins Work on the Cumberland Trail

Thursday, June 14, 2012

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Seven members of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) recently arrived at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park to begin work in the park for the next five weeks. The team, with members hailing from California all the way to New York, will help to maintain and build trail within the park during their five-week assignment. Specifically, they will focus on a four-mile stretch...
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Forest Service Issues Warning about Black Bears in Shining Rock Wilderness

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

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The U.S. Forest Service issued a warning yesterday for visitors to the Shining Rock Wilderness area of the Pisgah National Forest to be on the look-out for black bears.While black bear attacks on people are rare, such attacks have resulted in human fatalities.The warning comes after several bear encounters were reported recently in Shining Rock Wilderness, located north of the Blue Ridge Parkway in...
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Smoky Mountain Way

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

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Check out this new song and video from Craig Roberts, a musician from N.E. Ohio. The tune is called Smoky Mountain Way, and could become the first real anthem for hikers in the Smoky Mountains!What's really cool is that Craig has made the song available for download on his website, and a portion of the proceeds from those sales will be donated to the Friends of the Smokies Trails Forever program.In...
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Historic Spence Cabin in Elkmont Open for Public Use

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

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After standing empty for many years, the historic Spence Cabin in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been restored and is available to the public for day-use. The cabin is located in the Elkmont Historic District, about 9 miles from Gatlinburg, TN."Spence Cabin sits right on the Little River in the middle of historic Elkmont and is a beautiful setting for a special event," says Superintendent...
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Cades Cove in Black & White, and Sepia

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

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Every now and then I like to channel my inner Ansel Adams and take a few black and white photos. I got an opportunity to shoot in B&W (as well as sepia tone) while in Cades Cove last week. Here are a few of the better ones:Looking down Hyatt Lane:The Tipton Place:The Dan Lawson Place:JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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Investigation Continues in Gatlinburg Trail Assault Case - Reward Offered

Monday, June 11, 2012

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On June 8, at 2:43 pm, a 44 year-old female was sexually assaulted on the Gatlinburg Trail. The victim received multiple stab wounds to the neck, shoulder and hand. She made her way to the Gatlinburg Bypass where she flagged down a passing motorist for assistance. The victim was taken by helicopter to the University of Tennessee Medical Center where she was treated for her injuries. The victim was...
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Hiking the Highline

Monday, June 11, 2012

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Steve Salis narrates this 15.3-mile classic trek in Glacier National Park. His route that takes him across the Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet, over Swiftcurrent Pass, and then down to Redrock Falls before finishing at Many Glacier. This is truly an epic hike - one that offers the absolute best of all that Glacier has to offer:Have any plans for visiting Glacier National Park this summer? ...
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GSMIT Announces Bird Banding Program

Sunday, June 10, 2012

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The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is seeking volunteers to assist with bird banding projects on several dates throughout this summer.Scientists estimate that there are nearly 230 different species of birds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thirty-four species considered endangered, threatened or of conservation concern have been observed in the park. With all its unusual birds,...
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Woman Stabbed on Gatlinburg Trail

Saturday, June 9, 2012

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A 44-year-old woman was sexually assaulted and then stabbed several times while hiking along the Gatlinburg Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park yesterday.The victim was taken by helicopter to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. She remains in the hospital and is in stable condition.The woman managed to make her way to Highway 441 shortly before 3 p.m. and flag down a...
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Hundred Mile Club Hike: Riprap Hollow

Saturday, June 9, 2012

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The Hundred Mile Club, part of the Shenandoah National Park Trust, will be holding a hike to Riprap Hollow next month.Riprap Hollow is one of the most popular circuit hikes in the South District. The first few miles offer beautiful mountainside views. As the trail continues you’ll enjoy stream crossings, a waterfall and a spring-fed swimming hole. The 9.5-mile hike is considered to be a moderately...
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Expanded Shared Use on Grand Gap Loop Trail in BSF

Friday, June 8, 2012

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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area announced yesterday that the Grand Gap Loop Trail is now open for shared use by hikers and mountain bikers every day. The trail provides spectacular views of geological formations and the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. The trail had previously been open for use by mountain bikes only Monday thru Friday. Opening the trail to use seven days...
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Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Smokies

Thursday, June 7, 2012

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials recently confirmed the presence of invasive emerald ash borer beetles in the park. Last week, beetles were discovered near Sugarlands Visitor Center and in the Greebrier area, on the Tennessee side of the park. The insects were recovered during routine inspection of traps and sent to a U.S. Department of Agriculture entomologist for confirmation.The emerald...
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Temporary Closure of Rich Mountain Road

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced that Rich Mountain Road off of the Cades Cove Loop Road will be closed on Monday, June 11 and Tuesday, June 12 to allow for vista clearing work. Crews will be trimming and removing vegetation from around two overlooks to restore the historically unobstructed views.The work performed is a part of a park wide vista clearing project which is...
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"Women's Work" Event at the Mountain Farm Museum

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

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On Saturday, June 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Mountain Farm Museum in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will come to life as national park staff and volunteers pay tribute to rural women of the past through demonstrations of traditional women's work. This day recognizes the many contributions of the region's rural women by providing an opportunity to experience the past and to actively take part in the traditions of the southern Appalachia through hands on activities.

As part of the celebration, demonstrations among the historic Mountain Home buildings will include hearth cooking, soap making, cornshuck crafts, sewing, and traditional mountain music. Exhibits of artifacts and historic photographs will also provide a glimpse into the many and varied roles of rural women. The Davis-Queen house will be open for visitors to walk through with an audio exhibit featuring the last child born in the house.

All event activities are free to the public. The Mountain Farm Museum is located on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. Highway 441) adjacent to the national park's Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 2 miles north of Cherokee, North Carolina. For additional information call the visitor center at 828-497-1904.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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