The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog: 2013

Horseback Riding · Yosemite National Park

Horseback Riding in Yosemite

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

In this short video from Finley-Holiday Films, Yosemite National Park ranger Shelton Johnson talks about seeing Yosemite on horseback (or mule back) - an experience that hasn't changed much since the earliest visitors ventured into Yosemite. You may recognize Ranger Johnson - he was featured quite extensively in The National Parks: America's Best Idea, the Ken Burns film from a few years ago: If...

Contractor to Begin Road Stabilization Project on Newfound Gap Road

Monday, December 30, 2013

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will begin work on a road stabilization project to repair a slide area in North Carolina beginning Monday, January 5, through Wednesday, May 14, along Newfound Gap Road (NFG) approximately 1 mile south of NFG parking area, just south of the Deep Creek Trailhead. Park staff and Federal Highway Administration engineers recently documented the slide approximately...

First Day Hikes · North Carolina

First Day Hikes to be offered at every North Carolina State Park on January 1st

Monday, December 30, 2013

A North Carolina tradition continues on New Year’s Day with opportunities to exercise and reconnect with nature on First Day Hikes at every state park and recreation area, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. In the past two years, hikers in North Carolina have joined rangers and volunteers to walk more than 6,000 miles on state park trails Jan. 1. There will be more than 40...

Cataloochee Ski Area · Clingmans Dome · cross-country skiing · Great Smoky Mountains · Newfound Gap · Ober Gatlinburg · sledding · Smokies · snow · snowshoeing · winter

Winter Sports in the Smokies

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Even though Old Man Winter is already tightening his icy grip on the mountains, it doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do in the Great Smoky Mountains. Winter is an excellent time to visit the Smokies, especially for those seeking solitude. Although the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees more visitors year-round than any other park, winter is by far the slowest tourist season. While it might...

2013 · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Year in Review

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 2013 Year in Review

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Below is another excellent video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association. This video provides a quick overview of some of the major events that happened in the park this past year. In many respects, 2013 was a chaotic year for the Smokies. The park experienced a record amount of rain in January which caused a portion of Newfound Gap Road to slide off the mountain, an EF1 tornado in June, a much...

First Hikes of the New Year · Tennessee State Parks

Tennessee State Parks Kick Off 2014 with First Hikes of the New Year

Friday, December 27, 2013

Tennessee State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes on New Year’s Day. Each state park will host its own special hike in the first few days of the New Year as part of the quarterly hikes program. “Our First Hikes have been very popular and we are excited to continue this series in the New Year,” Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill said. “The First...

Harney Peak: The Top of South Dakota

Friday, December 27, 2013

Not only does Harney Peak offer outstanding views of the Black Hills, and the chance to stand atop the highest point in South Dakota, but it also allows hikers the opportunity to visit the old stone fire tower that sits atop its summit. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1939, and was used as a fire lookout for several decades. Visitors are now free to explore this castle-like structure. For...

Mt Leconte · Rainbow Falls Trail

Mt Leconte Snow Storm 2013

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Here's a reminder that winter lingers much longer in the mountains, and that weathermen don't always get their predictions right. This video made by a couple of hikers highlights their trek up to Mt. Leconte via the Rainbow Falls Trail last March. The hikers experienced a little more snow than what they were expecting - 18 inches atop of Leconte. Jeff Hiking in the Smok...

blue ridge parkway · temporary road closures

Blue Ridge Parkway Announces Temporary Road Closures for Routine Maintenance from Milepost 112-136

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Beginning Monday morning December 30, 2013, and continuing for a four week period, Blue Ridge Parkway maintenance personnel will be conducting cutting operations along the roadside. During this time, both lanes of the Parkway in this section will be closed to all activity (cars, bicycles, and hikers) for the safety of the maintenance workers as well as Parkway visitors. Annually, Blue Ridge Parkway...

Seasonal Road Closures Announced for Nantahala Ranger District

Saturday, December 21, 2013

The U.S. Forest Service Nantahala Ranger District will seasonally close certain roads from Jan. 2 to April 1, 2014. During this period, the roads are susceptible to freezing and thawing, and they become very soft and easily damaged by traffic. The following roads will close during this period: Boardtree (#388), Upper Nantahala (#67), Deep Gap (#71), Shingletree Branch (#713), Shope Fork (#751),...

2014 · free admission · National Parks

National Parks to Offer Free Admission on 9 Days in 2014

Friday, December 20, 2013

Circle the dates on the calendar and plan your trip – America’s 401 national parks will offer free admission on nine days in 2014, including several holidays. The 2014 entrance fee-free days are: ◾January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day ◾February 15-17: Presidents Day weekend ◾April 19-20: National Park Week’s opening weekend ◾August 25: National Park Service’s 98th birthday ◾September 27: National...

pigeon forge · Wilderness Wildlife Week

Wilderness Wildlife Week 2014

Thursday, December 19, 2013

The dates have been set for one of the premier annual events in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 24th annual Wilderness Wildlife Week, an eight-day event that focuses on the Great Smoky Mountains and the outdoors in general, will take place January 25 thru February 1st. Many of this year's programs, all of which are free, will be held at the LeConte Center At Pigeon Forge, the City of Pigeon...

ice · snow · Winter Survival Skills

Winter Survival Skills: Eating Snow versus Ice

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

We posed a similar situation over the weekend, but will ask again: What if you're out several miles from the trailhead during a winter hike and find yourself in an emergency situation in which you've run out of drinking water? In this particular situation you'll have plenty of snow and ice around, but the question is, do you consume any of it to help with your increasing dehydration? Is one source...

The Yosemite Valley

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Half Dome "presents an aspect of the most imposing grandeur; it strikes even the most casual observer as a new revelation in mountain forms; its existence would be considered an impossibility if it were not there before us in all its reality..." - Josiah D. Whitney The Sentinel Meadow & Cook's Meadow Loop hike is the perfect way to experience the Yosemite Valley. The loop hike offers a variety...

First Day Hikes 2014

Monday, December 16, 2013

Start the new year off on the right foot by taking a First Day Hike in a state park near you. All across the country state parks will once again be offering guided First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day 2014. The idea for First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation State Park in Milton, Massachusetts. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout...

Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower

Video: Hike to the Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower

Sunday, December 15, 2013

One of my social media contacts recently forwarded this video to me. It documents his hike to the Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower with his family earlier this fall. The 6-mile hike from Cosby to Mt. Cammerer (click here for addl hike info) provides some outstanding views of the eastern Smokies. Jeff Hiking in the Smok...

Peak Survival · procuring water · Winter Survival Skills

Procuring Water in a Winter Survival Situation

Saturday, December 14, 2013

What if you're out several miles from the trailhead during a winter hike, and you find yourself in an emergency situation in which you've run out of drinking water. In the video below, the folks over at Vermont-based Peak Survival offer some interesting and "outside of the box" alternatives for creating and storing drinking water. These are probably some good skills to learn and remember for anyone...

Essentials for the Smokies Hiker

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Below are a couple of stocking stuffers for anyone interested in hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. With more than 800 miles of trails in the park, detailed topographical maps and hiking trail guides are great ways for hikers to discover new trails and new destinations in the Smokies: Hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park, by local hiker and outdoor photographer Kevin Adams, covers more than...

Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Foundation Document

Appalachian National Scenic Trail Seeks Input on Foundation Document

Friday, December 13, 2013

The National Park Service is starting the process of preparing a Foundation Document for planning and management for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The trail would like to invite the public to join in this effort. A Foundation Document involves revisiting a national scenic trail's core purpose and significance, most important resources and values, and the interpretive themes that tell...

Christmas · Festival of Christmas Past · Great Smoky Mountains · Holiday Homecoming · oconaluftee visitor center

Great Smoky Mountains to host Christmas Events

Friday, December 13, 2013

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the 38th annual Festival of Christmas Past celebration tomorrow, December 14th, 10:-0 am to 4:00 pm, at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The event, sponsored in cooperation with Great Smoky Mountains Association, is free to the public. Festival of Christmas Past is an annual celebration of the culture of the Smoky Mountains, with an emphasis on the Christmas...

Zion Canyon Overlook: Don’t bypass this one!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Just inside the east entrance of Zion National Park, but far from the hustle and bustle of the main portion of the park, is the hike to Zion Canyon Overlook. Unfortunately many people will pass this one by, instead opting to visit the more popular attractions within the canyon itself. Many visitors, in fact, probably aren’t even aware of its existence. However, this vantage point offers hikers a view...

Acting Superintendent · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Pedro Ramos

Pedro Ramos Selected as Acting Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Thursday, December 12, 2013

The National Park Service Southeast Region in Atlanta has announced that Pedro Ramos has been selected as the acting superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 90 days, effective January 12, 2014. Ramos has been the superintendent at Big Cypress National Preserve since 2009. In September, the current superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dale Ditmanson, announced his...

Kayaking · Lyn River · united kingdom

Kayaker Trapped Underwater Saved by Friends' Quick Reaction

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Below is a pretty amazing video from EpicTV showing the rescue of a kayaker who became trapped underwater after paddling down a small waterfall. The incident occurred on November 2nd on the Lyn River in the United Kingdom. In the video description, EpicTV describes the situation like this: In one of the drops Mark Hardingham is pushed offline and becomes 'vertically pinned' with his body trapped...

snow · winter hiking

How To Dress For Winter Hiking

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Although the winter season is already upon us, we shouldn't use it as an excuse to NOT go hiking. It all comes down to being prepared and knowing how to dress properly. Below is a pretty good video demonstrating how you should dress when venturing out on a winter hike. Although the spokesman doesn't mention it, you should always have an extra pair of socks in your pack, just in case the ones you're...

Virgin Falls State Natural Area

Governor Haslam to Dedicate Virgin Falls State Natural Area

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, along with leaders from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation will be officially dedicating the purchase of Virgin Falls State Natural Area tomorrow, December 11th. Through the support of a number of private/public partnerships,...

books · Great Smoky Mountains · hiking books · Hiking Trails of the Smokies · Johnny Molloy · Kevin Adams · Randy Johnson · Russ Manning · Smokies · The Little Brown Book

Comparing the top hiking books for the Smoky Mountains

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Trying to decide which hiking guide to purchase for the Great Smoky Mountains? Below is a quick reference guide that compares the most popular hiking guides for the National Park. Hiking Great Smoky Mountains By Kevin Adams 287 pages – 2nd edition (2013) Covers 82 hikes as well as info concerning the AT Book also includes: * Locator map * Elevation profiles * Trail maps * Quick reference trail highlights *...

hiking · snow · winter

Discover the Joys of Winter Hiking

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Many hikers tend to run from the woods as soon as the first snow flakes begin to fall. However, winter is great time to hit the trail. Not only are the crowds gone, but many parks show off their true beauty after a fresh snowfall. With just a little more attention to detail beforehand, anyone can have a safe and enjoyable hike during the winter. Although it might feel quite frigid at the trailhead,...

Great Smoky Mountains National Park · history · Hunter Library · photographs · Western Carolina University

New Collection at WCU to Focus on Great Smoky Mountains National Park history

Friday, December 6, 2013

Earlier this fall Western Carolina University announced that it's Hunter Library will be producing a new digital collection of 2,000 items focused on the history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park - with support from a $93,000 grant from the North Carolina State Library. This digital collection and interpretive website will include documents and photographs that relate to the initial...

Three Medical Incidents Require Evacuations in Great Smoky Mountains

Thursday, December 5, 2013

The last week of November was a busy one for rangers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During that time period, rangers dealt with three serious medical incidents, two of them requiring carryout evacuations by interdivisional litter teams. Late on the night of November 22nd, park dispatch received a report from the concession-run lodge on Mt. Le Conte that a visitor had suffered a head...

Burroughs Mountain at Sunrise

Thursday, December 5, 2013

The Sunrise area of Mt. Rainier National Park offers big expansive views of the park’s star attraction, 14,410-foot Mt. Rainier. There’s no better way to experience the area than a hike along the Burroughs Mountain loop trail. This hike offers outstanding 360-degree panoramic views as you walk along the alpine tundra plateaus of Burroughs Mountain. From the summit you’ll have up-close views of Mt....

Linville Gorge Wilderness · Table Rock wildfire

Linville Gorge Wildfire is 100% Contained

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

U.S. Forest Service fire managers announced this morning that the Table Rock wildfire in the Linville Gorge is now 100 percent contained. Recent precipitation helped suppress the wildfire. The gorge and its trails are now open to the public. Visitors should use caution when in the gorge as there may be hazard trees or other conditions that pose safety risks. Forest Service personnel will soon begin...

bicycles · New River Gorge National River

Special Regulation Allowing Bicycle Use on NPS Trails to go into Effect

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

A new National Park Service regulation goes into effect by the end of January 2014 that will allow visitors to ride bicycles on about 65 miles of existing trail in the New River Gorge National River. This includes the Long Point Trail, the Timber Ridge Trail, the 7-mile Southside Trail, the 8.6-mile Kaymoor Trail, and the 13-mile Arrowhead Trail. Other park trails will remain open only to pedestrians....

cades cove · Historic Structures

Historic Structures of Cades Cove

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a place where natural beauty and cultural history blend to create a remarkable setting, and visitors flock to Cades Cove for just that reason. A number of historic structures have been preserved along the 11-mile road through the cove, including homes, churches, barns, and a springhouse, among others. Here's the latest video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association...

Antarctic · books · Into Thin Air · It’s Jon Krakauer · Miracle in the Andes · Rawicz · Shackleton · stories · survival · The Endurance · The Long Walk · top · We Die Alone

The Top 5 Survival Stories of All Time

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

What’s the definition of a great survival story? Some of the obvious answers to that question include, coming face to face with death, an unbelievable escape, or, because of fate or just plain dumb luck, an individual was able to survive some extreme disaster. For me, my list of the top five survival stories of all time is based on two criteria: a convincing story of human perseverance and an iron...

Christmas Bird Census · Christmas Bird Count · National Audubon Society

The 114th Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Since 1900, the National Audubon Society has led the charge in counting birds during the annual "Christmas Bird Census" across the U.S., Canada and many other countries in the Western Hemisphere. It's longest-running citizen science survey in the world! From December 14th through January 5th, tens of thousands of volunteers will take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among...

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