Road Closures and Hazards on Grandfather Ranger District

Friday, May 31, 2013

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The U.S. Forest Service is warning drivers to exercise caution when driving on certain roads in the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest. Recent heavy rains have damaged the following roads on the Grandfather Ranger District. These roads are open to the public; however, drivers should proceed slowly and with caution as the roads may have gullies or potholes. Drivers may encounter...
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Smokies to Host Birds of Prey Program

Thursday, May 30, 2013

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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 to be held at the Oconaluftee Multipurpose Room on Thursday, June 6th. Michael Skinner, Executive Director of the Balsam Mountain Trust, will conduct an hour-long Birds of Prey program beginning at 1:00 p.m. This program will provide visitors with an up-close glimpse of some...
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Celebrates National Trails Day

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park will celebrate the 21st Annual National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1st with a volunteer opportunity to participate in an Appalachian Trail Work Day. The Park will once again work with the Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Regional Office of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club to host this large volunteer event. This...
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UT Libraries Digitizes Panoramic Photos of the Smokies

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

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During the 1960s and 1970s, Maryville physician Elgin P. Kintner often hiked into the Great Smoky Mountains and captured the breathtaking views with his camera. Once the photographs were developed, he pasted them together, carefully matching them to create panoramic displays. Kintner created these extraordinary views by taking several photographs in sequence and then arranged them in order to make...
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All 54 Tennessee State Parks to Host National Trails Day Events

Sunday, May 26, 2013

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In conjunction with National Trails Day, Tennessee State Parks will host free, guided hikes on Saturday, June 1, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to participate in several planned activities across the state. Each state park will host its own special hike, offering a variety of family-friendly activities including historical hikes, educational programming, re-enactments and wildlife watching. “Tennessee...
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Campground Fee Increases at Wilderness Road Campground Take Effect June 1st

Saturday, May 25, 2013

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Effective June 1st, price increases for camping in the year round Wilderness Road Campground at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park will take effect. Camping rates for sites without electricity will increase from $12.00 to $14.00, and sites with electricity will increase from $17.00 to $20.00. Sites will be one half price for those having an Interagency Senior or Access Pass. Group campsites will...
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Bear on the Plateau: An Interpretive Program at Blue Heron Campground, Saturday, June 1

Friday, May 24, 2013

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The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has announced a 45-minute, ranger-led interpretive program about Big South Fork's largest mammal: the American Black Bear. Come and enjoy an evening outdoors with Ranger Debby Zimmerman at the campfire circle to learn more about a myriad of bear-related topics such as historical relationships with human cultures, black bear biology, how to stay...
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Next Phase of Work on Newfound Gap Road Gets Underway

Thursday, May 23, 2013

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that a project to repave 6.1 miles of Newfound Gap Road will begin in May. This work is part of a multi-phased rehabilitation project that started in 2007. The section to be resurfaced extends from Chimney's Picnic Area south to an overlook approximately 2 miles south of the Alum Cave Bluffs parking area where the last phase ended. The work...
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Full Moon Hike in Cades Cove

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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Tomorrow night, May 23rd, will be another "Full Moon Hike" 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, visitors should meet at the Orientation Shelter near the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road. The hike will take place from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The park asks that you wear good walking...
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Three Convicted of Gem Mining along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

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Over the past several years, rangers from Blue Ridge Parkway and officers from the US Forest Service have discovered evidence of active gem mining and mineral collection at numerous locations along the parkway, and on adjacent USFS lands. The two agencies coordinated efforts to monitor the locations, in part with surveillance equipment. On October 13, 2012, rangers saw a man mining one of the...
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Win a $10,000 Adventure Grant from Outside Magazine

Monday, May 20, 2013

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Got a bold idea for an expedition? Outside Magazine is willing to give you $10,000 towards your ultimate adventure dream - if you can encourage enough people to vote for your idea. To drop your name into the hat, all you'll need to do is submit a proposal by June 1st. Included with your proposal will be an essay, no longer than 500 words, a photo of yourself, and a video of two minutes or less....
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Evening Black Bear Program at Big South Fork next Saturday

Saturday, May 18, 2013

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Next Saturday there will be a program on "How to Keep Yourself Safe and the Bears Out of Trouble" at the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area's Bandy Creek Campground. The evening program about black bears will be held at the Bandy Creek Campfire Circle on Saturday, May 25, at 7:00 p.m. (EDT). People of all ages can learn how to keep safe in bear habitat of Big South Fork and the...
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Department of the Interior Announces 2013 "Share the Experience" Photo Contest

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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The Department of the Interior has announced the start of the 2013 "Share the Experience" contest, giving amateur photographers the chance to join the ranks of Ansel Adams, Thomas Moran, and others who have found recognition for their photographs of the nation's public lands.

The "Share the Experience" photo contest showcases our nation's public lands, including national wildlife refuges, forests, recreation areas and our national parks, such as Glacier, Rocky Mountain and the Great Smoky Mountains, and draws entries from all across the United States. It is the largest national park and public land photo contest for amateur photographers.

The winning photograph will appear on the 2015 America the Beautiful pass for entrance to 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, and national forests. All entries have the chance to be featured on the Interior Department’s popular Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Prizes provided by the National Park Foundation, Active Network, Air Wick and Historic Hotels of America include a $15,000 cash prize, a Columbia backpack, a pass to the national parks and other federal lands, and other items for the grand prize winner. Second and third place winners, as well as 7 Honorable Mention winners, will also receive prizes.

The "Share the Experience" begins May 10, 2013 and runs through December 31, 2013. Amateur photographers can participate by uploading photos on www.sharetheexperience.org.

"Share the Experience" is sponsored by Active Network, Air Wick, Historic Hotels of America and the National Park Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.

To view the 2012 contest winners as wells as the contest rules and a complete list of prizes, please see www.sharetheexperience.org.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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National Trails Day 2013

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

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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...
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Volunteers Help Restore Max Patch in Pisgah National Forest

Monday, May 13, 2013

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The U.S. Forest Service today announced the recent completion of work to repair the scenic Max Patch area of the Appalachian Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest. “Working with Forest Service personnel, dozens of volunteers donated close to 300 hours of service to help restore this popular site, and we’re grateful for their help,” said Acting District Ranger David McFee. “This partnership between...
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June Classic Hikes of the Smokies: Overnight Fontana Lake Experience

Monday, May 13, 2013

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On the third Tuesday of each month this year, Friends of the Smokies will be offering guided hikes as part of their Classic Hikes of the Smokies series. To celebrate the Friends’ 20th anniversary this year, each hike will honor an achievement or cause that the Friends organization has supported in Great Smoky Mountains National Park since its establishment in 1993. The hike for next month is a...
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Celebrate National Trails Day at Shenandoah National Park

Sunday, May 12, 2013

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Celebrate National Trails Day in Shenandoah National Park on Saturday, June 1. In partnership with Shenandoah National Park, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) invites new hikers and experienced backpackers to learn new trail skills at PATC Trail Patrol's "Beyond the Trailhead" event at Byrd Visitor Center (milepost 51 on Skyline Drive) from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Come join guided hikes and hands-on...
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Daniel Boone National Forest issues food storage order due to bears

Saturday, May 11, 2013

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With a growing population of black bears in eastern Kentucky, the Daniel Boone National Forest, which includes the Red River Gorge Geological Area, has issued a food storage order for campers and other visitors. The order is applicable forest-wide. “Our highest priority is public safety,” said Forest Supervisor Frank Beum. “Our visitors can help ensure their safety by not allowing bears to have...
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Big South Fork to Host National Trails Day Event on Saturday, June 1

Saturday, May 11, 2013

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As part of a National Trails Day celebration, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will host a day of trail repair and clean-up on Saturday, June 1. The event will be held on the Oscar Blevins Loop and Duncan Hollow Bike Trails from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. EDT. Volunteers will meet at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center parking lot at 8:30 a.m. EDT. The National Park Service is partnering...
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New Belgium Brewing Toasts PeopleForBikes in Honor of National Bike Month

Friday, May 10, 2013

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The smiling logo of national bicycling movement PeopleForBikes is found hugging every bottle of New Belgium Fat Tire and Ranger IPA, nationwide through the end of May. PeopleForBikes is a non-profit organization that is on a mission to unite millions of voices to improve the future of bicycling in America and get more people on bikes, more often. With strength in numbers, PeopleForBikes aims to...
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Astronomy Programs Offered at Big South Fork

Thursday, May 9, 2013

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Paul Lewis from the University of Tennessee and Big South Fork astronomy volunteers will be at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on Saturday, May 18, 2013, for two special astronomy programs. A telescope with a sun filter will be positioned in front of the Bandy Creek Visitor Center from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EDT) to allow for solar viewing. The use of special telescope filters...
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Star Gaze at Purchase Knob in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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The Astronomy Club of Asheville will be leading a stargazing event at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center at the end of this month. Located atop Purchase Knob, in the Cataloochee area of the park, the learning center provides one of the clearest views of the sky in the park. Since the program is limited to 60 people, reservations are required for the May 31st event. For more information,...
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Great Smoky Mountains Association to celebrate 60th Anniversary with hiking, other events

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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A day of hikes, lectures and cupcakes is planned to celebrate Great Smoky Mountains Association’s 60th Anniversary on Saturday, June 22nd, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, N.C. GSMA’s legacy of providing financial support to Great Smoky Mountains National Park began in 1953 with a slightly longer name (Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association) and a $100 start-up loan from...
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Spence Ridge Trail Bridge Closed / Use Caution When Driving

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

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The Spence Ridge Trail Bridge in the Linville Gorge is closed because of flood-related damage from this weekend’s rains. Located in the north-central part of the gorge, the bridge connects the Spence Ridge Trail (233) and the Linville Gorge Trail (231). In general, the Forest Service encourages visitors to the Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest, to use caution when driving on Forest...
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Volunteers Needed to Staff Information Center at Clingmans Dome

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to help staff the visitor information center at Clingmans Dome through November 30th. The visitor information center at Clingmans Dome sits at an elevation of 6,300 feet and is a point source of information for the national park and the high elevation spruce fir ecosystem, in particular. Volunteers are needed to assist in educating visitors...
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Bicycle Mornings in Cades Cove to Begin

Monday, May 6, 2013

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This Wednesday marks the first day of vehicle-free cycling in Cades Cove. From May 8th through late September, the Cades Cove Loop Road will be closed to motor vehicle traffic on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00 a.m. in order to allow bicyclists and pedestrians the chance to enjoy the cove without the hustle and bustle of automobile traffic. Three years ago the Smokies re-paved the loop...
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Sen. Alexander Praises Preservation of Land Connecting Smokies to Cherokee National Forest

Saturday, May 4, 2013

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U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) joined Brookfield Renewable Energy Group and The Nature Conservancy at Calderwood Dam yesterday, praising the announcement of their agreement to preserve nearly 4,000 acres of land connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest. “There is no more popular or magnificent section of the Great American Outdoors than the land adjacent...
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Celebrate National Trails Day in the Smokies on the Appalachian Trail

Friday, May 3, 2013

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Saturday, June 1st, is the 21st annual National Trails Day. Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Regional Office of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club invite you to participate in helping them take care of the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The A.T. Maintainers Committee of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club and the Appalachian...
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Smokies Releases New Species of Predatory Beetles to Combat Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Thursday, May 2, 2013

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park resource managers plan to release two new predatory beetle species to aid in control efforts to stop the spread of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect pest that has devastated hemlock forests throughout the eastern United States. The park began releasing predatory beetles, which feed exclusively on adelgids, as a biocontrol in 2002. Park managers...
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Big South Fork Announces Birding Walk at Bandy Creek on Saturday, May 11

Thursday, May 2, 2013

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The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area announces a birding walk with Dr. Charles P. Nicholson at Bandy Creek on Saturday, May 11. Nicholson holds a bachelor's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and a master's degree from the University of Maine and serves as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) manager for Tennessee Valley Authority. He is the author of the definitive...
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Smokies Plans Prescribed Burn in Catalooche

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park fire management officials are planning a 155-acre prescribed burn in the Canadian Top unit adjacent to Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina. Weather permitting, burn operations could begin as early as Wednesday, May 1, and may continue intermittently through early May. The 155-acre burn tract along Jesse Ridge is part of the larger Canadian Top prescribed burn...
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The Vast Unknown

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

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The fact remains that the first American go at Everest will be an event. If we succeed, it will be a feather in our cap, a booster to our prestige, a refutation beyond argument of our detractor’s taunt that we are a nation gone soft and gutless. If we do not, we will at least have entered the arena, joined the rest of the world in one of its great enterprises, abandoned our “isolationism” in mountaineering,...
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