Quick Tips for Viewing Elk Safely

Saturday, August 29, 2015

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Though they may look docile, elk are large animals capable of covering large distances quickly. Armed with sturdy antlers and powerful hooves, these animals can be very aggressive and dangerous during the fall breeding season, known as the rut, which usually takes place during the months of September and October. Find out what simple precautions you should take while viewing elk in this short video...
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How to Climb (hike) a Mountain

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

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Below is a short video that was featured on Outside Today a few years ago. Although the title of the video was "How to Climb a Mountain", the skills discussed in this video are actually basic mountain climbing skills that most hikers will benefit from, and should have an understanding for safer passage through the mountains. The video features Rainbow Weinstock from the Colorado Mountain School: ...
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Time to Make Plans for Your Fall 2015 Hiking Trip to the Smokies

Saturday, August 22, 2015

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For anyone considering a trip to see the beautiful fall colors of the Great Smoky Mountains, now is the time to make plans and have your reservations in place. October in the Smokies is the second most popular month in terms of park visitation. And with the awesome beauty the autumn season provides, it's really no wonder. If you do plan to visit the Smokies this fall - or even during the upcoming...
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The Largest Wildfires in U.S. History

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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Several major wildfires raging across the west have grabbed headlines around the world in recent weeks. So far this year more than 39,000 wildfires have burned nearly 6.4 million acres in the United States. The number of wildfires this year represents about 80% of the ten-year average. However, the number of current acres burned represents a roughly 38% increase over the ten-year average at this point...
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My Top 11 Tips For Beginner Cyclists

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

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As you're probably already aware, this blog is primarily focused on hiking. However, when I'm not out on the trail, my favorite form of exercise is cycling. I've been riding on a regular basis (5 or 6 times a week) for almost 30 years. At a family gathering a few weeks ago my brother-in-law announced that he was going to take up cycling. As a result, I was inspired to write this blog and impart some...
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Programming Note: Friends Across the Mountains Telethon is Thursday Night

Monday, August 17, 2015

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This Thursday, August 20th, is the 21st annual Friends Across the Mountains Telethon. The event will be broadcast on WBIR-TV Channel 10 in Knoxville, TN and WLOS-TV Channel 13 in Asheville, NC from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The broadcast will highlight projects and programs that Friends of the Smokies has funded over the years. It's a fun event that raises awareness of both the Park's needs (as the only...
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Celebrate the 99th Birthday of the National Park Service: All National Parks Will Offer Free Admission on August 25

Saturday, August 15, 2015

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The National Park Service is turning 99 years old on August 25, 2015, and everyone is getting a present, free admission! Visit a park in your neighborhood or plan a trip to one of the 408 National Park Service sites across the country to join the party! To inspire visitors, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, have created a...
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Gran Fondo Asheville To Benefit Friends of the Smokies‏

Friday, August 14, 2015

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Join Friends of the Smokies on Sunday, August 30th, for the Gran Fondo Asheville! Part ride, part race, and all party, the Gran Fondo Asheville begins in funky art-deco downtown and quickly transitions to winding roads in pastoral countryside, as well as up to stunning mountain ridge vistas. The ride is designed for cyclists at varying skill levels with courses covering 30, 60 and 100-mile...
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Update on Wildfires in Pisgah National Forest

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

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The Southern Area Gold Team and the North Carolina Forest Service are now in unified command, managing both the Bald Knob and Wolf Creek Fires. Yesterday was the first day of full management of the incidents under this command. Both the Bald Knob Fire (confirmed lightning start on July 17th) and Wolf Creek Fire (likely lightning start on July 31st) started on the Pisgah National Forest. The cause...
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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Launches Video Series Aimed at Educating Hikers

Thursday, August 6, 2015

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Volunteers and staff at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) have created a series of entertaining and informative videos that will teach visitors how to reduce their imprint on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). The videos, titled “Don’t Be That Guy – Appalachian Trail - Leave No Trace,” were released this past weekend. Filmed by professional videographer and former thru-hiker Tara Roberts with...
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