Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the completion of a solar energy project at Cades Cove that will annually reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 23 tons and reduce fuel costs by $14,000. Formerly, the park used a diesel-fuel generator for power at the site which often caused noise disruptions to park programs and the visitor experience to the historic landscape.
“This is a great...
Articles and information on hiking, outdoor adventures and the Great Smoky Mountains. For hiking trail information in the Smokies, please visit HikingintheSmokys.com
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Public Invited to Learn About 2018 Blue Ridge Parkway Happenings
Friday, February 23, 2018
The National Park Service invites the public to attend the 2018 Blue Ridge Parkway Season Preview, a showcase of upcoming Parkway activities and projects. The event takes place on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Folk Art Center, Milepost 382, on the Parkway. Parkway staff will provide a “behind the scenes” look into projects and operations to promote awareness and understanding...
Landslide Leads to Emergency Closure of Big Creek River Access and Picnic Area in Big South Fork
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Effective immediately, a landslide caused by recent heavy rains has resulted in an emergency closure of the access route to Big Creek boat launch and picnic area to all public and unauthorized traffic.
This closure is conducted in the interest of public safety and to ensure park staff are able to concentrate completely on making necessary repairs.
The closure to the area is temporary and expected...
Appalachian Trail Landscape Conservation Boosted by $3 Million Grant
Thursday, February 22, 2018
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) has received a significant donation from The Volgenau Foundation to work with communities toward the protection of lands, waters and unique cultural features of the most important landscape east of the Mississippi, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) and its surrounding lands.
“The Volgenau Foundation has established leadership in recognizing the...
USDA Secretary Announces Infrastructure Improvements for Forest System Trails
Monday, February 19, 2018
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the selection of 15 priority areas to help address the more than $300 million trail maintenance backlog on national forests and grasslands.
Focused trail work in these areas, bolstered by partners and volunteers, is expected to help address needed infrastructure work so that trails managed by USDA Forest Service can be accessed and safely...
15th Annual Evergreen Ball raises thousands for Great Smoky Mountains
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Friends of the Smokies gathered for the 15th annual Evergreen Ball at Cherokee Country Club on Saturday, January 27th to celebrate Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) in grand style. This year’s black-tie gala has raised more than $700,000 for the park’s annual needs.
The fundraiser featured a silent auction, wine auction, and live auction with more than 500 items, including one-of-a-kind...
President Trump’s proposed $2.7 Billion Budget for NPS includes legislation to address $11.6 Billion in deferred maintenance
Thursday, February 15, 2018
President Donald J. Trump has proposed a $2.7 billion budget for the National Park Service (NPS) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, which includes legislation to establish a Public Lands Infrastructure Fund that would help address the $11.6 billion maintenance backlog in the National Park System. The fund would take new revenue from federal energy leasing and development and provide up to $18 billion to help...
Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers are recruiting volunteers to adopt a monitoring plot in areas throughout the park. In an effort to track nature’s calendar, or phenology, volunteers will collect information as part of an important research project tracking seasonal biological data such as plant flowering dates and the presence of migratory birds.
Previous experience is not necessary but...
North Carolina State Parks Report Record 19.4 million visitors in 2017
Sunday, February 11, 2018
State parks and recreation areas welcomed 19.4 million visitors in 2017, a 3.4 percent increase over the 18.8 million who came during 2016. It was the fourth consecutive year of record visitation.
Among 39 state parks and recreation areas, 27 reported increases in visitation in 2017. Jockeys Ridge State Park in Dare County reported the greatest visitation at 1.56 million, and was among six state...
blue ridge parkway ·
Linn Cove Viaduct
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Iconic Linn Cove Viaduct to Receive Facelift during Upcoming Closure
Thursday, February 8, 2018
The National Park Service announces the closure of the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway for surface repaving and bridge maintenance from March 1, 2018 through May 24, 2018. These projects require a full closure of the Parkway, including closure of the trail below the bridge; with the reopening coinciding with Memorial Day weekend. The Linn Cove Viaduct is located at Milepost 304.
A...
On December 04, 2017 a juvenile black bear, which was seriously injured by a motor vehicle four months prior, was returned to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Due to the release of the bear in a remote area of the park, during evening hours, this activity was not open to the public.
On August 18, park visitors reported an injured bear on the road, near Bandy Creek Visitor Center....
Big South Fork NRRA Reveals New All-inclusive GO BIG 2018 Challenge
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Get up and get moving in 2018! Join in the fun and participate in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area’s new all-inclusive GO BIG 2018 Challenge. This year-long self-paced challenge was designed to encourage ALL visitors to explore and experience Big South Fork while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and being physically active.
Until December 8, participants will earn...
Trails Forever Nominated for Public Lands Award - They Need Your Help!
Monday, February 5, 2018
The Trails Forever program, a $5 million+ endowment that funds a full-time trail crew in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has just been nominated for an Outstanding Public Engagement award. However, they need your vote to actually win the award!
Voting for the award is open to the public (18+) until February 28, when the winners will be announced at the Public Lands Alliance awards ceremony....
Friends of the Smokies Kicks Off 8th Annual Classic Hike Series
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Hike to help your national park this year through Friends of the Smokies’ eighth annual Classic Hikes of the Smokies series. Monthly guided day hikes of varying length and difficulty raise money for the Trails Forever endowment to help maintain the nearly 900 miles of trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mountain vistas, historic structures, wildflowers, and waterfalls are just a few of...
Make-A-Wish Georgia is excited to announce it's very first hiking event, The Trailblaze Challenge, which will raise money for children in Georgia that have qualified to receive a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The actual hike is 17 miles and will take place September 14th - 16th, 2018 on the Bartram Trail in Clayton, GA. However, we will also host informational meetings, trainings, and provide...
Ash Tree Die-Off is Focus of 2018 Research Grant Awarded in Shenandoah National Park
Friday, February 2, 2018
Shenandoah National Park is pleased to award the 2018 Shenandoah National Park Trust Research Grant to a team from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. The project will look at forest changes related to the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB), which kills more than 99% of the ash trees it inhabits. Forests in Shenandoah National Park (SNP) and the surrounding region are already being impacted...
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