SOCIAL MEDIA

New agreement between federal, state agencies highlights cooperative approach to land management

Monday, September 30, 2019

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The United States Department of Agriculture's Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment signed a Shared Stewardship agreement between USDA's Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the North Carolina Forest Service, and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission in a ceremony here yesterday. USDA...
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Smokies Restricts Campfires in the Backcountry

Friday, September 27, 2019

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced a temporary ban on backcountry campfires effective immediately. Due to abnormally dry weather conditions, the potential for wildfires to occur in the backcountry has dramatically increased. The fire restriction will be in effect until further notice. “The park is experiencing abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions throughout the park,”...
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Seeks Trail Work Volunteers

Thursday, September 26, 2019

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is excited to announce a number of trail maintenance volunteer workdays in North Carolina and Tennessee that showcase a number of meaningful partnerships with organizations who actively support our mission. All necessary paperwork to register as a “Volunteer in Park" (VIP) can be done on site. Prior notice of attendance is necessary. Please email adam_monroe@nps.gov...
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Fall 2019 Get On the Trail with Friends & Missy Hike Schedule Released

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

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This year “Get on the Trail with Friends and Missy” is celebrating its 21st year as a guided hiking series to raise funds to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The fall series features day hikes in the Smokies led by U.S. Olympian and personal fitness guru, Missy Kane, each Wednesday throughout October. Oct. 2 – Oconaluftee River Trail (3.5 miles, easy-moderate) Oct. 9 – Middle Prong...
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Blue Ridge Parkway announces Finding of No Significant Impact for Planned Bridge Projects in Ashe and Alleghany Counties

Sunday, September 22, 2019

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The National Park Service has announced, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, that the signed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared for two bridge improvement projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway is now available. The first project, known as Project 2A16, includes the rehabilitation...
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Overmountain Shelter on Pisgah National Forest closed until further notice due to structural damage

Friday, September 20, 2019

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In order to protect public safety, the Appalachian Ranger District has closed the Overmountain Shelter which is located in Avery County near the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and Overmountain Victory Trail. U.S. Forest Service engineers have determined that the building has become structurally unsound and cannot safely accommodate people. Further evaluations will occur to identify viable management options...
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Lend a Hand on National Public Lands Day

Monday, September 16, 2019

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September 28th is your chance to be a part of the nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Each year, hundreds of thousands of volunteers come together on the fourth Saturday in September to assist with various projects designed to restore and enhance public parks, forests, waterways and more. From trail maintenance to tree planting—volunteers of all ages and abilities roll...
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The Best Fall Hikes in the Smokies

Thursday, September 12, 2019

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Fall hiking season is rapidly approaching, and leaf peepers will soon be out in full force across the Great Smoky Mountains. The beauty of the Smokies is always spectacular, but never more so than during the autumn when the mountains are ablaze with the colors of fall. The timing of the fall color season depends upon many variables, making it virtually impossible to predict the exact date of "peak"...
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How to Climb (hike) a Mountain

Monday, September 9, 2019

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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: Jeff HikingintheSmokys.com RockyMountainHikingTrails.com HikinginGlacier.com TetonHikingTrails.com Ramble...
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Quick Tips for Viewing Elk Safely

Friday, September 6, 2019

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Though they may look docile, elk are very 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...
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Bear injures a man after a surprise encounter in his kitchen

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

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Crazy story out of Colorado last week: A bear injured a 71-year-old man inside his Pine, Colorado home on Monday evening after entering through a screen door, and swiping the man multiple times with its claws when the two had a surprise encounter in his kitchen. The man was downstairs watching TV with his wife when he heard noises coming from upstairs. After going up the stairs and turning a...
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