SOCIAL MEDIA

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Announces Partial Reopening

Thursday, April 30, 2020

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Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach...
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Time to Make Plans for Gregory Bald!

Thursday, April 30, 2020

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Although Gregory Bald is an excellent destination anytime of the year, mid to late June is the absolute best time to make the trek to its summit. In addition to its excellent views into Cades Cove, Gregory Bald provides for one of the best flame azalea shows in the entire world during this time frame. In fact, azalea lovers from all over the world come here to visit perhaps the finest display of...
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Blue Ridge Parkway Announces Paving Project in Asheville Corridor

Sunday, April 26, 2020

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National Park Service officials announced today that approximately 25 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the vicinity of Asheville, NC and between Milepost 365 and 392, will be resurfaced with thin-lift asphalt beginning April 27, 2020. Within scheduled project areas, park visitors can expect full, two-lane night closures and single-lane day closures and delays. Due to high traffic volumes in the...
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The Cracker Lake Mine and the boom town of Altyn

Friday, April 24, 2020

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If you’ve ever had the chance to hike to Cracker Lake in Glacier National Park, it’s likely you’re aware of the remnants of the old mine located near the far end of the lake. The mine was established after copper ore was discovered near the shores of the lake in 1898. Although the Blackfeet Indians owned all of the lands east of the Continental Divide, they sold their claim on the mountainous area...
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Smokies Announces Cancellation of Synchronous Firefly Viewing Event

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have canceled the synchronous firefly viewing event in a continuing effort to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the Chinese coronavirus (COVID-19) and to adhere to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Every year in late May or early June, thousands of visitors from across the country...
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Smokies Requests Transportation and Recreation Planning Feedback

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking public feedback for multiple transportation and recreation planning efforts that will address visitor access, safety, transportation, and recreation associated with the Foothills Parkway, Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Spur, and Metcalf Bottoms area in the Sevier County portion of the park. The four planning efforts include the following projects: Wears Valley...
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Storms Impacts Being Assessed in Cherokee National Forest

Monday, April 20, 2020

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USDA Forest Service officials at the Cherokee National Forest say National Forest System Roads (NFSR) were heavily impacted by recent severe storms. Crews continue to assess the widespread impacts. Many NFSR’s throughout the 656,000 acre Cherokee National Forest were impacted in some way by severe weather. The Ocoee Ranger District and the Tellico Ranger District were the hardest hit. The impact...
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The Beartooth Highway

Sunday, April 19, 2020

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Charles Kuralt (you remember Charles Kuralt, right?), once said that the Beartooth Highway is “the most beautiful drive in America”. It's hard to argue with him - the 69-mile National Scenic Byway is absolutely spectacular! The road travels from Red Lodge, Montana to Cooke City, located just outside of the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Along the way it passes through the rugged...
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Find Your Virtual Park During National Park Week April 18-26

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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Celebrate National Park Week from April 18 through 26 with fun and innovative digital experiences. While parked at home, journey to national parks through a variety of online activities including virtual tours, scavenger hunts, trivia contests and junior ranger programs. “Although much has changed in recent weeks, an assortment of fun and engaging digital National Park Week events can help people...
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Pilot survives small plane crash in Smokies

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers responded to a report of a small plane crash approximately 6 miles west of Clingmans Dome at approximately 11 a.m. on Friday, April 10. The single occupant of the plane, Georg Kustermann, 47, of Georgia, deployed the plane’s parachute north of Silers Bald and Buckeye Gap. A Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter unit located Kustermann at 1:06 p.m. The Tennessee...
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Severe Storms Impact Cherokee National Forest

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

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USDA Forest Service officials at the Cherokee National Forest say that National Forest System Roads and trails were impacted by the recent severe storms. Extremely high water, numerous trees across roads and road damage has occurred in several locations. National forest managers recommend postponing traveling forest roads until a full assessment has been done and hazardous areas have been marked...
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Pisgah National Forest Temporarily Shutting Down Dispersed Camping and Several Roads and Trails

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

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In alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure health and safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers, Pisgah National Forest will temporarily shut down dispersed camping and the roads and trails listed here effective April 13, 2020. Forest order number 08-11-07-20-071 prohibits being on certain roads and trails, entering or using a developed...
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Outdoor Gear Retailers Offering Steep Discounts

Saturday, April 11, 2020

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Several outdoor gear retailers that we have affiliate relationships with are currently offering fairly steep off-season discounts on their inventory. By clicking/shopping from any of the banner ads below (including Amazon) you help to support our 4 hiking trail websites. As always, thank you very much! Jeff HikingintheSmokys.com RockyMountainHikingTrails.com HikinginGlacier.com TetonHikingTrails.com Ramble...
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Fire restrictions in effect for Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests

Friday, April 10, 2020

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Fire restrictions are now in effect for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests due to high fire danger. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire is now prohibited. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is also prohibited. The restrictions are in effect until August 8, 2020, unless rescinded earlier due to changed conditions. Commercially...
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Glacier’s Grand Loop Hike

Thursday, April 9, 2020

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Thanks to its topography, excellent trail system, and a favorable location of accommodations, hikers have the opportunity to experience an epic three-day loop in Glacier National Park that includes the absolute best scenery the park has to offer. And as a bonus, it doesn’t require lugging any backpacking equipment around, or camping under the stars. This “grand loop” starts from Logan Pass, visits...
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Firefighters Respond to multiple wildfires, Camp Daniel Boone Fire burning in Shining Rock Wilderness

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

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High fire danger and windy conditions across Western North Carolina and the NC piedmont led to multiple wildfires this week. US Forest Service firefighters are responding to two significant wildfires, including the Camp Daniel Boone Fire that is now burning into the Shining Rock Wilderness on the Pisgah National Forest. The Camp Daniel Boone Fire started on private property off Little East Fork...
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National Park Service Proposes Regulations Governing the Use of E-Bikes

Monday, April 6, 2020

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The National Park Service is seeking public input for a proposed regulation regarding the use of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, in national parks. This regulation aligns with the existing National Park Service policy that encourages park units to consider e-bike use where traditional bicycles are allowed. “From urban areas to natural landscapes, bicyclists flock to national parks to exercise and...
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Appalachian Trail Conservancy Requests Temporary Closure of the A.T.

Friday, April 3, 2020

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On Wednesday, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and 29 of the 31 Appalachian Trail Maintaining Clubs formally requested the official closure of the 2,193-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) due to the growing risk of visitors spreading COVID-19 among other hikers, nearby communities and beyond. The ATC delivered a formal letter to the Secretaries of the U.S. Departments of Interior...
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Update on seasonally-closed roads on Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests

Thursday, April 2, 2020

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Seasonally-closed roads on the Tusquitee Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest reopened today, April 1. On the Nantahala Ranger District all seasonally-closed roads reopened as normal on March 15. The Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest and all ranger districts on the Pisgah National Forest will delay the reopening of closed roads until at least April 30, 2020. Many...
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Great Smoky Mountains Extends Closure to Support Regional COVID-19 Prevention Efforts

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that all park areas, except the Foothills Parkway and Spur, will remain closed until further notice. All access to the park, including trails and roads, were originally closed on March 24 through April 6, in alignment with efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 across the region. The park is extending the closure in response to Executive Order...
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