The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog: May 2020

Guidance Issued to Help A.T. Hikers Minimize COVID-19 Risks

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) recently released updated guidance for visitors seeking to visit the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) while minimizing the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. The guidance covers a wide range of topics and considerations for hikers, including keeping hike locations local, minimizing time spent in towns, and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)...

Daniel Boone National Forest moves up reopening of Red River Gorge

Monday, May 25, 2020

The Daniel Boone National Forest opened the Red River Gorge and Redbird Crest Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System on Friday, May 22. The forest had previously announced a June 3 opening date. “In light of the Governor’s decision to lift the travel ban on May 22, we felt we could move up the reopening of the Red River Gorge and Redbird Crest OHV Trail to the same date, while still emphasizing safety,”...

Four National Forests Reopen Trailheads and Access Points to Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Saturday, May 23, 2020

The USDA Forest Service will open a series of trailheads and access points to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail yesterday, May 22. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Georgia, Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in North Carolina, Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia will participate in the coordinated reopening. The...

Backcountry Campsites Now Open at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park as Phased Accessibility Continues

Friday, May 22, 2020

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park’s (NHP) five backcountry campsites along the Ridge Trail are now open. The National Park Service (NPS) continues to work servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities in closely monitoring the COVID-19...

Bicyclist Fatality on Foothills Parkway

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Michael Barker, age 59 from Seymour, TN, was riding his bicycle approximately 5 miles east of Walland when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Emergency responders and medically trained bystanders performed CPR on site before Barker was transported to Blount Memorial Hospital and pronounced deceased. In addition to National Park Service employees, emergency responders with American Medical Response...

Great Smoky Mountains Increases Recreational Access

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Park officials were joined by Second Lady Karen Pence and Deputy Secretary of the Interior Katherine MacGregor at Clingmans Dome to talk about the mental health benefits of being outdoors and announced the next phase in the park’s plan to restore public access to more roads and picnic areas. Mrs. Pence is the Lead Ambassador for PREVENTS, an interagency task force that stands for the President's...

All Trailheads Now Open at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park as Phased Accessibility Continues

Monday, May 18, 2020

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, all trailheads at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (NHP) are now open as the park continues to increase accessibility in phased stages. The National Park Service (NPS) continues to work servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities...

Pisgah National Forest begins reopening trails and roads, and lifts restrictions on dispersed camping

Saturday, May 16, 2020

The Pisgah National Forest will begin to reopen many trails and roads and partially lift restrictions for dispersed camping May 14, using a site-by-site approach, including assessment of facility cleanliness, maintenance status, and health and safety of recreation areas. Facilities and services may remain limited at some sites. Popular recreation areas that will reopen include, but are not limited...

June Hike of the Month: Spence Field / Rocky Top

Thursday, May 14, 2020

As you're probably well aware, June is just around the corner, which means that mountain laurel will soon be blooming atop Spence Field. In my humble opinion, the hike to Spence Field out of Cades Cove is probably one of the most underrated hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the combination of Spence Field and Rocky Top ranks as number 3 on my list of the...

Cherokee NF To Reopen Developed Recreation Sites with Projected Schedule

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The Cherokee National Forest will reopen developed recreation sites beginning May 15 using a site-by-site approach, including assessment of facility cleanliness, maintenance status, and health and safety of recreation areas. Expect re-openings to not be quick or permanent. Click here for projected opening dates. Some day-use sites, such as shooting ranges, picnic areas and small campgrounds, are...

N.C. State Parks Begin Phased Reopening

Monday, May 11, 2020

Following guidance from the Governor’s office and the Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina’s state parks will increase recreational access and services beginning May 9. The Division of Parks and Recreation is working with state and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and use a phased, collaborative approach to increase access to North Carolina...

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Increasing Recreational Access to All Park Trails Beginning May 9

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (NHP) is increasing recreational access to all park trails. 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...

Blue Ridge Parkway Announces Increased Access to Historic Motor Route

Friday, May 8, 2020

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Blue Ridge Parkway officials are increasing recreational access to sections of the motor road previously closed to motor vehicle traffic in North Carolina. The National Park Service is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor...

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Announces Trail Closures in Conjunction With Coronavirus

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

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 through a phased approach that aligns with local, state, and national opening plans beginning Saturday, May 9. Park managers have implemented an Adaptive Operations Plan with...

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is Increasing Recreational Access to Park Trails and Backcountry

Monday, May 4, 2020

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is increasing recreational access. 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...

Blue Ridge Parkway Begins Pavement Preservation Work in Virginia

Sunday, May 3, 2020

The National Park Service announced today that over 80 miles of the historic motor route in three primary areas will be resurfaced as part of a pavement preservation program on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Prep work has begun in all areas and resurfacing is expected to start in mid-May and continue through November of 2020, with no work scheduled during October. Work locations, within scheduled project...

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