The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog

Appalachian Trail Short Film Festival

2012-01-28T06:53:00.003-05:00

Over the course of the next several months, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC) Visitor Center will host a variety of events to raise awareness about the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) as well as the ATC.

All events are open to the public, free of charge, and will be held at the ATC’s Visitor Center, located at 799 Washington St., Harpers Ferry, WV.

The first event of the new year will be the A.T. Short Film Festival. Scheduled for February 11th, the festival is a compilation of short films taken on or about the A.T. If you have a video, or know of a video that you think should be included, you can email a link to: info@appalachiantrail.org by February 1st.

To see the ATC's entire list of events, please click here.

One other AT event of note, but not taking place in Harpers Ferry, is the 2012 Dahlonega Trail Fest in Dahlonega, GA. The event, which celebrates spring on Springer Mountain and the height of the thru hiker NOBO season, takes places from March 16-18. The Fest will include workshops for long distance hikers/thru hikers, day hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, informational workshops and booths by government and outdoor user groups, films, music, vendors, and guided trips to area trails and outdoor venues. Camping will be available as well as AT shuttles. You can check out the website for information on the 2011 Festival and news of the 2012 event.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Smokies Officials Announce New Way to Explore Your Park

2012-01-28T06:14:00.000-05:00

Officials at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in conjunction with the Friends of the Smokies and the Great Smoky Mountain Association are announcing a new opportunity to experience the Smokies. The new program, Experience Your Smokies, is a unique opportunity to get to know the park and its employees in a whole new way.

"If you have ever wanted to be a park ranger or get a behind the scenes look at what goes on in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this is your opportunity," said park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson of the new program. Experience Your Smokies is a program designed for local business, civic and educational leaders to get a behind the scenes look into the national park, while networking with others from western North Carolina. "Our surrounding communities and their leaders are very important to us, and this program gives us a chance to make more meaningful connections with our neighbors and for them to do the same with us."

Participants will attend two half day and three full day sessions at a variety of locations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, accompanying park employees in activities that may include radio-tracking elk, excavating archeological sites, and monitoring salamander populations. This is a perfect way to get an insider's look at park operations as we explore areas like Cataloochee Valley, Deep Creek, Oconaluftee, Clingmans Dome, and Purchase Knob.

Assisting in planning for the program are representatives of Smoky Mountain Hosts, the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Waynesville and others. "Western North Carolina and the people of this region have such a deep and long connection with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park," said Waynesville Town Manager Lee Galloway, "This program is intended to give participants an inside look at the day to day operation of the Park and a better understanding of this wonderful asset we have in our region."

Experience Your Smokies is seeking diverse applicants from the surrounding communities for a program this spring. Program dates are as follows: Tuesday March 13th and 27th, April 17th, May 1st and Saturday May 19th. Class size is limited to 25 participants. Those attending will be asked to commit to attending all class days. Applications will be accepted between now and February 15. Please visit www.friendsofthesmokies.org/events.html or call 929-452-0720 for an application.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Winter Rains in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

2012-01-27T06:52:00.001-05:00

In 2011 the Great Smoky Mountains received close to 100 inches of rainfall, making it one of the rainiest spots in the entire United States. It was also one of the wettest years on record. The latest video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association captures the result of all this rainfall in this film footage of waterfalls and streams within the park:

© GSMA 2011. All rights reserved.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

New Forest Planning Rule Seeks to Restore the Nation’s Forests through Science and Collaboration

2012-01-27T05:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack signaled the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s intent to issue a new planning rule for America’s 193-million acre National Forest System that seeks to deliver stronger protections for forests, water, and wildlife while supporting the economic vitality of our rural communities, by releasing online a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule.

USDA and the Forest Service carefully considered nearly 300,000 comments received on the proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement issued last February, to develop the agency’s preferred course of action for finalizing the planning rule. This is included in the PEIS released today as USDA’s preferred alternative. A notice of availability for the PEIS will be published in the Federal Register on February 3, 2012, and the Secretary will issue a record of decision selecting a final planning rule no less than 30 days afterwards.

“The most collaborative rulemaking effort in agency history has resulted in a strong framework to restore and manage our forests and watersheds and help deliver countless benefits to the American people,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Our preferred alternative will safeguard our natural resources and provide a roadmap for getting work done on the ground that will restore our forests while providing job opportunities for local communities.”

The preferred alternative emphasizes collaboration and strengthens the role of public involvement and dialogue throughout the planning process. It also would require the use of the best available scientific information to inform decisions.

Highlights of the preferred alternative include:

• Plans must include components that seek to restore and maintain forests and grasslands.

• Plans would include requirements to maintain or restore watersheds, water resources, water quality including clean drinking water, and the ecological integrity of riparian areas.

• Plans would be required to provide habitat for plant and animal diversity and species conservation. These requirements are intended to keep common native species common, contribute to the recovery of threatened and endangered species, conserve proposed and candidate species, and protect species of conservation concern.

• Plans would provide for multiple uses, including outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, wildlife and fish.

• Plans would be required to provide opportunities for sustainable recreation, and to take into account opportunities to connect people with nature.

• Opportunities for public involvement and collaboration would be required throughout all stages of the planning process. The preferred alternative would provide opportunities for Tribal consultation and coordination with state and local governments and other federal agencies, and includes requirements for outreach to traditionally underrepresented communities.

• Plans require the use of the best available scientific information to inform the planning process and documentation of how science was used in the plan.

• The planning framework provides a more efficient and adaptive process for land management planning, allowing the Forest Service to respond to changing conditions.

“This approach requires plans to conserve and restore watersheds and habitats while strengthening community collaboration during the development and implementation of individual plans,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “Under our preferred alternative, plan revisions would take less time, cost less money, and provide stronger protections for our lands and water. Finalizing a new rule will move us forward in managing our forests and grasslands, and will create or sustain jobs and income for local communities around the country.”

The planning rule provides the framework for Forest Service land management plans for the 155 forests, 20 grasslands and 1 prairie in the National Forest System. A final rule, when selected, would update planning procedures that have been in place since 1982, creating a modern planning process that reflects the latest science and knowledge of how to create and implement effective land management plans. Revisions of the land management plans would take less time and cost less money under the preferred alternative than under the current 30-year-old procedures, while achieving better results for people and the environment.

For some answers to FAQs on the Proposed Rule, you can click here. I found this document to be the most helpful.....it had the least amount of "government speak".

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

National Park Service Funds Trail Projects in 22 States

2012-01-26T17:48:00.003-05:00

The National Park Service announced today that nearly one million dollars in trail grants will be awarded to 14 trails in 22 states and Washington DC.

The 2012 Connect Trails to Parks Awards will provide a total of $934,000 to 14 projects where national historic and scenic trails intersect with national parks and other federal facilities. The projects will restore or improve existing trails and trailhead connections, provide better wayside and interpretive services, encourage innovative educational services, support bridge and trailhead designs, and provide planning services for important trail gateways.

Many of the projects reflect National Park Service priorities such as expanding outreach, connecting to youth, enhancing urban recreation, promoting healthy lifestyles, and upgrading interpretive materials as outlined in the agency’s A Call to Action: Preparing for a Second Century of Stewardship and Engagement. In addition to operating 397 parks across the United States and its territories, the National Park Service plays a vital role in overseeing the 52,000-mile National Trails System.

The Connect Trails to Parks program is designed to increase awareness, appreciation, and use of the nation’s federally-designated system of trails. The years from 2008 to 2018 have been declared "A Decade for the National Trails" ramping up to the trails system's 50th anniversary in 2018. Many of these projects will help specific trails and their related federal facilities to achieve goals associated with this commemorative decade.

One award of note for the Smoky Mountains region is the $64,200 grant for the "Implement Appalachian Trail Leave No Trace Initiative".

You can view all of the trail grants by clicking here.

I'll be honest, as I looked over some of these projects I couldn't help but think that this money could've been spent more wisely. $57,200 for a "Children’s TV Program About the Ice Age Trail". Are you serious? This is how we're spending our tax dollars? I don't know, what do you think?

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Hike the Wallhalla Trail at Cataloochee Ranch

2012-01-26T10:12:00.002-05:00

Get a great start on 2012 by joining the Cataloochee Ranch and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for hike near the Cataloochee Ranch. The historic ranch is located on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Maggie Valley where SAHC holds over 300 acres in a conservation easement. Participants will be hiking the Wallhalla Trail, a 4-mile trail that features great views of the Balsam Range and the Campbell Creek basin, rhododendron tunnels, and cove hardwood forests. You'll also get to see the “Sliding Rock,” and towards the end of the hike, will be rewarded with vistas of Maggie Valley and the mountains beyond.

The hike is scheduled for Saturday, February 4th, at 10:30 a.m. The trail is rated as a moderate hike. You'll need to bring water, comfortable shoes, warm clothes and a camera.

The hike is free for members and $10 for non-members. Well behaved dogs are welcome.

You can direct any questions to Rich Preyer, rich@appalachian.org or 828-253-0095 ex. 205.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Volunteers needed for research on effects of high altitude

2012-01-26T07:19:00.002-05:00

Here's pretty cool way to become a human guinea pig, while at the same time helping mountaineers, climbers and the advancement of science.

As most adventurers are already aware, traveling to high altitude can result in a variety of symptoms, collectively called acute mountain sickness. The Neural Systems Group at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is currently seeking volunteers for a brain imaging research study to help learn why this occurs. The study will involve 5 visits, spread over approximately 4-7 weeks, at both MGH in Charlestown, MA and the testing chambers at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in Natick, MA.

To be eligible, volunteers must be in good general health and currently exercising for at least 20 minutes, 3 times/week. They must be between the ages of 18 and 50 years. Must be willing to have 5 modest blood draws over the course of the study, and must be able to have an MRI.

The total time commitment will be up to about 35 hours. Volunteers will be compensated for your participation.

More than likely you'll never get a chance to climb Everest or K2, but you might be able to help others attain lofty goals some day down the road by participating in this research. For more information on the trials, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Join the GSMA for an Owl Prowl

2012-01-25T10:29:00.003-05:00

What kind of owl is that?

A common question for many people when they see one in the woods, or hear one hooting off in the distance. Now's your chance to learn about owls, and how to identify some of the more common species, on the next GSMA Owl Prowl.

On Saturday, February 11th, join Butch McDade and the Great Smoky Mountains Association for a nighttime adventure into the elusive world of these amazing birds. Participants should meet at the Sugarlands Visitor Center at 7 pm, dress appropriately in winter clothing, hiking boots (or athletic shoes with tread), bring flashlights or headlights, and maybe even a rain parka, if need be.

The GSMA requires that you register in advance by calling 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254. The program is open to adults and children 12 and older, and there is a $10 charge for adults and $5 for children 12-16 to cover the presenter's fee.

You can read additional news from the GSMA in the latest Cub Report.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Winter Nature Watch Opportunities in Land Between The Lakes

2012-01-25T07:15:00.004-05:00

Got the winter blues? Embrace the season by taking part in one of the many wildlife-viewing van tours offered at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. Over the next several weeks there will be multiple guided tours offering outdoor enthusiasts a chance to witness some of nature’s greatest moments. Registration is required for all tours, and space is limited.

The Land Between The Lakes ongoing Nature Watch tour series highlights many birds that call the area in western Tennessee and Kentucky home during the winter. During these tours, you may see everything from pelicans to pintails!

* LBL is offering Eagle Viewing Van Tours from 1-4:30pm on Sundays, Jan. 22, 29, and February 5th. Winter is the peak season for seeing bald eagles in LBL; both resident eagles and visiting "snowbirds" are out looking for fish around the lakes. You'll visit the best spots in LBL for spotting these magnificent creatures. Cost is $7/adult and $5/child.

* On February 11th, the LBL is offering a special Nature Watch tour that brings you to Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, just south of LBL. They will explore this bottomland habitat in search of harriers, sandhill cranes, and thousands of migrant ducks. The cost is $10/adult and $7/child and runs from 9am-12pm.

* The month of March offers a chance to see hundreds of pelicans as they migrate through the area, as well as our resident eagles on their giant nests, incubating eggs or sheltering their chicks. Join the LBL on either March 18 or 24, for a Nature Watch tour that highlights these two amazing species. This two-hour tour costs $7/adult and $5/child.

Please call 270-924-2020, weekdays from 8am-4:30pm, to learn more about each tour and make your reservation. You can also click here for more information about the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Caution issued for Caldwell Fork Trail

2012-01-24T12:44:00.002-05:00

Park officials for the Great Smoky Mountains have issued a caution for the Caldwell Fork Trail in the Cataloochee area. The Park's website states that "several footbridges along the trail are damaged. Hikers wishing to use the trail will need to ford the creek."

The Caldwell Fork Trail is used by many people in combination with the Boogerman Trail to create a 7.4-mile loop hike.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Win a Gregory Z45 BackPack

2012-01-24T09:36:00.000-05:00

Our friends over at MyLifeOutdoors are giving away a brand new Gregory Z45 BackPack, via LeftLane Sports. The pack is valued at $180. And, if you're a brand new member at LeftLane Sports, you'll receive a $10 in-store credit just for signing up.

The Gregory Z45 features "the LTS Jetstream Load Transfer Suspension which provides true ventilation with no unnecessary points of contact on your body. Adjustable waistbelt and harness with perforated foam and mesh increase comfort and increase air flow, and a dual density foam lumbar pad to correctly transfer weight of the pack to your hips."

To check out a review of LeftLane Sports, and to learn how to enter the contest, please click here. The contest ends at Midnight EST on Sunday 1/29/2012.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Offers Wilderness First Aid Certification

2012-01-23T07:09:00.001-05:00

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is accepting applications for their Wilderness First Aid Course at the Twin Creeks Science and Education Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg. The public is welcome to take this training opportunity alongside Appalachian Trail Ridgerunners.

This two-day course will be held over February 27th and 28th, and is open to the public at a cost of $150 per person. Overnight accommodations are available at no charge. If you are a day-hiker, backpacker or outdoorsman, this is a great way to be prepared and stay safe. Fast paced and hands-on, the agenda covers a wide range of wilderness medicine topics for people who travel and work in the outdoors.

This course is pre-approved by organizations such as the American Camping Association, the United States Forest Service and other governmental agencies

Recommended for: avid hikers, teachers leading school trips, backcountry guides, canoe trip leaders, private expedition groups, college/university outdoor education programs, hiking club trip leaders, wilderness therapeutic programs, and adventure race safety personnel.

To enroll or for more information, please contact Andrew Downs with the ATC at 828.254.3708 or adowns@appalachiantrail.org.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Utility Maintenance to Briefly Close Sites in Pisgah Ranger District

2012-01-22T09:23:00.000-05:00

The USDA Forest Service will briefly close small parts of Estatoe Trail, Avery Creek Road and Buckhorn Gap Trail in the Pisgah Ranger District for about a week in early February as the result of utility maintenance. Exact dates have yet to be determined.

To ensure the continuity of electrical service for local residents, Progress Energy will fell a minimum number of trees along and around Hwy 276 in the Pisgah National Forest.

Activities affecting roads and trails will take place Monday thru Friday; no felling of trees will occur on Saturdays or Sundays.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Forest Service grants $52.2M to protect working forests, rural economies

2012-01-22T06:44:00.004-05:00

Earlier in the week the U.S. Forest Service announced that it is granting $52.2 million for 17 conservation and working lands projects across the U.S. in 2012.

The Forest Legacy Program has protected 2.2 million acres through public-private partnership using federal and leveraged funds of more than $562 million. The program works with private landowners, states and conservation groups to promote sustainable, working forests. Forest Legacy is an important component of the President’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative’s goal of conserving rural working farms, ranches, and forests by accelerating locally-driven landscape conservation priorities.

Intact forest lands supply timber products, wildlife habitat, soil and watershed protection, aesthetics, and recreational opportunities. However, as these areas are fragmented and disappear, so do the benefits they provide. Roughly 57 percent of the nation's forests are privately owned yet the country has lost 15 million acres of private working forests in the last 10 years with an additional 22 million acres projected to be at risk from development, wildfire and other threats in the next decade.

The Forest Legacy Program uses a competitive process to strategically select ecologically and socially important projects facing the greatest threat of conversion to other land uses. Projects that protect clean air and water, provide recreation, protect wildlife habitat, supports large-scale land conservation partnerships, and provide forest-related rural jobs receive strong consideration.

The state of Tennessee is the recipient of one the 13 major projects announced:

The Fiery Gizzard project ($500,000) will protect more than 3,200 acres within the South Cumberland region of Tennessee. The conservation easement will ensure that the extensive tablelands on the property are protected from development, sustainable forest management continues, hunting activities are maintained and important wildlife habitat is conserved.

To view information on the other projects receiving grants, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Driving Through Time on the Blue Ridge Parkway

2012-01-21T07:40:00.000-05:00

Last week UNC Libraries announced the launch of a new website as part of the Documenting the American South project, which makes historical content digital and interactive.

"Driving Through Time" features roughly 2700 photographs and 76 interactive maps of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The website allows students, researchers, and digital tourists to uncover hidden stories, hear forgotten voices, and understand the often wrenching choices that the construction and preservation of a scenic parkway in a populated region have necessarily entailed.

In addition to the photographs and maps, you can also find letters, essays, postcards, documents and other materials about the Parkway from the University of North Carolina Library’s North Carolina Collection.

To the extent possible, each item in the collection has been assigned a geographic coordinate, linking the historical document to the Parkway location to which it pertains. This allows many of the collection’s items to be found via the geo-browse function that identifies clusters of items relating to specific locations.

You can view the collection by clicking here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Rock Creek Recreation Area is closed until spring

2012-01-20T17:49:00.002-05:00

Rock Creek Recreation Area in the Cherokee National Forest is closed to all recreation activities. Trees killed by the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid have created a safety hazard. These trees along with other dead and damaged trees are being removed. The recreation area near Erwin, TN will reopen in the spring.

The closing includes the campground and the Rock Creek Falls Trail.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Hiking the Middle Prong Trail

2012-01-20T07:37:00.000-05:00

Take a hike with the Great Smoky Mountains Association along the Middle Prong Trail in the Smokies. This short video takes viewers on a vicarious stroll up the Middle Prong Trail in Tremont. The 4-mile hike follows the Middle Prong of the Little River, past relics from the old logging days, and on to the intersection with the Lynn Camp Prong Trail and the Greenbrier Ridge Trail:

© GSMA 2011. All rights reserved.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Hosts Weekend of Trails Collaboration

2012-01-19T07:14:00.002-05:00

The outcome of a groundbreaking effort by the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests to work with trail users to identify and maintain a diverse, quality trail system on the Forests will be unveiled during a weekend of public workshops and meetings beginning January 20th at Unicoi State Park near Helen, Ga. Last year the Forest Service began the Collaborative Trails Initiative, or “CoTrails,” by bringing together trail users to address shared concerns. The result is a five part strategic plan that the Forest Service and CoTrails volunteers are now ready to start implementing.

“The influence of this effort will be far-reaching, benefitting not just trail users by offering a more satisfying recreation experience, but also by protecting watersheds, improving forest health, and contributing to local and regional economies that depend on forest-related recreation,” says Forest Supervisor George Bain. “This collaborative effort has the potential to have a lasting impact on quality of life for generations to come.”

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests receive 2.2 million visitors each year, and the primary activity is use of the national forests’ 850 miles of designated system trails. Hikers are not the only ones who take advantage of the recreation opportunities that the trails provide. Cyclists, hunters, anglers, off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and horseback riders all recreate on national forest trails. Collaboration with all trail users offers the opportunity to address management challenges of increasing public demand and use, limited agency resources for maintenance, and potential competition between recreation users.

Beginning in 2011 the Forest Service hosted a series of meetings in communities surrounding the national forests to find out how all trail users could work together and with the Forest Service to help create a diverse, quality trail system that is maintainable and minimizes environmental impacts. More than 350 people attended those meetings, and a core group of forty plus volunteers coalesced to see the effort through the planning stage.

“Now we’re ready to begin the real work implementing the plan,” said Carlos Martel, a horseback rider and volunteer member of the CoTrails Working Group who helped author the plan. “We need everyone who uses and cares about recreational trails on the national forests to join this effort and volunteer to make our national forest trail system the best it can be.”

The CoTrails Strategic Plan outlines five objectives that include engaging volunteers, inventorying and assessing existing trails, creating a forest-wide interactive online map of the trail system, and identifying unauthorized trails and opportunities to incorporate new system trails on the national forests.

The weekend of CoTrails activities begins on Friday, January 20th at 6 p.m. with the CoTrails Strategic Plan launch and general meeting followed by a social hour. This meeting is open to anyone interested in supporting and becoming active in the implementation of the CoTrails Strategic Plan. Volunteer project teams will be formed to work on specific plan objectives.

A Saturday morning kick-off begins at 9 a.m. and will include presentations from the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, CoTrails volunteers, and Applied Trails Research, with the goal of providing an introduction to a trails assessment process that will be occurring on the national forests. Following the kick-off, one of the most popular and sought after trails training opportunities, “The Art and Science of Trails,” will be offered free to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the science behind creating successful trails. This two day training includes a Saturday indoor class and a Sunday field session conducted at nearby trails. Workshop pre-registration is required, and capacity is limited.

Anyone interested in participating in these activities should contact John Campbell by email. Read the CoTrails Strategic Plan. You can find more information on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests’ website.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Forest Service to Restore and Improve Safety of Dry Falls Trail

2012-01-18T12:10:00.002-05:00

The USDA Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina today announced that it will make significant improvements this year to the historic and scenic Dry Falls Trail in the Nantahala National Forest, providing visitors with a safer and more enjoyable forest experience. Construction will begin in early April 2012 and conclude by September 2012.

“Parts of the trail degraded over the years, making it unsafe for the hundreds of visitors who enjoy the site daily during peak season,” said Mike Wilkins, Nantahala District ranger. “Restoration of the trail will promote public safety, while maintaining and preserving the historic integrity of the popular recreation area.”

The $466,000 project will stabilize the trail, reconstruct and replace the entire walking path, remove tripping hazards and protect water quality through drainage control measures. The improvements will enhance the visual appeal of the trail and make it easier to maintain. Working with a Forest Service archeologist, engineers designed the reconstruction to preserve the current look and historic feel of the site. The parking lot and Dry Falls Trail will be closed for the duration of the project.

“This is the first major work on the Dry Falls trail in more than 30 years, so I am pleased we are able to make this project a reality,” said Wilkins. “I regret that we have to close the site to visitors during construction. The good news is that, when it re-opens, the facility will be a first-class attraction that visitors can enjoy for years to come.”

Funding for the project comes from a Federal Highways Grant of $208,000 and matching agency funds of $258,000. The Forest Service awarded the project contract to Williams Construction of Robbinsville following a competitive bidding process.

Dry Falls is located northwest of the town of Highlands, N.C., off of Hwy 28. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the trail in the first half of the 20th Century.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Visits to Smokies up 37.7% in December

2012-01-18T09:43:00.004-05:00

The latest park visitation statistics show that the number of visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park jumped 37.7% in December versus the same month in 2010. A total of 471,603 visitors entered the park last month, compared to just 342,512 last December.

The Cherokee entrance saw the largest improvement: reporting a whopping increase of 75.1% for the month. Gatlinburg saw a 46.1% increase, while Townsend came in at 24.1% above the prior year.

For the entire year, however, total visits were down 4.8%. The park reported a total of 9,008,831 visitors to the park in 2011, versus 9,463,538 in 2010. Although that decrease may have hurt some businesses that depend on tourist dollars, the annual visitor count was still within the normal statistical range going back to the mid-1970s. Here's a look at visitor counts since the park's inception:

For the year, total overnight stays in the park declined 3.8%. This was the result of a 6.1% decrease in tent campers, and a 15.7% decline in RV campers. Bucking the trend were backcountry campers, which saw an increase of 13.8% in 2011 versus the prior year.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Tree work to close Wears Gap Road this week

2012-01-17T11:46:00.002-05:00

Great Smoky Mountains officials announced today on their Temporary Road and Facilities Closures page that Wears Gap Road will be closed this Thursday and Friday (Jan 19-20) for tree and brush removal. The project will improve sight distance around narrow curves and help with visibility of road signs.

The secondary entrance connects US 321 in Wears Valley to Little River Road, roughly nine miles west of Gatlinburg.

This morning's update also mentioned two other temporary road closures:

• Old NC-284 between Big Creek and Cataloochee is closed due to ice and snow.

• Forge Creek Road in Cades Cove is closed due to mud.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Get on the Trail with Friends & Missy

2012-01-17T10:08:00.002-05:00

Join Friends of the Smokies and fitness expert Missy Kane again for another series of hikes this spring. Each Wednesday throughout the month of April, Missy and Friends will be hiking a different trail in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Ms. Kane was an Olympic runner and a Pan American Games medalist.

"Get on the Trail" is a great opportunity for people who are new to the area, or are new to hiking, as well as people who just want to know more about the Park.

The dates for this year's spring series are: April 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2012.

The cost is $20.00 per hike, and maps/goodies will be provided by Friends & Missy. You must register by calling 865-541-4500 (Covenant Call Center) as space is limited.

Since the series started, Get on the Trail with Friends and Missy has raised more than $80,000 that has supported the preservation and protection of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Damascus Among 10 Coolest Small Towns in America

2012-01-16T09:29:00.003-05:00

Readers of Budget Travel Magazine nominated a record 647 towns to be considered among the Coolest Small Towns in America. The magazine has narrowed that list down to just 10 standout communities across the country. Making that list is none other than Trail Town, USA, officially known as Damascus, Virginia.

Here's what the online mag had to say about Damascus:

It calls itself Trail Town, USA, and the title is no hyperbole. In addition to the fact that Damascus’s main street runs on top of the Appalachian Trail, the town serves as a crossroads for a half-dozen wilderness and cultural pathways. The town commemorates its unique location with an annual Trail Days celebration in the spring that gathers hikers and other outdoorsy types for three days of free concerts, film screenings, and, of course, guided hikes. For tired travelers looking for a touch of comfort, the 12-room Damascus Old Mill overlooks Laurel Creek and is a stone’s throw from the Virginia Creeper Trail—no one rests for long around these parts! For an extra pick-me-up, there’s always Mojoe’s Trailside Coffee, whose “trail magic” drink mixes espresso, ice cream, and caramel into a sweet concoction for a burst of quick energy.

Budget Travel failed to note that Damascus also makes for a great base camp for excursions into the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area, or to check out the wild ponies of Grayson Highlands State Park, or to one of my all time favorite hikes, the A.T. to the summit of Mt. Rogers.

You can read about each of the towns that made the final cut, and then vote for your favorite to become America's Coolest Small Town by clicking here. You can vote once daily until the contest closes on January 31st. As of right now, with nearly 87,000 votes cast, Damascus sits in fifth place. Hammondsport, NY is currently in the lead.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Record-Level Attendance Continues at NC State Parks in 2011

2012-01-14T10:30:00.003-05:00

Visitation at North Carolina’s state parks and state recreation areas continued at a record level in 2011, with 14.25 million visits, matching the all-time record set in 2009 and posting a slight increase from 14.19 visits in 2010, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Among 39 state parks and state recreation areas, 15 reported increases in attendance in 2011. Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Dare County reported the highest attendance at 1.32 million visits, down slightly from 1.47 million last year.

A 2008 economic study revealed that travelers spend an average of $23.56 a day to enjoy the state parks. The analysis by North Carolina State University’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management estimated the state parks system’s total annual economic impact at more than $400 million. The complete study can be found here.

During the past 25 years, the state parks system has seen a dramatic 102 percent increase in visitation. In 1986, 7 million people visited state parks and state recreation areas.

Several state parks that reported higher attendance in 2011 were able to offer new amenities to visitors. A new 700-foot swim beach and picnic area at Lake James State Park opened for its first full season, and the park experienced a 70 percent jump in visitation. Improvements at other state parks contributed to increased visitation, including a renovated marina at Carolina Beach State Park, a new equestrian trail network at Medoc Mountain State Park and a number of hiking trail projects, including a volunteer-built summit trail at Elk Knob State Park.

The state parks system manages more than 215,000 acres within state parks, state recreation areas and a system of state natural areas dedicated to conservation of rare resources. Through its New Parks for a New Century initiative, six new state parks have been added to the system since 2003.

Parks with significant increases in visitation include Dismal Swamp State Park in Camden County (34 percent), Elk Knob State Park in Watauga County (50 percent), Jones Lake State Park in Bladen County (26 percent), Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in Vance County (24 percent) and Medoc Mountain State Park in Halifax County (31 percent). State park visitation is often affected by weather events. For instance, Hurricane Irene in August closed Goose Creek State Park for several weeks and other eastern and Piedmont parks briefly.

You can view visitation figures for each state park by clicking here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Trekking the Wild North

2012-01-13T07:42:00.000-05:00

Trekking the Wild North with Andrew Skurka. Some of you may recall that name. Andrew was named an "Adventurer of the Year" by Outside in 2010, the "Adventurer of the Year" by National Geographic Society in 2007, and the "Person of the Year" by Backpacker in 2005. He's best known, perhaps, for his 2010 solo trek around the Alaskan and Yukon bush. His adventure deep into the wild north was roughly 4680 miles in length, including 1315 miles of skiing, 2100 miles of trekking, and 1270 miles of packrafting, and took him 176 days to complete.

Last March Skurka gave a presentation about his trek at the National Geographic Headquarters in Washington D.C. During his discussion he shared photos and video clips from his adventure with the audience. The video below is from that presentation. Although it's fairly long when compared to most online videos, anyone who enjoys the outdoors, or has ever dreamed of doing their own big adventure, will likely enjoy this:

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Man proposes to girlfriend on hike, then becomes lost

2012-01-12T09:21:00.005-05:00

Saw this one on the NPS Digest this morning. Certainly a unique way to start your life as a married couple. At least they'll have a great story to pass onto their grandchildren. Also, I found it quite amazing the number of military aircraft that became involved during the SAR:

On the afternoon of Monday, January 9th, park officials at White Sands National Monument learned that two visitors who had been hiking within the dunes since noon were lost and unable to find their way out.

Russell Vandameer and Karen Renshaw, both of Oklahoma, left to go hiking with their three dogs, Stitch, Suzy, and Griswald. After finding a suitably beautiful spot within the dunes, Vandemeer proposed to Renshaw. The newly engaged couple then attempted to hike back to their car, but were unable to find their way back. Rather than continue to wander and become even more lost, they contacted a cousin via cell phone and requested that help be sent. An interagency effort was begun that involved the NPS, the Alamo West Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Army.

While two Army Rescue Blackhawk helicopters were en route from Fort Bliss, approximately an hour away, Holloman Air Force base diverted an F-22 Raptor from a training mission to the search effort. The pilot of the Raptor was able to positively identify the couple with their three dogs. Two Air Force drones were also tasked, which were able to relay specific coordinates and monitor the lost hiker’s location and movement from the air while the Army helicopters were en route.

The hikers and their dogs were transported by the Army Blackhawks out of the dunes to the command post, where they were examined by NPS and Alamo West EMS for exposure to the below freezing nighttime temperatures.

Renshaw accepted Vandemeer’s marriage proposal. The newly engaged couple invited the Blackhawk crew to the wedding. The search effort was greatly aided by the assistance of the military aircraft, which utilized night vision and infrared equipment to safely locate the hikers after nightfall. Ranger Kelly Roche acted as IC.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

US Forest Service announces 2012 fee waiver days

2012-01-12T09:16:00.002-05:00

The U.S. Forest Service announced yesterday eight dates for the new year when national forests nationwide will waive fees that are usually collected to support forest maintenance and amenities.

“We encourage the public to get outdoors in America’s vast and dynamic playground,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “We hope that visiting your beautiful national forests and grasslands will help people gain a deep appreciation for natural resources, and create lifelong memories.”

Visitors to national forests will not pay fees on the following dates in 2012:

• Jan. 14-16 -- Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend

• June 9 -- Get Outdoors Day

• Sept. 29 -- National Public Lands Day

• Nov. 10-12 -- Veterans Day weekend

Despite the Forest Service’s fee waivers, the agency does not usually charge for visitors to national forests. In fact, the Forest Service does not charge for access on 98 percent of its land. More than two-thirds of the Forest Service’s approximately 18,000 recreation sites nationwide can be used for free. They include picnic sites, campsites, beach and lake areas, trails, boat launches, and cabins.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

REI Donates $10,000 To Friends of The Smokies

2012-01-11T08:56:00.003-05:00

The REI Store Asheville recently presented a $10,000 grant to Friends of the Smokies to benefit the Trails Forever, a program that supports trail improvement projects in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

According to a report in the Cherokee One Feather, the grant money was used to purchase a new equipment trailer to help transport tools and supplies, and to help support a seasonal trail crew that oversees the trail work.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Introducing the Hexa Pot

2012-01-11T07:01:00.000-05:00

On the surface this sounds like a great idea. The yet to be formerly launched Hexa Pot is a single-use outdoor cookware pot formed from an ultra-light, 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly paper material to be used for picnics, camping, backpacking, and traveling.

The Hexa Pot can be used for boiling water, or for cooking meals such as pasta, soup, chili and ramen noodles. The disposable pots may also come in handy in the event of an emergency situation when sterilizing and disinfecting contaminated water is necessary for making it drinkable.

Energia USA, the manufacturer of Hexa Pot, pitches these selling points on its website:

Hexa Pot can be a blessing on your hands due to it being a single use product, no dish washing is required. You can save time, water, electricity, and money spent on dish washing detergent. Ultra-light and convenient when carried around. It helps save space and time when on the go for outdoor activities. Safe alternative cookware when compared to your traditional stainless steel pots and pans that may produce harmful health effects caused from iron, nickel and chromium.

The Hexa Pot will biodegrade within 24-36 months, when disposed in the right environment. I take this to mean not in a hole dug next to your campsite, or thrown into a fire. So how many people will actually take it home with them?

Right now Energia USA is trying to raise $25,000 by Friday, January 27th, through a Kickstarter Campaign in order to help launch this project.

The Los Angeles based company will also unveil its products at the ASD Las Vegas on March 25-28, 2012.

Here's a short product demo from the manufacturer:

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Oh, Shenandoah!

2012-01-10T08:40:00.003-05:00

Oh, Shenandoah! is a photographic exhibition celebrating Shenandoah National Park that will open this Thursday at The Arts Center In Orange, The exhibit features finalist and winning photographs from contests hosted by communities around the park in honor of Shenandoah’s 75th Anniversary.

This Thursday, January 12th, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, The Arts Center In Orange, in Orange, VA, will host a reception.

The dates for the exhibition are: January 5 – February 25, Monday – Saturday, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. For more information, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Free Admission to All National Parks from January 14-16

2012-01-10T06:34:00.002-05:00

The National Park Service announced yesterday that all 397 national parks across the country will offer free admission from January 14 through 16 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Additionally, several parks will be holding special events to honor Dr. King over the three-day weekend.

The National Park Service will also waive admission fees on 14 other days in 2012:

– National Park Week (April 21 to 29)

- Get Outdoors Day (June 9)

- National Public Lands Day (September 29)

- Veterans Day (November 10 to 12)

Please click here to read the entire national park press release.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Winter Roan Mountain Naturalists' Rally

2012-01-09T08:54:00.004-05:00

Mark your calendars for the annual Winter Roan Mountain Naturalists' Rally on February 11th.

In addition to discussions led by guest speakers on the natural history of the Roan Mountain region, the rally is offering three guided hikes. Here’s the lineup:

Hike # 1
Marty Silver, a Warriors’ State Park legend with wildlife and children, will lead an animal tracking hike down near the Doe River. Marty is the expert on the habits and habitats of the Roan’s animals.

Hike# 2
Jerry Greer, acclaimed Blue Ridge photographer, will lead a photography hike through the beautiful winter woods west of Twin Springs. If you are lucky to have it, see this area on p.92 of his latest book, The Blue Ridge Ancient and Majestic. Bring your Canons and Nikons.

Hike # 3
Jamey Donaldson, “superb botanist” as mentioned in Jennifer Bauer’s new book, “Roan Mountain: History of an Appalachian Treasure”, will lead a hike to the alder balds on the Roan. Jamey heads up the Roan Mountain Baa-tany Goat Project.

For more information on the event, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Vacation Planning: Glacier National Park

2012-01-08T07:57:00.002-05:00

"Give a month at least to this precious reserve. The time will not be taken from the sum of your life. Instead of shortening, it will indefinitely lengthen it and make you truly immortal. Nevermore will time seem short or long, and cares will never again fall heavily on you, but gently and kindly as gifts from heaven."

- John Muir on his visit to Glacier in the early 1890s

It's that time of year again when many of you are starting to think about summer vacations. Maybe you're undecided. Maybe you're looking for a new adventure. Have you ever considered Glacier National Park in Montana? Even if you've been to the park at some point in the past, did you get a chance to explore the spectacular backcountry?

Just like the Smokies, Glacier National Park is a hikers paradise. The park offers more than 740 miles of trails that lead to hundreds of lakes, streams, waterfalls, alpine meadows, mountain passes and glaciers.

To help choose which places you wanted to visit and which trails to tackle, I wanted to invite you to check out our brand new sister website for Glacier hiking trails. In addition to covering more than 60 hikes thoughout Glacier Park, our site also provides important travel information to help assist with your planning.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Eagle Tours at Reelfoot Lake State Park

2012-01-07T09:59:00.002-05:00

Reelfoot Lake State Park is offering daily Eagle Tours again this year. During the winter months Reelfoot Lake, in northwestern Tennessee, is home to approximately 200 American Bald Eagles and spectacular numbers of waterfowl.

Buses leave the park's Visitor Center at 10 a.m. CT every day through the end of February. Naturalists join each tour to describe the lake's earth-shaking past and its current status. Tours typically stop at places where eagles are commonly seen, and naturalists set up spotting scopes to allow visitors a closer look. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars as well.

Tours cost $5 per person and reservations must be made by calling (731) 253-9652. Now's the time to make plans to join Interpretive Specialists Jerry Hall, David Haggard and the entire Reefoot Lake team for their annual showcase of winter wildlife.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

December in Cades Cove

2012-01-06T07:28:00.000-05:00

December in Cades Cove, the newest video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association, makes the valid point that the month of December provides a great opportunity for viewing wildlife in Cades Cove. The short video shows the White-tailed Deer rut and the wild turkey strut:

© GSMA 2011. All rights reserved.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Forest Service to Conduct Prescribed Burn near Dobson Knob on Friday

2012-01-05T17:22:00.002-05:00

The USDA Forest Service plans to implement a prescribed burn near Dobson Knob in Burke County in the Pisgah National Forest this Friday, depending on the weather.

The Forest Service's Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest plans to burn approximately 1,250 acres on National Forest land. The boundary of the burn is Forest Service Road (FSR) 106 to the north and the rest of the burn will be bordered by the Black Fork and Yellow Fork Creek. There will be a small section of handline (built with handtools similar to a trail) that will connect FSR 106 to Yellow Fork Creek.The prescribed burn will reduce the amount of hazardous fuels in the forest, improve wildlife habitat, and maintain fire-dependent and fire-adapted species.

For additional information, contact Grandfather District Ranger John Crockett at 828-652-2144 ext. 103.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

I Should Be Back....

2012-01-05T07:11:00.004-05:00

Here's a great idea - and a free one at that. Jared Morse has recently launched a web app to help solve issues such as the one Aron Ralston ran into in Utah several years ago.

After registering your trip, ShouldBeBack.com sends out an email and a text message to your emergency contacts if you're late in returning at your predetermined time.

Here's how it works:

You create a trip and provide ShouldBeBack.com with emergency contact information. At the time you indicated that you should be considered late they will send you a text message. If you reply "back" to this text, no further messages will be sent out.

If you don't reply to this first text, they will send a second text to you with the same prompt.

If they still don't hear back from you, a third text is sent, as well as a text and email to your contacts to let them know you're late. This email will contain information about your trip.

If you're in trouble or danger, you can reply "help" when responding to one of the texts and ShouldBeBack.com will immediately text and email all of your contacts to let them know.

One of the fundamental rules of wilderness adventure is to always let someone know where you're going, and when you expect to be back. This app provides an excellent and easy way of giving yourself a lifeline in the event of becoming lost or injured while out on the trail.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

U.S. Postal Service Delays Closure of Post Offices

2012-01-04T09:03:00.003-05:00

Last July the U.S. Postal Service announced that they would be conducting a study to determine the need for some 3700 retail post offices. Potentially, the USPS was prepared to eliminate more than 10% of all their post offices around the country. Most of these closings were likely to occur in rural areas, such as those found along the Appalachian Trail.

This decision would have a significant impact on long-distance hikers. Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, and section hikers, use the services of post offices to forward, or pre-deliver, food, gear and other supplies as they proceed along the trail.

As for now, however, rural post offices have received a stay of execution. The USPS recently made this announcement on their website:

The U.S. Postal Service, in response to a request made by multiple U.S. Senators, has agreed to delay the closing or consolidation of any Post Office or mail processing facility until May 15, 2012. The Postal Service will continue all necessary steps required for the review of these facilities during the interim period, including public input meetings.

The Postal Service hopes this period will help facilitate the enactment of comprehensive postal legislation. Given the Postal Service’s financial situation and the loss of mail volume, the Postal Service must continue to take all steps necessary to reduce costs and increase revenue.

This is partial good news for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. Most northbound hikers will have already made it through the Smokies by the time that deadline rolls around. At least up until that point they'll be able use the postal service for their supply drops.

As I mentioned in a posting back in July, I believe the private sector will step-in and continue to offer re-supply services to hikers in the event of any closures. However, things might be a bit confusing for hikers already on the trail this year.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Pigeon Forge Ranks #4 on TripAdvisor's Top U.S. Destinations on the Rise

2012-01-04T08:45:00.005-05:00

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website, announced their top 15 U.S. destinations on the rise for 2012 today. The rankings are comprised of destinations which have seen a remarkable increase in traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.com over the last year.

Coming in at #4 on the list was Pigeon Forge. Here's what TripAdvisor had to say about the "Forge":

Set against the misty blue backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge is a gateway to 500 thousand acres of Appalachian wilderness. If hiking over 800 miles of mountain trails and camping in dense ancient forests is a step too far, travelers can head to Dollywood for rollercoasters and waterslides.

Also making the list, and ranking #13, was Asheville, North Carolina.

And, to visit the #1 destination on the rise, just hop on I-40 West and drive over to the Music City. Nashville is indeed a very fun city.

To see the entire list, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

A Year in the Smokies: 2011

2012-01-02T10:17:00.002-05:00

Late last week the Great Smoky Mountains Association published an excellent short film showing highlights from the Smokies in 2011. The GSMA did an excellent job of showing the beauty of the Smokies throughout the seasons:

© GSMA 2011. All rights reserved.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

The Top 10 Stories from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2011

2011-12-30T07:12:00.003-05:00

2011 was a busy year for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park made headlines in the national media on a couple of occasions, but also made headlines within the hiking community. Below is my rundown of the top 10 stories from the Smokies over the past year.

10) Smokies interpretive ranger, David Worth, set the new record for the fastest trek across the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains on May 19th. David ran/walked/trekked 72 miles - from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap - in 14 hours and 50 minutes, besting the previous record set by Will Harlan of 15 hours and 57 minutes.

9) Great Smoky Mountains National Park received an early Holiday gift on December 14th when the Friends of the Smokies officially transferred 20 acres of new land to be added to the Park. The land lies along Soak Ash Creek in the Pittman Center community just east of Gatlinburg.

8) Four hikers had to be rescued by Appalachian Trail Ridgerunners during an early March snow storm. The ridgerunners escorted the hikers from the Double Springs Shelter to Park Rangers waiting at the Clingmans Dome Parking lot. The hikers were all dehydrated and suffered from mild-moderate to moderate-severe hypothermia, while one had an injured knee.

7) Earlier this year the restoration of the Appalachian Clubhouse was completed by the Park’s Historic Preservation Crew. Now restored to its original appearance in the 1930s, the clubhouse was used for social gatherings by tenants and guests of the Appalachian Club in Elkmont whose members, mostly from Knoxville, built rustic cabins nearby to serve as weekend or summer retreats in the years before the Park was created. In April the Park announced that the newly-restored clubhouse would be available for public day-use rental.

6) During the month of July the Smokies reported two separate drownings at the Sinks on the Little River (about 10 miles west of Gatlinburg).

5) In July Great Smoky Mountains managers announced that they were considering a move to make all backcountry camping permits (for all sites) go through Recreation.gov, an online and call-in reservation service. The proposal would cost backpackers between $2.25 and $10.00 to make a reservation for a backcountry campsite (depending on which of three proposals is ultimately adopted). The announcement has created an on-going firestorm of controversy within the backpacking community.

4) On October 27th the Great Smoky Mountains announced that research findings from the experimental elk release indicated that the elk population was sustainable, had minimal impacts on the Park's resources, and human-elk conflicts were manageable. The approved plan, signed on October 20th by National Park Service Regional Director David Vela, culminates a 10-year effort to reestablish elk to their native range.

3) 2011 has been an extremely tough year for black bears in the Smokies. As a result of a terrible food crisis (limited berry and nut supplies) caused by heavy rains throughout the year, the Appalachian Bear Rescue has taken in a record number of bear cubs (31 through the end of November) this year, topping the previous high of 23 in 2009. Some are even starving to death when they arrive at the mission in Townsend.

2) Two sewage treatment plant employees in Gatlinburg were killed on April 5th when a wall on an equalization tank collapsed, resulting in a massive sewage spill. An estimated 1.5 million gallons of untreated effluent was released into the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, a park-owned stream that bisects the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Spur of the Foothills Parkway.

1) On April 27th a massive tornado ripped through the west end of the Great Smoky Mountains. The tornado was categorized as an EF-4, with maximum wind speeds ranging between 165 and 170 miles per hour, and had an estimated maximum path width of one mile. The tornado touched down near Chilhowee Lake and moved northeast into the western portion of the Park, and was on the ground for 20 miles. Surveys by trail workers reported that more than 4500 trees were blown down, resulting in the full or partial closures of nine trails (more than 35 miles) in the Cades Cove area, including the popular Abrams Falls Trail. Three trails still remain closed.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Renovation of Laurel Gap Shelter Complete

2011-12-28T16:16:00.005-05:00

Friends of the Smokies announced today that renovation of the Laurel Gap Shelter is now complete.

Joint efforts of labor and funding from Friends of the Smokies, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club improved cooking and sleeping quarters for campers, while also reducing potential problems with black bears at the shelter located near Balsam High Top.

Reconstruction at Laurel Gap, the fifteenth and final shelter project, began in September, but weather prevented delivery of roofing materials by helicopter. The volunteer crew returned the first week of December to finish roofing the shelter under the threat of winter snows. Laurel Gap is located in North Carolina, near the intersection of the Sterling Ridge and Balsam Mountain Trails. Twelve of the Park’s 15 backcountry shelters are located on the Appalachian Trail; Mt. LeConte, Laurel Gap and Kephart Prong are not.

Funds from Friends of the Smokies and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy furnished supplies and helicopter delivery of materials to the remote shelter locations. The Appalachian Trail Maintainers Committee of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club provided the skilled volunteer labor necessary to rebuild each shelter; their work was supervised by staff from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Richard Haiman National Park Foundation contributed well over $100,000 to Friends of the Smokies since 1999 to support a dozen shelter projects, including Laurel Gap. Additional financial support came from Friends of the Smokies’ specialty license plate owners in Tennessee and North Carolina, Home Federal Bank, Maureen K. Wilder and William O. Young.

Architect Philip Royer of Knoxville, also a member of the Appalachian Trail Maintainers Committee, drew the basic blueprint for every shelter rehab project, incorporating improved natural lighting, a cooking area to separate food odors from the sleeping space, improved bunk access, new roofs and masonry repair, the removal of chain-link fences, and drainage improvements. With these changes, overnight hikers enjoy a much safer and much more inviting camping experience.

Here's a before photo:

And an after photo:

The Laurel Gap Shelter is located off the Balsam Mountain Trail near the Mt. Sterling Trail junction.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Start the year off with a First Day Hike

2011-12-28T10:26:00.002-05:00

Start the year off on the right foot by taking a First Day Hike in a state park near you. Across the country, state parks will be offering guided First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day 2012.

The idea for First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation State Park in Milton, Massachusetts. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year round recreation at state parks. Many other states have offered outdoor recreation programs on New Year’s Day, however, this is the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.

An organization called America’s State Parks has compiled an online database of more than 350 hikes on their website. You can find a First Day Hike by clicking here.

If you're looking for a hike in Tennessee, you can more detailed information on the TN State Park website.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

46 Days

2011-12-27T10:09:00.004-05:00

46 Days: Keeping Up With Jennifer Pharr Davis on the Appalachian Trail, is the brand new book that chronicles the trials, successes, joys, and frustrations of Jennifer Pharr Davis's record-breaking Appalachian Trail thru-hike this past summer.

46 Days is told through the eyes of Jennifer's husband, Brew Davis. Brew lead her "pit crew," a group of generous, loving hikers who supported Jen along the way, providing company along the epic trail, and as much food as Jen could stomach. Experience the trek with Jen and Brew as they battle shin splints and a stomach scare that threatens to end the attempt early, encounter wildlife at every turn, and meet the colorful cast of characters that help Jen complete her journey. 46 Days also includes an introduction and afterword by Jennifer with first-hand reflections on her life-changing voyage.

Brew is a teacher and lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with his wife.

For more information on the new book, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Nation’s forests are severely damaged by marijuana grow sites

2011-12-27T07:06:00.003-05:00

Marijuana cultivation sites in 20 states on 67 national forests have caused “severe” damage according to U.S. Forest Service director of law enforcement, David Ferrell.

“The illegal cultivation of marijuana on our National Forest System is a clear and present danger to the public and the environment,” Ferrell said.

His warning came in testimony earlier this month before the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.

“Many marijuana sites found on national forests are under cultivation by drug trafficking organizations that are sophisticated and include armed guards, counter-surveillance methods, logistics support and state-of-the-art growing practices,” Ferrell said. “It is incumbent on the agency to do what is necessary to ensure that the resources we manage are protected and visitors as well as employees are safe.”

Ferrell gave an example from efforts in California where the Forest Service completed cleanup and restoration on 335 sites which resulted in the removal of more than 130 tons of trash, 300 pounds of pesticides, five tons of fertilizer and nearly 260 miles of irrigation piping.

The effects of marijuana sites on natural resources are harsh. Native vegetation is cleared before planting. Thousands of feet of black tubing transport large volumes of water diverted from streams, lakes, and public drinking water supplies. An average size marijuana plot of approximately 1,000 plants requires up to 5,000 gallons of water daily.

Natural vegetation and wildlife are killed as growers use liberal doses of herbicides, rodenticides and pesticides, some of them banned in the United States. These chemicals can cause extensive and long-term damage to ecosystems. Human waste and trash in the grow sites are widespread. Winter rains create severe soil erosion and wash the poisons, this waste and trash into streams and rivers – including Congressionally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers and National Recreation Areas.

Limited agency funds are impacted by the activity, costing approximately $5,000 an acre just to clean up a grow site. The restoration of the site to re-establish streams costs another $5,000 an acre. And yet another $5,000 an acre is needed to restore the area to its natural state. The typical marijuana site is between 10-20 acres.

The agency will continue to enhance partnerships with other federal, state, local and Tribal agencies in a cooperative effort to investigate and eradicate marijuana cultivation and other narcotic activities occurring on National Forest System lands, Ferrell said. The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Recreational activities on USFS managed land contribute $14.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Donate Used Christmas Trees for Wildlife Habitat

2011-12-26T07:51:00.002-05:00

This is a great idea. I don't know of anyone else doing this, but the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests will be collecting used Christmas trees from December 27 through January 9th. They will only accept clean trees; trees containing sprays, paints, tinsel and other decorative materials are not safe for animals or the environment. You can deliver the trees to the James River Work Center, Dolly Ann Depot on Smokey Bear Lane in Covington, Va from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Simply follow the arrows to the drop off point. The trees will be added to existing brush piles for small non-game species.

“Over the past 12 years, hundreds of Christmas trees were turned into wildlife habitat” said District Ranger Pat Sheridan. “Recycling trees saves valuable space in landfills and keeps pollutants out of the air by eliminating the need to burn discarded trees.” For additional information contact the James River Ranger District at (540) 962-2214.

I'm not aware of Cherokee, or Pisgah, or any other national forests conducting similar programs. If not, this is something others should look at for future policy.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Merry Christmas from HikingintheSmokies.com

2011-12-23T07:23:00.002-05:00

...and the Friends of the Smokies:

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Help Friends of the Smokies Win $10,000

2011-12-22T18:10:00.004-05:00

Here's a great chance to help Friends of the Smokies win $10,000. All you have to do is vote. FOTS is one of four charities that were chosen by the parent company of the Travel Channel to receive this special holiday gift. Simply click onto Scripps Network holiday card link below, watch the short video (commercial), and then cast your vote. And you only have to vote once:

http://snihappyholidays.com/sni/

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Mountains-to-Sea Trail license plate approved

2011-12-20T09:23:00.005-05:00

Late last month almost 1200 people voted in two surveys conducted by Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail to decide the best design for the new Mountains-to-Sea Trail license plate. The voting process resulted in the design as seen above.

The next goal is to sell 300 plates. The North Carolina General Assembly has given FMST only a short time to sell the first 300 plates before the authorization for the plate expires. To help encourage the purchase of the new plates, FMST will enter everyone who sends them a completed plate application and check, by December 31st, into a drawing for one of three $100 gift cards (from Great Outdoor Provision Co, Mast General Store or REI).

For more information on the plates and an application form, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

BRP Issues Press Release to Clarify Future Recreational Uses

2011-12-19T13:58:00.005-05:00

Over the last several days I've posted a couple of blogs regarding concerns within the cycling community about the possibility of the Blue Ridge Parkway applying for National Historic Landmark status as a way of managing the parkway. The Adventure Cycling Association and the Virginia Bicycling Federation, and others, have expressed deep concern about the future of cycling on the Parkway as a result of this recommendation.

Last week Blue Ridge Parkway superintendent Phil Francis told Bicycle Retailer that "we’ve never had a discussion about limiting bicycle use as part of the GMP (draft management plan) process, not since I’ve been here." Francis also went on to say that "Our plan is to continue to welcome bicyclists; we are not planning to change our policy at all."

This afternoon Parkway officials published the following press release, clarifying their position, as well as some of the confusion being generated in some of these outlets:

The Blue Ridge Parkway was established for scenic driving and recreational purposes with a focus on the automobile. Over time, visitation trends have changed with an increased variety of uses, with both recreational vehicles and bicycles enjoying a scenic recreational experience. Both types of use have been accommodated on the Parkway. There is nothing in the General Management Plan (GMP) Preferred Alternative that precludes any existing uses from continuing, or precludes the consideration of new uses. There are many activities that occur on the Parkway - hiking, horseback riding, motorcycle use, running, bird watching - such uses are allowed where appropriate given resource protection and safety concerns. All uses of the Parkway motor road are currently and will continue to be managed under federal laws and National Park Service (NPS) policies.

The Parkway is National Register eligible because of its designed landscape, age, and contributing features and is world renowned as an example of rural Parkway design. NPS managers are required by law to manage eligible properties as if they were currently on the National Register of Historic Places. The historical significance of the Parkway motor road prism is based upon the design and spatial relationship of the travel lanes, grass shoulders, paved ditches, and cut and fill slopes. Keeping this relationship intact is critical to protecting the character and historic integrity of the Parkway, which NPS staff are charged with maintaining under the Organic Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other NPS laws and policies.

Decisions about cultural and historic resources, like all Parkway resources and other day-to-day park management decisions, are dictated by NPS and Department of Interior (DOI) laws and policies, the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, and other law and policy. The GMP provides overall direction for that management, but is designed to provide general guidancewhile allowing flexibility for management within the parameters of law and policy.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

'A Year of Adventure’ sweepstakes: Heli Skiing in Alaska

2011-12-19T07:47:00.000-05:00

‘A Year of Adventure’ sweepstakes, co-sponsored by Sierra Designs and Alaska Mountain Guides, continues with the final installment of its once-in-a-lifetime adventure giveaways.

Launched in April of this year, the ‘A Year of Adventure’ consumer sweepstakes is offering contestants an incredible opportunity to learn mountaineering skills in Ecuador, win a trek to Everest Base Camp, or access untracked powder via helicopter in the Alaska backcountry. Premier guide service Alaska Mountain Guides will lead the trips and Sierra Designs is supplying apparel and equipment.

The winner of the third and final sweepstakes will float through untracked powder on seldom-skied peaks in the Alaskan backcountry. The Heli Skiing in Alaska sweeps will start today. Contestants will be able to enter until midnight on April 17, 2012 with a winner drawn the following day. The Heli Skiing prize pack will include Sierra Designs Ministry 40 packs, Gnar down jackets, Mantra Fusion jackets, and Fusion pants.

For more information on the sweepstakes and how to enter, please click here. Each prizewinner will have up to one year to schedule their trip.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Director Jarvis Signs Policy On Sale Of Disposable Plastic Water Bottles

2011-12-18T07:53:00.002-05:00

Earlier this week National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis signed a policy to allow national park superintendents to discontinue the sale of water in disposable plastic bottles.

"Sustainability is a signature effort for the National Park Service," Director Jarvis said. "We must be a visible example of sustainability, so it is important that we move our sustainability program forward as an organization."

The policy came about after two national parks had discontinued the sale of water in disposable plastic bottles and more parks sought to do the same. Director Jarvis said the subject of disposable plastic bottles affects the entire national park system and warranted a national policy.

The policy addresses recycling, reduction of the sales of disposable plastic water bottles through visitor education as well as the end of the sales of these bottles if superintendents (1) complete a rigorous impact analysis including an assessment of the effects on visitor health and safety, (2) submit a request in writing to their regional director, and (3) receive the approval of their regional director.

Education is a big part of the policy. Parks will develop a proactive visitor education strategy that addresses visitor expectations and explains the rationale for whatever plastic bottle reduction, recycling, or elimination effort is implemented. This includes information about the environmental impact of purchasing decisions and the availability of reasonably priced reusable bottles which can be filled at water fountains or bottle refill stations.

You can click here to read more about the new policy.

** Only one day left for free standard shipping from Amazon before Christmas. You can find more details about all Christmas ordering cutoffs here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Announces South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant Awards

2011-12-18T07:17:00.002-05:00

This past Thursday the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) announced 10 South Mountain Partnership mini-grant awards that will help support development of heritage tourism and conservation projects in the South Mountain region totaling more than $204,000. All grants are fully matched by grantees and partnering organizations at the local level, thus leveraging other funding to develop new projects and programming consistent with the South Mountain Partnership goals of preserving and promoting natural and cultural assets.

The grant awards, administered by the ATC and funded by state and federal dollars through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as part of their Conservation Landscape Initiatives program. This year’s projects focus on increased access to community and regional trails, development of new tools to promote tourism, preservation of natural and historical assets, and support for the region's agricultural legacy and local food systems. These many facets of the region's heritage earned the South Mountain region spanning Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and northern York Counties a state designation as one of DCNR’s Conservation Landscape Initiatives in 2008.

You can find more information on the 10 award recipients by clicking here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Last Minute Outdoor Gift Solutions

2011-12-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

What gift is always the perfect size, color and ideal for every occasion? A Gift Card of course!

So, for all you last minute shoppers, here are a couple of gift solutions to save the day:

Outdoor gear and apparel company, Patagonia, offers both E-Gift Cards and Traditional Gift Cards. Their E-Gift Cards are delivered free of charge via email within 24 hours of purchase, and their traditional Cards are mailed for free via U.S. Postal Service First-Class Mail:

Top brand outdoor gear seller, Backcountry.com, offers electronic “Gear” Certificates that can be sent via email to anyone at anytime:

If you prefer to send a gift card from a store that offers more than just outdoor gear, check out Amazon.com. They offer email, Facebook, printable, as well as physical gift cards. The electronic versions of their gift cards are sent immediately, and you can receive free one day shipping on their physical cards. Another benefit with using Amazon gift cards is that they have several designs to choose from:

Amazon shoppers may also want to note that the last day for free standard shipping, before Christmas, is on Monday. You can find more details about all Christmas ordering cutoffs here.

Jeff
Smoky Mountains Day Hiker Store

The Great Smoky Mountains: 1936

2011-12-16T07:40:00.004-05:00

The Department of Interior takes a look at its effort in the Great Smoky Mountains in this interesting vintage film:

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Great Smoky Mountains National Park grows by 20 Acres

2011-12-15T12:35:00.003-05:00

Great Smoky Mountains National Park got an early Holiday gift on December 14, when the Friends of the Smokies officially transferred 20 acres of new land to be added to the Park. The land lies along Soak Ash Creek in the Pittman Center, TN community just east of Gatlinburg. Friends purchased the tract at auction in the summer of 2010 at a cost of $775,500.

According to Smokies Superintendent, Dale A. Ditmanson, "We had been interested in acquiring that property for many years if it ever came on the market, because it is surrounded by Park land on three sides, and is ripe for development. We are very happy to be able to prevent potentially intensive development right on the Park's boundary and it also protects an intact wetland. Along with the property we inherited a sprawling 5-bedroom home which we plan to make available for occupancy by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). The house also includes a large conference space which may occasionally host Park field trips by the Eugene W. Huskey Environmental Center when foul weather forces them indoors."

"We are so pleased to be able to help protect the Smokies through the addition of this key parcel. Friends President Jim Hart said. "We also are grateful to our Pittman Center neighbor and Friends Board member Jim Ogle whose annual "Picnics in Pittman for the Park" at his Emerts Cove home have raised over $500,000 which became the core of the purchase price. Other significant support included a $25,000 grant from the Foothills Land Conservancy.

Although the Friends have owned the property since last summer, the Park needed to complete a number of surveys of the structure and the land before accepting ownership of the tract. The Park is finalizing plans to lease the house to the ATC which will utilize the residence as a field office, as a training space, and as housing for the Appalachian Trail Ridgerunners when they are off the trail and for use by ATC Trail Crews, which the Park brings in most years to take on major AT reconstruction projects.

In past years the ATC crews have been assigned to a 4-bedroom log dormitory directly behind Park Headquarters which, ironically, was also donated to the Park by the Friends in 1995. Park officials plan to re-purpose the log dormitory for use as the Park Communication/Dispatch Center. Currently dispatchers and their growing collection of computer equipment and incident files are crammed into two small offices in the Headquarters basement.

Ditmanson concluded, "This recent donation - when coupled with the reuse of the earlier log cabin gift, is just one more reminder of just how integrated the Friends have become into the Park's protection and infrastructure management."

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

"First Hikes" Mark Arrival of New Year and 75th Anniversary of Tennessee State Park

2011-12-15T07:14:00.000-05:00

Harkening back to the long-standing Gaelic tradition of “First Footing” as an outdoor beginning to meet the New Year, Tennessee State Parks will be kicking off 2012, and their 75th Anniversary year, with a series of “First Hikes” at each park. All 53 Tennessee State Park will sponsor a free, guided hike on either Sunday, January 1st or Monday, January 2nd to welcome the New Year.

Here's a small sampling of some of the hikes being offered:

Roan Mountain State Park: Join the park for a Ranger-led hike down the Tom Gray Trail as it meanders along the beautiful Doe River. Following the hike, return to the Conference Center to enjoy hot cocoa and homemade cookies by the hearth.

Norris Day State Park: Ranger-led, 10-mile hike along Lake View Trail and Norris Lake. Hike is rated moderate with lots of elevation change. Bring some snacks and we'll have a pot luck refreshment stop!

Frozen Head State Park: Ranger-led hike to Emory Gap Falls. From Visitor Center, we’ll car pool to the trail head for 2.5-mile hike and return to Visitor Center for hot cocoa

Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail: “Gravelly Spur Hike at the Head of the Sequatchie” hike. Gravelly Spur Road led the earliest American settlers into Sequatchie Valley from Grassy Cove in the first decade of the 19th Century. This hike will explore possible segments of the road, some areas lined with beautiful dry stacked rock fencing, and a great view of the Hinch Mountain from the "back forty" at the Head of Sequatchie Resource Management Area.

For more information on these hikes, and hikes in all 53 state parks, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Bicycles are Welcome on Blue Ridge Parkway, says Superintendent

2011-12-14T17:06:00.004-05:00

This past Saturday I posted a blog about some concern within the cycling community regarding the possibility of the Blue Ridge Parkway applying for National Historic Landmark status as a way of managing the parkway, and how it will impact cyclists. In particular, both the Adventure Cycling Association and the Virginia Bicycling Federation have recently expressed deep concern about the future of cycling on the Parkway.

Yesterday, Bicycle Retailer published an interview they conducted with Blue Ridge Parkway superintendent Phil Francis. The superintendent told Steve Frothingham of Bicycle Retailer that "we’ve never had a discussion about limiting bicycle use as part of the GMP (draft management plan) process, not since I’ve been here." Francis also went on to say that "Our plan is to continue to welcome bicyclists; we are not planning to change our policy at all."

To read or listen to the full interview, including comments on a multi-use path parallel to the Parkway, and mountain biking in the Park, please click here.

Public comments on the draft management plan will be accepted through December 16th. You can submit written comments by mail to:

Superintendent Philip A. Francis, Jr.
Blue Ridge Parkway
199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

CMLC Introduces New Conservation Story Series

2011-12-14T07:16:00.000-05:00

Late last week Peter Barr from the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy sent me an email alerting me to a new feature on the CMLC website. Mr. Barr has recently published a series of conservation stories on the website.

In this new series you can read tales of the people who lived on North Carolina's conserved lands, the struggles and rewards their families experienced, and the fascinating and sometimes bizarre occurrences that tied them to the mountains. Peter's hope is that through these stories, the history of these special places will be preserved just like the land itself. Moreover, readers will have the opportunity to discover the heritage of the people who call these lands home.

CMLC’s protected lands possess an abundance of amazing natural features: waterfalls, scenic vistas, and striking biodiversity, to name only a few. All of these wonderful resources are highly visible to those who visit them, yet they reveal the value of the land only on its surface. Every tract has a story. Every mountain carries echoes of the past.

Nearly 400 acres of forest, farms, and natural lands are lost to unplanned development every day in North Carolina. In addition to the loss of their natural character, equally tragic is the loss of their histories and stories—elements that make up the core of our region’s heritage and influence our values. Those who have lived amongst our mountains, worked their soils, and explored their rugged slopes have bestowed as much identity to them as the animals that roam the forests or the water that flows in their streams. CMLC is not simply conserving land, but also the timeless stories that they hold.

Peter already has several stories published, and plans to add new installments on a regular basis that will tell the stories behind CMLC’s more than 20,000 acres of protected lands in western North Carolina. You can read those stories here.

Peter Barr is CMLC’s Trails & Outreach Coordinator. He is the author of two hiking and historical guidebooks: Hiking North Carolina’s Lookout Towers and the forthcoming Hiking the Southeast’s Highest Peaks. He has also written for Blue Ridge Outdoors, Smoky Mountains News, and Lookout Network. An avid hiker, Peter has reached the summit of every southern Appalachian peak exceeding an elevation of 5,000 feet as well as hiked all 900 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 2010, he thru-hiked the 2,181 mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Gov't Agencies Conduct First Wildlife Habitat Project near Max Patch

2011-12-13T07:54:00.002-05:00

Last week the USDA Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) announced that work is underway on the first wildlife habitat enhancement project in western North Carolina conducted under a first-of-its-kind agreement between the federal agency and a state agency.

This first project encompasses about 15 acres in an area known as “Catpen,” near Max Patch, a mountain bald with 360-degree scenic vistas. Catpen is near the North Carolina border in the Appalachian Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest. Planning is underway for phase two of the Catpen Project, which will improve Max Patch Pond.

In phase one of the project, NCWRC employees are clearing away woody debris around native apple trees to open up a young forest area. The goal is to increase wildlife food sources such as apples and acorns.

“The Catpen Project will benefit deer, turkey, grouse, bears, neotropical songbirds and other species,” said Gordon Warburton, NCWRC regional supervisor for Western North Carolina.

Young forests, which provide habitat for numerous wildlife species, have declined in the Southern Appalachians.

The Wildlife Commission is providing the equipment, staff and technical expertise for this and other projects implemented under the master agreement. The Commission is working closely with Forest Service biologists to maximize the benefits of these wildlife projects. The projects employ some local workers and use locally purchased materials and supplies. The agencies will also contract with small businesses on the stewardship projects.

The Catpen Project meets objectives in the Pisgah National Forest land and resource management plan. The efforts will also contribute to goals under the NCWRC Wildlife Action Plan. The project is made possible by stewardship contracting authority, provided by Congress for the Forest Service until 2013.

Earlier this year, the National Forests in North Carolina and NCWRC signed the master stewardship agreement that includes this project. Subsequent projects will improve wildlife habitat by establishing important grassy and brushy areas for nesting and cover. The projects will improve the health and vigor of oak species and create other special or priority habitats. Other project areas may include the Cheoah and Nantahala Ranger Districts in the Nantahala National Forest as well as the Uwharrie National Forest.

Vibram FiveFingers Sale at REI! 5 Styles of FiveFinger Shoes on Sale + Free Shipping!

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

2012 BRP and Smokies Calendars

2011-12-13T07:49:00.002-05:00

Looking for a cool stocking stuffer? Check out some of the new 2012 calendars for the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway now available for purchase on our Amazon store. Both wall calendars include stunning scenic photos by acclaimed photographer, J. Scott Graham.

Our HikingintheSmokys.com Amazon affiliate store also carries several other hiking and national park related calendars, as well as calendars for the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Trail. You can view our entire selection by clicking onto our store, and then clicking on the "Gift Ideas" tab.

Thanks for your support!

Holiday Sock Sale - Up to 30% off

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Great Idea for Preventing Frozen Water Bottles

2011-12-12T10:37:00.002-05:00

Last week I presented some tips for preventing water bottles from freezing solid while hiking in cold weather.

In the posting I mentioned that if you’re storing water bottles in your backpack on a very cold day, you may need to insulate them to prevent them from freezing. Using an old wool sock will work. I also mentioned that you may want to turn the bottle upside down to prevent the water from freezing at the neck.

A couple of days after publishing this blog I learned of another trick. This comes courtesy of Christian Vande Velde, the pro cyclist and Tour de France veteran. Vande Velde told the Wall Street Journal that he spends part of his off-season training in his hometown of Chicago - in the dead of winter. Vande Velde said that he combats frozen water bottles by adding a half shot of Grand Marnier to the bottle before leaving his house.

I think he might be on to something!

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Study: Camping is the Safest Recreational Activity

2011-12-12T07:44:00.000-05:00

According to a study conducted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, camping ranks as one of the safest recreational activities in America. The hunting advocacy organization recently compiled data from the National Sporting Goods Association and the Consumer Products Safety Commission to compare total injuries per 100,000 participants in 29 recreational activities. Campers only reported 4942 injuries in 2010, versus an estimated 44,700,000 participation nights, or 11 injuries per 100,000 participants.

I found it quite interesting, and perplexing, that mountain biking had a much lower injury rate than "bicycle riding", which I would interpret to mean road cycling. The only explanation that I can think of is that "bicycle riding" includes more children.

Unfortunately hiking was not included in the study.

Here are the top 10 safest activities:

Here are the most unsafe activities:

Of course this study only measures the number of incidents, and doesn't look at the severity of these injuries, which would likely tell a much different story. You can look at the full table of activities on the Fact Sheet published by the NSSF.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Hiking Essentials for the Smokies

2011-12-11T07:35:00.002-05:00

Below are a couple of stocking stuffers for anyone interested in hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. With more than 800 miles of trails in the park, detailed topographical maps and hiking trail guides are great ways for hikers to discover new trails and new destinations in the Smokies.

Hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park, by local hiker and outdoor photographer Kevin Adams, covers more than 80 hikes in the Smokies. The guide features photos, up-to-date trail information, trail maps, elevation profiles, clear directions from major access points, difficulty and traffic ratings for each hike, vacation planning, a hiker's checklist, and quick reference trail highlights.

National Geographic now has two separate Trails Illustrated Maps for the Great Smoky Mountains - in addition to the old map. National Geographic has divided the Park in two, thus allowing each map to show much greater detail. The original map, which covered the entire Park, had a scale 1:70,000. The two new maps now have a scale of 1:40,000 (1” = .6 miles) and provide much greater detail such as backcountry campsites, footbridges, fords and stream crossings, nature/interpretive trails, as well as detailed trail mileages.

The map for the western section of the Park includes the Cades Cove, Elkmont and Fontana Lake areas.

The map for the eastern section includes Clingmans Dome, Mt. LeConte, Newfound Gap Road, Big Creek and the Cataloochee areas.

Coverage Highlights Areas and places featured in this map series include: the Appalachian Trail, Benton Mackaye Trail, and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The maps also include scenic overlooks and roadside pull-outs.

Of course the original map, which covers the entire Park, is still available as well.

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To see our full library of hiking and travel books for the Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail and the surrounding Southern Appalachian region, please visit our Amazon store by clicking here.

Thanks for your support!

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Cyclists being shut out of Blue Ridge Parkway's Future Plans?

2011-12-10T07:20:00.002-05:00

Several weeks ago I posted information concerning a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Blue Ridge Parkway’s General Management Plan. This draft plan, the parkway's first comprehensive management plan in its 75-year history, will provide comprehensive guidance for the Parkway for the next 20+ years.

In my posting I highlighted some of the changes and impacts hikers and campers could experience, depending on which of the three proposals is adopted. However, I neglected to review the document for impacts on cyclists. Apparently there is concern within the cycling community about the fact that the Blue Ridge Parkway is applying for National Historic Landmark status as a way of managing the parkway in an era of diminished national park funding. The Adventure Cycling Association contends that:

"the designation clearly sets a bad precedent -- one that cannot be easily undone. Under this status, any changes within the parkway will go under intense historic and environmental review, called the Section 106 process. This could halt or stagnate trail building, road maintenance, or any number of future improvements for bicycle access. In addition, other national parks could begin using this designation to “preserve” the status quo. Despite the growing interest in bicycling, park managers wouldn't have to accommodate cyclists or other non-motorized and alternative transportation users."

The Virginia Bicycling Federation is also raising similar concerns in a blog posting from earlier in the week:

Most troubling is an over-arching reference to the Parkway being “actively managed as a traditional, self-contained, scenic recreational driving experience…” The Parkway was formed through legislation in 1936. Its managers seem to have a vision of retaining a “golden age” of that time. But let’s be realistic, a “traditional driving experience” in 1936 was far different than how users would choose to enjoy the Parkway in the 21st century.

If you are a cyclist, and have concerns about the future of cycling on the Parkway, you should note that public comments on the document will be accepted through December 16th.

You can submit written comments by mail to:

Superintendent Philip A. Francis, Jr.
Blue Ridge Parkway
199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803

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Today is the last day for Holiday Flurry Week Deals for Electronics on Amazon. Last chance to find deep discounts on computers, HDTVs, home audio gear, GPS devices, cameras, MP3 players, video games, and cell phones. Click hereto begin shopping.

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Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

NC National Forests Take Strategic Approach to Managing Trails

2011-12-09T09:07:00.002-05:00

The USDA Forest Service in North Carolina announced yesterday that it will host multiple workshops next year to address management of non-motorized recreation trails across the Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests.

Reading between the lines in the press release, as well as on the linked pages, it sounds to me like the Forest Service might be interested in closing some trails. And/or possibly closing access to some activities such as mountain biking or horseback riding. If you have an interest in any outdoor activity on National Forest lands in North Carolina, it might be a good idea to attend one of these meetings to make your voice heard.

“Referred to as the Non-motorized Trails Strategy, this effort gives partners the opportunity to identify sustainable forest trail systems,” said Forest Supervisor Marisue Hilliard. “I believe this initiative will produce high-quality trail systems that will better serve our visitors and the land.”

Public workshops for Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest trails start in early January 2012. The Uwharrie and Croatan National Forests meetings start in summer 2012. A complete list of meeting dates and times is posted here.

Representatives from a wide range of trail-user groups, individuals who represent local communities and ecotourism, or individuals not represented by larger user groups are invited to collaborate in the process, which is expected to take up to a year to complete. The result will be recommendations for a comprehensive trail management plan for each national forest in North Carolina, along with a stronger community of volunteers to assist with these efforts.

The Forest Service initiated this process because use of forest trails in North Carolina is increasing every year. Resources used to maintain trails have been static or decreasing. The emphasis will be on high-quality experiences on sustainable trail systems.

Through this process, the Forest Service and users will work together to look at the trail systems and recommend how to make the best use of current and future resources. The agency will use information generated from this process for the Nantahala/Pisgah National Forests Management Plan revision slated to start in 2013.

The National Forests in North Carolina includes 1.25 million acres of public lands, more than 1600 miles of non-motorized trails and nearly five million visitors per year, making it one of the most visited forests in the nation. For more information on the Trail Strategy, click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

First Winter Ascent of Mt. Rainier on 1922 Newsreel

2011-12-09T07:09:00.001-05:00

Check out this film from 1922 that documents the first ever winter ascent of Mt. Rainier by Jean and Jacques Landry, Jacques Bergues and newsreel cameraman Charles Perryman. It's also the first motion picture ever taken on the summit of Mount Rainier, and is the oldest known climbing or skiing film in the State of Washington.

The film come courtesy of The Mountaineers. In 2003, Charles Perryman's grandson, Steve Turner, contacted The Mountaineers about the film after reading about Perryman's climb in the Alpenglow Ski Mountaineering History Project. This led to an eight-year effort by Skoog to acquire the newsreel films. The project was completed in October 2011:

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

12 Days of Christmas Deals Begins Today

2011-12-08T09:32:00.008-05:00

Altrec Outdoors annual 12 Days of Christmas Deals begins today. Each day through December 19th, Altrec will feature a different set of bargains for shoppers to take advantage of. Today the online retailer is offering hot deals on women's outdoor gear, which also includes free shipping. Please click here to begin shopping.

This week is also Holiday Flurry Week Deals for Electronics on Amazon. Deep discounts on computers, HDTVs, home audio gear, GPS devices, cameras, MP3 players, video games, and cell phones ends this Saturday. Please click herefor more information.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Do you recognize this man?

2011-12-08T09:16:00.004-05:00

Does this sketch look like anyone you know:

Law enforcement officials encourage area residents to continue reporting any information they may have that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the man accused of raping a woman in the Nantahala National Forest on Sept. 25, 2011.

Investigators say they have received a steady stream of information, and they would like to see the trend continue. Posting signs and a description of the suspect can help. Investigators appreciate the public’s help. As part of a multi-agency manhunt, law enforcement officials are aggressively working to solve the case by following up on leads and using numerous other investigative tools, including forensic evidence. Law enforcement officials are committed to finding the suspect and bringing him to justice.

The USDA Forest Service, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) are seeking information on the rape that occurred Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, at approximately 4:00 p.m. in Macon County within the Nantahala National Forest.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Forest Service Road (FSR) 711 and the Wayah Road, State Road 1310. A female driving through the area stopped to render aid to a person she believed was incapacitated who was lying beside the road. At that time, a firearm was used to subdue the victim, and she was allegedly forcibly raped.

Law enforcement authorities seek information and assistance in identifying a possible suspect. Authorities are looking for a white male, 6’0”, 200 pounds, between the ages of 30 and 40, having brown wavy short hair, green to blue eyes, having a deep voice and a fair complexion. The suspect was last seen wearing dark blue jeans and a medium blue shirt. The subject is armed and considered dangerous and may be carrying a backpack. No vehicle information is available at this time. A composite sketch (below) was rendered to assist in identifying the assailant. The sketch is also posted online.

On the same date and approximate location, a motor grader was vandalized and diesel was stolen. Earlier the same day, three individuals were observed around the motor grader that may have information relevant to the case. These individuals or persons knowing these individuals’ identities are asked to call law enforcement.

Persons having information to pass on to law enforcement may call the USDA Forest Service special agent at 828-231-0288, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office at 828-524-2811 or the SBI at 1-800-334-3000.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Holiday Specials on Cabins in the Smokies

2011-12-08T07:51:00.002-05:00

As a way of thanking the advertisers on HikingintheSmokys.com, I wanted to let you know about the specials they’re offering on overnight lodging in the Smokies during the month of December. These cabin owners offer lodging in Townsend, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge as well as the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you or anyone you know is planning on visiting the Smokies this month, please check out these outstanding offers:

Gatlinburg Falls Resort:

* BUY 2 NIGHTS GET 2 NIGHTS FREE (WEEKDAYS ONLY) (12/05/2011-12/15/2011)

Heartland Rentals:

* Stay 3 nights and get the 3rd night half off.
* Stay 4 nights and only pay for 3 nights!
* Stay 5 or 6 nights in December and get the 5th night free!!
* Stay 7 nights and only pay for 5 nights.

All offers exclude Christmas and New Years!

Moose Creek Crossing:

* BOOK ANY CABIN AND STAY BETWEEN 12/15/11 - 1/10/12 FOR 4 NIGHTS DURING THE HOLIDAYS AND RECEIVE 15% DISCOUNT OF THE LODGING AMOUNT - ON REMAINING INVENTORY ONLY. MUST CALL OUR OFFICE AT 1-888-972-2246 TO RECEIVE THIS DISCOUNT.

* Book any cabin for three nights or more and stay between November 15th - December 20, 2011 and receive 50% off one night. Discount applied to the least expensive night. Remaining inventory only. Not combined with other discounts. Not during holiday weekends. Must call our office at 1-888-972-2246 to receive this discount.

Timber Tops Luxury Cabins:

* 3 Nights for the Price of 2!
* 25% All Remaining Cabins for 2 Nights
* 4 Nights for the Price of 3 on ALL Cabins!

Excludes Holiday Rates (12/23/2011-12/31/2011)

**When making a reservation, please be sure to mention that you saw these specials on HikingintheSmokys.com**

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Oconaluftee Holiday Homecoming

2011-12-07T07:46:00.001-05:00

The Great Smoky Mountains provided a few more details yesterday on the upcoming Oconaluftee Holiday Homecoming.

On Saturday, December 17, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host a Holiday Homecoming at the new Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Park staff and volunteers will provide hands-on demonstrations of traditional crafts from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Children and adults will have the opportunity to make a corn shuck doll, buzz button, and cinnamon ornaments to take home, or if they wish, to hang on the visitor center tree.

From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. there will be an acoustic old time jam session focused on holiday music. "Musical expression was and still is often a part of daily life in the southern mountains, and mountain music is strongly tied to the Smokies history and culture," said Lynda Doucette, Supervisory Park Ranger, Oconaluftee Visitor Center. She continued, "We would like to invite musicians to play traditional Appalachian tunes such as gospel songs and traditional ballads as they were played on the porches in the old days."

The visitor center will be decorated for the holiday season and will include an exhibit on Christmas in the mountains in the past. Hot cider and cookies will be served on the porch accompanied by a glowing fire.

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. Highway 441), two miles north of Cherokee, N.C. For more information call the visitor center at (828) 497-1904. All activities are free and open to the public. Generous support of this event is provided by the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

And, don't forget about the 36th Annual Festival of Christmas Past at the Sugarlands Visitor Center this Saturday. Click here for more details.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Firestorm building on Smokies Backcountry Fees

2011-12-06T09:00:00.005-05:00

A firestorm seems to have erupted over a backcountry fee system Great Smoky Mountains officials proposed back in July.

The controversy has been brewing ever since Great Smoky Mountains managers announced that they were considering a move to make all backcountry camping permits (for all sites) go through Recreation.gov, an online and call-in reservation service. The proposal would cost backpackers between $2.25 and $10.00 to make a reservation for a backcountry campsite (depending on which of three proposals is ultimately adopted).

Since then, John Quillen, a self-employed drug counselor and avid backpacker from Knoxville, and Johnny Molloy, a local hiking book author, have taken up the crusade to fight the proposal.

First of all, I completely empathize with the position Quillen, Molloy and others have carved out. However, I must say, that I am on the fence about the whole issue. But I must also point out that several of the arguments the opposition presents on their website has a few holes in them.

Southernforestwatch.org states that the backcountry fee proposal is effectively an entrance fee and it targets backpackers. That simply isn't true. Just like any other visitor, backpackers are allowed to enter the park for free. As the proposal stipulates, they may have to pay a fee to use overnight facilities in the park in the future, just like front country campers currently have to. The website also laments as to why tax dollars aren't being used to pay for these services. But I would argue that tax payer dollars should never be used to subsidize any recreational activities. There are, afterall, costs involved with maintaining those campsites. As mentioned, the park already charges a fee to camp in the front country, and it effectively charges a fee to rent a bike or a horse in Cades Cove. I do, however, agree that this "is a foot in the door for other entrance fees". As with any other governmental agency, this fee could become the impetus for other fees - the proverbial slippery slope.

One of the reasons the Smokies wants to implement a fee system is due to overcrowding at some sites. The Southernforestwatch website points out that the number of backcountry users peaked in the mid-1990s, and has seen a significant drop since then. Therefore, as the website points-out, there is no need for a comprehensive reservation system. Moreover, the website thinks that the park is misleading the public on this issue. Southernforestwatch states:

Take, for example, a printout from the Park’s own figures for a typical recent year. It shows a total of 72,907 camper nights for 108 campsites. That comes out to 675 campers per site for a full year, or less than two people per night. That’s hardly overcrowded, and the figures would show that the Park is misleading the public in even worse fashion if you remove Mt. Leconte and Appalachian Trail shelters. Over half of backcountry campsites averaged less than ONE CAMPER PER NIGHT.

However, as we all know, statistics can be misleading. Is it possible that most of those bag nights are concentrated in a small group of campsites, thus overcrowding those sites as the park states? I don't know, and simply looking at those statistics certainly doesn't answer that question.

Secondly, the Park states that there is overcrowding of backcountry campsites by non-permitted campers. If this is true, those people aren't being counted in the official statistics cited above.

The Southernforestwatch website also misrepresents the role of Recreation.gov, the firm that would handle the reservation system. They state:

Recreation.gov seems to have some political clout. Owned by Active.com, a CANADIAN company, they are more than ready to outsource Smokies backcountry camping reservations through concession. What do they know about our mountains? Apparently, according to Ditmanson, a considerable amount. Enough to entrust them with all reservations and "trip planning" whatever that entails.

Actually, Recreation.gov, who currently handles reservations for front country camping in the Smokies, wouldn't handle any of the trip planning advice. As a 7/29/11 Press Release states, "The Park would also expand the operations of the Backcountry Information Center to provide quality trip planning advice to help users develop a customized itinerary that best fits their available time and ability."

Southernforestwatch also misrepresents the issue of stimulus tax dollars. "Last year conferred another 64 million EXTRA stimulus tax dollars to build roads and fix horse trails, now he (Superintendent Dale Ditmanson) wants to take more of our money to increase his staff." Unfortunately, those tax dollars were earmarked towards specific projects. They were never meant to go into the general budget. This is not an issue Southernforestwatch should be taking up with Superintendent Ditmanson. If they have a problem with this stipulation they need to address it with the President and Congress.

The problem with the proposal:

The park wants to "hire additional Rangers who would exclusively patrol the backcountry to improve compliance with Park regulations as well as helping to curb plant and wildlife poaching and respond more quickly to visitor emergencies." But with more than 800 miles of trails, and more than 100 backcountry campsites and shelters, how many rangers would the park have to hire to effectively manage the backcountry? To me it seems quixotic.

Southernforestwatch states that the Smokies "backcountry office is only manned a few hours per day" and is "turning away volunteers in droves". If this is true, this is a big problem. If the issue of making a reservation, and receiving trip planning advice can be accomplished through willing volunteers, then the Park, at a minimum, is guilty of mis-management.

Why not implement an online (only) reservation system that could handle the majority of the current phone call load. This would then free up time for the current staff at the Backcountry Information Center, already working three hours a day, to help with trip planning advice. I'll emphasize "online only". Using the call center services to make a reservation at Recreation.gov would drive up expenses, thus increasing costs for backpackers. Why not minimize these fees by employing an online only system, in addition to the three hours of phone service at the Backcountry Information Center. Why not give a system like this a test for a year or two to see if this solves the problem?

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Discover the Joys of Winter Hiking

2011-12-05T08:01:00.000-05:00

Many hikers tend to run from the woods as soon as the first snow flakes begin to fall. However, winter is great time to hit the trail. Not only are the crowds gone, but many parks show off their true beauty after a fresh snowfall. With just a little more attention to detail beforehand, anyone can have a safe and enjoyable hike during the winter.

Although it might feel quite frigid at the trailhead, your body will begin generating plenty of heat after just 10 or 15 minutes of walking. The best thing you can do to keep the cold out is to dress in layers: a base layer that wicks moisture off your body, a fleece jacket for insulating warmth, and a shell to keep you dry and to keep the wind from penetrating your core. Most importantly, dressing in layers allows you to adjust your attire as you heat-up or cool-off. When dressing for a winter hike, always remember the adage: cotton kills! Never wear anything made of cotton while hiking in the backcountry. Once wet, cotton no longer insulates you from the cold. Moreover, it wicks heat away from your body and puts you at risk of becoming hypothermic.

Some people are prone to cold feet in the winter. One of the keys to keeping your feet warm is to make sure they stay dry. Wear a good pair of hiking socks, made of wool blends or synthetic fabrics, that wick moisture away from your skin, retain heat when wet, and dry faster if they become wet. I always keep an extra pair in my pack in case the ones I’m wearing do get wet. (Expert Advice: How to Choose Socks) You should also wear above-the-ankle hiking boots which help to keep snow away from your feet. You may want to consider wearing gaiters, especially if there are several inches of snow on the ground.

To round-out your winter apparel, don’t forget about a good pair of gloves, a ski cap and maybe even a balaclava.

If the snow is too deep in the mountains, consider hiking at lower elevations, or even wearing snowshoes. If you expect a lot of ice, especially in areas where there might be steep drop-offs, consider bringing crampons specifically made for hiking. These are sometimes referred to as traction devices, or in-step crampons, which you can either strap-on or slide onto your boots.

Trekking poles are another excellent choice for helping to maintain your balance on sections of trail with slick ice and snow.

After outfitting yourself with the proper winter gear, hikers will then need to focus on staying hydrated and properly fueled while out on the trail. Hiking in the cold, especially in snow, burns more calories. By some estimates, hikers can burn as much as 50% more calories when compared to similar distances and terrain in the summer. By not consuming enough calories while on the trail you become prone to getting cold faster. Make sure you bring plenty of high-energy snacks with you to munch on periodically throughout your hike. Watch out for foods that can freeze solid, such as some power bars. Or, instead of storing in your backpack, put some snacks inside your fleece jacket. Your body should generate enough heat to prevent them from freezing.

Although it may sound counter-intuitive, it can actually be easier to experience dehydration in the winter, versus hiking in the summer. Dehydration can occur faster in cold weather because the air is much drier. Moreover, dehydration can be dangerous because it can accelerate hypothermia and frostbite. Make sure you bring plenty of liquids with you, and drink often while on the trail.

If you’re storing water bottles in your backpack during a very cold day, you may need to insulate them to prevent them from freezing. An old wool sock will work in this case. Also, you may want to turn the bottle upside down to prevent the water from freezing at the neck. If you plan to be out for several hours, consider bringing a thermos containing a hot drink, or even soup.

Other winter hazards hikers need to be aware of include hiking in steep terrain that’s prone to avalanches, or a storm that covers the trail with fresh snow, thus making navigation difficult. You should always carry a topographical map and a compass with you in case you ever need help finding your way back to the trailhead if you were to become lost.

Other gear to bring with you includes a first aid kit, firestarter, waterproof matches, a pocket knife, an emergency blanket and maybe even a bivy sack.

Finally, let someone know where you’re going, when you’ll be back, and who to call if they don’t hear back from you at a specified time.

With a little care and preparation up front, anyone can discover the joys of winter hiking.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

High Allegheny National Park

2011-12-03T07:26:00.003-05:00

Did you know there's a movement afoot for the creation of a new national park in West Virginia? I caught wind of the proposed High Allegheny National Park on The Goat last night.

Apparently, at the request of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, the National Park Service is looking into the creation of a National Park that would encompass parts of the Monongahela National Forest, Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area and the Otter Creek Wilderness Area. According to the Friends of High Allegheny National Park website, most of the land in the propsed park is already federally owned, so implementation costs will be minimal.

The new park would include the headwaters of the Potomac, Monongahela, and Greenbrier Rivers, several Civil War sites, as well as portions of the historic Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, a National Scenic Byway. There will also be plenty of outdoor opportunities, including hiking, paddling and cross-country skiing.

There is some concern among many West Virginians that their right to hunt and fish on the existing national forest lands would be curbed. However, in a recent blog posting on the The Charleston Gazette website, John McCoy states that he received a phone call from Marni Goldberg, press secretary for Sen. Manchin, who explained that "Sen. Manchin would never support legislation that might curb hunting in West Virginia’s mountain highlands or anywhere else. She said Manchin was willing to consider the area as a preserve, but not as a full-fledged national park."

The Friends of High Allegheny National Park further explains the issue with this statement on their website: "Interconnecting public lands will be Preserve Areas, where hunting will be allowed".

According to an NPS press release published last week, a survey will be conducted during most of 2012 to determine whether the "project area" meets criteria for designation as a National Park.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

A Hike in the Smokies

2011-12-02T07:32:00.003-05:00

Below is an interesting video published about a month ago by Matt Harris. Matt provides a very artistic presentation of his hike to Andrews Bald. Not sure what the horses towards the end have to do with anything, but the overall videography is very beautiful:

A Hike in the Smokies from Matt Harris on Vimeo.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Origins of the Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains

2011-12-01T08:52:00.008-05:00

There are roughly 850 miles of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There’s also a lot of history underneath those trails we walk along today. How were these trails established? Who blazed them, and why?

Some of the earliest trails in what would become the national park were simple game trails, created by migrating bison, elk, and other large animals. Many of these were later adapted by the Indians in the area. The Cherokee used these established routes for trading with other tribes, and for reaching favored hunting grounds.

Over the years, with the steady encroachment of white settlers, many of the old Indian pathways were converted into stock trails and wagon roads. By the late 1800’s, big lumber companies were converting Indian trails into logging roads and railroads to help with the harvest and transport of timber.

A few of these old settler roads eventually became the hiking trails we use today. If you hike along the Old Sugarlands Trail, the Little River Trail or the Meigs Mountain Trail, you’ll be walking on some of the same roads used by the pioneers and homesteaders of this area.

Some of the footpaths we use today were blazed by one pioneer in particular.

Wiley Oakley, also known as the “Roamin Man of the Mountains”, was born in 1885 at the base of Mount LeConte. Tragically, his mother died when he was a young boy. To help deal with his grief he began wandering the hollows and mountains near his home. Reflecting back as an older man, he spoke of how he would try to climb the highest peaks to see if he could catch a glimpse of her in heaven.

As he grew older, Wiley’s responsibilities also grew. At sill a relatively young age he began helping the family with hunting and fishing duties. It was during this time that he spent “roamin” and hunting that he was discovering the unique features of the mountains and was even blazing his own footpaths. Eventually he became a hunting and fishing guide, and gained such a renowned reputation that he was soon guiding politicians, celebrities and businessmen from all over the country, including Henry Ford.

During the Park’s formation, Wiley became a major consultant and was called on by surveyors to help determine Park boundaries. Some of those paths he blazed earlier in his life eventually became official park trails.

Another early explorer by the name of Paul Adams is credited with blazing the trail from Alum Cave to Mount LeConte, as well as for helping to establish the famous lodge atop that same mountain.

Adams, an avid hiker, joined the Great Smoky Mountain Conservation Association in 1924, a group dedicated to making the Smoky Mountains into a national park. Later that same year Adams led an expedition to the top of Mount LeConte for the purpose of showing Washington dignitaries the rugged beauty of the Smoky Mountains, and to help promote the cause for national park status. The delegation spent the night in a large tent. The following year Adams would build a cabin on that same spot which eventually led to the establishment of the LeConte Lodge.

Although many trails in the Smoky Mountains follow all or parts of the routes developed by migrating animals, Indians, pioneers and explorers, the majority of trails still in use today were developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

The CCC was a work relief program established in 1933 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. As part of Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation, the CCC was created to combat unemployment during the Great Depression. Between 1933 and 1942, the CCC used 4000 men to build trails, campgrounds, bridges and ranger stations in the Smokies.

Some of the trails built by the CCC include Bullhead, Alum Cave, Kephart Prong, Maddron Bald, Sweat Heifer and Sugarland Mountain.

Since the early days of the Park, various hiking clubs have worked to improve the original CCC trails, and in some cases, construct new ones. One of those pathways, the granddaddy of all trails, was the Appalachian Trail.

The Appalachian Trail, also known as the AT, runs for more than 70 miles through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, entering from the north at Davenport Gap and exiting in the south near Fontana Dam. The highest point anywhere along the 2175-mile trail is at Clingmans Dome (6625 ft.). The trail also passes by other notable landmarks in the Smokies such as Charlies Bunion, Rocky Top and the historic stone fire tower atop Mt. Cammerer.

Although the AT was the brainchild of Benton MacKaye, cofounder of The Wilderness Society, it was Harvey Broome and Paul Fink that made it become a reality in the Smokies.

Harvey Broome was an early environmentalist, another one of the cofounders of The Wilderness Society, and a longtime president of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. He, along with seven others, hiked the 70+ miles of AT through the Park in 1932 before the trail was completed. He was largely responsible for sighting most of the AT thru the Park.

Paul Fink, another leader of the movement that led to the founding of the national park, was also instrumental in blazing the AT through the Smokies. Fink was a member of the Board of Managers of the Appalachian Trail from 1925 to 1949, and was the author of “Backpacking Was the Only Way”, an account of early 20th century camping and backpacking adventures in the southern Appalachians.

Over the years, the Park has closed certain trails for various reasons. In the future, it’s likely that other trails will be closed and new ones will be created, demonstrating that the park isn’t static, but a park that continues to evolve.

Hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park, by Kevin Adams, covers 80 hikes in the Smokies, and includes photos, trail maps, elevation profiles, and quick reference trail highlights.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

The Grandma Gatewood Project

2011-11-30T07:05:00.004-05:00

In 1955, after raising 11 children, Emma "Grandma" Gatewood became the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail - at the tender age of 67!

Then, in 1960, she hiked it again. And, just to prove those first two weren't a fluke, she hiked it again in 1963 - at the age of 75! After that third adventure Emma became the first person to hike the trail three times.

Some claim Gatewood was a pioneer of ultralight backpacking. She never carried more than 20 pounds of gear or food. She wore Keds sneakers, and carried an army blanket, a raincoat, and a plastic shower curtain in a homemade bag slung over one shoulder. According to Appalachianhistory.net, she simply didn't believe in expensive state of the art paraphernalia. “Most people today are pantywaist,” she once stated. Wow, what would she think of today's generation?!?!

To celebrate this hiking pioneer, Eden Valley Enterprises is working on a project to produce a documentary about her life. The documentary will be produced by Peter Huston of FilmAffects. WGTE (PBS Toledo, Ohio) has agreed to be their broadcast sponsor and production partner for the film. However, the project will cost money to get off the ground. Eden Valley Enterprises is spearheading a Kickstarter campaign to raise $3,500 in seed money before approaching larger corporations and foundations for help with the lion's share of the production costs.

For more information on the project, and to donate, you can visit the Kickstarter campaign website. You can also find additional information on the Eden Valley Enterprises website as well.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Five-Star Trails: Asheville

2011-11-29T06:46:00.003-05:00

Overall Appalachian Trail speed record holder, Jennifer Pharr Davis, released her brand new hiking guide book today.

Five-Star Trails Asheville: Your Guide to the Area's Most Beautiful Hikes explores the best 35 trails in and around Asheville, NC. The book provides in-depth trails descriptions, directions, and commentary on what to expect along the way. Each hike features an individual trail map, elevation profile, and at-a-glance information, helping readers quickly find the perfect hike while in the Asheville area.

Sized to fit in a pocket, the book's detailed trail descriptions will help readers find their way on and off the trail. Driving directions and GPS trailhead coordinates will help with navigating the myriad of unnamed roads. The trails covered range from those best suited to the novice, families, experienced hikers, or backpackers.

Jennifer is also the author of Becoming Odyssa: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail and Best Hikes Near Charlotte.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Help Support HikingintheSmokys.com This Season

2011-11-28T07:22:00.004-05:00

With today being Cyber Monday, I wanted to ask everyone, if you're planning to purchase anything from Amazon, REI or Backcountry.com this Holiday Season, to please shop from our store. You get the exact same great prices as if you went directly to their websites, plus you help support HikingintheSmokys.com as a free resource for hiking trail information in the best national park in the country!

Just click on one of the banners below to begin shopping from your favorite retailer:

To see our complete libary of hiking and travel guide books for the Smokies and the surrounding Southern Appalachian Mountains region, plus maps and other gift ideas, please click here to visit our Amazon affiliated store.

Thanks for all your supports throughout the year!

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Celebrating Christmas in the Smokies

2011-11-27T09:33:00.004-05:00

Over the next couple of weeks the Great Smoky Mountains will be celebrating Christmas with two events on two separate weekends. Both events are free to the public:

Festival of Christmas Past:

Dates: 12/10/2011
Times: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center
Phone: (865) 436-1291

Celebrate Christmas in the mountains with old-time music, harp singing, storytelling and reminiscing, craft demonstrations such as weaving, spinning, quilting, bark berry basket making, historic toys and games, and children's activites.

Event Schedule:

9:30 am - 11:00 am Old Time Harp Singing
11:00am - 12:00 pm Storytelling with Charles Maynard
11:00am - 12:30 pm Memories Walk
12:00pm - 1:00 pm Lost Mill String Band
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Decorating the Sugarlands Christmas Tree
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Bill Proffitt and the South of the River Boys
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Memories Walk
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Stories from the Past with Charlotte Liebrock as moderator
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Boogertown Gap

Holiday Homecoming:

Dates: 12/17/2011
Times: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Phone: (828) 497-1904

Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas celebration in the Smokies with traditional music.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Trail Talk with Ranger Bob Miller

2011-11-26T09:41:00.003-05:00

Earlier in the summer the National Park Foundation announced a new interactive website feature called Trail Talk, which provides an opportunity for the public to get an insider’s perspective on a national park - from the experts themselves. Every two weeks, NPF features a different national park on their Facebook page. Fans of NPF then have the chance to submit any and all questions they have about that park. Trail Talk rounds-up the questions, and then presents them to one of the rangers in that park.

Back in August, Bob Miller, spokeman for the Great Smoky Mountains, was the focus of Trail Talk. Ranger Bob offered readers some of his favorite hikes, as well as his three “can’t miss” activities in the park, among several other questions he fielded.

You can read the entire Q & A here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Outdoor Gift Ideas & Black Friday Deals

2011-11-25T04:10:00.002-05:00

Looking for some gift ideas, or maybe just trying to find a simple stocking stuffer for that outdoor lover in your life? Let me offer a few ideas that would make any hiker or fan of the Great Smoky Mountains a happy camper on Christmas morning.

How about a wall calendar to enjoy the beauty of the Smokies throughout the year:

This is great way to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day on the trail! The PlatyPreserve is the best way to protect the taste of an opened bottle of wine by completely eliminating the presence of oxygen. While alternative methods might have you pump air out of the bottle or inject gas into the bottle - PlatyPreserve has you transfer your un-finished wine into an air tight reservoir to truly protect the taste of your wine so it may be enjoyed several days or even weeks later.

The Don't Die Out There Deck, a compact deck of playing cards that tucks easily into any backpack or pocket. From construction of emergency shelters and evacuation techniques to how to care for someone with a fracture or construct a solar still, your poker hand contains basic survival tips that could prove lifesaving! The Don't Die Out There Deck makes a great gift for anyone who spends time in the outdoors.

Perfect for a family camp-out or an evening around the fireplace, Bears! is a fast-moving dice game for two to four players, ages 7 and up. Who will survive the rampage? And who will be eaten by bears? Each turn, when the bears come roaming through camp, players must choose to run, shoot or take a chance and sleep through it all.

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Through 6 p.m. MST on 11/28/11, You can save up to 50% or stay free one night, get a Free lift ticket with 3-night lodging reservation, and get Free ski rentals at select resorts from Mountain Reservations.

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To see our complete selection of books and trail maps releated to the Smokies and the surrounding region, well as other gift ideas, please visit our online Amazon affiliated store.

Thanks for all your support!

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Almost There - The Muir Project

2011-11-25T03:32:00.000-05:00

Earlier this summer a group of multimedia artists spent 25 days hiking the 219 mile long John Muir Trail. The intent was to capture their experience on the trail and bring it back to the general public in the form of a gallery exhibit that includes photographs, video installations and hands-on displays that allow visitors to truly get a feeling for the beauty and majesty of the trail - without the burning lungs and blisters. Alongside the exhibit will be a feature length documentary chronicling their adventures on the trail. Below is a short preview of what's to come. Based on what they've already published, I can't wait to see the entire film:

Almost There - The Muir Project from The Muir Project on Vimeo.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Cades Cove Loop Road Closed for Spraying Operation

2011-11-23T14:28:00.003-05:00

Managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced plans to close the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road to all vehicular traffic on Tuesday, November 29, and to impose a partial closure on Wednesday, November 30. During that time, Park forestry technicians will treat hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA)-infested hemlock trees with a horticultural oil sprayed from large truck-mounted units as they have been doing since 2004.

During the full closure on November 29, only hikers will be allowed to travel the Loop Road. Bicyclists will not be allowed to enter the Loop Road for safety reasons since there will be heavy equipment on the road making it unsafe for bicycling. Park personnel will be working at the entrance and exit areas of the Loop.

The spraying operation on November 30 will only impact the western end of the Loop Road. Motorists and cyclists will be able to enter the Loop as they normally would, but will have to detour across the Loop via Hyatt Lane (the second gravel crossroad) to exit Cades Cove. Hikers can continue through the closed portion. The detour will shorten the length of the trip to an 8-mile tour of Cades Cove. The Hyatt Lane bypass will eliminate access to the Cades Cove Visitor Center and Cable Mill area as well as the several trailheads located on the western end of Cades Cove: Abrams Falls, Cooper Road, Rabbit Creek, and Wet Bottom Trails, and Gregory Ridge trailhead.

As part of the Park's control efforts of the hemlock woolly adelgid, actions include spraying hemlock trees with the oil/soap application in high-use developed areas that are easily accessible by vehicles such as Cades Cove, campgrounds, picnic areas and along roadsides. Jesse Webster, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Project Coordinator, said that

"In addition to spraying trees in developed areas, the Park is utilizing a systemic pesticide to treat some of the larger hemlocks in the spray zone. The systemic treatments move into the tree canopy with sap flow and can effectively control adelgids for 5-7 years which can be a more practical and cost effective approach to management. The spray acts as a quick knockdown allowing the systemics to catch up."

The park employs a three-prong approach that also includes the release of predator beetles. All of the chemical and biological control techniques are showing positive effects in areas of these treatments, despite the noticeable decline of tree vigor and mortality throughout the Park. Currently about 600 acres are being sprayed annually, over 180,000 hemlock trees are being hand-treated with systemic pesticides spread across 4,400 acres, and about a half-million predator beetles have been released.

In the event of heavy rain or freezing weather, the operation will be rescheduled. To check the status of the road closure, visitors can call the Park's general information number at 865/436-1200.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com