National Geographic
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The Appalachian Trail Is Coming To Knoxville

Monday, October 1, 2012

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) will be showing the National Geographic film America's Wild Spaces: the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) at Halls Cinema 7, located at 3800 Neal Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. as part of their 2012 membership drive. This limited engagement is in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the completion of the A.T.

Stretching from Maine to Georgia, the A.T. is approximately 2,180 miles in length, making it one of the longest, continuously marked footpaths in the world. The film explores the natural beauty of the Trail and provides viewers the opportunity to discover the remote, and often unknown, corners of this 5-million-step journey.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from people who have hiked the Trail as well as those who volunteer to protect and maintain it. Guest speakers include Captains Sean Gobin and Mark Silvers, founders of Warrior Hike, 2012 thru hikers and US Veterans; Janet Hensley, volunteer and A.T. Community Ambassador; and Lenny Bernstein, ATC Board Member, 2,000-miler and trail maintainer.

"The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited to present this film on the big screen," stated Mark Wenger, executive director/CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. "This event provides the public with an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Appalachian Trail and how to get involved with the Conservancy through our membership and volunteer programs."

The ATC will be visiting a total of 10 theaters across the country to raise awareness and garner support for the Trail.

Admission:
– $30 donation
– Free admission for children 12 and under

Highlights:
– Admission to the National Geographic film America's Wild Spaces: The Appalachian Trail
– Captivating stories from guest speakers
– View the winning submission from the ATC's summer video contest
– Free membership/gift membership to the ATC
– Win great prizes

This event is sponsored by the Walkabout Outfitter and Salazon Chocolate Co.

For more information about this event or to reserve your seat, visit: www.appalachiantrail.org/discover. Enter Promo Code: PRATC12 to receive $5 off your ticket.

The movie tour is also scheduled to visit Charlotte, Raleigh, Roanoke and Cincinnati, among other locations.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Jennifer Pharr Davis is one of National Geographic's nominees for Adventurer of the Year

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

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"Clingmans Dome in Tennessee. I got there just after sunset. There was this afterglow in the Smokies. You could see the lights of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Usually there are a lot of tourists, but I was up there all alone. It was still and silent."

That quote is from Jennifer Pharr Davis in an interview on the National Geographic website. The North Carolina native has been named as a nominee for National Geographic's Adventurer of the Year for setting the speed record of 46 days, 11 hours, and 20 minutes on the Appalachian Trail earlier this year.

For seven years, National Geographic has combed the globe to find Adventurers of the Year, each selected for his or her extraordinary achievement in exploration, conservation, and adventure sports.

You can vote for Jennifer by clicking here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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The Appalachian Trail is Coming to Theaters this Fall

Monday, September 26, 2011

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This fall, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) will be touring the east coast to showcase the National Geographic film – America’s Wild Spaces: the Appalachian Trail. This limited engagement is part of the ATC’s 2011 membership drive and is expected to draw in over 1,400 viewers.

The film highlights the beauty and splendor of the Appalachian Trail. National Geographic takes viewers off their seats to discover the remote and often unknown corners of this 5-million-step journey.

During this event, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with a 2,000 miler (someone that has walked the entire estimated 2,180 miles of the A.T.) as well as meet the staff of the ATC to learn more about their programs and initiatives. At select locations, individuals highlighted in the National Geographic film will also be present for questions and comments.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited to present this film on the big screen,” stated Steve Paradis, Chief Operating Officer of the ATC. “This event provides the public an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Appalachian Trail and how to get involved with the Conservancy through our membership and volunteer programs.”

The tour will be making its only appearance in the Smokies region on November 19th, in Asheville, NC.

With a suggested donation of $30.00, attendees can reserve their seats by visiting www.appalachiantrail.org/discover - which includes a new membership or gift membership to the ATC. Every dollar raised goes to support the ATC and maintainer club efforts to conserve the footpath, viewsheds, and environmental and cultural resources along the A.T.


Event Highlights:

• Admission to view the National Geographic film - American’s Wild Spaces: Appalachian Trail

• Chance to meet the hikers that were highlighted in the documentary (*at select locations only)

• Interact with a 2,000 miler

• 1 year membership to the ATC

• Subscription to A.T. Journeys, the official magazine of the ATC

• ATC decal and patch


Dates, Show Times, and Locations:

San Marco Theatre
1996 San Marco Blvd
Jacksonville, FL
October 29, 2011 from 10:30am - 12:00pm

Midtown Arts Cinema
931 Monroe Drive
Atlanta, GA
November 3, 2011 from 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Movieland at Boulevard Square
1301 North Boulevard
Richmond, VA
November 5, 2011 from 10:30am - 12:00pm

AMC Theatres
234 West 42nd Street
New York, NY
November 12, 2011 from 11:00am - 12:30pm

Colonial Park 4
5111 Jonestown Rd
Harrisburg, PA
November 13, 2011 from 10:30am - 12:00pm

National Conservation Training Center
698 Conservation Way
Shepherdstown, WV
November 17, 2011 from 7:30pm – 9:00pm

The Carolina Asheville
1640 Hendersonville Rd
Asheville, NC
November 19, 2011 from 10:30am - 12:00pm


To reserve your seat or for more information, please click here.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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"Spectacular" Double Meteor Shower This Week

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

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Beginning later this week, and lasting for several nights, will be some of the best chances for observing meteors this year.

The lesser known Delta Aquarid meteor shower is expected to peak on Friday night, while the more famous and more productive Perseid meteor shower is just starting to ramp up.

The combined showers will produce anywhere between 15 and 30 shooting stars per hour.

According to the National Geographic News article, the simultaneous activity during the last days in July and early August will produce the best chance for meteor observers to see a lot of shooting stars during either shower.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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New Trail Maps for the Great Smoky Mountains

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

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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 and Elkmont areas.

The map for the eastern section includes Clingmans Dome, Mt. LeConte 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.


Nat Geo Maps now available on a GPS!

National Geographic Maps and Satmap Systems have teamed up for the new Active 10 TREK GPS system. The system integrates the best-selling National Geographic outdoor recreation maps with the award-winning Satmap Active 10 handheld GPS unit.

The content offered on the GPS device includes the complete line of National Geographic outdoor recreation maps, including the TOPO! USGS topographic map series, the AdventureMap series of international adventure travel maps, and, for the first time on any GPS, National Geographic’s premier Trails Illustrated series of maps for national parks, national forests and many popular recreation areas. National Geographic maps will be available via SD-Cards, which will plug-and-play into the Active 10 TREK handheld GPS.

The Active 10 TREK comes pre-loaded with World and USA Base Maps. Customers can purchase a variety of Nat Geo SD Map Cards that slot into the GPS, making map reading fast and easy. The map is displayed on a large 3.5” screen in full color suitable for day and night use, including a red backlight option to help protect night vision.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is included on each of the Southern Appalachians, National Parks and the North and South Carolina SD Map Cards.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.
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Nat Geo Adventure's 14 Survival Skills

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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Back when National Geographic Adventure was a magazine, and not just a website, they published a comprehensive article containing some survival tips that could prove very helpful if you were ever unfortunate enough to be in a situation requiring such skills.

As the article lead-in reads:

Most survival guides fail to consider some very useful tools: an individual’s character, wits, and worldview. The tips assembled here will change the way you approach each and every day — and help you survive a particularly bad one.

Some of the things the article discusses to help in a survival situation include doing the next right thing, denying denial, thinking positive, and to trust your instincts.

There's some really great advice in this piece. Please click here to read the full article.


Semi Annual Sale - Up To 50% Off Men's Hiking And Climbing Pants At Backcountry.com. Expires 9/7/2010


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.
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Brand New Trails Illustrated Maps for the Smokies

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

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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 and Elkmont areas. The map for the eastern section includes Clingmans Dome, Mt. LeConte 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 you can still purchase the original map that includes the entire Park.

Thanks to the blog reader that was kind enough to drop me an email informing me of these new items.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.
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RMNP Day 3: Old Ute Trail

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

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Never doubt the warning that weather in the Colorado Rockies can change quickly….

Figuring out where the Old Ute Trail is located can be a little confusing. One section runs from the Alpine Visitor Center at Fall River Pass to Milner Pass. The section we decided to hike, apparently unconnected to the other, begins about 2 miles above Rainbow Curve on Trail Ridge Road. This is an excellent trail that allows you to enjoy high alpine and tundra scenery without having to do a lot of climbing. That is, if you turn around at the 2 mile point. Beyond that, the trail descends rapidly all the way down to Beaver Meadows in Moraine Park.

The trail begins from a very small parking area with enough room for only four vehicles (with another small lot about a 0.25 mile above). With the exception of a historical information kiosk, the trailhead isn’t marked. The kiosk explains that the trail was used by Arapaho and Ute Indians on their way to winter and summer hunting grounds.

Big view rewards are immediate:

This is a relatively flat trail, with two short climbs that take you across Tombstone Ridge; the first at the very beginning of the hike, with the second beginning roughly at the one mile mark.

We passed a herd of elk near the beginning of the hike, and then another at about the half way point. Both herds, numbering maybe 20 in size, were a good quarter of a mile off the trail.

After climbing the second hill, the trail tops out at 11,675 feet. From this point forward you’ll have commanding views of Longs Peak towards the south, the highest mountain in the park.

Once reaching the top, the trail begins drifting downhill. Eventually you’ll see a large rock just off to the side of the trail. This is your destination. From here you’ll have outstanding views of Longs Peak all the way down to Moraine Park and Estes Park.

You should expect lots of wind and sun on this trail. Being above the tree line you’ll have panoramic views along the entire length of your trek.

We began our hike under beautiful blue skies. As the day progressed, clouds began to build. At the turn around point, the clouds began to darken a little, and by the time we were half-way back to the trailhead, the clouds were looking downright threatening.

I thought for sure we were going to make it back before the rain would start. Our luck didn’t quite hold out. It started to drizzle, then sleet, and then we started getting pelted by small pea-sized hail. When the wind started whipping up, faces and exposed legs were stinging.

This was a much needed short and easy hike for us so that we would have fresh legs for our 13-mile hike up to the summit of Mt. Lady Washington the next day.


Trail: Old Ute Trail
RT Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 325
Max Elevation: 11,675


National Geographic Trail Map for RMNP:













Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.
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New Salamander Found in North Georgia Mountains

Thursday, July 9, 2009

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National Geographic is reporting that scientists have found a 2-inch-long salamander in a creek near a well-traveled road in northern Georgia.

The newly named patch-nosed salamander, the second smallest salamander in the United States, is the first new genus of a four-footed creature found in the U.S. in 50 years!

Of the approximately 560 salamanders in the world, 10 percent are found in Georgia's Appalachian Mountains.

As John Maerz of the University of Georgia is quoted in the article, "It makes you wonder, what else is out there?"


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Smoky Mountain Cabins Check out our new page for cabin and chalet listings in the Smokies!
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Roan Highlands better than the Smokies?

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

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Well, according to National Geographic's Adventure Magazine, the answer to that question is a resounding yes.

In the lastest issue of Adventure, National Geographic ranked the top 50 Best American Adventures. Coming in at number 23 was “Hike the Roan Highlands,” which refers to a 48-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail between the Nolichucky River and U.S. Highway 19E.

As you might expect, locals and hikers from the Roan Highlands region are pretty excited about the ranking.

The magazine "dissed" the Smokies with this brief description:

“Surprise. The finest mountain scenery to be found on the southern half of the Appalachian Trail isn’t in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s north along the Tennessee-North Carolina border in the Roan Highlands.”

I'm sure some of you might find those to be "fighting" words! Sure, the Roan Highlands has a lot of open areas providing for a lot of expansive vistas. But quite frankly, as good as they are, those views just aren't quite as good as they are along the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies. Think about the views of Fontana Lake from Shuckstack, or the any of the views from places like Spence Field, Rocky Top, Charlies Bunion or Mt. Cammerer.


I don't know, what do you guys think? Which section of the Appalachian Trail do you think has the better scenery?

By the way, here's the top ten adventures from the list:

1. Biking the Continental Divide Trail: Multistate
2. Kayaking Lake Yellowstone: Wyoming
3. Rowing Down the Grand Canyon: Arizona
4. Climbing Mount Rainier: Washington
5. Canoeing the Adirondacks: New York
6. Exploring ANWR: Alaska
7. Biking RAGBRAI: Iowa
8. Surfing the Lost Coast: California
9. Hiking the Sierra High Route: California
10. Wreck Diving Lake Superior: Minnesota



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Smoky Mountain Day Hikers Store Quality gear and apparel from some of the best outdoor brands.

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National Geographic: Best of the National Parks

Saturday, February 7, 2009

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Below is a link for the National Geographic photo contest winners for their "Best of the National Parks" photos. I know these were published last summer, but I just recently came across them.

There are some outstanding pictures in this collection, including photos from Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, and my favorite from this collection, Yellowstone.

Enjoy: http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2008/06/national-parks/most-beautiful-places-photography


Don't forget your special Valentine on February 14! Amazon has a ton of great gift ideas for him or her, along with some outstanding deals. Click on the logo below for more information.




Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Smoky Mountain Day Hikers Store Quality gear and apparel from some of the best outdoor brands.
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