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National Trails Day
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All Tennessee State Parks to Host National Trails Day Events

Friday, May 23, 2014

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In conjunction with National Trails Day, Tennessee State Parks will host free, guided hikes on Saturday, June 7, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to participate in several planned activities across the state. Each state park will host its own special hike, offering a variety of family-friendly activities including historical hikes, educational programming, re-enactments and wildlife watching.

“We encourage everyone to join us for the variety of interesting hikes that will be held across the state,” Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill said. “National Trails Day gives individuals and families an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and what nature has to offer.”

From Montgomery Bell to Roan Mountain to Reelfoot Lake and every state park in between, the National Trails Day hikes are designed for all ages and abilities. Some hikes will be approximately one mile in length and tailored for novice hikers, while others are lengthier and geared toward more experienced hikers. For a more in-depth look into planned National Trails Day events across the state, please click here.

In addition to park hikes, the Tennessee Division of Natural Areas will host three hikes, including hikes at Devil’s Backbone State Natural Area, House Mountain State Natural Area and a Tennessee Coneflower tour. For more information on these hikes, click here.

All events are scheduled for Saturday, June 7, and all times are local. Participants should bring water and food, and wear long pants and appropriate footwear. Some activities require reservations, so please call to ensure an opportunity to participate.

The upcoming National Trails Day hikes represent the third in a series of statewide hiking events for 2014. Additional statewide hiking events include First Hikes in early January, Spring Hikes in March, National Public Lands Day Hikes in September and an After-Thanksgiving Day Hike in November.

The Tennessee celebration coincides with the American Hiking Society’s annual National Trails Day, which began in 1993 and is the largest single-day trails and outdoor celebration in the country. Thousands of people are expected to get outside and participate in events at local, state and national parks, forests and other public lands from coast to coast.



Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Celebrate National Trails Day at Big South Fork on Saturday, June 7

Sunday, May 18, 2014

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As part of a National Trails Day celebration, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will host a day of trail repair and clean-up on Saturday, June 7. The event will be held on the Middle Creek Nature Loop, and volunteers will meet at the parking area of the Middle Creek Nature Loop off Divide Road at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

The Middle Creek Nature Loop was the first official trail built in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Construction began on June 14, 1982.

The National Park Service is partnering with the American Hiking Society on National Trails Day, a celebration that will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country on Saturday, June 7, 2014, for the 22nd annual celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. More than 2,000 nationwide events will take place across the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more! Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired millions of individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and mental well-being, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors.

Volunteers that plan to work on trails at Big South Fork will need to bring plenty of water, snacks and gloves. Be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The park will provide all tools and personal protective equipment.

For more information, call Effie Houston, Volunteer Coordinator, or Wally Linder, Trails Supervisor, at (423) 569-9778.



Jeff
Hiking Trails in the Smokies
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Celebrates National Trails Day

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park will celebrate the 21st Annual National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1st with a volunteer opportunity to participate in an Appalachian Trail Work Day. The Park will once again work with the Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Regional Office of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club to host this large volunteer event.

This work day event has taken place in the Park for the last 17 years and highlights the importance of trails to recreation, education, and physical fitness as well as recognizes the important work performed by trail volunteers. During 2012, the park recorded over 30,000 volunteer hours of time to help maintain the over 800-mile trail system. Appalachian Trail Work Day provides an opportunity for the public to help care specifically for sections of the AppalachianTrail (AT).

Volunteers will be assisting in such work as the cleaning and replacing water bars, rehabilitating steps and turnpikes, and generally helping to main trail tread on sections of the AT between Icewater Springs Shelter and Silers Bald, Davenport Gap going south and NE from Low Gap.

The work day concludes with a barbecue picnic at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area for all registrants who will also receive a commemorative t-shirt. A registration fee for this activity will apply which goes to sponsor trail projects in the Smokies. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, bring lots of water and a lunch for the day.

For more information or to obtain a registration form, visit the Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or contact Holly Scott at 865-932-4794.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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All 54 Tennessee State Parks to Host National Trails Day Events

Sunday, May 26, 2013

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In conjunction with National Trails Day, Tennessee State Parks will host free, guided hikes on Saturday, June 1, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to participate in several planned activities across the state. Each state park will host its own special hike, offering a variety of family-friendly activities including historical hikes, educational programming, re-enactments and wildlife watching.

“Tennessee State Parks will offer a variety of interesting hikes across the state and we encourage everyone to join us on this great day to fully appreciate what our 54 state parks have to offer,” said TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau.

From Fort Pillow to Standing Stone to Warriors’ Path and every state park in between, the National Trails Day hikes are designed for all ages and abilities. Some hikes will be approximately one mile in length and tailored for novice hikers, while others are lengthier and geared toward more experienced hikers. For a more in-depth look into planned National Trails Day events in your area, please visit www.tnstateparks.com.

In addition to the variety of events planned throughout the weekend, an official Tennessee State Parks’ hiking stick medallion will be given away to the first 1,500 participants statewide.

All events are scheduled for Saturday, June 1, and all times are local. Participants should bring water and food, and wear long pants and appropriate footwear. Some activities require reservations, so please call to ensure an opportunity to participate.

The upcoming National Trails Day hikes represent the third in a series of statewide hiking events for 2013 – joining Tennessee State Parks’ First Hikes effort in early January, and Earth Day celebrations in April. Tennessee State Parks will hold an additional hiking event this fall during National Public Lands Day on September 28.

The Tennessee celebration coincides with the American Hiking Society’s annual National Trails Day, which began in 1993 and is the largest single-day trails and outdoor celebration in the country. Thousands of people are expected to get outside and participate in events at local, state and national parks, forests and other public lands from coast to coast.

For more information about Tennessee State Parks, please visit www.tnstateparks.com. For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks you can call 1-888-867-2757.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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National Trails Day 2013

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

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In 1987 President Ronald Reagan authorized the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. The final report recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors, and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining the American Hiking Society in launching the first National Trails Day in 1993.

In less than three weeks, on June 1st, the American Hiking Society will celebrate its 21th National Trails Day. More than 2000 events across the nation will take place, including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and many other trail related events.

Below are a few events in the Great Smoky Mountains region that might be of interest to hikers:

* The 17th Annual Appalachian Trail Work Day in the Smokies

* Your Park, Your Trails at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

* Black Mountain Hike with the TTA Plateau Chapter

* Trail Construction on the Mountains to Sea Trail (Eno River section) with Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail

* South Mountains State Park Hike, Bike & Ride

For a full list of events in your area, please click here.






Jeff
Hiking Trails in the Smokies
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Celebrate National Trails Day at Shenandoah National Park

Sunday, May 12, 2013

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Celebrate National Trails Day in Shenandoah National Park on Saturday, June 1. In partnership with Shenandoah National Park, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) invites new hikers and experienced backpackers to learn new trail skills at PATC Trail Patrol's "Beyond the Trailhead" event at Byrd Visitor Center (milepost 51 on Skyline Drive) from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Come join guided hikes and hands-on demonstrations throughout the day.

With over 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah is a hiker's paradise. There are trails for every goal, from a stroll on the Limberlost Trail to an excursion on the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy the rewards and challenges of hiking to mountain summits and cascading waterfalls, while reconnecting with family, friends and yourself.

The National Trails Day event is designed to give novice hikers the information they need to leave their cars behind and venture beyond the trailhead to enjoy Shenandoah National Park's numerous hiking trails. Experienced hikers can discuss new ideas with PATC members at displays on Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and wilderness first aid techniques. Everyone can participate in a hands-on demonstration of the traditional tools used to maintain trails in wilderness, such as crosscut saws, provided by the Shenandoah National Park trail crew throughout the day.

A variety of hikes guided by experienced Trail Patrol members will be offered for people of all ages and experience levels: hikes suitable for families with children as well as easy, moderate, and advanced hikes for adults. Hikers will need to meet at the registration table at Byrd Visitor Center 15 minutes before the hike time to sign in. Hikers should wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the season and bring food and plenty of water for all hikes and a trail lunch for the advanced hikes.

The following hikes will meet at Byrd Visitor Center. Vehicle shuttles may be involved:

* Story of the Forest Trail / Easy / 1.8 miles / 10:00 a.m.

* Appalachian Trail Ramble / Easy / 2.0 miles / 10:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

* Dark Hollow Falls Hike / Moderate / 1.4 miles / 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

* Rose River-Dark Hollow Falls / Advanced / 3.8 miles / 10:00 a.m.

* Rapidan Camp National Historic Landmark / Advanced / 4.0 miles / 9:45 a.m.

Hike end times are estimates; hikes may arrive back at the visitor center sooner or later than the time indicated.

Pre-registration is encouraged but you may also register on June 1 at Byrd Visitor Center. To pre-register, send an email to TPNTD@patc.net by May 31. Please include your name and which hike you wish to join.

PATC and Trail Patrol are charging no fees to attend or participate in any hike, workshop, or demonstration connected with the event; however, there is a $15-per-car entrance fee to the park (good for seven days). Byrd Visitor Center lies within the park at milepost 51 on Skyline Drive. For more information about the event, visit the PATC website at www.patc.net or contact Trail Patrol at TPNTD@patc.net. For more information on the park, visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/shen.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Big South Fork to Host National Trails Day Event on Saturday, June 1

Saturday, May 11, 2013

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As part of a National Trails Day celebration, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will host a day of trail repair and clean-up on Saturday, June 1. The event will be held on the Oscar Blevins Loop and Duncan Hollow Bike Trails from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. EDT. Volunteers will meet at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center parking lot at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

The National Park Service is partnering with the American Hiking Society on National Trails Day, a celebration that will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country on Saturday, June 1, 2013, for the 21st annual celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. More than 2,000 nationwide events will take place across the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more! Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired millions of individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and mental well-being, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors.

Volunteers that plan to work on trails at Big South Fork will need to bring plenty of water, snacks and gloves. Be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The park will provide all tools and personal protective equipment.

For more information, call Effie Houston, Volunteer Coordinator, or Wally Linder, Trails Supervisor, at (423) 569-9778.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Celebrate National Trails Day in the Smokies on the Appalachian Trail

Friday, May 3, 2013

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Saturday, June 1st, is the 21st annual National Trails Day. Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Regional Office of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club invite you to participate in helping them take care of the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The A.T. Maintainers Committee of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy are responsible for maintaining the A.T. and its facilities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a continuing basis. With your help on National Trails Day, projects are completed that otherwise would not be accomplished. Also, the registration fees are an important source of funds to make improvements at housing used by A.T. Ridgerunners, the volunteer SWEAT crew, and Rocky Top trail crew in the Smokies.

Now's a great time to register to work at this year's event. For registrations postmarked by May 16th, the fee is $20.00 (After May 16th, it's $25.00).

Registering early helps the Crew Assignment Committee get workers placed in work groups and increases your chance of being assigned to your hike/work preference. Workers will receive a commemorative t-shirt and a picnic at day's end. See the registration form for details!

The picnic will be at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area following the workday.

If you have any questions you can be email Holly Scott with Friends of the Smokies at hollys@Friendsofthesmokies.org or Phyllis Henry at phyllishenry@yahoo.com.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Salazar, Jarvis Announce Designation of 54 New National Recreation Trails

Saturday, June 2, 2012

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As part of the festivities surrounding National Trails Day, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Director of the National Park Service Jonathan B. Jarvis announced the designation of 54 trails as national recreation trails, adding almost 1,400 miles of trails to the National Trails System. Spanning 23 states, the land and water trails provide opportunities for communities to connect to the great outdoors.

“Today’s trails join a network of more than 1,150 previously-designated trails that span more than 13,650 miles,.” said Director Jarvis. “As we celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, I encourage everyone to explore a trail – new or old – and enjoy the natural world.”

The national trail system has become so extensive that if all the trails were laid end to end they would cross the entire country more than four times, offering millions of Americans opportunities to bike, hike, paddle and spend time with their family and friends outdoors, Jarvis noted.

The national recreation trail program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the USDA Forest Service in conjunction with a number of other federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails.

Trails designated in the Smokies region include the Overmountain Victory Trail in North Carolina, as well as the East Lakeshore and Wolf River Greenway trails in Tennessee. To see a complete list of all 54 trails that have been designated as national recreation trails, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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National Trails Day Events

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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In 1987 President Ronald Reagan authorized the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. The final report recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors, and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining the American Hiking Society in launching the first National Trails Day in 1993.

In less than two weeks, on June 2nd, the American Hiking Society will celebrate its 20th National Trails Day. More than 2000 events across the nation will take place, including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more!

Below are a few events in the Great Smoky Mountains region that might be of interest to hikers:

* 16th Annual Appalachian Trail Workday in the Smokies with the Friends of the Smokies. This year, work will be focused on sections of the AT between Icewater Springs Shelter and Silers Bald, and heading NE and SW from Low Gap.

* Firefly Hike in Elkmont with the Smoky Shadows Service Unit Girl Scouts.

* Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Maintenance Day near Roan Mountain.

* National/Tennessee Trails Day Celebration at Roan Mountain State Park.

* Hike Cumberland Mountain State Park with the Tennessee Trails Association Plateau Chapter.

For a full list of events in your area, please click here.





Jeff
Hiking Trails in the Smokies
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Come Outside and Play Event

Monday, May 30, 2011

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The Forest Service (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests), U.S. Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, is sponsoring a “Come Outside and Play” event at Glen Alton in Giles County, Virginia on Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Partners from a number of local organizations will be on hand to teach skills, lead activities, guide hikes, and give presentations. The event will feature a variety of activities for all ages including:

* Wetland hikes (every hour) – Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Virginia Master Naturalists
* Fly tying and hunting macro-invertebrates – Trout Unlimited
* Raptor identification (on-going) – Friends of Hanging Rock
* Kids fishing and fish simulator machine (on-going) – Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
* Leaf and tree identification walks (10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.) – Girl Scouts
* Fish identification (ongoing) – Forest Service Center for Aquatics
* Historic lodge tours (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.) – Forest Service
* Chestnut display (ongoing) – American Chestnut Foundation
* Mud Pie Kitchen (ongoing) – Forest Service
* Anniversary of the Weeks Act / Toys of the 1920’s (on-going) – Forest Service
* Free hotdogs and lemonade (11 a.m.) – Friends of Glen Alton

In honor of National Trails Day, three additional guided hikes will begin at 3 p.m. Participants for these hikes will gather at Glen Alton and drive to the trailheads. Craig Mohler will lead a hike on the newly completed Potts Rail Trail; the Appalachian Trail Conservancy will lead a hike on the A.T. starting at Pine Swamp Trailhead; and Brian Hurt will lead a hike to the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory.

“Come Outside and Play” is part of a larger initiative known as America’s Great Outdoors which encourages all Americans to enjoy their natural and cultural heritage. Outdoor recreation provides Americans physical and emotional rejuvenation and promotes outdoor conservation. Federal agencies provide exceptional recreational opportunities on more than 600 million acres of land that receive more than a billion visits each year.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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National Trails Day Events

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

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On June 4th is National Trails Day, a celebration of trails that evolved from Ronald Reagan's 1987 report, President's Commission on Americans Outdoors, that recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps.

Across the country, in just a couple of weeks, will be hundreds of opportunities to participate in this years' event. Below are some of the events in and around the Great Smoky Mountains:

Smokies: Crews and volunteers will be making improvements on A.T. sections between The Boulevard Trail and Silers Bald.

Big South Fork: Crews will do repair and rehabilitation work on trails.

Roan Mountain: A birding, nature and history-related hike on the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Trail Building Work Day near Asheville and Waynesville.

Appalachian Trail: Invasive Plant Removal near Robbinsville with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

The Swag: Guided hike along the trails on The Swag property, and the adjoining Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

To see all the events associated with National Trails Day, please click here.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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National Trails Day in the Smokies

Monday, May 9, 2011

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Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Regional Office of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, are pleased to coordinate the Annual Appalachian Trail Work Day on National Trails Day, on Saturday, June 4, 2011. They invite you to participate in helping them to take care of the A.T. in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The A.T. Maintainers Committee of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy have responsibility for seeing that the A.T. and its facilities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are maintained on a continuing basis. With your help on National Trails Day, projects are completed that otherwise would not be accomplished.

This year, crews and volunteers will be working on A.T. sections between The Boulevard Trail and Silers Bald.

Registration for the event is $17.00. Registration fees are an important source of funds for trail improvements in the Smokies. You can receive a $2.00 discount if your registration is postmarked by May 16th. After May 16th, the fee is $17.00.

Please note that registering early helps the Crew Assignment Committee get workers placed in work groups, and increases your chance of being assigned to your hike/work preference. Workers will receive a commemorative t-shirt and a sack lunch.

Email Holly Scott at fotshb@bellsouth.net for more information, and to receive an application.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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American Hiking Society announces National Trails Day 2011

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

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On June 4, 2011, American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country for the 19th annual celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. Two thousand events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more!

The theme for National Trails Day 2011, Made With All Natural Ingredients, encourages all Americans to get outside, connect with local outdoor clubs, businesses, community groups, and parks and recreation departments as well as federal land managing agencies to experience, appreciate and celebrate the natural places where we can find a spread of scenery, a plateful of peace, and a heap of happiness and health. "Dedicated volunteers, outdoor enthusiasts, trail lovers, and those new to the outdoors are truly the key ingredients to National Trails Day. Naturally, it’s a time to give back to trails and pay it forward by introducing someone new to the outdoors,” said Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society president.

Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired thousands of individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and mental well being, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors. Plan now to host or attend an event in your area. If you want to get happy, healthy, active, fit, and have some fun, National Trails Day is your recipe to success.

Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience. To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, visit www.AmericanHiking.org.

If your community organization would like to host an event or to find out more about NTD 2011, contact Heather Sable, Trail Programs Manager, at hsable@AmericanHiking.org or (800) 972-8608 x 208 or visit the website.





Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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More National Trails Day Events

Thursday, May 27, 2010

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A couple of weeks ago I posted some local/regional events for the upcoming National Trails Day. Since then I've come across a few others that you might be intrested in.

National Trails Day is the American Hiking Society's signature trail awareness program, and it will take place on June 5th this year.

* The Great Smoky Mountains will be putting volunteers to work on two trail locations from 9 a.m. and 3 p.m: the Grassy Branch Trail near Cherokee and the Crooked Arm Ridge Trail in Cades Cove. Equipment, including work gloves, will be provided.

* Shenandoah National Park will offer a variety of guided hikes as well as some trail skill seminars for hikers and backpackers.

* The Southern Appalachian Back Country Horsemen will be doing trail maintenance work on the Mill Branch and the Iron Gap trails in the Cherokee National Forest.

* The SORBA Chattanooga chapter is sponsoring a work/play weekend at Big South Fork Recreation Area.

* The Cumberland Trail Conference will sponser two hikes along the Cumberland Trail near Soddy Daisy.

* Construction of a missing link of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail around Waterrock Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway is being directed by the Carolina Mountain Club. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Fork Ridge Overlook at milepost 229. 828.658.1489 or ccf108@gmail.com.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a four-mile, moderate to strenuous work hike with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Konnarock trail crew in the vicinity of Tellico Gap. Meet at Westgate Plaza in Franklin (opposite Burger King) at 8 a.m. 828.369.1983.

Here are a few other events I mentioned in my previous post:

* The Smoky Mountain Hiking Club will utilize the day as a trail repair and construction event. They will meet in Gatlinburg at 7:30 a.m. that morning.

* The Carolina Mountain Club will host a couple of hikes, including the Lakeshore Loop near Fontana Lake in the southern Smoky Mountains.

* Chimney Rock State Park will be offering free guided hikes on the hour from 11am to 3pm with park education staff and rangers who will discuss the plants and wildlife at the park.

* The Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club and will host a hike to Grassy Ridge Bald on Roan Mountain.

You can get more details on each of these, and see the complete list of events across the country, by clicking here. Please note that more events are being added as we get closer to June 5th.


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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National Trails Day

Sunday, May 16, 2010

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American Hiking Society's signature trail awareness program, National Trails Day, will take place on June 5th this year.

One of the goals of National Trails Day is to inspire the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to seek out their favorite trails to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects.

There will be many events all across the country. The Smoky Mountain Hiking Club will utilize the day as a trail repair and construction event. They will meet in Gatlinburg at 7:30 a.m. that morning.

The Carolina Mountain Club will host a couple of hikes, including the Lakeshore Loop near Fontana Lake in the southern Smoky Mountains.

Chimney Rock State Park will be offering free guided hikes on the hour from 11am to 3pm with park education staff and rangers who will discuss the plants and wildlife at the park.

The Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club and will host a hike to Grassy Ridge Bald on Roan Mountain.

These are just a couple of examples. You can get more details on each of these, and see the complete list of events across the country, by clicking here.


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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National Trails Day at Shenandoah

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

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Shenandoah National Park and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club will celebrate National Trails Day on June 5th. New hikers and experienced backpackers alike are invited to learn new trail skills and practice old ones at the Beyond the Trailhead event at the Byrd Visitor Center, milepost 51 on Skyline Drive. Come participate in hikes, demonstrations, and presentations throughout the day.

A variety of hikes guided by experienced Trail Patrol members will be offered for people of all ages and experience levels: hikes suitable for families with children and easy, moderate, and advanced hikes for adults. Hikers will need to meet at the registration table at Byrd Visitor Center 15 minutes before the hike time to sign in. Hikers should wear footwear and clothing for the season, and bring plenty of water.

Click here for the schedule of hikes. For more information on many of the trails in Shenandoah National Park, please click here.


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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National Trails Day 2010 announced

Sunday, February 14, 2010

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The American Hiking Society has recently announced the date for National Trails Day 2010.

On June 5th, 2010, the American Hiking Society and outdoor enthusiasts across the country will celebrate the 18th annual National Trails Day, a celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. More than 1500 events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding, bird watching, running and trail celebrations.

The theme for this years' National Trails Day, Find Your Happy Place, encourages all Americans to get outside, connect with local hiking clubs, outdoor retailers, local parks and recreation departments or federal land managing agencies to experience, appreciate and celebrate the outdoor places that make us happy.

National Trails Day is a celebration of trails that evolved from the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors, sponsored by President Ronald Reagan. The 1987 report recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining American Hiking Society in launching National Trails Day in 1993.

For more information and to host an event, please click here.


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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National Trails Day events in the Smokies

Thursday, June 4, 2009

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This Saturday is National Trails Day. National Trails Day is a celebration of trails that evolved from the report of Ronald Reagan's President's Commission on Americans Outdoors, in 1987, that recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining the American Hiking Society in launching National Trails Day in 1993.

There are roughly 200,000 miles of trail in the United States now!

The Outdoor Industry Association's annual Outdoor Recreation Participation Study for the United States in 2006 reports that 72.1% of all Americans 16 and older (or 162 million people) participate in at least one of the 22 outdoor activities they track, which include:

* 76.7 million hiking
* 13.5 million backpacking
* 40.4 million trail running
*10 million cross country skiing

The following are a few of the events that are happening in the Smoky Mountains region that hikers might be interested in. Please note: some of these events will not be held this Saturday - make sure to check dates and times on all events.

* Appalachian Trial Work in the Smoky Mountains

* Big Creek hike in the Smokies

* Benton MacKaye Trail walk-thru (in short segments)

* Hike from Carver's Gap to Hampton Creek via the AT and the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

* Sandy Mush Bald Ramble

* Roan Mountain Flower Hike

* Mountain-to-Sea Trail building, west of Soco Gap in Pisgah National Forest

* FMST - South Ashe Workday - Blue Ridge Parkway - section between NC 16 and US 421, near milepost 272

* FMST - Watauga MST Trail Workday - Blue Ridge Parkway - between US-421 and US-321 near Blowing Rock

* List of all events in Tennessee

* List of all events in North Carolina





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 Trails Day with the Carolina Mountain Club

Friday, May 29, 2009

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The Carolina Mountain Club will be celebrating National Trails Day, Saturday, June 6, by working on a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) stretches 1,000 miles from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks. At this point, roughly half the trail is complete, however, temporary connectors on back roads and state bike routes now allow people to hike across the state of North Carolina.

To help celebrate National Trails Day this year, the Carolina Mountain Club is inviting anyone interested in helping to extend the trail in the Soco Gap Overlook area (near Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 456).

Club members and volunteers will meet at the Moose Café in Asheville at 9:00 AM on June 6 (rain date - June 13 ) for car pooling. The second meeting place is at the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Rt. 19, south of Maggie Valley. Tools will be available but if you have digging tools of your own, please bring them.

The CMC is asking that you call all of your friends and acquaintances to invite them as well. The bigger the group, the more the fun! No prior experience is required. Please contact Piet Bodenhorst for more information.

In related news, on Saturday May 2, Frank Potter and Jim Walters of Charlotte became the 14th and 15th hikers to complete the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. You can read about their adventures in their trail journal.


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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