The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog: great smoky mountains association

great smoky mountains association

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great smoky mountains association · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Smokies · Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

GSMA Announces Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage Dates

Monday, February 24, 2014

Registration is now open for the 64th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, which will be held April 15th thru the 19th. This year's five-day event will offer 146 professionally guided walks and indoor presentations which will explore the region’s rich wildflowers, fauna, ecology, cultural and natural history. There will be a variety of wildflower, fauna and natural history walks, motorcades, photographic tours, art classes, and indoor seminars.

Most programs are conducted on the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while indoor offerings will be held in the Mills Conference Center or the Arrowmont School of Arts and Craft in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. All programs will be held rain or shine.

The event website and brochure provide descriptions of all pilgrimage programs which are listed by date and time. Each description includes starting points, walking distances, hiking difficulties, and registration limits. Popular programs are repeated at different times and days and are referenced under “similar programs.” There’s also an alphabetical index of all program topics and destinations on page 21 of the brochure. Programs meeting at trailheads or other sites in the park require participants to arrange their own transportation. Vans will be provided where trailhead parking is limited. Participants are strongly encouraged to use the free van service.

On-site registration will begin Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 5:00 PM in the Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

An Island in the Sky · Clingmans Dome · great smoky mountains association

Clingmans Dome: An Island in the Sky

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

The first in GSMA's Smoky Mountain Explorer Series, "An Island in the Sky" takes viewers on a journey to the "Top of Old Smoky," Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains. The 35-minute video features the cinematography of GSMA's own Gary Wilson, who captured astonishing footage of rivers of clouds, sunrises, wildlife, wildflowers and the turn of the seasons atop this island in the sky. The Great Smoky Mountains Association was thrilled to include narration for the video by Bill Landry of "The Heartland Series" fame. Here's the trailer from the film:

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

bears · great smoky mountains association · hiking

Wildlife While Hiking in the Smokies

Sunday, August 4, 2013

The following is the latest video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association. The film mostly focuses on what to do if you come across a bear while hiking in the backcountry. Even if you're a seasoned veteran, it's always a good idea to brush up on your knowledge in case you were ever to run into an aggressive bear while out on the trail:

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

60th Anniversary · great smoky mountains association

Great Smoky Mountains Association to celebrate 60th Anniversary with hiking, other events

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

A day of hikes, lectures and cupcakes is planned to celebrate Great Smoky Mountains Association’s 60th Anniversary on Saturday, June 22nd, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, N.C.

GSMA’s legacy of providing financial support to Great Smoky Mountains National Park began in 1953 with a slightly longer name (Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association) and a $100 start-up loan from Mount Rainer Natural History Association. The organization’s mission in the last 60 years has remained the same – to assist national park visitors by providing educational and other park-related sales items; to build a membership program of those who wish to support the park; and to use the proceeds of both these efforts to contribute to preservation efforts in the most-visited national park in America.

“Our organization started by selling postcards and Pioneer Farmstead pamphlets for a nickel. Our lifetime memberships were offered for $5,” said Terry Maddox, GSMA executive director. “Since then we have become home to one of the largest and most recognized national park publication teams, increased our membership ranks to more than 12,000 individuals and supporting businesses, expanded our visitor center and stores to eight in North Carolina and Tennessee, and grown our staff of GSMA employees to 70. “More importantly, our organization in the last 60 years has contributed more than $30 million to the national park,” he said. “I’d call that an effort worth celebrating.”

GSMA contributions to the national park have been used for a wide variety of preservation efforts, including protecting bears from human interaction, restoring historic structures in Cataloochee Valley, Elkmont and Cades Cove, the fight against threats to the hemlock trees, backcountry rangers to protect the most isolated areas of the park, and archival storage of park-related documents and artifacts. GSMA was instrumental in the effort to bring elk back to the park, as well as worked to ensure the native brook trout population remains vibrant.

Most recently GSMA funds have been used to complete a renovation of the Clingmans Dome Information Center, Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, Tenn., and to construct a new visitor center at Oconaluftee, near Cherokee, N.C., both of which enrich the visitor experience by providing interpretive displays, current event information and assistance in planning your national park visit.

Two events will be held during the year to celebrate the organization’s 60th anniversary, the first of which is set at Oconaluftee on the North Carolina side of the park, said Lisa Duff, GSMA marketing and membership director. “The people on both sides of the park have played an important part in the GSMA story over the years,” said Duff. “We plan to honor both for the contributions they’ve made.”

Most aspects of the daylong event are free and open to the public, including the official anniversary program at 2 p.m., the GSMA book signing beginning at noon and the GSMA historic photo exhibit, said Duff. Only GSMA members will be invited to take part in the day’s other planned activities, said Duff, “Which means if you join GSMA anytime prior to or during the day June 22 you’ll be eligible to participate in all the events planned during the day.” GSMA members should preregister for the following, as space is limited:

8 a.m. – GSMNP Ranger Jason Fisher will give an elk program, limit 50

9 a.m. – Bryson City artist Elizabeth Ellison will conduct an outdoor watercolor class or participants can opt to bring the medium of their choice, limit 10

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Individuals and teams are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt at Oconaluftee, Mingus Mill and Smokemont, prizes to be awarded

10 a.m. – GSMA volunteer Westy Fletcher will lead an interpretative hike along the Oconaluftee River, limit 20

1 p.m. – Indoor storytelling and artistic program by Sylva’s Ammons Sisters, limit 50

4 p.m. – Naturalist Liz Domingue will lead a salamander safari, limit 20

To preregister for any of these activities, call the GSMA Membership Department at 865.436.7318, Ext. 222 or 254 by Friday, June 14.

A second 60th anniversary event is planned for Sept. 13-15 in Townsend, Tenn. That event will feature a full day of similar activities on Saturday, plus dinner and dancing in the evening. Preregistration will be accepted starting in early August.

For more information about GSMA’s membership and volunteer opportunities, visit SmokiesInformation.org or call 888.898.9102, Ext. 222 or 254.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Fall's Arrival · great smoky mountains association

A Smoky Mountain Minute: Fall's Arrival

Friday, September 28, 2012

September is a unique month in the park that starts with the last days of summer and ends with the first signs of fall. The month of September is a good time to view summer wildflowers, brook trout spawning, and the first signs of fall color in the higher elevations.

Here is the latest video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association:

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

cades cove · great smoky mountains association · monarch butterflies · tag

Help tag monarch butterflies in Cades Cove

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Here's an excellent opportunity to help with scientific research on monarch butterflies in the Smokies. Join naturalist Wanda DeWaard and the Great Smoky Mountains Association on a monarch tagging venture in Cades Cove on Saturday, September 29th.

Volunteers will meet Wanda at the orientation shelter at the beginning of the Cades Cove loop road at 9:30 a.m. for an introduction to the program, prior to car-pooling into the Cove for tagging. The program will end around 2:00 p.m.

Light-weight long pants and a broad-brimmed hat are strongly recommended, as well as some insect repellent. Pack a light lunch and water. A limited number of butterfly nets will be available to share, but if you have one, bring it along. A hand lens is always helpful, too. Butterfly field guides and reference books will be available to help identify other species that may end up in your net.

If interested, don't wait too long to register! This popular event is limited to only 20 people. To register, call 865-436-7318, ext. 222 or 254. A nominal fee of $5 will be charged for GSMA members, and $10 for non-members. Children under 12 are free and welcomed.

For more information on monarchs please click here.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Balsam Mountain · great smoky mountains association · Heintooga Overlook · Smokies

Exploring Balsam Mountain

Friday, August 3, 2012

Explore the Balsam Mountain area, including the panoramic views from Heintooga Overlook, with the Great Smoky Mountains Association. This fairly remote section of the Smokies lies in the southeastern portion of the park, and is an oustanding summertime refuge from the heat and crowds:

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Flat Creek Trail · great smoky mountains association

Hike the Flat Creek Trail with the GSMA

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Join avid hiker and Great Smoky Mountains Association employee Robyn Whitted on Saturday, August 18th, for a high elevation hike along the Flat Creek Trail on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. You'll meander through "elfin" forests and take in some wonderful scenic views. Let your senses drink in the sights, sounds, and fragrance of a spruce and hemlock forest.

This section of the park was heavily logged in the early 1900s. There are some stream crossings along the way and you'll encounter a second growth forest of serviceberry, maple, hawthorn, cherry, birch, and American beech - all creating good nesting habitat for a variety of birds, including brown thrashers and rufous-sided towhees.

Robyn has been a seasonal interpretive ranger at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Buffalo National River. She recommends you come prepared with sturdy hiking boots, a steady hiking stick, and rain gear. Bring snacks and water and a picnic lunch to enjoy after the hike at the Heintooga Picnic Area. And by all means don't forget your sense of adventure!

Participants from the Tennessee side are asked to meet at Sugarlands Visitor Center by 9:00 am to carpool. Those from the North Carolina side should gather at the Heintooga Picnic Area by 10:30 am.

Reservations are required and participation is limited to 20. Call 865-436-7318, ext. 222 or 254, to register.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Clingmans Dome · Contact Station · great smoky mountains association

Park Service Seeking Volunteers to Staff Contact Station at Clingmans Dome

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is currently recruiting volunteers to help staff the visitor contact station at Clingmans Dome through November 30th.

The visitor station at Clingmans Dome sits at an elevation of 6,300 feet and is a point source of information for the national park and the high elevation spruce fir ecosystem, in particular. Volunteers are needed to assist in educating visitors about the Park while also providing recreational, trip planning, and directional information. The information center, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, originally served as a comfort station, but was converted into a seasonal information center in 2010. It also includes a bookstore area managed by the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

Volunteers will be working alongside Great Smoky Mountains Association employees and are asked to work at least one, four-hour shift per week through November. The hours will be from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Interested persons will be provided with an orientation and training before beginning at the contact station. Training is scheduled for Tuesday, August 14, 2012.

To sign up for training or for more information, contact Florie Takaki, Monday through Fridays, at 828-497-1906.

Jeff
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

great smoky mountains association

Update on Fatalities, Injuries and Storm Damage in Smokies

Friday, July 6, 2012

The following update was posted on the Great Smoky Mountains Association Facebook page a short while ago:

A motorcycle rider was killed on Little River Road approximately 0.5-mile east of the Townsend Wye:

A 50 years old man was hit on the head by a falling limb. He died at the scene. Passenger on the motorcycle was not injured in the incident. Relationship of the two is unknown.

At a popular swimming hole near the Abrams Creek Campground, off the Cooper Road Trail, a large tree fell on 4 people. A 41 year-old woman was struck by the tree and was dead at the scene.

A 7 year-old girl who was swimming in the creek was hit by the same tree. She was unconscious when pulled from water and given CPR by bystanders.

The father of the 7 year-old girl was struck by same tree and sustained fractures to vertebrae, multiple broken ribs and a collapsed lung.

The mother of girl was also injured by the same tree. Her injuries are less serious. The child and her father were flown to UT and the mother taken by ground to UT in Knoxville, TN. There are no updates on their condition at this time.

Other injuries/medical emergencies:

* A cardiac in the Cades Cove campground last night

* A man was struck by tree at the Methodist Church on the Cades Cove Loop Road. He suffered a back injury.

* A man in Cades Cove was treated for an eye injury when a limb struck the windshield of his vehicle.

* All 3 of these injured individuals were taken by ambulance to Blount Memorial Hospital.

A severe thunderstorm hit the west end of the park about 6 pm yesterday. There were high winds associated with the storm. 100s of trees are down on roads between Metcalf Bottoms and the Abrams Creek areas on the west end of the park.

Damage extends from Metcalf Bottoms to Abrams Creek in Cades Cove.

NPS crews have swept all roads in storm-damaged areas to identify stranded motorists and those in need of medical attention.

Closures:

* The Cades Cove Campground will remain closed until at least until Sunday evening
* Lookrock Campground is closed
* Little River Road is closed from Elkmont to the Townsend Wye
* Laurel Creek Road
* Foothills Pkwy West
* Cades Cove Loop Road
* Rich Mountain Road
* Parson’s Branch Road
* Weir Gap Road
* Tremont Road

Other:

NPS staff will be trying to locate folks who are may be in affected areas of the backcountry. All unoccupied vehicles along Little River Road and Laurel Creek will be checked and their owners accounted for. There are no reports of injured hikers or backpackers at this time

Power remains out at Cades Cove.

Structural damage has not been assessed yet.

Individuals with reservations for the Cades Cove campgrounds should seek other accommodations for the evening.

No new information is expected until later in the afternoon.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

great smoky mountains association · Thomas Divide Hike · Thomas Divide Trail

Thomas Divide Hike

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Join the Great Smoky Mountains Association and naturalist Liz Domingue for a 3.5 mile round-trip hike on the Thomas Divide Trail next Saturday. This trail, located off Newfound Gap Road on the North Carolina side of the park, was built by the CCC in 1934.

It has moderate uphill and downhill grades. You'll encounter a forest of Eastern hemlock, yellow birch, American beech, and several species of maple. Many fallen chestnut logs can be seen on the forest floor.

Every season will reward you with diverse vegetation, and if Nature proves herself early as she has been known to do this year, you may be rewarded by some impressive displays of Turk's cap lilies and wild bergamot.

As always, wear appropriate hiking gear. Bring rain gear and bottled water, along with a snack or lunch. A hiking stick is recommended.

Since the trailhead can be hard to locate, Liz recommends meeting her at Sugarlands Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m. on July 7, and car-pooling from there.

This hike is limited to 20 participants. There is a $5 fee for GSMA members, and a $10 charge for non-members. Children under 10 years of age are not encouraged to take part in this hike. Children 10-12 are welcome and there is no charge for them.

Call 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254 to register.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Cucumber Gap Night Awareness Walk · great smoky mountains association

Cucumber Gap Night Awareness Walk

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Join the Great Smoky Mountains Association and Naturalist Wanda DeWaard on Saturday, June 23rd, for a Cucumber Gap Loop walk during the late evening and early night hours. Experience a whole new perspective on the park as you focus on the amazing changes that take place as day turns into night.

Special emphasis will be put on using your ability to become aware of night creatures and interpreting what you see and experience using all your senses. Bioluminescent critters, including some fireflies, are sure to make their presence known.

This easy to moderate trek is about 6 miles in length, and includes several small stream crossings. The GSMA recommends bringing a buddy, hiking sticks, water, lunch or light snack, extra socks and stream-crossing shoes, rain gear, and a small flashlight (NOT an LED). Wear good hiking boots and appropriate clothing.

Meet at the upper parking area at Elkmont's Little River Trailhead at 5:30 pm. The walk should finish by 11:00 pm.

Reservations are required by calling 865.436.7318, Ext. 222 or 254. There is a $5 fee for GSMA members; $10 for non-members. Children must be 12 years old and accompanied by an adult. Participation is limited to 20.

For more information on hiking the Cucumber Gap Loop, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

andrews bald · great smoky mountains association · hike

The GSMA Hike of the Month: Andrews Bald

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Join the Great Smoky Mountains Association for a guided hike to Andrews Bald on Saturday, May 26th.

The highlight of the hike will be an exposure to the first trail that benefited from the "Trails Forever" trail improvement program. Prior to the program the beginning of the trail was extremely rocky. It is now much easier to navigate due to all the hard work of "Trails Forever" National Park Ranger Christine Hoyer and her many volunteers.

The GSMA also hopes to see the Catawba Rhododendrons in bloom on the Bald. It may be a little early, but everything else has been early this year due to the unusually warm winter. Also, from the Bald there are great views of the mountains all the way to Fontana Lake.

If interested, meet at the Clingmans Dome parking lot at 9 am. The hike will be led by Marti Smith, an experienced hiker in the Smokies and 900-miler. It's a 3.8-mile round trip, and considered easy to moderate. Also bring a snack or lunch and water. Dress in layers and bring rain gear, just in case.

The fee is $5 for GSMA members and $10 for non-members. Children 12 and under are free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Call 865-436-7318, ext. 222 or 254 for reservations.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

great smoky mountains association

Timelapse video from the Smokies

Friday, March 23, 2012

The latest video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association showcases a series of timelapse video clips from Mt. LeConte, Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls, Cades Cove, and Crooked Arm Cascades:

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

great smoky mountains association · Owl Prowl

Join the GSMA for an Owl Prowl

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

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

great smoky mountains association · Naturalist Ramble · Rhododendron Creek Trail

Greenbrier Off-trail GSMA Hike of the Month

Saturday, October 29, 2011

The latest edition of the Cub Report from the Great Smoky Mountains Association announced an off-trail hike in the Greenbrier area as their hike of the month for November.

On Saturday, November 19th, Carey Jones will lead a Naturalist Ramble on the Rhododendron Creek Trail, a trail that's no longer maintained by the Park Service. There are several waterfalls on the trail, as well as some old home sites. The hike is considered easy, although there are 1 or 2 creek crossings without foot logs, and is an approximately 4-mile round trip hike. For those interested, the GSMA asks that you meet at the Greenbrier Ranger Station no later than 10 a.m., and that you bring some water and a snack, and a hiking stick.

There is a $10 fee for adults and children 12 and under are free. There is a limit of 20 participants. For reservations call 865.436.7318 ext 222 or 254.

* Also, for Great Smoky Mountains history buffs, check out this online crossword puzzle on the GSMA website.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

great smoky mountains association

LeConte Hiking Feats

Thursday, October 27, 2011

The latest edition of the Cub Report from the Great Smoky Mountains Association is reporting that three hiking feats and records were set in the Smokies or on the AT this summer.

I was already aware of the fastest hike ever on the entire 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail, set by Jennifer Pharr Davis back in July. However, I was not aware of two amazing accomplishments set on Mt. LeConte last month:

* On September 22nd, Davis Soehn and friends hiked all 6 trails to Mt. LeConte in 22 hours and 2 minutes, hiking roughly 50 miles in the process. That's just over 2.25 miles per hour - every hour! You can read their report here.

* Another man set a record by hiking the most trips to Mt. LeConte in a single day. On September 30th John Northrup hiked to LeConte via the Alum Cave Trail 5 times in a day. That's 50 miles in just under 17 hours (just under 3 miles per hour!). Last year he hiked all 6 trails to Mt. LeConte and all the overlooks in under 17 hours.

The GSMA didn't mention (though they did in a previous issue) that David Worth broke the record last May for the fastest trek across the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies. David ran/walked/trekked 72 miles - from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap - in 14 hours and 50 minutes (a little less than 5 miles per hour!).

Congrats to all!

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

andrews bald · great smoky mountains association · hike

Andrews Bald Hike with the GSMA

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Fantastic views and gorgeous fall colors await those hiking to Andrews Bald!

Join the Great Smoky Mountains Association and naturalist Liz Domingue on Saturday, October 8th for a 3.6 mile round-trip hike to Andrews Bald, one of the park's most picturesque destinations. This trail was one of the first to be improved in the park under the Trails Forever program.

Plan on packing a light lunch to enjoy at the bald while taking in the breathtaking colors of Autumn in the vast panorama.

As always, wear good hiking boots (the trail is rocky with a steep downhill section), bring water and rain gear. Though considered an easy hike, a hiking stick might be advisable also to help steady yourself as you traverse the rocks.

Meet Liz at the Clingmans Dome parking lot at 9:00 a.m. for what should prove to be a true Smokies experience!

Reservations are required and limited to 20 participants. A fee of $10 per adult will cover the cost of the presenter. Children under 12 are free. Call 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254 to register.

For more detailed information on the hike to Andrews Bald, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Appalachian Bear Rescue Presentation · great smoky mountains association

Appalachian Bear Rescue Presentation

The latest edition of the Cub Report from the Great Smoky Mountains Association is announcing that Appalachian Bear Rescue will be at Gatlinburg Welcome Center on Saturday, October 15. They will present educational information about black bears in the Smokies, and answer your questions from 10 to 3 p.m.

The Gatlinburg Welcome Center is located at 520 Parkway in Gatlinburg.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

cades cove · great smoky mountains association · John Oliver homeplace

GSMA Guided Hike to John Oliver Homeplace in Cades Cove

Saturday, July 30, 2011

On Saturday, August 13th, join the Great Smoky Mountains Association and Park volunteer Jim Burbank for a guided hike to the John Oliver homeplace in Cades Cove.

Oliver, a veteran of the War of 1812, his wife Lucretia, and their young child, arrived in the Cove in 1818, and were the first permanent white family to settle here. The cabin dates from the 1820s and is one of the oldest structures in the Park.

The hike will begin from the Cades Cove Information Shelter (just before the entrance to the one-way Cades Cove Loop Road) at 10 a.m. Participants will hike 1.3 miles along the Rich Mountain Loop Trail to reach the cabin.

The GSMA asks that you wear good hiking boots, bring water, rain gear, and a light lunch or snack to eat upon arrival at the cabin.

The program is limited to 20 people, and you must pre-register by calling 865-436-7318, ext. 222 or 254. There is a nominal fee of $10 per adult; children 12 and under are free.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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