Winter Sports in the Smokies

Winter Sports in the Smokies

Sunday, December 29, 2013

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Even though Old Man Winter is already tightening his icy grip on the mountains, it doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Winter is an excellent time to visit the Smokies, especially for those seeking solitude. Although the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees more visitors year-round than any other park, winter is by far the slowest tourist season.

While it might be rather frosty at Newfound Gap, temperatures in the lower elevations of the park are usually quite balmy during the winter months. Roughly half the days have high temperatures of 50 degrees or more – some even reach into the 70s. On average, you can expect a snowfall of one inch or more just 1 to 5 times a year. This means that on most days you’ll still find plenty of opportunities for some great hiking on trails such as Abrams Falls, Little River, or Porters Creek - just to name a couple.

For the more ambitious who wish to venture into the higher elevations, you should expect snow and ice, especially on trails in the upper reaches of the park. You may even want to consider taking a pair of strap-on crampons (made for hiking boots) along with you. Even packed snow has a tendency to turn to ice overnight, and if you’re on a trail with steep drop-offs, such as Alum Cave, you’ll appreciate the extra traction they’ll give you.

If your preference is for sports that rely on snow you can usually count on plenty of it at the highest elevations. Although Gatlinburg averages only about seven inches of snow throughout the winter, Clingmans Dome, on the other hand, normally receives a whopping 85 inches. Up to two feet can fall during one winter storm!

One of the best places to be in the park when there’s snow on the ground is at Newfound Gap. The seven-mile road to Clingmans Dome, closed to traffic from December through March, provides excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Appalachian Trail - spanning the crest of the Smokies and crossing over Newfound Gap - also provides for some great snowshoeing opportunities when conditions are right.

Sledding is another popular activity on or near Newfound Gap, especially for children and those who are still kids at heart themselves.

Adrenaline junkies looking for the speed and thrills of downhill skiing or snowboarding can get their fix at nearby Ober Gatlinburg or the Cataloochee Ski Area. Cataloochee offers 14 different runs, while Ober Gatlinburg has eight, including one that’s almost a mile in length. Both resorts also offer snow tubing opportunities as well.

Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains is truly magical. After a blanket of fresh snow the landscape turns into a scenic wonderland, especially in the spruce-fir forests of the upper elevations. For those that have only visited during the warmer months, winter is an excellent time to experience the Smokies in a whole new way.

If you're considering a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains this winter, please help support HikingintheSmokys.com this season by supporting the sponsors on our Accommodations page.







Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
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Discover the Joys of Winter Hiking

Discover the Joys of Winter Hiking

Saturday, December 7, 2013

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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
Hiking in the Smokies

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Winter Nature Watch Opportunities in Land Between The Lakes

Winter Nature Watch Opportunities in Land Between The Lakes

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

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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

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Discover the Joys of Winter Hiking

Discover the Joys of Winter Hiking

Monday, December 5, 2011

2 comments

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

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Glacier’s Historic Winter

Glacier’s Historic Winter

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

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The winter of 2010/2011 was an historic one for Glacier National Park. A park press release at the end of April reported that USGS snow surveys measured 106 inches of snow on the ground at the 5,900 foot level near Siyeh Bend on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. A whopping 166 inches were recorded at the 7,000 foot level!

All that snow resulted in the latest opening date ever for the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The road, which tops out at Logan Pass at an elevation of 6646 feet, didn’t open until July 13th this year. The prior record for the latest opening date was set in 1953 when the road didn’t open until June 24th.

Here are two NPS photos showing the massive plowing project on the Going-to-the-Sun Road this past spring. Would you want this job?


All that snow resulted in a couple of historic avalanches.

One avalanche that received quite a bit of notoriety delivered a serious blow to the historic Sperry Chalet. The backcountry hotel, accessed only by a 6-mile hike, sustained a fair amount of damage, and resulted in a truncated tourist season this summer.

The avalanche slid off Lincoln Peak sometime during midwinter and plowed into the south end of the stone dormitory building. Snow and debris damaged the roof, broke a door, took off some shutters, and blew open windows. Four rooms on the interior were completely filled with snow. The damage delayed the opening, and forced an early summer closure as crews worked to complete repairs before another winter set in.

Here's what the chalet looked like in April in this NPS photo:

Here's what it looked like during our visit in mid-August:

Just a hundred feet up slope from the chalet the remains of the avalanche were still on display. Notice how most of the trees are still bent or were snapped off:

Another significant avalanche occurred on the other side of Gunsight Pass, not far from Sperry. The avalanche, just below Gunsight Lake, resulted in hundreds of trees being snapped off only a couple feet above the ground. We hiked this trail in September and had to bushwhack through a section of trail, more than a tenth of a mile long, that was choked with dead trees and crushed willows. Underneath the debris, still at this late date, were several feet of packed snow and ice.

While climbing through the debris I noticed this ice bridge:

I’m not sure how long it will take the park to clear the obstruction, but it’s likely to be there for awhile. As a result of heavy lingering snow, the trail over Gunsight Pass was not even expected to open in 2011.






Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Winter forecasts for the Smokies

Winter forecasts for the Smokies

Sunday, October 24, 2010

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Two long range forecasts for this winter for the United States have been published in the last couple of days: one from AccuWeather.com, the other from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Overall, both reports are very similar, but differ a little with respects to the Great Smoky Mountains region. They both expect a weather phenomenon known as La Nina to be the main player governing weather patterns this winter. La Nina occurs when sea surface temperatures across the equatorial central and eastern Pacific are below normal. This weather phenomenon can have a significant impact on weather patterns across North America for several months. This year appears to be no exception.

Both forecasts expect warmer temperatures for the southeast, including the Smoky Mountains region:

However, the two forecasters differ a little on how much precipitation the Smokies could receive this winter. While NOAA is predicting normal precipitation amounts:

Joe Bastardi at AccuWeather.com is predicting that precipitation levels will be below normal this winter season:

Bastardi also goes on to state that the overall dry weather pattern expected across the southern tier of the nation could lead the region into a "perilous period" similar to the 1950s and 1960s, which was drier than normal. Drought conditions and water shortages could become major problems from Southern California into the Deep South.

The Deep South is already in the midst of a severe drought, and a lack of precipitation this winter will only make matters worse. According to the Climate Prediction Center, it's likely that drought conditions could develop in the Smokies over the next three months - but not anywhere near the levels seen in the surrounding region:

Interestingly, and consequently, the highest incidents of forest fires in the Smokies occur during the months of February, March and April. Hopefully an unexpected wet weather pattern will develop at some point to give the southeast some much needed relief.

To read the full AccuWeather report, please click here.

To read the full NOAA report, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Video: Winter hike to Alum Cave Bluffs

Video: Winter hike to Alum Cave Bluffs

Sunday, February 21, 2010

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The Great Smoky Mountains Association has just published their latest video. This time the GSMA takes viewers to one of the most popular destinations in the park during a winter hike up to Alum Cave Bluffs.




For more information on hiking to Alum Cave Bluffs, 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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Winter Specials on Cabins & Chalets in the Smokies

Winter Specials on Cabins & Chalets in the Smokies

Sunday, February 7, 2010

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As a way of thanking our advertisers on HikingintheSmokys.com, I wanted to let readers of this blog know about the specials they’re offering on overnight lodging this winter season. You can find a variety of cabins and chalets 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 through the remainder of the month, please take a moment to check out these outstanding offers:

Auntie Belham's is offering HikingintheSmokys.com bloggers more savings on their lodging than anyone else. We have added an additional discount to our standard winter specials. Visit us online at our website to see specials and photos of all our beautiful Cabins, Chalets and Cottages. For all HikingintheSmokys.com bloggers we are offering additional savings - Special 1: Stay 2 nights, get your 3rd night free and your 4th night HALF-PRICE. Special 2: All 7 night stays will receive the 5th night HALF-PRICE along with the 6th & 7th nights free. Call our office at 800.436.6618 to make your reservation today. Mention BLOGGER'S ONLY to receive one of the above specials. Hiking, hot tubing and having fun, what else could you need to chase away the winter blues.

Boyd Mountain Log Cabins offers 7 hand hewn antique log cabins, restored on a 130 acre family farm. The cabins have 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedrooms with modern conveniences including full kitchens and wi-fi. We offer Kids Stay and Ski Free program with Cataloochee Ski Area. Offer valid Sun-Thur., Non-Holidays. For info 828-926-1575 or www.boydmountain.com.

Cherokee Realty is offering a 25% discount on any of their rentals booked between now and April.

Hidden Creek Cabins: All remaining weeknights, when you stay at least 2 nights, are just $59.00 per night for a family of 2-4 on select cabins between now and February 28th. Also, for anyone that signs up for our newsletter or starts following us on twitter, we will automatically enter them into our drawing for a free weekend stay in February. Call Kevin or visit our site for details: 828-507-5627, www.hiddencreekcabins.com

Moose Creek Crossing Cabin Rentals: GET ONE NIGHT FREE: Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free from 10/24/09 thru 3/14/10. Offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Not valid on holidays. 15% OFF: Stay 2 nights or more from 10/24/09 thru 3/14/10 and get 15% off the nightly rate. Must call office at 1-888-972-2246 to receive discount. Year-round specials are also available, please call for more information.

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


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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Meet the Great Smoky Mountains Nordic Ski Patrol

Meet the Great Smoky Mountains Nordic Ski Patrol

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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Below is a short video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association highlighting the Nordic Ski Patrol in the Smokies.

Most people probably don't know it, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park has its own all volunteer Nordic Ski Patrol, certified through the National Ski Patrol. The patrollers are well versed in First Aid and other cold weather emergency medical services, and are able to assist in search and rescue operations.

This year there are 8 volunteer patrollers, mostly working on weekends on Clingmans Dome Road and in the Newfound Gap area. They provide information to park visitors while monitoring winter conditions and visitor use on Clingmans Dome Road. On a typical patrol day, they ski to Collins Gap, about half way to Clingmans Dome and report on snow conditions to park dispatch via park radio.




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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Winter Specials on Cabins in the Smokies

Winter Specials on Cabins in the Smokies

Monday, January 4, 2010

2 comments

As a way of thanking our advertisers on HikingintheSmokys.com, I wanted to let readers of this blog know about the specials they’re offering on overnight lodging this winter season. You can find a variety of cabins and chalets 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 January or February, please check out these outstanding offers:

Auntie Belham's is offering HikingintheSmokys.com bloggers more savings on their lodging than anyone else. We have added an additional discount to our standard winter specials. Visit us online at our website to see specials and photos of all our beautiful Cabins, Chalets and Cottages. For all HikingintheSmokys.com bloggers we are offering additional savings - Special 1: Stay 2 nights, get your 3rd night free and your 4th night HALF-PRICE. Special 2: All 7 night stays will receive the 5th night HALF-PRICE along with the 6th & 7th nights free. Call our office at 800.436.6618 to make your reservation today. Mention BLOGGER'S ONLY to receive one of the above specials. Hiking, hot tubing and having fun, what else could you need to chase away the winter blues.

Boyd Mountain Log Cabins offers 7 hand hewn antique log cabins, restored on a 130 acre family farm. The cabins have 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedrooms with modern conveniences including full kitchens and wi-fi. We offer Kids Stay and Ski Free program with Cataloochee Ski Area. Offer valid Sun-Thur., Non-Holidays. For info 828-926-1575 or www.boydmountain.com.

Cherokee Realty is offering a 25% discount on any of their rentals booked between now and April.

Eden Crest Vacation Rentals: Through January 31, 2010, choose one of the following: Receive a 15% discount -OR- Stay 2 nights and the 3rd night is free -OR- Stay 5 or more nights and the 5th and 6th nights are free. (Excludes holidays, Discounts cannot be combined)

Hidden Creek Cabins: All remaining weeknights, when you stay at least 2 nights, are just $59.00 per night for a family of 2-4 on select cabins between now and February 28th. Also, for anyone that signs up for our newsletter or starts following us on twitter, we will automatically enter them into our drawing for a free weekend stay in February. Call Kevin or visit our site for details: 828-507-5627, www.hiddencreekcabins.com

Moose Creek Crossing Cabin Rentals: GET ONE NIGHT FREE: Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free from 10/24/09 thru 3/14/10. Offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Not valid on holidays. 15% OFF: Stay 2 nights or more from 10/24/09 thru 3/14/10 and get 15% off the nightly rate. Must call office at 1-888-972-2246 to receive discount. Year-round specials are also available, please call for more information.

Timber Tops Luxury Log Cabins is offering 3 Nights for the Price of 2 during the month of January (Excludes Holiday Rate Seasons).


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


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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Can you survive in the wilderness in the winter?

Can you survive in the wilderness in the winter?

Friday, December 11, 2009

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I'm sure most you would never really want to actually find out, but you could test yourself - virtually - by playing the Discovery Channel's "Life or Death Game".

The scenario is that you are on a guided extreme winter hike to a luxury cabin. You awake after the first night to find that the guide has left - with all the food - and you're still two days away from the cabin. Can you survive?

Warning: the game can be quite annoying because everytime you miss the right answer, you're forced to start over again. Fortunately there's only a handful of questions. All in all though, it's a pretty good exercise because there are a couple of questions with counter-intuitive answers, forcing you to think outside of the box, which is something that would come in handy in a real survival situation.

The site also has other scenarios including being lost at sea and being stranded in the jungle.

Click here to play.




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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