Big South Fork Offers Ranger-Led Programs Almost Every Day Through Labor Day Weekend

Saturday, May 31, 2014

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Rangers at the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be conducting free ranger-led programs almost every day this summer. The programs started Memorial Day weekend and will continue through Labor Day, and all you have to do to join is show up. Throughout the summer, rangers will be leading weekly hikes at Leatherwood Ford, Twin Arches, Oscar Blevins, East Rim Overlook, Sunset...
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AmeriCorps NCCC Team to Extend the Cumberland Trail

Friday, May 30, 2014

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The Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park announced yesterday that it has been awarded an AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team to assist with trail construction in Campbell County. The seven-person Delta 4 Unit will work throughout the month of June alongside Tennessee State Parks work crews and community volunteers to extend the Cumberland Trail further toward Cumberland...
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Volunteers Sought for Appalachian Trail Crew in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) invites volunteers, 18 and over, to help maintain the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as part of the Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail (S.W.E.A.T) Crew for the 2014 season. These particular positions are physically demanding and are designed for experienced hikers who love to work hard, live in the backcountry and...
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Paradise Found: The Skyline Trail

Monday, May 26, 2014

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"... the most luxuriant and the most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens I ever beheld in all my mountain-top wanderings." That was John Muir’s reaction upon seeing the Paradise valley for the very first time in 1889. I dare say you might have the same reaction yourself. The best way to explore the Paradise valley below the southern slopes of Mt. Rainier is to hike the Skyline Trail...
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Are Private, Illegal Trails Being Cut in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Sunday, May 25, 2014

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Are private, illegal trails being cut in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? That is an allegation being leveled by Southern Forest Watch, and is the subject of a recent article published on the National Parks Traveler website. According to the NPT article: "Sometime in recent years two trails running more than a mile-and-a-half were cut into the backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park,...
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Seasons of the Smokies

Saturday, May 24, 2014

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Below is another great film from the Great Smoky Mountains Association. This is actually the trailer from their second film in the Smoky Mountain Explorer Series, called, "Seasons of the Smokies: A Wondrous Diversity of Life". I think you'll enjoy this: Jeff Hiking in the Smok...
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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...
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June Hike of the Month: Spence Field / Rocky Top

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

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It's almost June, which means mountain laurel will soon be blooming at the top of Spence Field. The hike to Spence Field out of Cades Cove is probably one of the most underrated hikes in the Smokies. I would go so far as to say that the combination of Spence Field and Rocky Top could rate as one of the top three hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. Gregory Bald would definitely be included in that...
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Black Mountain Trail in Pisgah National Forest to Close

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

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The U.S. Forest Service plans to conduct a major trail renovation of the lower section of Trail #127 Black Mountain Trail from the intersection with Trail #603 Thrift Cove Loop in the Pisgah National Forest. This section of the Black Mountain Trail will be closed for at least two weeks, from May 28th to June 10, 2014. This project, in partnership with Pisgah Area SORBA, will help protect water quality,...
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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...
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REI's Anniversary Sale

Friday, May 16, 2014

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With spring hiking season already in full gear, and summer just around the corner, you may be finding yourself in need of some new gear. If money's a little tight, you may want to check-out REI's current sale - which they're calling their "Biggest Sale of the Year". Thru May 26th REI will be offering up to 30% on a wide array of outdoor gear and apparel. REI members can also get an additional 20%...
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National Trails Day 2014

Friday, May 16, 2014

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Saturday, June 7, 2014, marks the American Hiking Society’s 22nd annual celebration of National Trails Day, which is America’s largest trail and outdoor celebration - a day devoted to appreciating America’s trails and the hard-working individuals who build and maintain them. In honor of this day, thousands of public events will be hosted nationwide and hundreds of thousands of trail enthusiasts will...
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Cindy MacLeod Selected as Acting Superintendent of Smokies

Thursday, May 15, 2014

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National Park Service Southeast Regional Director Stan Austin announced that Cindy MacLeod has been selected as the acting superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park effective June 1. MacLeod is the superintendent of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. She replaces Pedro Ramos who has been the acting superintendent since January. Ramos will return to his position as...
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Video: Celebrate 100 Years of Rocky Mountain National Park

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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On September 3, 2014, Rocky Mountain National Park will kick off its year-long 100th Anniversary celebration. Honor the past, inspire the future, and celebrate the present wilderness, wildlife and wonder with this new video from the park! If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park during the centennial celebration, or anytime this year, please note that our hiking website for the...
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Tempting The Throne Room

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

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Over the past couple of years I've had the opportunity to review several books concerning mountaineering in the Himalayas. Although the subject matter may be slightly off the normal topic for this blog, you may want give this one a closer look. Tempting The Throne Room is a new book written by local adventurer, John Quillen, from Knoxville. In addition to reaching the summits of big mountains around...
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Share the Experience Photo Contest is Back!

Sunday, May 11, 2014

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The 2014 Share the Experience Photo Contest is now accepting entries through December 31, 2014. If you’re an amateur photographer, this is your chance to submit your inspiring images of America’s federal lands, national parks, forests, waterways and historical sites. The 2014 contest features many prizes and a brand new submission category – Night Skies. Share the Experience showcases amazing...
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Department of Interior Awards Smokies Ranger and Volunteer with Valor Awards

Saturday, May 10, 2014

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The National Park Service announced yesterday that Valor Awards were given to 17 employees who have demonstrated unusual courage in the face of danger. In a ceremony on Thursday, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell presented the Valor Awards to the employees, as well as the Citizen’s Award for Bravery to three private citizens who risked their lives to save others while on Department of the Interior...
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10-acre Wildfire near Rainbow Falls in the Smoky Mountains

Friday, May 9, 2014

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park firefighters are managing a low-intensity, 10-acre wildfire, located just above Rainbow Falls along the Rainbow Falls Trail. The Rocky Spur fire was reported at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8th by a small aircraft. Firefighters were on scene this morning and will remain in the area to monitor the spread of the fire which lies within a natural fire...
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Firefighters Continue to Suppress Harmon Den Wildfire

Friday, May 9, 2014

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U.S. Forest Service firefighters continue to suppress a small wildfire in the Harmon Den area of the Pisgah National Forest. The wildfire, reported late Wednesday afternoon, is 60 acres in size, and is under investigation. Nearly 30 firefighters and others are working to suppress the wildfire. Containment lines have been established and back-burning operations have been completed. Firefighters...
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Time to Make Plans for Gregory Bald!

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

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Although Gregory Bald is an excellent destination anytime of the year, mid to late June is the absolute best time to make the trek to the summit. In addition to its excellent views into Cades Cove, Gregory Bald provides for one of the best flame azalea shows in the world during this time frame. In fact, azalea lovers from all over the world come here to visit perhaps the finest display of flame azaleas...
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Smokies to Conduct Road Striping Operations

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

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A contractor for Great Smoky Mountains National Park will perform striping operations in TN beginning Monday, May 5th through Thursday, May 22nd along the Spur, Little River Road from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Townsend, the top two miles of Newfound Gap, and the Elkmont entrance road. Operations will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. on Monday through Thursday. Weather delays due...
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Smokies Hosts National Park Career Day

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites students, recent graduates, and their families to participate in a National Park Career Day on Saturday, May 10, 2014, from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. where students will receive a behind-the-scenes look into National Park Service careers. Park employees will lead hands-on activities that best demonstrate their job duties, while also providing career...
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Trail Days

Monday, May 5, 2014

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Next weekend, on May 16th though May 18th, Damascus, Virginia will hold its annual Trail Days festival. Trail Days is the annual Woodstock for hikers. It’s the mother of all hiking gatherings. It’s a celebration of all things Appalachian Trail. And it all happens in tiny Damascus, also known as Trail Town, USA where the Appalachian Trail, the Virginia Creeper and the Iron Mountain Trail slice through...
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All 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway are now open

Thursday, May 1, 2014

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Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Mark Woods is pleased to announce that a section of the Parkway from Milepost 376 at Ox Creek Road to Milepost 355, near the entrance to Mt. Mitchell State Park, is once again open for travel.This popular stretch of motor road was closed for stabilization work on a failed slope just north of Tanbark Ridge Tunnel at Milepost 374, the site of last summer's well-known...
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