2021-02-25 16:21
With great sadness, I am announcing that this will be my last post on this blog. Yesterday I finalized the sale of this blog and my website, HikingintheSmokys.com, to the owners of SmokyMoun… Read More
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The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog
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Discussion and Articles on trails and hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
2021-02-20 12:00
Are you planning to visit Glacier National Park this summer - or anytime down the road? I wanted to let you know about an eBook we published last year that provides hikers with access to det… Read More
2021-02-18 23:10
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are extending a pilot project in Cades Cove by continuing vehicle-free access on the Cades Cove Loop Road on Wednesdays from May 5 through Septe… Read More
2021-02-13 12:00
North Carolina state parks experienced a record number of visitors in 2020. State parks and recreation areas welcomed 19.8 million visitors last year — 400,000 more than any other yea… Read More
2021-02-11 12:00
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that the Cades Cove Loop Road will be fully closed for three weeks in September to resurface the popular roadway which is used by more… Read More
2021-02-08 12:00
An online guide for outdoor travel called Outforia.com recently published a list of fatality figures for America's national parks. The data was derived from the National Park Service through… Read More
2021-02-04 12:00
The Uwharrie National Forest recently announced the addition of the Walkers Creek Trailhead to the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail (UNRT). The UNRT was rerouted from Luther’s Spur t… Read More
2021-01-28 12:00
Are you planning to visit Grand Teton National Park this summer - or anytime down the road? I wanted to let you know about an eBook we published last year that provides hikers with access to… Read More
2021-01-22 12:00
Congress has redesignated New River Gorge National River as New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This new name highlights the park’s spectacular features and other national park… Read More
2021-01-20 12:00
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced last week that Ramsey Prong Road and Greenbrier Road, past the Greenbrier Picnic Area, will be temporarily closed to all motorists and… Read More
2021-01-12 12:00
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to monitor visitor use patterns in several of the most popular locations in the park in both North Carolina and Tennessee. Volunt… Read More
2021-01-11 17:22
National Park Service officials announced last week that a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Milepost 316.5 to Milepost 317.5 will close as contractors start a rehabilitation project at… Read More
2020-12-30 12:00
Camping in the last two months reached historic highs in Tennessee State Parks. The parks saw 62,124 nights camping in October, a one-month record for camping stays in the system, topping t… Read More
2020-12-23 12:00
One of the most famous vistas on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), McAfee Knob, has been given additional protection with the acquisition of three tracts of land near Roanoke. This effort, led b… Read More
2020-12-15 12:00
Christmas is just over a week away! The good news is that you still have time to purchase stocking stuffers for all your favorite hikers. If you need a gift idea, both the paperback and E-bo… Read More
2020-12-14 12:43
The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation launched a new web page to seek public input as staff develop the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail master plan. The master plan is a long-term strategy… Read More
2020-12-13 12:00
The Trump Administration announced this past week that all National Park Service sites will have six entrance fee-free days in 2021. The fee-free days are part of the Administration’s… Read More
2020-12-12 12:00
With over 400 miles of trails, Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is seeking volunteers to assist in keeping them in great shape. If you enjoy the outdoors, and spending tim… Read More
2020-12-10 12:00
The following is a short excerpt from my book, Ramble On: A History of Hiking: For women, hiking attire during the Victorian Era was an extremely complicated affair. The subject was frequent… Read More
2020-12-07 12:00
This was posted on the North Carolina state parks website this past week: All North Carolina state parks are closed on Christmas Day, December 25. Parks are open every other day of the hol… Read More
2020-12-05 12:00
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced that a section of Elkmont Road will be temporarily closed to motorists for bridge repairs beginning Monday, December 7 through Fr… Read More
2020-11-30 12:00
The National Park Service (NPS) announced today it is partnering with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on a project that includes a proposal for additional access to the Graveyard Fields trail… Read More
2020-11-28 12:00
At 1:40 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers responded to a Chimney Tops overlook along Newfound Gap Road after receiving a report that a man fell approx… Read More
2020-11-19 12:00
Shenandoah National Park continues to experience an increase in emergency calls, prompting park officials to remind visitors of the need to plan their hiking trips and be prepared. This is e… Read More
2020-11-18 21:34
The U.S. Forest Service plans to conduct a 200-acre prescribed burn on the Pisgah Ranger District this week. The burn will take place at Sam Knob. The goal of the burn is to maintain and i… Read More
2020-11-17 12:00
Christmas is only a few weeks away. So now is a great time to begin thinking about stocking stuffers for all your favorite hikers. With that in mind, I wanted to let you know that both the p… Read More
2020-11-13 19:38
With the start of a new year, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for your continuing support of our online hiking trail guides for the four national parks we cover:HikingintheSmok… Read More
2020-11-13 00:42
The Great Smoky Mountains reported that an earthquake took place in the park yesterday. Here's the post from their Facebook page: Park officials confirmed the detection by the United State… Read More
2020-11-11 12:00
Effectively immediately, Station Camp Campground is open year-round for campers with or without horses. Amenities available are potable water and 30-amp electric hook-ups at each campsite, h… Read More
2020-11-06 12:00
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian-Piedmont-Coastal Zone fire management staff plan to burn approximately 689 acres of fields in Cades Cove. Weather permitting, burn ope… Read More
2020-11-02 17:55
The Daniel Boone National Forest has begun a public planning process that will help shape the future of the Red River Gorge. Changes that have occurred in the area since the last public plan… Read More
2020-10-21 11:00
As mentioned a few weeks ago, my wife and I visited both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park last month. In addition to the two hikes from Grand Teton we added to our website, TetonHik… Read More
2020-10-20 17:44
As mentioned a few weeks ago, my wife and I visited Grand Teton National Park last month. As a result of that trip we were able to add two new hikes to our website, TetonHikingTrails.com. Th… Read More
2020-10-14 13:34
During the week of October 19, Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites the public to provide input on how the park can improve visitor experiences and alleviate congestion at some of its… Read More
2020-10-13 11:00
A few weeks ago I saw a post on Twitter about an "air ambulance jet suit" being tested in the Lake District of northern England. If this invention is proven to be viable, it could mean that… Read More
2020-10-09 22:26
October is a popular time to visit Shenandoah National Park, typically garnering nearly a quarter of the Park’s annual visitation of 1.4 million. The Park is experiencing higher than u… Read More
2020-10-01 11:00
Earlier this week I returned from a two week trip out to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. On Sunday, September 20th, we drove from the North Entrance to begin our second leg of th… Read More
2020-09-29 11:00
This isn't a storm: From a far-off distance my wife and I both thought we were approaching another storm as we traveled across southeastern Wyoming this past Saturday. Earlier that mornin… Read More
2020-09-28 21:36
National Park Service (NPS) officials announced that work began today to mitigate a slope failure that resulted in the closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Explore Park entrance (milep… Read More
2020-09-24 11:00
Although this short video is a little dated (from 2014), it still highlights an important lesson that continues to be valid today. The video discusses how the introduction of wolves in Yello… Read More
2020-09-14 11:00
Take a hike on the Appalachian Trail today, no matter where you are! For September only, you can unlock the A.T. on the Walk the Distance app when you donate $5 or more to the ATC! Your dona… Read More
2020-09-11 11:00
In honor of National Public Lands Day on September 26th, Tennessee State Parks, Friends Groups and Tennessee State Natural Areas are hosting a variety of volunteer stewardship projects, hike… Read More
2020-09-08 22:36
Shenandoah National Park has learned that that the man who passed away in the plane crash near the Buck Hollow Trail in Rappahannock County is 35-year old Nicolas Hellewell from San Luis Obi… Read More
2020-09-03 16:15
On September 2, 2020 at 11:14 a.m., the Shenandoah National Park Communications Center received a report that the wreckage of a plane crash had been found approximately 0.75 mile down the Bu… Read More
2020-08-31 11:00
Late last week I received a notice in my email stating that Friends of the Smokies has made the decision to cancel the annual Friends Across the Mountains Telethon this year. Here's their me… Read More
2020-08-28 11:00
A Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) crew of young adults worked with volunteers from the North Carolina High Peaks Trail Association to complete high priority trail work on the Black… Read More
2020-08-26 18:39
The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increa… Read More
2020-08-25 11:00
USDA Forest Service officials at the Cherokee National Forest announced that work will begin September 1 to replace thirteen foot bridges on the Indian Boundary Recreation Area Loop Trail. T… Read More
2020-08-24 11:00
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (Conservancy), The Conservation Fund (the Fund), and Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC (Mountain Valley), announced last week a conservation stewardship agreeme… Read More
2020-08-20 11:00
Tennessee State Parks will host volunteer events in September across the state as part of First Lady Maria Lee’s Tennessee Serves initiative. “We are proud to partner for the se… Read More
2020-08-18 20:54
Great Smoky Mountains National Park reported today the death of a cyclist in Cades Cove. The cyclist, 60-year old Harold D. Pardue from Elkin, NC suffered severe head trauma and was unconsci… Read More
2020-08-16 11:00
The Great Smoky Mountains announced that there will be single-lane closures in effect from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, each week (the park did not specify when this s… Read More
2020-08-14 16:13
USDA Forest Service Officials announced that beginning August 14 digital site passes will be available for day use recreation areas in the Cherokee National Forest. To purchase a pass, go di… Read More
2020-08-12 23:11
Permits are now required to camp in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area on Friday and Saturday nights and holidays through the end of October. To reserve a permit, backpackers must call the G… Read More
2020-08-05 11:00
In celebration of President Trump signing the Great American Outdoors Act, Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced free entrance to national parks and public lands for August… Read More
2020-08-04 18:56
America’s public lands received its greatest boost in decades this morning when President Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act into law. This historic Act will provide billions… Read More
2020-07-30 11:00
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Blue Ridge Parkway is increasing recreational access… Read More
2020-07-28 19:27
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park cited an interesting stat in a Facebook post earlier today with regards to Search and Rescues (SARs) within the park. Here's the post: Know your… Read More
2020-07-25 19:21
Tunnel Ridge Road (Forest Route 39) in the Red River Gorge portion of the Daniel Boone National Forest will be closed approximately 3 weeks starting August 3. The Kentucky Transportation Cab… Read More
2020-07-22 11:00
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is proposing a mountain bike trail system within the Foothill Parkway Section 8D corridor in Wears Valley, Sevier County, Tennessee. The proposed project… Read More
2020-07-21 19:54
As reported this past March, Friends of the Smokies was forced to postpone their Classic Hikes of the Smokies series due to the Covid outbreak. For those interested, the "Friends" group has… Read More
2020-07-17 11:00
Tennessee State Parks is now offering a 10% Tennessee Resident Discount to make spending the night in the outdoors even more affordable. Residents can take advantage of the new 10% discount… Read More
2020-07-15 11:00
Visitors to Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests will have a convenient new way to pay day use fees at several recreation sites starting this summer. A new online platform allows visitors t… Read More
2020-07-14 11:00
On July 10, at approximately 11:00 AM (ET), a male 52-year-old Stearns resident was swimming across from the Blue Heron Boat Launch with his family when he submerged underwater and never rea… Read More
2020-07-10 18:15
Great Smoky Mountains National Park maintenance crews will implement a temporary, single-lane closure along King Branch Road on Tuesday, July 14 from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. to make paveme… Read More
2020-07-08 16:44
National Park Service (NPS) officials announced today that a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Milepost 112.4 to Milepost 115.5 is now open providing access to Explore Park from the nor… Read More
2020-07-06 16:06
On July 1, 2020, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced a 6.7-mile extension of the existing precautionary fish consumption advisory due to mercury on the… Read More
2020-07-02 11:00
Great Smoky Mountains National Park recently announced the hiring for a newly created "Emergency Manager" position. This new position will function to coordinate emergency medical response a… Read More
2020-06-30 11:00
Appalachian Trail (A.T.) volunteers have been given the green light to resume Trail maintenance following guidelines offered by the National Park Service and the Appalachian Trail Conservanc… Read More
2020-06-29 11:00
The U.S. Forest Service has acquired a 49-acre inholding at the headwaters of Laurel Creek, a tributary to Fires Creek, in a popular recreation area on the Tusquitee Ranger District. Funding… Read More
2020-06-26 13:16
National Park Service is seeking information related to the theft of approximately 30 pink lady slipper plants (Cypripedium acaule) along Leatherwood Loop Trail, on or about June 8-9, 2020… Read More
2020-06-22 11:00
The Pisgah National Forest warns visitors to North Mills River, Bent Creek Experimental Forest, and Black Balsam and surrounding areas on the Pisgah Ranger District to be on the look-out for… Read More
2020-06-20 11:00
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 14.9 million visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2019 spent $1.1 Billion in communities near the park. That spending supported 16,341 jo… Read More
2020-06-17 19:23
Tunnel Ridge Road (Forest Route 39) in the Red River Gorge will be temporarily closed for repairs June 22-25. Gates will close Sunday, June 21, at 9:00 pm. Tunnel Ridge Road provides access… Read More
2020-06-16 22:21
Diana Graves, age 67, of Chesterfield, VA, was hiking with her family when she experienced a cardiac event approximately 0.5 mile from the trailhead. Bystanders immediately performed CPR unt… Read More
2020-06-15 11:00
U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt today announced the annual economic benefit of national parks to the U.S. and local economies. In 2019, visitor spending in communities near… Read More
2020-06-13 17:57
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is increasing… Read More
2020-06-12 11:00
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is… Read More
2020-06-10 11:00
With most national parks finally in the process of reopening, and with restrictions on travel slowly being lifted, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your continuing support of our o… Read More
2020-06-05 22:18
Beginning on Monday, June 8, the following areas will be accessible: * Cades Cove and Smokemont Campgrounds* Anthony Creek Horse Camp* Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, Cades Cove, and Clingmans Dom… Read More
2020-06-04 11:00
On June 1, 2020, Pisgah National Forest will open several campgrounds and recreation sites. Some sites remain closed and facilities and services remain limited. Popular recreation areas tha… Read More
2020-06-03 22:06
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the implementation of vehicle-free access along the Cades Cove Loop Road each Wednesday, from June 17 through September 30, as part of… Read More
2020-06-03 11:00
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is… Read More
2020-06-02 14:18
Hard to believe, but this is no joke! In fact, this just might be dream come true for one lucky, beer-loving hiker! The Devils Backbone Brewing Company is currently accepting applications fo… Read More
2020-06-01 11:00
Each year people all across the country unite on the first Saturday of June to celebrate American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events won&rs&hell…Read More
2020-05-27 11:00
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) recently released updated guidance for visitors seeking to visit the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) while minimizing the risk of contracting or spreading CO… Read More
2020-05-25 11:00
The Daniel Boone National Forest opened the Red River Gorge and Redbird Crest Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System on Friday, May 22. The forest had previously announced a June 3 opening date… Read More
2020-05-23 10:19
The USDA Forest Service will open a series of trailheads and access points to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail yesterday, May 22. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Georgia, N… Read More
2020-05-22 11:00
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park’s (NHP… Read More
2020-05-21 11:00
Michael Barker, age 59 from Seymour, TN, was riding his bicycle approximately 5 miles east of Walland when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Emergency responders and medically trained bystanders… Read More
2020-05-19 20:47
Park officials were joined by Second Lady Karen Pence and Deputy Secretary of the Interior Katherine MacGregor at Clingmans Dome to talk about the mental health benefits of being outdoors an… Read More
All Trailheads Now Open At Cumberland Gap National Historical Park As Phased Accessibility Continues
2020-05-18 11:00
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, all trailheads at Cumberland Gap National Historical… Read More
2020-05-16 14:03
The Pisgah National Forest will begin to reopen many trails and roads and partially lift restrictions for dispersed camping May 14, using a site-by-site approach, including assessment of fac… Read More
2020-05-12 20:34
The Cherokee National Forest will reopen developed recreation sites beginning May 15 using a site-by-site approach, including assessment of facility cleanliness, maintenance status, and heal… Read More
2020-05-11 17:46
Following guidance from the Governor’s office and the Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina’s state parks will increase recreational access and services beginni… Read More
2020-05-09 11:00
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (NHP) is inc… Read More
2020-05-08 16:16
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Blue Ridge Parkway officials are increasing recreati… Read More
2020-05-05 16:22
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is increasing re… Read More
2020-05-04 15:57
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is… Read More
2020-05-03 11:00
The National Park Service announced today that over 80 miles of the historic motor route in three primary areas will be resurfaced as part of a pavement preservation program on the Blue Ridg… Read More
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