Timelapse video from the Smokies

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
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Join the GSMA for an Owl Prowl

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
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Greenbrier Off-trail GSMA Hike of the Month

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On Saturday, November 19th, Carey Jones will lead a Naturalist Ramble on the Rhododendron Creek Trail, a trail that's no longer maintained by the Park Service.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
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LeConte Hiking Feats

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
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Andrews Bald Hike with the GSMA

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
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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
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GSMA Guided Hike to John Oliver Homeplace in Cades Cove

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
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Across the Smokies: The New Endurance Record

Back in May I received an email from David Worth, announcing that he had just broke the record for the fastest trek across the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. David ran/walked/trekked 72 miles - from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap - in 14 hours and 50 minutes, besting the previous record set by Will Harlan of 15 hours and 57 minutes.

I didn't realize it at the time, because I don't know him, but David is a park ranger for the Smokies, and works as an interpretive ranger atop Mt. LeConte.

Earlier in the week the Great Smoky Mountains Association published a video about his recent feat. The narrator makes the points that David gained a total of 18,660 feet as he crossed the crest of the Smokies. This compares to "only" 13,000 feet of elevation that climber gain from base camp to the summit of Denali in Alaska.

David is also quoted as stating that he may be interested in tackling the speed record for the entire Appalachian Trail someday. He might want to note that his goal is about to get a little tougher. Jennifer Pharr Davis is just days away from shaving roughly a half-day off the existing record of 47 days, 13 hours and 31 minutes.

Anyway, here's the video:


� GSMA 2011. All rights reserved.



Jeff
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Cleaning Up After the Tornado in Cades Cove

Crews in the Great Smoky Mountains continue to make progress in clean-up efforts in the aftermath of the April 27th EF-4 tornado that ripped through the western edge of Cades Cove. The Great Smoky Mountains Association recently published a short video providing an update on those efforts:


� GSMA 2011. All rights reserved.



Jeff
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Guided hike to Spruce Flats Falls

In the latest edition of The Cub Report, the Great Smoky Mountains Association announced that they will be offering an educational hike to Spruce Flats Falls with former Great Smoky Mountains at Tremont teacher/naturalist Mike Matzko on Saturday, July 9th.

This beautiful little known gem of the Smokies is located in the Tremont area of the park, and consists of four cascades making up a 125 foot drop and a 320 foot run. A large plunge pool holds the water prior to it falling down to the Middle Prong of Little River.

This region of the park was also one of the last logged by Little River Lumber Company.

It's a 2-mile roundtrip, moderate hike. Wear good hiking boots, bring rain gear, water, and a light lunch to enjoy at the falls. Meet at 10:00 am in front of the Tremont office.

Participation is limited to 20 with a registration fee of $10 per adult. Children 12 and under are free. To register call 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254.


Jeff
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Appalachian Bear Rescue Programs

Appalachian Bear Rescue will be offering free presentations at the Great Smoky Mountains Association's Gatlinburg Visitor Center this summer.

You can meet the ABR from 10am -3pm on June 25, July 16, and August 6.

No word on whether they will be bringing along Easter.


Jeff
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Video of tornado damage in the Smokies

Check out this amazing video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association that shows some of the extensive damage from the EF-4 tornado that ripped across the western end of the park on April 27th.




Jeff
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