The Black Bear in the Appalchian Mountains

This announcement comes from the folks at the GSMNP, however it applies to most black bears in the Appalachian Mountain range.  With exception to those that have become accustomed to eating out of dumpsters and other "domesticated", people fed bears which are potentially very dangerous animals.

“Bears are very active right now, and we’re receiving reports across the park of bear sightings along trails and roadways,” said Park Wildlife Biologist Bill Stiver. “We ask for the public’s help by respecting bears’ space.”

Bears should be allowed to forage undisturbed on natural foods and should never be fed. Park officials remind visitors to properly store food and secure garbage. Coolers should always be properly stored in the trunk of a vehicle when not in use. All food waste should be properly disposed to discourage bears from approaching people. 

Hikers are reminded to take necessary precautions while in bear country including hiking in groups of 2 or more, carrying bear spray, complying with all backcountry closures, properly storing food regulations, and remaining at safe viewing distance from bears at all times. Feeding, touching, disturbing, or willfully approaching wildlife within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces wildlife, is illegal in the park.

If approached by a bear, park officials recommend slowly backing away to put distance between yourself and the animal, creating space for it to pass. If the bear continues to approach, you should not run. Hikers should make themselves look large, stand their ground as a group, and throw rocks or sticks at the bear. If attacked by a black bear, rangers strongly recommend fighting back with any object available and remember that the bear may view you as prey. Though rare, attacks on humans do occur, causing injuries or death. 

For more information on what to do if you encounter a bear while hiking, please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/black-bears.htm. To report a bear incident in the park, please call 865-436-1230.

GSMNP Stuff

Nighttime Bridge Closures Along Spur

Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced nighttime closures of the bridges connecting the north and southbound lanes of the Spur for paving operations beginning Sunday, May 21 through Thursday, May 25.The nighttime closures will begin each evening at 7:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m. as weather allows. 

Paving operations are expected to begin Sunday evening on the Wiley Oakley Drive Crossover Bridge to be followed by the Huskey Grove Road Crossover Bridge and then the Gum Stand Road Crossover Bridge as the week progresses. 

Motorists should continue to expect single-lane closures, days and nights, for the duration of the contract. No work will be allowed on holidays or on weekends from noon on Friday through Sunday evening. Access into and out of the side roads off the Spur could be briefly affected at times. The project is expected be complete by June 15, but work schedules may be revised if inclement weather affects work progress.

For more information about road conditions, please follow at SmokiesRoadsNPS or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/grsm.

Bloming Smokies

These blooms in the Smokies were along a walk I took a week ago along the Rich Mountain trail, and accessing this trail from Townsend and not from Cades Cove. This route is a favorite in that it's rarely crowded, provides a good physical challenge which can be modified depending on your ability at the time, and the year round beauty found along the walk. This beauty comes in the form of blooms, animals, noises of the wild and various other experiences found in only in the woods.

Rainbow Falls Trail Closures Begin May 8th

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that a 2-year trail rehabilitation project will begin next week on the popular Rainbow Falls Trail. The trail will be closed May 8, 2017 through November 16, 2017 on Monday mornings at 7:00 a.m. through Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. weekly. Due to the construction process on the narrow trail, a full closure is necessary for the safety of both the crew and visitors. The trail will be fully open each week on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and on federal holidays.

The parking lot at the Rainbow Falls trailhead area will be closed May 8 through June 15, Monday through Thursday, to facilitate heavy re-construction of the trailhead area where several trails intersect. After June 15, the parking lot will be open so users can access the Old Sugarlands Trail and the Trillium Gap Trail connector trail. 

Hikers can still reach Mt. Le Conte, LeConte Lodge, and the Le Conte Shelter by using one of the other four open trails to the summit.

The Trails Forever crew will focus rehabilitation efforts on several targeted locations along the 6-mile trail to improve visitor safety and stabilize eroding trail sections. Rainbow Falls Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park leading hikers to Rainbow Falls and Mt. Le Conte. The planned work will improve overall trail safety and protect natural resources by reducing trail braiding and improving drainage to prevent further erosion. 

Trails Forever is a partnership program between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Friends of the Smokies. The Trails Forever program provides the opportunity for a highly skilled trail crew to focus reconstruction efforts on high use and high priority trails in the park including the recently restored Alum Cave Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, and Forney Ridge Trail. The program also provides a mechanism for volunteers to work alongside the trail crew on these complex trail projects to assist in making lasting improvements to preserve the trails for future generations.

For more information about trail closures, please visit https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm.