Trillium Gap trail to Grotto Falls Closed

Trillium Gap Trail is Closed/ No access to Grotto Falls through July 11, afterward closed Monday -Thursday (excluding federal holidays) July 12 - November 15, 2019

Ramsey Cascades

Wow! What an awesome trail to hike and enjoy. Given the proximity to my home I do not often consider this trail for a day hike. But Dammnnn! the few times I have done so I am blown away with the beauty, the physical challenge, and the "relative" lack of use of this trail.

Hopefully it'll stay that way, and being that the last 2.5 mls, of trail to the Cascades is fairly difficult I'd imagine the number of folks completing the 8 mls, in and out, will remain steady.
We (Nashville Dave and I), hiked this on a day when rain and thunderstorms had been happening over the previous few days. Our walk took us through a strong storm, w/some thunder and lightening, as we completed the first half of the hike to the Cascades.
The Middle Prong of the Pigeon River, which is the mountain stream/river of which Ramsey Cascades is a part of, became more elevated from the rainfall as we made our way up the trail and after a couple of cautious stream crossings and a serious elevation gain we arrived at our stopping point.
We had lunch just before the cascade as the last stream crossing was looking pretty formidable due to the recent rains and given our inexperience with this trail we decided we'd come back another day for the final 100 yards.
The first 1.5 mls. of this trail is a moderate to easy route and has some beautiful views along the river, with some log benches scattered along this portion to sit on. The remaining 2.5 mls should be considered difficult with any climbing and walking  across rocks at the Cascades as dangerous.
Fatalities have occurred as a result of folks going off the trail onto the cliffs and waterfalls. So, please be careful when enjoying this experience and the many others found in the natural world.

Giving Back

Folks at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is inviting the public to participate in “Smokies Service Days” beginning June 29 to help complete much needed work across the park. Park staff will lead these single-day volunteer opportunities that are ideal for people of all ages interested in learning more about the park through hands-on service.

Individuals, families, and groups are invited to sign up for any of the scheduled service projects that interest them including unique opportunities to help care for park campgrounds, native plant gardens, and a variety of natural and cultural resources. 

The program is ideal for those seeking to fulfill community service requirements including high school and college students, scout groups, and civic organizations. Volunteer projects will begin at 9:00 a.m. and last until 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. 

Tools and safety gear, including gloves and high visibility safety vests, will be provided by park staff. Participants are required to wear closed-toe shoes and should bring water and snacks. Volunteers planning to stay for the optional enrichment activity must also bring a sack lunch.

Those interested in volunteering must contact Project Coordinator, Andrew Mentrup, at 865-436-1278 or andrew_mentrup@partner.nps.gov, prior to the scheduled event date to register. Space may be limited.

Those interested in volunteering must contact Project Coordinator, Andrew Mentrup, at 865-436-1278 or andrew_mentrup@partner.nps.gov, prior to the scheduled event date to register. Space may be limited.

Current service opportunities include:

June 29:            Cosby Campground Clean-Up
July 13:             Chimneys Picnic Area Clean-Up
July 27:             Elkmont Campground Clean-Up
August 17:       Cosby Horse Trail:  Clean-Up
September 14: Oconaluftee Visitor Center Flower Bed Maintenance
September 21: Sugarlands Visitor Center Non-Native Honeysuckle Removal
October 5:        Elkmont’s Daisy Town Clean-Up

Rabbit Creek Trail continues to bloom

The other day my niece called and said she'd be in town and was wanting to "chill", which I interpreted to mean go hiking or see the wonders of the woods in the GSMNP.
We crossed Abrams Creek, and hiked in the Rabbit Creek trail for mile or more. Despite the challenge of having cross Abrams Creek initially and maybe when you return, this moderate to difficult trail is always a pleasure with it's light traffic and the options it provides.  

These are some of the plants still blooming along the trail at Rabbit Creek and the Abrams Creek area.

Rhododendron Bloooms across the area

Wow! The rodo's are blooming in force across the southern Appalachians, including the GSMNP, and have been for several weeks now.
I have seen them along Rich Mtn. trail, Rabbit Creek trail, Ramsey Cascades trail, and others, over the last month.

It's always a pleasure to see folks who are seeing them (native Rhododendron), for the first time, outside of the "modified versions", sold at your local home improvement or garden store.