Next month Clingmans Dome Road will be closed the mornings of September 10, 12, and 16, to facilitate special educational programs for students at schools in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians community. The road will be closed at midnight the night before each event and will re-open at 1 p.m.
During the closures, the seven-mile road and Clingmans Dome Tower will be closed to all motorists, cyclists, and hikers. Visitors should consider alternative destinations during the temporary closures.
Hey y'all! I have been hiking again recently, after having shoulder surgery in May. In June I started walking some in the forest around my house in an attempt to burn some "poundage" off my body and towards the middle of July I turned it up a notch and have been power hiking in the Smokies.
Some of the trails I have utilized are the Curry Mtn. trail and West Prong, because of the consistent incline, for differing lengths on both trails, in order to get a good cardio workout, sweat some and keep these bones moving.
On my first hike on the West Prong, I picked up this lollipop alongside the trail. It had no bugs crawling on it, so it was probably thrown down by one of the children in the group about 15 minutes ahead of me. Yummy!! The small animals and bears would love this sweet treat....and the plastic serving ring would do wonders for the digestive system.
Over the last few weeks as I have hiked for fitness, I have also been reminded of the soothing effect being in the woods alone brings.
