Temporary Closures for Cades Cove

The folks at the Great Smoky Mountains NP, announced today the closure of Cades Cove Loop Road for 6 days in January to complete the removal of some trees which are hazardous.  The road will be closed to all pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists January 6 through January 8 and January 13 through January 15. 

“We regret the inconvenience to Cades Cove visitors,” said Acting Superintendent Clay Jordan. “We chose mid-week dates in early January when visitation is expected to be low to accomplish the needed work, but we realize that some visitors will be disappointed.”

In addition to the Cades Cove Loop Road, hazard trees will be removed from the Cades Cove Campground. The campground will remain open during the closure, but campers may be relocated during the work period.

For more information about temporary road and trail closures, please visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm or by following the park’s Twitter account for road updates at https://twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps.

I watched a snail...crawl across the edge of a straight razor.

This little critter was living dangerous as this rock it's crawling across was a good stepping stone on a steep decline, from my direction. I saw it on a short walk I squeezed in yesterday afternoon, up and over to Spruce Flat Falls. 

Can you tell me what movie the title of this entry came from? 

A quiet afternoon up along Sam's Creek

It was a pleasant walk during the afternoon with overcast skies, little wind and a temperature in the upper 40's if I remember correctly.  The important thing for me was to find time between obligations and dinner to enjoy the early winter forest and the relative quiet.
These winter months are somewhat quieter for several reasons, with one being that there are fewer people in the park after the hectic flood of visitors here for the fall colors and there are fewer insects out singing their songs.  Also there has been moisture recently which softens the path making it much quieter to walk on. 

This walk took me off the main path along Sam's Creek, and farther along the right side of this stream than I can recall doing in the past.  Eventually the rodo's became too thick and the shore too steep so I had to find a place to cross the beautiful waterway.  Once across I traveled a route that I was familiar with until I encountered more rodo hells, that I new were coming, and turned around.
At other times I have bushwhacked through these rhododendron but just didn't have the need, desire or energy to do it today.  It breaks through after a few dozen yards of crawling through these natural barriers and you pick up the leftovers of an old trail, or more likely the bed of an old railway from the logging that took place in these mountains before it was designated a National Park.
Over 80% of the GSMNP is wilderness and inaccessible by car or developed foot paths. Peace

This just in....Alum Cave Trail closing for repairs, in 2015.

Today officials at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced that the next full-scale, Trails Forever restoration will begin on Alum Cave Trail in 2015. The Trails Forever crew will focus restoration efforts on several targeted locations along the 5-mile trail to improve visitor safety and stabilize eroding trail sections. The restoration work will require temporary trail closures throughout the 2-year process.
This trail is one of the most popular in the park, leading hikers to iconic areas including Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, Alum Cave Bluffs, Mt. LeConte, and LeConte Lodge. Park rangers respond to numerous accidents along the trail each year, especially along the upper, narrow corridors. The planned work will improve overall trail safety and protect natural resources by repairing historic cable and handrail systems, reinforcing hanging trail sections, reducing trail braiding, and improving drainage to prevent further erosion.
Alum Cave Trail and associated parking areas will be closed May 4 through November 19 in 2015, excluding federal holidays, 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.  Hikers can still reach Mt. Le Conte, LeConte Lodge, and the LeConte Shelter by using one of the other five trails to the summit.  The Mt. LeConte Lodge and Mt. LeConte backcountry shelter will remain open and can be accessed from any of these other routes during the Alum Cave Trail closure.
These alternative routes are the Boulevard, Bull Head, Rainbow Falls, Trillium Gap, and Brushy Mountain trails all lead to Mt. LeConte, but trailhead parking is limited. Carpooling is encouraged.  Day hikers should also consider enjoying other trails offering stunning views such as Chimney Tops Trail, Forney Ridge Trail to Andrews Bald, or the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap to Charlie’s Bunion. 

The Trails Forever is a partnership program between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Friends of the Smokies. The Friends have donated $500,000 to support the program.   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 Forney Ridge Trail and Chimney Tops Trail which opens December 12.  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. 

Hiking Off the Grid

Today I had the opportunity to take advantage of the decreasing number of visitors in the GSMNP, the warm weather, and the lack of underbrush which crowds the parts of this route I have followed in the warmer seasons. The exact route location will remain "anonymous", at this level of Social Media, so as to curtail some traffic in this desolate area of the park. 
But dude!, trust me, if you were to contact me and leave an e-mail address I'd probably respond with some clues. 

A very small portion of this route is already being used on a limited basis by some fishermen, by people who just walk up the manway out of curiosity, those who have no idea where their going; which is how I stumbled across it 9 years ago, and those who know where they're going and are going much farther than those previously mentioned.
Over the years I have enjoyed investigating the  different areas which this route provides access to and today was another new and awesome experience!
I was able to bypass the natural knots tied by these trees and vines in the picture above, going in, but came through it, by choice, coming back out and found it not as imposing as it appears.  Before I entered into it though I was thinking I new about where I was and was going to bushwhack my way to a trail I had previously hiked but couldn't locate it and turned back to the way I had come after coming upon a wall of "rodo".
Rhododendron has been the common obstacle halting hikes or causing changes in the routes out of this valley.  However, today, accompanied with my USGS map and compass I followed a route new to me and one which provided more insight to a future bushwhack to the AT from this valley.
Trust me,  I am not breaking new trails in the park, as this is something, if given the right key words there are pages of IE post about. 
Saw these little plants coming through moss on a log as I was walking out and completing the last few miles of about 7 miles for the day.  Peace

Bears along the Walk

This walk began up Lumber Ridge Trail late in the afternoon early in the month of November, with the Mysterious One, taking the lead. Heck we weren't but a couple hundred yards up the trail when I come around a corner and there she is bent over pointing into the woods with one hand (see picture), and waving me closer with the other. 

Oh my! Assistant Deputy VIP Ranger Fife (me), was so proud of her and the animated intensity of the Mysterious One's position and gestures as she non-verbally controlled my approach.  It was a hoot!  Once getting closer I could make out the momma bear; we saw one cub sneaking off, who was watching us from about fifty yards up the mountain. 

Eventually momma bear grew tired of me trying to get the next best picture and let me know it with a verbal warning, to which I took heed and continued up the trail away from the bears. 
We hiked up the trail to the saddle (approx. 2.5mls), where we had a snack, some rest and then returned the way we came. 

We were privileged to experience the wild life which included this and several other beautiful trees sporting their fall colors!  Peace

Montana Hikes September 2014

These falls are located in Hyalite Canyon across the canyon from the trail and were not visible from the trail because it was winding some awesome pine forest. I noticed them after I bushwhacked off the trail along a draw to get above the tree line and up to rocky cliffs. Had no idea what was waiting to be seen. This picture below is in the Spanish Peaks with the trail heading atop the pass and into Bear Basin on the other side. This is Faery Lake in the Bridgers, more beautiful than I remembered.

Trail and road closures in The Great Smoky Mountains NP, A report on trails and roads etc....

 

Due to some extensive storm damage to the trail and visitor safety hazards (a root ball tore out a large section of trail tread, 3 large hazard trees overhanging the trail), the plan is to close Laurel Falls trail on Monday. Tomorrow morning we will have Trails do an assessment to determine how long the closure and repair will take.

This just in from the folks at the GSMNP
Here is a quick take on the weekend's activities, as well as where we are as of Monday morning

Sunday, 11/2/14 – Storm Damage

·         Cades Cove Loop Road cleared and opened.
·         Laurel Creek Road cleared and opened.
·         Little River Road cleared and opened.
·         Cherokee Orchard Road cleared and opened.
·         Cades Cove campground cleared
·         Gatlinburg Bypass cleared and opened
·         Elkmont campground cleared (not open – downed power lines/waiting on Sevier Co Electric)
·         Elkmont Entrance Road cleared (not open – downed power lines/waiting on Sevier Co Electric)
·         Newfound Gap Road clearing – in progress.
·         Foothills Parkway East & West – in progress.

 

Monday, 11/3/14 – Objectives:

·         Clear and Open Newfound Gap Road (early)
·         Clear and open Elkmont Road
·         Clear and open Clingmans Dome Road (mid-day)
·         Close Laurel Falls Trail for repair.
·         Foothills Parkway West open by COB.
·         Foothills Parkway East open by mid-day.
·         Begin High Priority Trails assessments.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, pretty much closed today

Hello. Due to the snow which began falling around 10 pm last night here in the Tuckaleechee Valley (Townsend), and likely began much earlier in the higher elevations of the GSMNP, the park is pretty much shut down today, Saturday, November 1st.

The following is the latest from the park and the park website is provided at the bottom for further information. 10:00 AM update: All park roads are closed and conditions are hazardous throughout the park, even in lower elevations. Trees at lower elevations still have leaves which are holding the snow, causing many of them to fall or break under the weight of the snow. Rangers are working to get roads cleared of downed trees. GSMNP Website - http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm

Fall Colors in the Smokies and other parts of east Tennessee

(The following is an edited re-post from my friends at the GSMNP)

Forecasting the fall color change calls to mind the comedy routine of the late George Carlin as the “hippy-dippy weatherman” who said, “Tonight’s forecast: Continued dark overnight, with widely scattered light by morning.”

The leaves will inevitably change color as the days shorten and the nights grow cooler. The real question is whether autumn will bring a fiery burst of color, or a slow parade of muted pigments that fade from yellow to brown.

Kathy Mathews teaches biology at Western Carolina University, and every fall for the past nine years she has issued a color forecast based on the complex interaction between leaf chemistry and weather patterns.

Mathews’ forecast in late summer wasn’t encouraging. Based on consistent rain as far back as April, she called for a below-average color display this fall. A few weeks ago Mathews changed her forecast. Now, thanks to the recent dry weather coupled with sunny days and cool nights, she believes the stage is set for good leaf color.

“Until we get the first frost, the colors will be uneven,” Mathews said. “Frost kills the chlorophyll and brings out the other pigments that are more cold-resistant. That’s when all the trees change at the same time.”

It used to be that leaf colors at the lower elevations peaked around the second week of October. In recent years the peak has come about two weeks later, usually in late October or early November. Scientists say the delay is likely due to warming weather patterns.
(Hmmm?...is this what some call Climate Change?)

In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park there already is a splash of color above 4,000-feet elevation; lower down, the main leaf season still is about three weeks away. The park’s dogwood, sumac and sourwood trees already have turned orange and red. In a few weeks the hickories, maple and oaks will follow suit to produce the fiery colors that make October the park’s second busiest month next to July.

The Smokies maintains a fall color Web page — www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm — that’s updated weekly.

The Cherokee National Forests’ fall color report can be found online at: www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee/. After accessing the home page, scroll down to “Spotlights” and click on the “Fall Color Report.”

Here are some other recommended scenic drives for viewing fall colors in East Tennessee. Bear in mind that color will come and go sooner at the higher elevations than the lower elevations.

* The Ocoee Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 64) through the Ocoee River gorge, elevation 838 at Lake Ocoee to 2,200 feet at the Chilhowee Recreation Area.

* Foothills Parkway, western tip of the Smokies, elevation 850 feet.

* Cherohala Skyway, Cherokee National Forest and Nantahala National Forest, elevation 930 at Tellico Plains to 5,390 feet at the crest of the highway.

* Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, elevation 2,440 feet at the Pinnacle Overlook.

* The Blue Ridge Parkway’s southern terminus between Cherokee and Asheville, N.C., average elevation, 5,000 feet.

Fall colors in the Smokies...Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail will close for the season on the evening of October 31, 2014...

Hello to all, we apologize for the lack of current post but we have been busy!  Busy with things like jobs, activism, other volunteer commitments, and hiking of course!!!  We have just fallen behind in keeping these post up to date.

So forgive our derelictions. I thought we could start with the following for those who may be traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains NP for the fall colors.

(Thursday Oct 2)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail will close for the season on the evening of October 31, 2014 and will remain closed until April 30, 2015 to replace eight bridges along the 5.5-mile, one-way roadway. The road will be closed to all public use including hiking and biking.

Due to the complete removal of the bridges and the use of large equipment to perform repair work, the road will be closed to all users. Hikers may not walk along the road to access trailheads, but may use connector trails to access the area. To access both Trillium Gap and Baskins Creek trails, hikers may begin their hike at the Rainbow Falls trailhead on Cherokee Orchard Road by following the connector trail for 0.6 miles to the Baskins Creek trailhead and 2.3 miles to the Trillium Gap trailhead. Baskins Creek Trail hikers may cross the road and walk to Baskins Creek Falls and continue east to the opposite end of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Hikers may not cross the road for thru-access to Grapeyard Ridge Trail due to bridge construction at this intersection. However, hikers can enjoy the Grapeyard Ridge Trail by accessing it from the Greenbrier area and hiking west towards Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail which allows access to backcountry campsite 32. 

For more information about road closures, please visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm or call the park’s Road and Weather Information Line at 865-436-1200.

Ramsey Cascades

This was my first hike to the infamous Ramsey Cascades, and one which I should have taken long ago.  Man!, if not for my own enjoyment and enlightenment, then I should have been required to hike it before I was allowed to give out any recommendations to visitors while a volunteer at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.  Dude, I asked others (volunteers and staff) who had hiked it to get a feel for who I should and should not recommend this hike to when working.   Well, while making this walk I realized I had underestimated what I perceived in the descriptions given to me about this route and hoped I did not put anyone in danger with my inexperienced  advice.  Though in my defense I remember usually getting someone to help with these questions from visitors when possible.

There are some important aspects one should consider before taking this trail.  One being the distance, two being the long straight sections of incline on the route, three being rough rocky portions of trail, and also the relative remoteness of the trail access.  If you have time, relatively good physical endurance, and strong ankles and knees then it is well worth meeting these challenges and seeing another awesome section of the GSMNP.  I would rate this route as challenging to difficult depending on ones physical health and mobility.

Rich Mountain Trail

Wow!  This spring hike was very pleasant and brought with it lots of blooming plants and one of the many varieties of Salamanders found in this area of the Appalachians.  I began this hike from the access point on where Rich Mtn. rd. leaves the park and where you can reach it coming from Townsend, without having to drive through the park and into Cades Cove.  I have done the Rich Mtn. Loop from this point and though it adds a few miles to the hike I prefer that to the time I'd spend in car getting to and from the Cades Cove loop.






























This area of the Appalachain Mountains, in which the GSMNP sits, is the salamander capitol of the world (http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/amphibians.htm).  Currently 30 different species have been identified.  This salamander was floating with several others in the well site for the old  Rich Mtn. fire tower site atop Cerulean Knob, the highest point on Rich Mountain at 3686'.  This hike would be a moderate to strenuous hike for the the experienced , conditioned hiker, depending on the rate at which one climbs up the continuous 2+ mile incline from the trailhead to campsite #5, and the trail junction.
I do this hike often as a day hike and find it challenging each time as well as rewarding with lots of flowers blooming in some fashion throughout most of the year and some awesome views from the fire tower site looking back at Clingmans Dome and some higher peaks in that vicinity.  Another great hike to be grateful for.  Peace

Stone Mountain GA

While working in the Atlanta area I was staying near this big rock sticking out of the ground, commonly known as Stone Mountain, and knew while I was there I'd have to get up on it. This park area is used heavily by locals and folks from the immediate metro Atlanta area. The mountain has an elevation of 1686', with an actual vertical of 825' from the base and has a primary foot trail (1.3 mls each way), which just heads straight up the "rock" and thus is steep. The vertical gain on this trail is almost 900' which makes it very strenuous for most people and on the spring days when I hiked on the mountain I saw several folks who the were needing to pace themselves better and avoid the cramps and relative levels of dangerous over-exertion. There is also a Skyride which folks can use to access the summit. This is a day use park. The photo below is from the summit with some of the Atlanta skyline in the background. If you'd rather ride a bike then you're in luck! There is a road which circles the mountain and which vehicle access to is limited because it is within the park boundary. The park is self-contained and charges fees for vehicle access. There are various parking spots and areas outside the park perimeter which one can utilize; which is what I did, and then walk in to avoid paying the daily rate for vehicles inside the park. If you are an experienced hiker and look at the map for the park before you start you'll notice some primitive access roads for maintenance, which with some imagination and a little bushwhacking, you'll be able to find a route(s) to the top without having the crowds on the primary trail. This picture below was from a route I chose off the trial and I am heading to those trees on the top right of this picture which was just short of the summit. If you'd like further details on the routes I followed just respond and I'll send you the details. I'd recommend this day hike if your in the area as there are some great views and awesome geology.

Going Downhill

This walk was approximately 12 miles, beginning off the Clingman's Dome road, at the Sugarlands Mountain trailhead. There is a small parking area just across the road from this access point, where the Fork Ridge trail comes out of the woods. The whole route continues along Sugarlands Mtn trail, to the Fighting Creek Gap and the Laurel Falls trail. What an awesome hike! I had inquired about this hike several times over the last few years as I would see folks coming off the end of this route into the parking area, which is primarily used by folks hiking the Laurel Falls trail, when I'd be there working as a volunteer in the park (VIP). The trail begins at close to 6000', and maintains elevation for most of the hike. A hike which I'll do again in the fall in order to experience the changing colors and potential views. Though notice that in the one picture there are no leaves on the trees yet, except for the rhododendrons, and it's the middle of April. Winter lasted this year. I'd estimate in the last 3-4 miles of this hike is when the most elevation was lost and that the majority of our walk was along ridgelines. Though there was a relative decline throughout the walk it was a strenuous hike in both the distance and in the use of different muscles when walking downhill on natural terrain for this distance. The only camping on this route was the Mt Collins shelter which is a few hundred feet into the trail as I have described it here.

Back Country Search and Rescue

The GSMNP Rangers demonstrate once again their importance and...more importantly this incident again points to the need for every hiker, be it for a an overnight or a day-hike, to be knowledgeable and prepared for about what they are getting ready to do and not full of some make believe BS that they think they know from watching a TV show. 
http://www.smokymountainnews.com/news/item/12325-a-winter-rescue-rangers-trek-into-frigid-snowy-darkness-to-save-hikers