Wow! I have had the opportunity to hike a few times in the Great Smoky Mountains NP, since this mindless government shutdown and have been surprised how many people are there! Mostly Christmas traffic it appears with folks just driving around and through the park.
On the 24th, I went otg near the Middle Prong trail and enjoyed the quiet noise of the streams.
Today the 27th, "The Mysterious One", and I walked up the Lumber Ridge trail for a couple of miles in sometimes extremely strong winds when on the exposed side of the mountain or near passes. Much of the road system in the park was closed throughout the day due to downed trees.
Hopefully the federal employees all across the country and elsewhere will be back to work soon.
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Park's across the country are officially closed
The following is the federal government/Department of Interior's shutdown policy. www.doi.gov/shutdown
Though the roads, weather permitting, in the GSMNP are open all visitor centers and bathrooms are closed.
Friday, December 21, 2018
Snow in the Smokies
Well it is snowing above 3000', and has pretty much shutdown the GSMNP, with a heavy wet snow. Follow this link to get the latest information on travel through the park. Which is pretty much not happening.
https://twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps
https://twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps
Monday, December 17, 2018
Little River Trail via Abrams Creek Campground
Wow Dudes and Dudettes! what an awesome day for a walk in the woods. With temperatures in the lower 50's, blue skies, and a slight breeze this walk had only one drawback...it wasn't long enough!
It began along the side of Abram's Creek from where the gate crosses the road with the campground closed for the winter. I continued through the campground up the Cooper Road trail to the Little River trail, where backcountry site #1 sits. The Cooper Road trail up 'til this point is primarily just that, an old narrow country road with a few shallow stream crossings.
Once on the Little River trail I covered about a mile with much of the time down the steep slope which drops off the trail into Abram's creek, just checking out some of the shoreline.
Often I'll be hiking and think "hmm?, I wonder what's up there or around that bend", off the trail?
And tell myself I'll need to go off the trail one day and see. Which doesn't always happen. So today when I had the thought, and being fairly familiar with the area, I just did it.
The Little River trail continues on to backcountry site #17, which I have stayed at a few times and eventually it continues to Cades Cove, with other trail intersections along the way providing options.
The number of visitors at this end of the park relatively light.
Now the foot bridge that was washed out a few years ago at the beginning of the Rabbit Creek Trail, down here at Abram's Creek, is still out so if you choose that trail prepare to cross the creek with your boots off and a stick for balance as the water levels reach your knees and hips depending on where you choose to cross and your size.
It began along the side of Abram's Creek from where the gate crosses the road with the campground closed for the winter. I continued through the campground up the Cooper Road trail to the Little River trail, where backcountry site #1 sits. The Cooper Road trail up 'til this point is primarily just that, an old narrow country road with a few shallow stream crossings.
Once on the Little River trail I covered about a mile with much of the time down the steep slope which drops off the trail into Abram's creek, just checking out some of the shoreline.
Often I'll be hiking and think "hmm?, I wonder what's up there or around that bend", off the trail?
And tell myself I'll need to go off the trail one day and see. Which doesn't always happen. So today when I had the thought, and being fairly familiar with the area, I just did it.
The Little River trail continues on to backcountry site #17, which I have stayed at a few times and eventually it continues to Cades Cove, with other trail intersections along the way providing options.
The number of visitors at this end of the park relatively light.
Now the foot bridge that was washed out a few years ago at the beginning of the Rabbit Creek Trail, down here at Abram's Creek, is still out so if you choose that trail prepare to cross the creek with your boots off and a stick for balance as the water levels reach your knees and hips depending on where you choose to cross and your size.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Today is Tuesday 12/4/18 and Hwy 411, between Gatlinburg to Cherokee NC is closed again.
US Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC is temporarily closed due to snow/ice.
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