Final GSMA Hike the Smokies Challenge video

The final video from the Hike the Smokies Challenge series has been posted on the Great Smoky Mountain Association's website.

The new video discusses water safety in the park, mainly around waterfalls and stream crossings. Ranger Chuck Hester relays a pretty scary story about a young man who's leg became trapped against a rock in one of the streams in the park.

You can view the video by clicking here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Wildflower / Fall Foliage Report?

Tom Harrington, Park volunteer and naturalist, has recently updated his Wildflower Report on the Great Smoky Mountain Association website.

His most recent report is from a hike on the Big Creek Trail in the northeastern corner of the Smokies. Mr. Harrington is reporting sightings for the following flowers: Heal All, Yellow Touch-me-nots (Pale Jewel Weed), Purple Flowering Raspberry, Common Milkweed, Wild Golden Glow, Crimson Bee Balm, Whitewood Aster, Black Eyed Susan, Pokeweed, Mountain Mint, Wood Nettle, Love Vine, Asiatic Dayflower, and Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil.

Last week he hiked the Chestnut Top Trail just outside of Townsend and reported the following flowers: Coreopsis, Turk Cap Lily, Reclining Saint Andrew's Cross, Whorled Wood Aster, Pokeweed, Yellow Touch-me-nots, Basil Bee Balm, and Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil.

However, what caught my eye was his "First Fall Foliage Report." In the middle of a typical summer heat wave, Mr. Harrington stated that he saw some "nice red Sourwood leaves."

To see all of his most recent reports, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Sorghum Molasses Making in Cades Cove

The most recent Smokies Cub Report from the Great Smoky Mountain Association is reporting that sorghum molasses demonstrations will occur in Cades Cove this fall. You'll also have a chance to taste some free samples as well.

During selected weekends this fall, stop by the Cable Mill Historic Area near the Cades Cove Visitor Center to watch historic reenactors squeeze sorghum cane and boil the juice into delicious molasses. Reenactors will be at the Cable Mill during the following dates:

* September 4-6
* September 17-19
* November 5-7
* November 12-14


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Volunteers sought for the Gatlinburg Welcome Center

The Great Smoky Mountain Association and the national park is looking for volunteers to work at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, located between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg on U.S. 441.

The work entails answering visitor questions and providing information on destinations and resources of the park. Even one 4-6 hour shift per week could be a big help!

If you're interested, email Alice@GSMAssoc.org or GWC@GSMAssoc.org.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Smokies wildflower update

The Great Smoky Mountain Association has posted the latest wildflower report from Tom Harrington.

The report includes a long list of wildflowers Mr. Harrington has seen on the following trails: Turkeypen Ridge, School House Gap, Bote Mountain and the Finley Cane Trail.

Please click here to see the full report.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

Bears fatten-up for the winter

Short video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association showing a mother bear and her two youngsters as they tear apart a fallen tree looking for food:





Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.