Smoky Mountain Black Bear Euthanized

Smoky Mountain Black Bear Euthanized. We are sad to report Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed campsite 82 and a section of Hazel Creek Trail after rangers discovered the remains of an out-of-state adult male at the campsite.  On the afternoon of September 11, 2020 backpackers found an unoccupied tent at campsite #82.  The hikers then discovered what appeared to be human remains across the creek with a bear scavenging in the area.   The hikers left the area to obtain cell coverage and report the incident to authorities.   

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Mountains To Sea Trail Challenge

Mountains to sea trail challenge begins September 1, 2020

Mountains To Sea Trail Challenge. Mountain-to-Sea trail issues challenges to celebrate its 43rd birthday during September. Friends of the MST have devised four new challenges to assist hikers and trail friends in celebrating this significant birthday of the trail that runs 1,175 miles, beginning at Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountain National Park and ending at Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks. During the month of September 2020, MST Friends encourage everyone to get out and enjoy some or all portions of the trail that meanders through areas of natural beauty, historical significance and cultural interest.

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Ramsey Cascades

Ramsey Cascades is a difficult hike with an amazing destination.There are many waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains and a personal favorite is Ramsey Cascades which covers the surrounding area with an ethereal spray of mist as it plunges some 100 ft. over tiers of massive rocks into a dark pool below.

Ramsey Cascades, located in Greenbrier is the park’s tallest waterfall and is often named as one of the 50 best hikes in the Smokies.

The trail to the falls follows the Ramsey Prong of the Little Pigeon River which is fed by streams from the 6,621 ft. Mt. Guyot, the Great SmokyMountains second highest peak.

The last two miles provides hikers an opportunity to enjoy an old growth cove hardwood forest. This is one of the few sections that escaped the logging industry which decimated much of the Smokies before the formation of the National Park. According to the Eastern Native Trees Society, the area includes the third tallest red maple in the park and the second tallest white oak along with a myriad of other native trees. HeySmokies’ favorite “The Twins,” are pair of giant tulip poplar trees which are only a few feet apart. A memorable photo opportunity for all hikers.

The 4-mile one way trail, which rises more than 2,200 feet in elevation, begins along an old gravel road before narrowing into a foot path some one-and-a-half miles later. Hikers will encounter extremely rugged terrain that includes several sections of steep rock steps and must maneuver around large roots and boulders and also traverse a narrow footbridge that crosses some 20-feet above the creek (perhaps not for the faint of heart.)  The last one-third of the trail is extremely difficult. The eight-mile roundtrip, which takes from 5-7 hours to complete, is rated strenuous and is not recommended for novice hikers.

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