Friends of the Smokies Announces 2014 Classic Hikes of the Smokies Series

Explore America’s most visited national park on guided hiking tours with Friends of the Smokies. See stunning vistas, tumbling waterfalls, and discover the hidden gems of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the 2014 Classic Hikes of the Smokies series.



Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation and leadership by celebrated outdoor author, blogger, and hiking expert, Danny Bernstein.



Unique to this program, on each Classic Hike of the Smokies, participants will learn firsthand about a different park stewardship need that benefits from donations made to Friends of the Smokies, including hemlock wooly adelgid treatment, historic structure preservation, the Parks as Classrooms program, and elk management.



Hikes will be offered on the second Tuesday of each month. Each hike is $10 for current Friends of the Smokies members and $35 for non-members, who will receive a complimentary membership. Members who bring a friend hike for free. Registration donations benefit improving trails in the Park through the Friends’ Smokies Trails Forever fund. Here's the 2014 schedule:



March 11: Little Cataloochee

6.1 miles, 1,100 ft ascent

Featuring support for historic preservation

Highlights: Historic log cabins and Little Cataloochee Church



April 8: Newton Bald

10.5 miles, 2,800 ft ascent

Featuring support for cultural protection

Highlights: Spring wildflowers



May 13: Ramsey Cascades

8 miles, 2,200 ft ascent

Featuring support for hemlock protection

Highlights: A 100-ft waterfall & old growth forest



June 10: Hazel Creek

8 miles, 900 ft ascent

Featuring support for Kress Hall cabin repair

Highlights: Fontana Lake, mills & homesites



July 8 and 9: Cades Cove Experience

Special overnight engagement

Call for details (828) 452-0720



August 12: Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail

8 miles, 1,800 ft ascent

Featuring support for Appalachian Trail programs

Highlights: Spectacular views



September 9: Clingmans Dome via Mountains-to-Sea Trail

7.2 miles, 1,600 ft ascent

Featuring support for the Trails Forever Fund

Highlights: Panoramic vistas



October 14: Pretty Hollow Gap

8 miles, 1,500 ft ascent

Featuring support for wildlife management

Highlights: Elk rut and stunning fall color



November 11: Deep Creek Circular

9 miles, 1,600 ft ascent

Featuring support for trout management

Highlights: Beautiful waterfalls



December 9: Kephart Prong

4 miles, 300 ft ascent

Featuring support for environmental education

Highlights: Historic CCC camp structures



To register for this or any 2014 Classic Hike of the Smokies, contact 828-452-0720 or outreach.nc@friendsofthesmokies.org .







Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com