Trail renovation, mountain-top views, and life in the area before the establishment of the GSMNP were all part of the November Classic Hike of the Smokies.
The hikers met at the Chimney Tops Trail on Nov. 10 for a briefing about the trail restoration work. GSMNP trail manager Tobias Miller and his co-worker Eric Wood talked with the group about the 3-year trail restoration project, completed in 2014, that was funded by FOTS.
Bridges were replaced, hundreds of stone stairs and locust-log stairs were installed, drainage ditches were installed to reduce erosion, and more than 50 trees that posed a threat of falling on the trial were removed.
The hikers were on the trail at 10 a.m., led by master hiker and author Danny Bernstein. Anna Lee Zanetti, FOTS Outreach Development Associate, brought up the sweep.
The group made the 2-mile hike to the top by lunch and were scrambling around the rock trying to get a good view. After lunch and scenic photos, the group hiked down and carpooled to Elkmont.
Danny led the group as they walked around Elkmont, talking about the history of Elkmont and the Park’s efforts to restore some of the cabins in the area and return other sections to natural areas.
You can see more photos from the hike at the FOTS Facebook photo album and read more about this hike on Danny’s blog.
The Classic Hike of the Smokies is a monthly group hiking opportunity, held on the second Tuesday of the month. Hikers pay $35, which includes a complimentary membership to Friends of the Smokies, or $10 for FOTS members. The money goes to fund the Friends of the Smokies Trails Forever program. The December hike will be on Dec. 8 to Noland Creek. To register for the hike, contact AnnaLee@FriendsOfTheSmokies.org, call 828- 452-0720 or register online.
The FOTS Trail Restoration crew is in year two of restoring the Alum Cave Trail, one of the most heavily used trails in the park. In addition to restoring the Chimney Tops Trail, the FOTS Trail Restoration crew also has restored the Forney Ridge Trail.