by Julie Dodd
The Classic Hikes of the Smokies wrapped up 2017 with a hike in Elkmont on Dec. 14.
The hikers hiked the Little River Trail, Cucumber Gap Trail, and a section of Jakes Creek Trail.
Expert hiker and author Danny Bernstein was the hike leader. A highlight for her was having two hikers in the group who had never hiked in the Smokies before.
She said she also enjoyed sharing the Avent Cabin with the group, none of whom had seen the cabin before. The cabin was used as the summer studio of artist Mayna Treanor Avent. The cabin was placed in the National Register of Historic Places on February 7, 1994.
The hikers explored the Elkmont area where the National Park Service is restoring some cottages and removing others. Friends of the Smokies has assisted in some of the Elkmont renovations, including Spence Cabin, which can be reserved and is a popular location for weddings and family events.
You can read more about the hike on Danny’s blog. Thanks to Danny and Marielle DeJong, NC Communications & Operations Coordinator, for photos from the hike. You can see more photos on the FOTS Facebook photo album.
The monthly guided day hikes in the Classic Hikes series are $20 for members. New and renewing members may join Friends of the Smokies and hike for $35. Donations benefit Friends of the Smokies’ Trails Forever program, which provides the opportunity for a highly skilled trail crew to focus reconstruction efforts on high use and high priority trails in the park. The current restoration project is Rainbow Falls.
You can register online for Classic Hikes or contact Marielle@FriendsOfTheSmokies.org
Classic Hikes for 2018
The list of the Classic Hikes for 2018 is posted on the FOTS website. The hikes are monthly from March through December. The 2018 hike schedule includes a two-day hiking special in the Cades Cove area.