by Julie Dodd
Just in time to help you get ready for Spring hiking, Blue Ridge Mountain Sports is hosting Hiking 101, on Thursday, March 27, at the Farragut location, 11537 Kingston Pike.
This free workshop starts at 6:30 p.m., and light refreshments will be served.
Store manager Jordan Burris will lead a workshop on how to prepare for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. He will talk about the 10 essentials for hiking. That includes discussing the layering system (why certain fabrics work and others don’t), how to pack your pack, selecting the right gear and equipment, and planning the right hike.
After the presentation, participants will be able to try out gear. A 10 percent discount will be given to Friends of the Smokies members who show their membership cards. The discount may not apply to all purchases.
Sarah Weeks, Friends of the Smokies Development Director, will be attending the workshop and will be available to answer questions about Friends of the Smokies and to talk about hiking options that Friends of the Smokies support, including the Classic Hikes of the Smokies and Get on the Trails with Friends & Missy Kane. You can purchase a Friends of the Smokies membership for $35 per person.
Registration for the Hiking 101 workshop is not required but suggested. You can call register by calling Blue Ridge Mountain Sports at 865-675-3010 or emailing Sarah at sarah@friendsofthesmokies.org
Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization has been helping to preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds and awareness and recruiting volunteers for needed projects. Over the last 21 years, support from Friends of the Smokies members, sponsors, donors, and Tennessee and North Carolina specialty license plate owners has totaled more than $44 million. To see this year’s list of Park Support Projects visit our website at FriendsOfTheSmokies.org