by Julie Dodd
The Classic Hike of the Smokies hikers logged 6.6 miles on the Little Cataloochee Trail on March 8, moving toward accomplishing the Hike 100 Challenge.
About 45 hikers joined master hiker Danny Bernstein and Anna Lee Zanetti for the guided hike, enjoying a warm day in the high 60s with sunny skies. Many of the hikers were joining a FOTS hike for the first time, and some had their first experience hiking in the GSMNP.
Steve Woody, emeritus FOTS board director, talked about his heritage during the hike. Woody’s grandfather was the last person to live in the North Carolina section of the park, and Steve Woody was one of the two founders of Friends of the Smokies.
The hikers visited the Little Cataloochee Baptist Church, Hannah Cabin, Hannah Cemetery and the Cook Cabin. You can see more photos on the FOTS Facebook album.
The next Classic Hike of the Smokies will be on Tuesday, April 12, to Porters Creek. The hikers will be adding 7.2 miles toward the Hike 100 Challenge.
Space is limited but you can still register for the Porters Creek hike or other Classic Hikes of the Smokies online here.
Participating in each hike is $20. Those funds go toward the Trails Forever program, which completes major trail restoration projects in the park. (The Trails Forever team’s 2016 project is to continue restoration work on the Alum Cave Trail.) New members can join Friends of the Smokies for $35 on their first hike, and the cost of the hike is included.
After completing registration, you will receive an email the Friday before the hike with carpool specifics, directions, and more information.
