by Julie Dodd
A hike on the Mingus Creek Trail launched the 2017 Classic Hikes of the Smokies.
Thirty-two hikers joined master hiker Danny Bernstein on the four-mile hike that included a combination of nature and the human history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The hikers visited the Mingus Family Cemetery and a water plant built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The hike included crossing log bridges and identifying wildflowers.
The hike, originally scheduled for March 14, was postponed to March 28 due to ice and snow conditions.
After the hike, the group drove to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Supervisory Ranger Lynda Doucette talked with the group about the Mountain Farm Museum.
“We had a great time on our Mingus Creek Hike,” said Marielle, Friends of the Smokies’ Outreach & Development Associate. “I’m glad a lot of hikers could show up for the re-scheduled date and I hope we see everybody on the Big Creek hike in a few weeks!”
You can read more about the hike on Danny Bernstein’s blog. You can see more photos from the hike on the FOTS Facebook photo album.
Classic Hikes of the Smokies are held the second Tuesday of each month, from March through December.
The next hike is on April 11 to Big Creek. Funds from the hikes support the Trails Forever program for major trail restoration projects. Trails Forever has restored Forney Ridge Trail, Chimney Tops Trail and Alum Cave Trail.
You can register online for Classic Hikes or contact Marielle@FriendsOfTheSmokies.org