You may have been contacted by Google: We’re getting rid of over 60 different privacy policies across Google and replacing them with one that’s a lot shorter and easier to read. … These changes will take effect on March 1, 2012. details Some are freaking out. That’s dopey. Not much is changing. Here’s a much [...] […]

In 2011 the Great Smoky Mountains received close to 100 inches of rainfall, making it one of the rainiest spots in the entire United States. It was also one of the wettest years on record. The latest video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association captures the result of all this rainfall in this film footage of waterfalls and streams within the park:



© GSMA 2011. All rights reserved.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com […]

Yesterday Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack signaled the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s intent to issue a new planning rule for America’s 193-million acre National Forest System that seeks to deliver stronger protections for forests, water, and wildlife while supporting the economic vitality of our rural communities, by releasing online a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule.

USDA and the Forest Service carefully considered nearly 300,000 comments received on the proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement issued last February, to develop the agency’s preferred course of action for finalizing the planning rule. This is included in the PEIS released today as USDA’s preferred alternative. A notice of availability […]

Visitors to Kauai are familiar with its vibrant gardens, remote cliff views, seemingly endless trails and varied beaches. However, the incredible surfing opportunities are sometimes a refreshing surprise for those seeking water sports with adventure. For avid, return visitors and local surfers, Kauai’s surf spots are as epic as the scene in South Pacific filmed on Kauai. Tradewinds, the Nawiliwili [...] […]

The National Park Service announced today that nearly one million dollars in trail grants will be awarded to 14 trails in 22 states and Washington DC.

The 2012 Connect Trails to Parks Awards will provide a total of $934,000 to 14 projects where national historic and scenic trails intersect with national parks and other federal facilities. The projects will restore or improve existing trails and trailhead connections, provide better wayside and interpretive services, encourage innovative educational services, support bridge and trailhead designs, and provide planning services for important trail gateways.

Many of the projects reflect National Park Service priorities such as expanding outreach, connecting to youth, enhancing urban recreation, promoting healthy lifestyles, and upgrading interpretive materials as outlined in the agency’s A Call to Action: Preparing […]

Get a great start on 2012 by joining the Cataloochee Ranch and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for hike near the Cataloochee Ranch. The historic ranch is located on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Maggie Valley where SAHC holds over 300 acres in a conservation easement. Participants will be hiking the Wallhalla Trail, a 4-mile trail that features great views of the Balsam Range and the Campbell Creek basin, rhododendron tunnels, and cove hardwood forests. You'll also get to see the “Sliding Rock,” and towards the end of the hike, will be rewarded with vistas of Maggie Valley and the mountains beyond.

The hike is scheduled for Saturday, February 4th, at 10:30 a.m. The trail is rated as a moderate hike. You'll need to bring water, comfortable shoes, warm clothes and a camera.

The hike is free for members and $10 for non-members. Well behaved dogs are welcome.

You can direct any questions to Rich Preyer, rich@appalachian.org or 828-253-0095 ex. 205.

Here's pretty cool way to become a human guinea pig, while at the same time helping mountaineers, climbers and the advancement of science.

As most adventurers are already aware, traveling to high altitude can result in a variety of symptoms, collectively called acute mountain sickness. The Neural Systems Group at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is currently seeking volunteers for a brain imaging research study to help learn why this occurs. The study will involve 5 visits, spread over approximately 4-7 weeks, at both MGH in Charlestown, MA and the testing chambers at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in Natick, MA.

To be eligible, volunteers must be in good general health and currently exercising for at least 20 minutes, 3 times/week. They must be between the ages of 18 and 50 years. Must be willing to have 5 modest blood draws over the course of the study, and must be able to have an MRI.

The total time commitment will be up to about 35 hours. Volunteers will be compensated for your participation.

More than likely you'll never get a chance to climb Everest or K2, but you might be able to help others attain lofty goals some day down the road by participating in this research. For more information on the trials, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com […]

What kind of owl is that?

A common question for many people when they see one in the woods, or hear one hooting off in the distance. Now's your chance to learn about owls, and how to identify some of the more common species, on the next GSMA Owl Prowl.

On Saturday, February 11th, join Butch McDade and the Great Smoky Mountains Association for a nighttime adventure into the elusive world of these amazing birds. Participants should meet at the Sugarlands Visitor Center at 7 pm, dress appropriately in winter clothing, hiking boots (or athletic shoes with tread), bring flashlights or headlights, and maybe even a rain parka, if need be.

The GSMA requires that you register in advance by calling 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254. The program is open to adults and children 12 and older, and there is a $10 charge for adults and $5 for children 12-16 to cover the presenter's fee.

You can read additional news from the GSMA in the latest Cub Report.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com […]

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Our friends over at MyLifeOutdoors are giving away a brand new Gregory Z45 BackPack, via LeftLane Sports. The pack is valued at $180. And, if you're a brand new member at LeftLane Sports, you'll receive a $10 in-store credit just for signing up.

The Gregory Z45 features "the LTS Jetstream Load Transfer Suspension which provides true ventilation with no unnecessary points of contact on your body. Adjustable waistbelt and harness with perforated foam and mesh increase comfort and increase air flow, and a dual density foam lumbar pad to correctly transfer weight of the pack to your hips."

To check out a review of LeftLane Sports, and to learn how to enter the contest, please click here. The contest ends at Midnight EST on Sunday 1/29/2012.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com […]

Have you taken the time to see all that Moving Mountains really has to offer in Steamboat Springs?

Yes, we offer fabulous luxury  accommodations in a word-class ski resort, but there’s more you may not know. We have properties to meet ANY need, skier or not.

Want a retreat away from it all?   Check out a fabulous private home on the edge of the National Forest like Creekside Chalet.

Ski-in/Ski-out luxury? Snowline Ridge at Edgemont is for you -…

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