CMC Weekly News
10/01/03
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HISTORY HIKES OF THE SMOKIES OFFERS HIKERS THE CHANCE TO STEP BACK IN TIME
When Congress created many of the famous national parks in the West, they did so simply by drawing lines on a map of mostly uninhabited land owned by the government or railroads. Creating Great Smoky Mountains National Park was nowhere near as easy. Over 5,000 people lived on the land that would become the largest and most visited national park in the East. They owned white-washed two-story homes, grist mills, fruit orchards, barns, country stores, hotels, guest cottages, and much more. Dozens of schools and churches dotted the valleys. Timber companies owned hundreds of miles of railway, sprawling lumber mills, and whole "company towns" with commissaries, barber shops, pool halls, and movie theaters.
All of it had to be purchased and either removed or abandoned. These "lost" farms and communities are the focus of History Hikes of the Smokies, the newest book published by the nonprofit Great Smoky Mountains Association. Within its 352 pages, History Hikes provides in-depth narratives of 20 historically significant trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Featured hikes include Hazel Creek, Boogerman, Little Cataloochee, Old Settlers, Old Sugarlands, Cooper Road, and Jakes Creek, among others. The narratives for the longer, most historically-rich trails are practically short books in themselves-Old Settlers, for example, runs 38 fact-filled pages.
Michal Strutin of Johnson City, Tennessee is the book's author. She has a long and impressive resume of books and periodicals in the vein of history and the out of doors. She has done editing stints for Outside and National Parks magazines and is the author of Grist Mills of the Smokies, two Smithsonian Guides to Natural America, Chaco: A Cultural Legacy, and A Guide to Northern Plains Indians. Besides wearing down a lot of boot leather on Smoky Mountain trails, Strutin conducted exhaustive research in libraries and archives that revealed a wealth of new historical anecdotes and gems not found in other popular publications. Her narratives relate the importance of each route in Great Smoky Mountains history as they proceed farm by farm and hamlet by hamlet up the narrow valleys. Quotations, snippets of poetry, and tall tales bring to life the mountain families, both rugged and genteel. Complementing the text is a treasure trove of historic photographs showing the people and buildings that populated the Great Smoky Mountains prior to park establishment. Some, like the seldom-seen panoramic photo of Ritter Mill on Hazel Creek, or the snapshot of the Messer "big house" on Little Cataloochee Trail, will startle anyone who has only known the Smokies in their current incarnation.
Other valuable features of the book are profile charts showing each trail's steepness, easy to read individual trail maps, and detailed directions to trailheads. The cost of History Hikes of the Smokies is $12.95 and proceeds go toward educational, historical, and scientific projects in the park. The books are available at park visitor centers and area bookstores or by contacting (865) 436-0120 or www.SmokiesStore.org Great Smoky Mountains Association is also the publisher of Hiking Trails of the Smokies (the little brown book) and Day Hikes of the Smokies. The organization is currently celebrating its fiftieth year of providing support to the national park.
I have recently purchased this book and recommend it highly. There are many Smokies hikes listed with in depth history on each. Don Walton
CHEROKEE SPEAKER TO ADDRESS NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
NEWS RELEASE September 30, 2003 Contact: Gary Peeples, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 828/258-3939, Ext. 234.
Russ Townsend, deputy tribal preservation officer for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, will speak on "The Cherokee Perspective on Natural Resource Management" at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 6, on the UNCA campus (Room 228, Robinson Hall). The presentation is free and open to the public.
Townsend's presentation is the second in a year-long lecture series presented by the UNCA Environmental Studies Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Southern Research Station of the USDA Forest Service. The lecture series examines a number of regional environmental issues and topics, ranging from air quality to national forest management.
Congratulations to two new members of the new Challenge Program Committee
The old "South Beyond 40 peaks Committee" name has been changed to Challenge Programs Committee and now consists of two programs. It includes the SB6K program and the new addition of the "Pisgah 400" which is all of the trails (about 400 miles) on the Pisgah National Forest Map. Committee chairman, Dave Wetmore, has just announced that Amy Treverton and Paul Benson, both SB6K completers, have agreed to serve as members of the committee. Congratulations to Amy and Paul.
Join the "Friends of Wilson Creek"
The friends of Wilson Creek who are committed to protecting, preserving and promoting "Wilson Creek" a Wild and Scenic River are seeking members who share these same values. Please see www.friendsofwilsoncreek.org for more details.
Once the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River was designated, Caldwell County began work on the creation of a visitor/education center to promote the outstanding values of Wilson Creek. Led by efforts of Caldwell County Commissioners, the County purchased 6.4 acres along Wilson Creek using grants from the NC Natural Heritage Trust and the NC Clean Water Management Trust in January 2001. Later that year, funds for the construction of the visitor center were received from the NC Dept. of Transportation’s Enhancement Funds. Construction of the visitor center began in May 2002.
On October 14, 2002, the visitor center officially opened its doors to the public. Many dignitaries were on hand to celebrate this occasion. Wilson Creek Fun Fact Wilson Creek begins on the upper slopes of Calloway Peak (elevation 5920 feet) on Grandfather Mountain in Avery County and flows in a southerly direction for 23.3 miles where it joins Johns River (elevation 1020 feet) in Caldwell County. Although virtually surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, Wilson Creek only flows through the Forest for nine miles. The Wilson Creek corridor lies within two physiographic provinces – the Southern Piedmont and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
FMST President Jeff Brewer is still walking
Week 5 on the MST brought Jeff closer to home. Saturday (September 20) he began hiking in Hanging Rock State Park and traveled through northern Guilford County. The waterfalls at Hanging Rockwere especially beautiful. Saturday afternoon he booked the last campsite in the state park - it was packed with people enjoying the nice fall weather. Jeff said the trail system around the park was as busy as Interstate 40, so he was lucky even one campsite was available. Sunday he walked through Walnut Cove and Stokesdale, two small towns in the area. He enjoyed the Greensboro trail system around Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend on Monday. Jeff mentioned particularly the Owl's Roost Trail, a pedestrian and mountain bike trail, and the Nat Green Trail, named in honor of General Nathanael Greene from the American Revolution.
Tuesday was a big day for Jeff - he hiked thirty miles. This is the farthest he has ever hiked in a single day! The trail brought him through Mebane and northern Durham County on Wednesday. Jeff even passed by the Little River Presbyterian Church where a few of his relatives are buried. It's amazing where a trail will lead, isn't it? He finished hiking the Durham section and continued on to Wake County on Thursday.
While hiking through the Piedmont and primarily along NC bike routes, Jeff has seen a lot of scenic farmland and has encountered more people (non-hikers, that is). In fact, he has been called "Forest Gump" three different times! Next week, Jeff will be hiking east and southeast past Wilson and Goldsboro. He hopes to reach New Bern by Friday (October 3).
A big THANK YOU goes out to the many people who provided Jeff with shuttles and opened their homes to him this past week. We really appreciate so much support throughout the state! -Brewer www.trailjournals.com/jeffbrewer
14th Annual Southern Appalachian Man and the Biosphere Fall
The Southern Appalachian Man and the Biosphere program is a consortium of numerous federal and state agencies interested in the conservation and sustainable development of the Southern Appalachians. Where: Renaissance Hotel, Asheville, NC When: Nov. 4,5,6, 2003 The Southern Appalachian region faces a host of interrelated issues, from air quality to invasive species to planning for growth. The Southern Appalachian Man and the Biosphere Fall Conference brings together professionals and concerned citizens from across the region in a forum that facilitates the learning, networking, and brainstorming needed to address these issues. The conference features workshops, presentations, posters, and field trips about the most pressing issues in our region, and agency and community actions that address these challenges. Sessions in this year's conference include: Facing the Threat of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Managing Growth Around Protected Areas Proetecting and Restoring Southern Appalachian Streams and Rivers Mapping and GIS for Planning and Protection Dealing With Invasive Plants and Insects Environmental Monitoring by Communities and Citizens: The Public's Role in Research and Management Traversing the Landscape Air Quality Improvement for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Hiker Health, Air Quality and Traffic Congestion Air Quality: Understanding the Issues Ecosystem Restoration Appalachian Heritage as an Economic Opportunity For more information about SAMAB or the conference, please visit www.samab.org , or e-mail gary_peeples@fws.gov .
Distinguished Service Nominations needed!
The annual Banquet is just around the corner. We need nominations for the Nominations committee to consider for our two Awards. The first award is the Distinguished Service Award given for long dedicated service to the Carolina Mountain Club. The 2nd award is the Appreciation Award given for one time special service. Please submit your nominations to Carroll Koepplinger, 828-667-0723, carrollkoepp@cs.com .
Greetings fellow AHS hiking enthusiasts! As we draw nearer to the Fall Conference taking place October 17-19 in Monteagle, Tennessee
I wanted to make you aware that the conference registration materials are being mailed out today. They are also available online for download at the following web address. http://www.americanhiking.org/alliance/registration.html The web site also contains a partial listing of the scheduled educational sessions, along with the speakers. This information is not in the registration materials that are being mailed out today. Additionally, an electronic newsletter has been created, and there is a subscription form at the following web address; http://www.americanhiking.org/alliance/newsletter.html This is modeled after what Don Walton of Carolina Mountain Club has for their organization. Now that the monthly E-Newsletter has been setup, we need more subscribers! Please share this information with your fellow club members. It is a great mechanism for your club to get an announcement out to a broader audience. I’ll be sending out the first E-Newsletter on August 11. If you have any announcements that you’d like included in that mailing, please get them to me by August 8. Happy Hiking!
Jeffrey Hunter
Southern Appalachians Initiative
American Hiking Society
175 Hamm Road - Suite C
Chattanooga, TN 37405
(423) 266-2507
http://www.americanhiking.org/alliance/sai.html
New Backpacking Book Supports Mid-Age Women Seeking Fitness
True adventures, challenging journeys, and life-affirming trips. Practical wisdom and tried tips. Three dozen women, in the prime of their lives, take readers backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, the Rockies, the Appalachians and more.
We're in the Mountains, Not over the Hill -- Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers is a collection of true, emotionally honest stories of strong, gutsy women, all in the prime of their lives, who continue to challenge themselves, which will provide humor, insight, and inspiration to women and men of all ages.
San Francisco bay area author and Sierra Club member, Susan Alcorn, writes, "Whether the women are scaling mountains solo at 14,000 feet or lounging with friends near crackling campfire, they are enjoying the rewards of their strenuous days and soaking in the wonders of nature." She adds, "If we can do it so can you." We're in the Mountains, Not over the Hill..." recounts not only Ms. Alcorn's wilderness adventures but also those of another 30+ women.
We're in the Mountains, Not over the Hill -- Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers has 14 chapters offering both entertaining reading and how-to information. Armchair adventurers and backpackers, whether new or experienced, will enjoy reading about such women as Irene Cline who is the oldest woman to walk the Appalachian Trail, the gritty character of Emma Gatewood who, at the age of 67, was the first woman to thru hike the AT, and the humor of Laurie Foot, the first woman over 45 to hike/ bike the American Discovery Trail (Trans-US.). Also included are many stories of women whose more modest accomplishments demonstrate that backpacking is really a democratic activity-available to all who have the dream and the determination.
We're in the Mountains, Not over the Hill -- Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers can be ordered from Shepherd Canyon Books, 25 Southwood Ct., Oakland, CA 94611, your local bookstore, from Amazon, Baker and Taylor, Mountain N' Air Books, Bookpeople, Quality Books, or on-line at www.backpack45.com. The price is $14.95 plus $1.99 s&h for U.S. sales. Add $1.08 tax for California residents or $1.23 for Alameda County residents. ISBN 0-936034-02-5. Ralph Alcorn www.backpack45.com Shepherd Canyon Books
What you need for a day hike
Bringing the proper equipment will add greatly to your enjoyment, your safety, and the enjoyment and safety of the group. This stuff is essential if you are going out in the woods for more than a couple of hours. Make sure that you are comfortable with your equipment and you know where it all fits in. Do not carry anything in your hands; do not tie a jacket around your waist. Everything should fit in your daypack. Carry your wallet and keys in your daypack, at all times. In your daypack: Two quarts of water in plastic water bottles (not soda bottles) Lunch and snacks Rain jacket (no matter what the forecast) Long sleeve shirt (no matter what the forecast) Sunglasses Wool or fleece hat and gloves Insect repellent Sunscreen Tissues Personal first aid kit Small flashlight Plastic bag for trash If it is not the height of a warm summer, add: Warm fleece hiking sweater or jacket Rain pants How to dress: Shorts and a short-sleeve T-shirt as the bottom layer. Hiking boots that are well broken-in and that go over the ankles Good hiking socks (not sports socks). Sunhat with a wide brim Bandanna which you need to keep handy Dress in layers: Your first layer should be a short-sleeve t-shirt (synthetic, not cotton) even if it seems cool in the morning. You will warm up. Your second layer should be a long-sleeve shirt (also synthetic). If you need extra layers, you will have your warm hiking sweater and rain jacket. Shorts give you more mobility and keep you cooler; pants give you more protection from insects and brush. Questions, comments, additions to the list? Send to danny@hikertohiker.org