Archive for the ‘Elkmont’ Category

Brand New Trails Illustrated Maps for the Smokies

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
National Geographic now has two separate Trails Illustrated Maps for the Great Smoky Mountains - in addition to the old map. National Geographic has divided the Park in two, thus allowing each map to show much greater detail. The original map, which covered the entire Park, had a scale 1:70,000. The two new maps now have a scale of 1:40,000 (1” = .6 miles) and provide much greater detail such as backcountry campsites, footbridges, fords and stream crossings, nature/interpretive trails, as well as detailed trail mileages.

The map for the western section of the Park includes the Cades Cove and Elkmont areas. The map for the eastern section includes Clingmans Dome, Mt. LeConte and the Cataloochee areas.

Coverage Highlights Areas and places featured in this map series include: the Appalachian Trail, Benton Mackaye Trail, and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The maps also include scenic overlooks and roadside pull-outs.

Of course you can still purchase the original map that includes the entire Park.

Thanks to the blog reader that was kind enough to drop me an email informing me of these new items.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Posted in Cataloochee, Clingmans Dome, Elkmont, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Map, National Geographic, Smokies, Trails Illustrated Maps, cades cove, mt. leconte | Comments Off

Synchronous Fireflies schedule details set

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010
Each June in the Elkmont area of the Great Smoky Mountains, a natural phenomenon occurs that continues to baffle scientists.

During a two week window in late spring, thousands of lightning bugs flash in complete unison.

The synchronous firefly show, which researchers have identified as a rare form of “simultaneous bioluminescence”, is a popular and growing attraction for the Smoky Mountains. Each evening, several hundred park visitors begin arriving in Elmont with blankets, chairs and flashlights to witness the natural phenomenon that occurs after the park becomes pitch black.

If you would like to see this incredible show, you should be aware that the park closes the road to Elkmont. The only way to access the area is by using the trolley service provided by the park from the Sugarlands Visitor Center beginning on Saturday, June 5th, through the following Sunday night, June 13th.

Additional details from Park Officials:

The Elkmont entrance road will be closed to motor vehicles and pedestrian use every night from 5:00 p.m. until midnight, June 5-13, except to registered campers staying at the Elkmont Campground.

The trolleys will begin picking up visitors from the Sugarlands Visitor Center RV/bus parking area at 7 p.m. this year. The trolleys will run continually until the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking area is full, or until 9 p.m., whichever comes first. The last trolley to return visitors from Elkmont to the Sugarlands Visitor Center is scheduled at 11 p.m. The cost will be $1 round trip per person as in previous years.

It's recommended that visitors bring flashlights with red cellophane covers to reduce white light. Visitors can bring lawn chairs, and carry food and water in backpacks which can fit on their laps in the trolleys. Please note that there are no services available at the site.

Visitors are prohibited from bringing coolers, alcoholic beverages, or their pets.

For more information about the synchronous fireflies, including a video, please click here.




Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Posted in Elkmont, Elkmont Campground, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Smokies, Synchronous Fireflies, lightning bugs | Comments Off

Wildflowers at lower elevations in Smokies at peak

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010
The latest Wildflower Report from the Great Smoky Mountains Association was posted by Steve Kemp yesterday. Mr. Kemp reports that wildflowers at lower elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains are at peak bloom right now.

Here's his report:

Wildflowers are abundant along the Little River and Cucumber Gap trails in the Elkmont area right now. Trout-lily, hepatica, spring-beauty, and anemone are all blooming. We should have a good peak of bloom between now and April 20 at the lower elevations.

To read this and past reports, please click here.

To see a list of some of the best wildflower hikes in the Smokies, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

Posted in Cucumber Gap Trail, Elkmont, Little River Trail, wildflowers | Comments Off

Campgrounds in Smokies set to reopen this weekend

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Several seasonal facilities in the Great Smoky Mountains will reopen this weekend.

* Five of the Park's seasonal campgrounds will reopen on Friday: Abrams Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Cosby, and Elkmont.

* Deep Creek is scheduled to open April 1 and Look Rock will open May 14.

* Road repair work will result in delayed openings for Smokemont and Balsam Mountain campgrounds, which are scheduled to open on May 28.

* Group camping will be available starting on Friday at Big Creek, Cataloochee, Cosby, and Cades Cove. Deep Creek will open as usual on April 1, however, delayed openings will be at Elkmont (April 10), and Smokemont (May 28). Reservations for group camping must be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service.

* The Cades Cove Campground is open year round and is not affected by the Cades Cove Loop Road construction.

* Horse Camps at Anthony Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom, and Towstring will reopen on April 1.

To make reservations at three of the Park's developed campgrounds, and all group campsites, horse camps, and picnic shelters, visitors can visit www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.

> The Cades Cove Campground Store will reopen on April 1. The store provides groceries, camping supplies, firewood, ice, vending, limited food service, souvenirs, and bike rentals.

> The Elkmont Campground concession will open this Friday. The concession provides firewood, ice, camper convenience items, and vending of soft drinks, newspapers, and snacks.

> Secondary roads set to reopen this Friday include the Little Greenbrier and the Straight Fork/Round Bottom roads.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Posted in Abrams Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Cosby, Elkmont, Great Smoky Mountains, Look Rock, Smokies, campgrounds | Comments Off