The U.S. Forest Service is encouraging campers and visitors to the Graveyard Fields area of the Pisgah National Forest to be aware of black bears, following a bear encounter on May 1.
A group of campers reported that a black bear, apparently in search of food, approached their tent at night. The campers scared the bear away by banging pots and pans. No injuries or property damage were reported. Other bears may have been in the area.
Campers are encouraged to prevent bear interactions by taking the following steps:
* Do not store food in tents.
* Properly store food by hanging it in a tree or in another secure container.
* Clean up food or garbage around fire rings, grills or other areas of your campsite.
* Do not leave food unattended.
Jeff
Smoky Mountains Hiking
Archive for the ‘bear activity’ Category
Bear Encounter in Graveyard Fields Reported
Friday, May 4th, 2012Bear warnings posted on several trails in Smokies
Tuesday, September 20th, 2011
In keeping with today's theme, I thought I'd bring to the attention of hikers that there are several trails that now have bear warnings posted on them in the Smokies. These warnings have been posted due to bear activity in the area, which likely is a result of a lower than usual soft mast crop. Great Smoky Mountain biologists have stated that the park's cherry, blueberry and blackberry crop was poor this summer.
Below is the current list of trails, campsites and shelters with posted warnings. Further down is the list of bear closures:
• Alum Cave Trail
• Clingmans Dome Trail
• Trillium Gap Trail - Grotto Falls parking area to Grotto Falls
• Laurel Falls Trail
• Little River Trail
• Pretty Hollow Gap Trail
• Rainbow Falls Trail
• Upper Forney Ridge Trail
• Backcountry Campsites 18, 28, 36, 37, 38, 61, 85
• Double Spring Gap Shelter
• Laurel Gap Shelter
• Mount Collins Shelter
• Mount Le Conte Shelter
• Spence Field Shelter
Bear Closures:
• Backcountry Campsites 21, 24, 35, 68
• Cosby Knob Shelter
• Silers Bald Shelter
To stay up to date on all the latest closings, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Below is the current list of trails, campsites and shelters with posted warnings. Further down is the list of bear closures:
• Alum Cave Trail
• Clingmans Dome Trail
• Trillium Gap Trail - Grotto Falls parking area to Grotto Falls
• Laurel Falls Trail
• Little River Trail
• Pretty Hollow Gap Trail
• Rainbow Falls Trail
• Upper Forney Ridge Trail
• Backcountry Campsites 18, 28, 36, 37, 38, 61, 85
• Double Spring Gap Shelter
• Laurel Gap Shelter
• Mount Collins Shelter
• Mount Le Conte Shelter
• Spence Field Shelter
Bear Closures:
• Backcountry Campsites 21, 24, 35, 68
• Cosby Knob Shelter
• Silers Bald Shelter
To stay up to date on all the latest closings, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Section of AT in N.E. Georgia closed due to bear activity
Saturday, April 16th, 2011
A section of the Appalachian Trail in the Chattahoochee National Forest was closed to camping yesterday due to persistent bear activity and improper food storage by hikers, and will remain closed until further notice.
The closed section is between Neels Gap and Jarrad Gap in northeast Georgia. Other areas impacted by the closure include the Byron Herbert Reece Trail, Dockery Lake Recreation Area, Duncan Ridge Trail, Lake Winfield Scott Campground, Springer Mountain Trailhead, and Woody Gap Trailhead, as well as the Blood Mountain Shelter and the Woods Hole Shelter.
Day hiking is still allowed in this area, however, any camping on side trails should take place at least one-quarter of a mile from the Appalachian Trail.
You can click here for a map of the closed area, or you can call the U.S. Forest Service at (706) 745-6928 if you have any questions.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
The closed section is between Neels Gap and Jarrad Gap in northeast Georgia. Other areas impacted by the closure include the Byron Herbert Reece Trail, Dockery Lake Recreation Area, Duncan Ridge Trail, Lake Winfield Scott Campground, Springer Mountain Trailhead, and Woody Gap Trailhead, as well as the Blood Mountain Shelter and the Woods Hole Shelter.
Day hiking is still allowed in this area, however, any camping on side trails should take place at least one-quarter of a mile from the Appalachian Trail.
You can click here for a map of the closed area, or you can call the U.S. Forest Service at (706) 745-6928 if you have any questions.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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