Archive for the ‘Franklin’ Category

Three Bald Eagles Hatched in Pigeon Forge

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
Over the last two days three baby eaglets have been hatched at the American Eagle Foundation in Pigeon Forge.

The bald eagle nesting pair, "Independence" and "Franklin", both disabled and "non-releasable" birds, are cared for by the AEF at its United States Eagle Center in Pigeon Forge. The AEF cares for about 80 birds of prey daily, including the world's largest collection of "non-releasable" bald eagles. These birds are non-releasable due to permanent physical disabilities or accidental imprinting on humans.

Many of the eagles residing at the facility have successfully reproduced while in AEF's care. In fact, the AEF also operates the largest Bald Eagle breeding facility in the world, and have released dozens of captive-hatched eaglets into the Great Smoky Mountains area, Tennessee and other places.

The parents of the newest eaglets at the center have already produced numerous young during previous breeding seasons, which have all been successfully released into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Below is a Youtube video of the first two eaglet hatchlings that were born early Monday morning:




You can also watch a "live" video feed, streamed on-line 24/7, of the new family by clicking here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Posted in American Eagle Foundation, Bald Eagles, Franklin, Independence, pigeon forge | Comments Off

This weekend: WNC OutdoorAthlon

Thursday, October 6th, 2011
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachians in Western North Carolina, Franklin, NC is a small town located at a key crossroads that consistently funnel in the region’s most valuable resource – tourism. For the first time ever, on October 8th and 9th, 2011, this quaint mountain town will host a unique event unlike any the region has ever seen. The focus: highlight the outdoor resources and community resources that will ultimately yield a more intimate connection between the landscape, businesses and visitors that serve each other so well. There’s no disputing that tourism in the region is anchored on our landscape and climate. However, most visitors rarely see more than what’s visible from a road overlook or a cabin window.

The organizers of the WNC OutdoorAthlon have strategically planned a 2-day festival that will be offering something fun for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a mountain thrill or an Appalachian chill, visitors and locals of all ages will have many opportunities to celebrate the natural resources that set Western North Carolina apart from the rest of the world. Offerings include great music, distinguished food and limitless recreation at your own pace. The marquis slogan anchoring the event is “Live, Love, and Learn about the Mountains of North Carolina”.

This family-friendly event will feature free clinics for all things outdoors – from fly fishing sessions with some of the area’s most respected guides, to kayak demos and a rock climbing wall. Intros to biking, hiking, disc golf… even pilates, and area information from recreation experts will be abundant. Guest’s will have lots of opportunities to up the intensity by participating in six competitive events including the area’s first ever adventure triathlon, ultimate frisbee team tournament, disc golf skills competition, cornhole tournament, or the classic 5k run. And lets not forget the kids – the WNC OutdoorAthlon will feature an interactive kids zone and competitive Kid’s Duathlon for little adventures, ages 6-12. If you’re not up for honing your skills or trying something new, attendees are invited to relax in front of the live music stage featuring 5 talented performances, including national recording artist, Zach Deputy. The vendor promenade will host only local vendors and non-profits that pride themselves in promoting regional outdoor resources and ethical outdoor awareness.

For more information, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Posted in Franklin, North Carolina, WNC OutdoorAthlon | Comments Off

Franklin, NC to become newest Appalachian Trail Community

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
On March 23, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and town leaders from Franklin, N.C., will hold a ceremony celebrating the designation by ATC of Franklin as the newest Appalachian Trail Community, with a luncheon and proclamation signing. Mayor Joe Collins; ATC’s Board Chair, Bob Almand; and community representatives will speak. The ceremony will be held at Town Hall board room, 95 East Main Street, Franklin 12:00–1:00 p.m.

The ceremony is part of a week long celebration in Franklin. In addition to the official welcome, Walking with Spring - a series of A.T. related presentations and films - and a photography contest, will be held that week. A few days later, April Fools Trail Days (April 2 - 3) welcomes thru-hikers of the Appalachian Trail as they start their journey north to Katahdin.

Appalachian Trail Communities is a new program of the nonprofit managers of the Appalachian Trail, highlighting the value of trailside communities and towns as a driver for sustainable economic development and the importance of the towns to the A.T. as agents in protecting its complex recreational, volunteer, educational and environmental resources.


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 Appalachian Trail Community, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Franklin, North Carolina | Comments Off