Archive for the ‘Graveyard Fields’ Category

Bear Encounter in Graveyard Fields Reported

Friday, May 4th, 2012
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

Posted in Graveyard Fields, bear activity | Comments Off

Blue Ridge Parkway closures

Monday, August 16th, 2010
There are several temporary road closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway this week as a result of bears, construction, and storm debris removal projects.

In Virginia:

* The Peaks of Otter Picnic Area has been closed temporarily due to a sow with three cubs that have been acting aggressively and have bluff charged several people over the past week in the picnic area and on nearby trails. Employees and visitors are advised to stay out of the area until further notice.

In North Carolina:

* Tree removal projects are being conducted near Deep Gap at Milepost 275 to the Yadkin Valley Parking Overlook at Milepost 290. Parkway visitors should expect minor delays as a result of traffic control through this area.

* The Linville Falls Picnic Area, near Milepost 316, is scheduled to be temporarily closed beginning today, August 16, at 8 a.m. and will remain closed until Wednesday – August 18, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. This closure is necessary for the completion of the paving of the picnic area entrance road, which includes asphalt sidewalks, drain repairs, and re-striping of the road and parking areas.

* The Craggy Gardens Picnic Area at Milepost 367.6 will be temporarily closed from Monday, August 16, at 6:00 a.m. until noon Friday, August 20. Due to the narrow road leading up to the picnic area, pavement overlay activities require complete closure of the entrance road.

* The Blue Ridge Parkway will be temporarily closed from Wagon Road Gap at Milepost 412 to the Graveyard Fields Parking Overlook at Milepost 418 on Monday, Aug. 16 through Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010, to conduct storm debris removal and hazardous tree work. Access to the parkway from U.S. Route 276 will remain open.

For updates on parkway road and weather conditions, please call 828-298-0398.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Posted in Craggy Gardens, Graveyard Fields, Linville Falls, Peaks of Otter, blue ridge parkway, temporary road closures | Comments Off