RANGER-GUIDED WALKS & TALKS—SEE PAGES 10-14

THE OFF IC I A L NEWSPAPER OF GREAT SMOKY MOUNTA INS NAT IONAL PARK ≈ SUMMER 2013

The Bears of SummerPark is Perfect for aWalk in the Woods

Smoky Mountain blackbears are big (125-300

pounds), active animals thatmust consume an enormousnumber of calories to survive.In summer, most of thosecalories come from wildberries.

The rain-drenched forests

of the Great Smoky Moun-tains offer a cornucopia ofberries and other wild fruits.Blackberries, blueberries,raspberries, pin cherries, blackcherries, huckleberries, serv-ice berries—all are plentifulmost years. Berries are loadedwith sugars and calories andare relatively easy to get.Overall, summer is a time ofabundance for bears.

Biologists estimate some

1,600 bears live in GreatSmoky Mountains NationalPark, a density of almost twobears per square mile. Bearsare fairly evenly distributedthroughout the park and may

be seen anywhere at any time.Favorite spots for bear watch-ers include Cades Cove,Cherokee Orchard Road, Cat-aloochee, and Newfound GapRoad. Bears are most activefrom 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

One thousand six hun-

dred black bears and nine mil-lion human visitors cancoexist in the Smokies, butonly if humans act thought-fully. Our most important jobis to keep our people-foodaway from bears. Wild bearsthrive on wild foods, but be-come dangerous when habitu-ated to garbage or food scrapsleft by humans.

Keep picnic areas and

campgrounds clean; don’tthrow food or trash in fire pitsor leave garbage outsidebearproof dumpsters. Don’tfeed park wildlife. It is illegalto approach within 50 yardsof bear or elk.

P I N K

T U R T L E H E A D

This pink wildflower is

named for its resemblance to

the head of a turtle. It

blooms in late summer along

streams and in wet areas,

especially at the park’s higher

elevations. Good places to see

it are along Clingmans Dome

Road and the Appalachian

Trail. A white version of this

flower is much less common

and confined to the lower

elevations of the Smokies.

The park’s trails lead to waterfalls, scenic views, historic sites, and more.

Bear cubs are plentiful in the Great Smoky Mountains this year.

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With over 150 differenthiking trails spanning

more than 800 linear miles,Great Smoky Mountains Na-tional Park is the perfectplace to get out of the car,stretch your legs, and take awalk in the woods.

Every year over a million

people take a walk on aSmoky Mountain trail. Op-portunities range from a half-mile saunter on a QuietWalkway or self-guiding na-ture trail to an expedition onone of the park’s “long trails”which include the Appala-chian, Mountains-To-Sea, andBenton MacKaye.

Exercise physiology re-

search shows that walking isone of the best forms of exer-cise for people of all ages andabilities. Exercising outdoorsreduces stress and improvesmood, memory, and sense ofwell being. It is also one ofthe least expensive forms of

exercise you can choose.

Ready to get started?

Consider how far you want togo and what you want to see.A riverside ramble? Hike to ahigh point? Walk to a water-fall? Then stop by a park visi-tor center and talk to a rangeror volunteer about all the op-tions available. Pick up a parktrail map or guide book onday hikes, waterfalls, historyhikes, or other topic that suitsyour needs.

What do you need to

bring? Here are a few sugges-tions for summer day hikers: • daypack

• water• snacks• map• matches/lighter• sturdy walking shoes• raingear• fleece/wool jacket

Keep in mind there is no cellphone service in most areas ofthe park.

smokies guide

Smokies Guide is produced fourtimes per year by Great Smoky

Mountains Association. Publication dates are

approximately:SPRING: March 21SUMMER: June 1

AUTUMN: September 7WINTER: December 1

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Steve KempNPS COORDINATOR

Elizabeth DupreeEDITORIAL BOARDKaren Ballentine

Coralie BloomKent Cave

Lynda DoucetteKristine JohnsonTerry MaddoxMike Maslona

CONTRIBUTORS

Julie Brown, Lisa Horstman,Karen Key, Cyn Slaughter.

© 2013 GSMA

GSMA115 Park Headquarters Road

Gatlinburg, TN 37738smokiesinformation.org

printed on recycled paper

camping in the national park

other services

picnic areas

pets in the park facility rentals

Le Conte Lodge (accessible byfoot trail only) provides theonly lodging in the park. Call(865) 429-5704 or visitwww.lecontelodge.com. For information on lodgingoutside the park:Bryson City 1-800-867-9246Cherokee 1-800-438-1601Fontana 1-800-849-2258Gatlinburg 1-866-444-8474Maggie Valley 1-800-624-4431Pigeon Forge 1-800-251-9100Sevierville 1-888-766-5948Townsend 1-800-525-6834

There are no gas stations inthe park. Fuel is available inthe neighboring communitiesof Cherokee, Gatlinburg,Bryson City, and Townsend. There are no restaurants inthe park. Limited food serviceis available at the Cades CoveCampground store. Le ConteLodge is offering lunches andsnacks to day hikers. Lunchreservations may be required.Visit www.lecontelodge.comfor information. Limited groceries are alsoavailable at the Cades CoveCampground store.

Cades Cove Loop Road willbe closed to motor vehiclesfor the benefit of foot and bi-cycle traffic at the followingtimes: from sunrise until 10:00a.m. every Saturday andWednesday morning fromMay 8-September 25. Bicycles may be rented for$4-$6 per hour from theCades Cove store (locatednear Cades Cove Camp-ground). Hours are 9:00-4:30(7:00-4:30 on Wednesday andSaturday bicycle days).

Over a dozen bicyclists inthe park were injured seri-ously enough last year to re-quire medical attention.Helmets are required by lawfor persons age 16 and underand are strongly recom-mended for all riders. Bicycles are permitted onpark roads but prohibited onall trails except Gatlinburg,Oconaluftee River, and lowerDeep Creek.

Locations of picnic areas areshown on pages 8-9. All sitesinclude a picnic table andcooking grate. Pavilions areavailable by reservation (1-877-444-6777).

Pets are allowed in frontcoun-try campgrounds, picnicareas, and beside roads aslong as they are restrained atall times. Pets are not allowedon park trails, except for theGatlinburg and OconalufteeRiver trails. Pets on the abovetrails must be leashed.

Only seven of the park’s 10 campgrounds are open this year.

Cades Cove bicycle morning.

accommodations bicycling

For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/grsm

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The historic AppalachianClubhouse and Spence Cabinat Elkmont are now acceptingreservations for day-userentals. Popular uses includereceptions, meetings, and re-unions. To make a reserva-tion, call 1-877-444-6777 orvisit www.recreation.gov.

trip planner

The National Park Servicemaintains developed camp-grounds at seven locations inthe park. There are no show-ers or hookups other than cir-cuits for special medical usesat Cades Cove, Elkmont, andSmokemont. Campsites at Elkmont,Smokemont, Cataloochee,Cosby, and Cades Cove maybe reserved. For reservationscall 1-877-444-6777 or contactwww.recreation.gov. Sitesmay be reserved up to sixmonths in advance. Reserva-tions are required at Cat-aloochee Campground. Otherpark campgrounds are first-come, first-serve. Site occupancy is limited tosix people and two vehicles (atrailer = 1 vehicle). Maximumstay is 14 consecutive days. Special camping sites forlarge groups are available sea-sonally at Big Creek, CadesCove, Cataloochee, Cosby,Deep Creek, Elkmont, andSmokemont. Group sites mustbe reserved in advance. Call1-877-444-6777 or contactwww.recreation.gov. Groupsites may be reserved up toone year in advance.

RV dump stations are lo-cated at Cades Cove, Cosby,Deep Creek, Sugarlands, andSmokemont. The list below shows num-ber of sites, elevations, fees,2013 operation dates, andmaximum RV lengths. ABRAMS CREEK ClosedBALSAM MOUNTAINClosedBIG CREEK 12 sites, elev.1,700', $14, open April 12-Oct.31, tents onlyCADES COVE 159 sites, elev.1,807', $17-$20, open year-round, 35'-40’ RVsCATALOOCHEE 27 sites,elev. 2,610', $20, open March15- Oct. 31, reservations re-quired, 31' RVsCOSBY 157 sites, elev. 2,459',$14, open April 12-Oct. 31, 25'RVsDEEP CREEK 92 sites, elev.1,800', $17, open April 12-Oct.31, 26' RVsELKMONT 220 sites, elev.2,150', $17-$23, open March 8-Nov. 30, 32’-35’ RVsLOOK ROCK ClosedSMOKEMONT 142 sites, elev.2,198', $17-$20, open year-round, 35’-40’ RVs

park information

SPRINGMarch has the most change-able weather; snow can fall onany day, especially at thehigher elevations. Backpack-ers are often caught off guardwhen a sunny day in the 70s Fis followed by a wet, bitterlycold one. By mid- to lateApril, the weather is milder.SUMMERBy mid-June, heat, haze, andhumidity are the norm. Mostprecipitation occurs as after-noon thundershowers. AUTUMNIn mid-September, a patternof warm, sunny days andcrisp, clear nights often be-gins. However, cool, rainydays also occur. Dustings ofsnow may fall at the higherelevations in November.WINTERDays during this fickle seasoncan be sunny and 65°F orsnowy with highs in the 20s.In the low elevations, snowsof 1" or more occur 1-5 timesper year. At Newfound Gap,69" fall on average. Lows of20°F are possible in the highcountry.

Fishing is permitted year-round in the park, but a Ten-nessee or North Carolinafishing license is required. Ei-ther state license is validthroughout the park and notrout stamp is required. Aspecial permit is required forfishing the Cherokee Reser-vation and Gatlinburg. Li-censes are available in nearbytowns.

A free fishing map with acomplete list of all park fish-ing regulations is available atvisitor centers.

Horseback riding is generallyavailable from mid-Marchinto November. Rates are $30per hour. Most stables havemaximum rider weight limitsof 200, 225, or 250 poundsand age restrictions for chil-dren. Please call the stablesbelow or stop at a park visi-tor center for detailed infor-mation.

Cades Cove (865) 448-9009Smokemont (828) 497-2373Smoky Mtn. (865) 436-5634Sugarlands (865) 436-3535Hayrides and carriage rides($12-$14 per person) areavailable from Cades CoveRiding Stable. Wagon rides($10 per person) are offeredat Smokemont and CadesCove.

Four drive-in horse campsprovide ready access to back-country horse trails in the na-tional park. Horse camps arelocated at Cades Cove, BigCreek, Cataloochee, andRound Bottom. All horse camps are openthrough October 31 exceptCades Cove which is openuntil November 13. Reserva-tions are required. Please call1-877-444-6777 or contactwww.Recreation.gov. There isa $20 ($25 at Big Creek) feeper site. A maximum of fourhorses and six people are al-lowed per site. Horse campshave between three andseven sites. Sites at horse camps maybe reserved up to six monthsin advance.

Jan. 51° 28° 4.8" 35° 19° 7.0"

Feb. 54° 29° 4.8" 35° 18° 8.2"

March 61° 34° 5.3" 39° 24° 8.2"

April 71° 42° 4.5" 49° 34° 6.5"

May 79° 50° 4.5" 57° 43° 6.0"

June 86° 58° 5.2" 63° 49° 6.9"

July 88° 59° 5.7" 65° 53° 8.3"

August 87° 60° 5.3" 64° 52° 6.8"

Sept. 83° 55° 3.0" 60° 47° 5.1"

Oct. 73° 43° 3.1" 53° 38° 5.4"

Nov. 61° 33° 3.4" 42° 28° 6.4"

Dec. 52° 28° 4.5" 37° 21° 7.3"

Gatlinburg, TN, elev. 1,462' Clingmans Dome, elev. 6,643' AVG. HIGH LOW PRECIP. AVG. HIGH* LOW* PRECIP.

park weather

fishing

smokies’ calendar of annual events

horse campshorse riding

Temperatures are in degrees Fahrenheit. *Temperatures on the park’s highestpeak are extrapolations based on elevation and latitude. Actual temperaturesmay be slightly warmer.

Park anglers pursue brown,brook, and rainbow trout.

Fall colors usually peak in Octo-ber or early November.

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D R I V I N G

D I S T A N C E S

CHEROKEE, NC TO:Gatlinburg—34 miles

Cades Cove—57 miles

Newfound Gap—18 miles

Clingmans Dome—25 miles

Cataloochee—39 miles

Deep Creek—14 miles

GATLINBURG, TN TO:Cherokee—34 miles

Cades Cove—27 miles

Newfound Gap—16 miles

Clingmans Dome—23 miles

Cataloochee—65 miles

Greenbrier Cove—6 miles

Deep Creek—48 miles

TOWNSEND, TN TO:

Cades Cove—9 miles

Newfound Gap—34 miles

Gatlinburg—22 miles

Cherokee—52 miles

Look Rock—18 miles

Cataloochee—87 miles

Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 500,000 acres

smokies guide, SUMMER 2013 ❧ 3

SPRING WILDFLOWERSThe peak of spring wild-flower blooming usually oc-curs in mid-April. However,wildflowers are abundantfrom late March throughApril.

MOUNTAIN LAURELThis lovely shrub shows itswhite and pink flowers fromearly May through June.

FLAME AZALEAThis wild shrub with thebright orange flowers will bein bloom at the low and mid-elevations in April and May.On Gregory Bald they peak inlate June and early July. OnAndrews Bald the peak isusually in early July.

RHODODENDRONSCatawba (purple) rhododen-dron usually reaches its peakof bloom in June. Rosebay(white) rhododendron is inbloom during June and July.

FALL COLORSAt the higher elevations, col-ors often peak during the firsttwo weeks of October. At thelower elevations, colors peakOctober 15-November 10.

AIR QUALITY ALERTSAlerts will be issued on dayswhen air quality is unhealthydue to ozone or particle pol-lution. Check at park visitorcenters for information.

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national park newsOver 150 different trails are maintained in the Great Smoky Mountains

NATIONAL PARK NEWS BRIEFS

Park Launches On-lineCamping Reservations

Facilities to Remain ClosedIn the North Carolina section of the park, Balsam

Mountain Road, Heintooga Ridge Road, BalsamMountain Campground and Heintooga Picnic Areaare closed this year. In the Tennessee section of thepark, Abrams Creek Campground, Look RockCampground, and Look Rock Picnic Area areclosed.

Hike the Smokies—FOR FAMILIES!The park has launched a program that rewards

families for hiking in the Smokies. It’s easy, it’s fun,and you’ll love the exercise and quality time to-gether. Just pick up one “Hike the Smokies—ForFamilies” booklet for $1 at any park visitor center.Then, every time you hike, record the trail andmileage in your booklet and you’ll receive freestickers and pins as rewards.

Please Leave Firewood at HomeFirewood brought to the Smokies from elsewhere

may contain non-native beetles that could devastatean estimated 30 species of trees in the Great SmokyMountains. Please help preserve our beautiful na-tional park by leaving your firewood at home.

Sugarlands Visitor Center Gets MajorMake-overThanks to park partners Great Smoky Mountains

Association and Friends of the Smokies,Sugarlands Visitor Center has a brand newlook. The two nonprofit partners con-tributed approximately $100,000 each topay for new orientation exhibits, a new infor-mation desk, lighting, flooring, and improvedaccess to the museum and theater. Sugar-lands welcomes up to 6,000 people per dayand is one of the busiest visitor centers in the entireNational Park System. There is no admission charge.

Work Continues on Chimney TopsThe very popular Chimney Tops Trail has been

closed since major floods in January, 2013 destroyedthe trail’s longest footbridge. That bridge is slated tobe replaced by the end of June. However, the previ-ously planned Trails Forever restoration work willcontinue on the upper half of the trail, causing it tobe closed from Monday through Thursday until Octo-ber 17. The trail will reopen for daily use at the endof the work season.

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Camping in the backcoun-try of Great Smoky

Mountains National Park is atrue adventure that takesyou far from the routinesand conveniences of modernlife. Proper planning andpreparation will help makeyour experience in thismountain wilderness a posi-tive and memorable one. The National Park Serv-ice maintains over 800 milesof trails and more than 100backcountry campsites andshelters throughout GreatSmoky Mountains NationalPark. One of the greatestchallenges for backcountrycampers is deciding where togo. The Park Service offers anumber of tools to assist youin planning your trip.1. Go online to view thepark’s official trail map(www.nps.gov/grsm/plany-ourvisit) which shows all

park trails, campsites, andshelters. Park rules and reg-ulations are also listed here.If you wish, you can pur-chase the printed version ofthe trail map for $1 by stop-ping at any park visitor cen-ter or calling (865) 436-7318x226 or visiting the onlinestore at www.SmokiesInfor-mation.org.2. Call or stop by the park’sbackcountry office which isopen every day from 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office islocated in Sugarlands VisitorCenter, two miles south ofGatlinburg on NewfoundGap Road (U.S. 441). (865)436-1297.3. Make your reservationthrough the backcountry of-fice at Sugarlands VisitorCenter (by phone or in per-son) or online at www.smok-iespermits.nps.gov.

Backcountry Trip PlanningInformation• Reservations and permits

are required for allovernight stays in thebackcountry.

• Backcountry reservationfees are $4.00 per person,per night, with a maxi-mum fee of $20.00 per per-son. Fees are non-refundable. Permits aregood for up to 7 nights.Changes to a permit maybe made one time. Call theBackcountry Office at(865)-436-1297 or visitsmokiespermits.nps.gov.

• Reservations/Permits maybe obtained at any time upto 30 days in advance ofthe first night of your trip.Reservations/Permits mayalso be obtained in personat the Sugarlands VisitorCenter, near Gatlinburg.

• Maximum party size is 8,unless a specific site orshelter has lower limits.Two parties affiliated withthe same group may notstay in the same campsiteor at the same shelter onthe same night(s).

• At some sites, special per-mits may be issued forparties of up to 12 people.Call the Backcountry Of-fice at (865)-436-1297.

• You may not stay consecu-tive nights at any shelteror at campsite 113. Youmay not stay in any otherbackcountry campsite formore than 3 nights.

• Please note that seasonaland weather-related roadclosures may affect yourability to access trailheads.Check http://www.nps.gov/grsm for road clo-sures prior to starting yourtrip or call the Backcoun-try Office for more infor-mation: (865)-436-1297.

Camping shelters and backcountry campsites in Great Smoky Mountains NationalPark may now be reserved on-line by visiting www.smokiespermits.nps.gov.

www.smokiesinformation.org smokies guide, SUMMER 2013 b 5

NATIONAL PARK NEWS BRIEFS

Major Road Project Finishes EarlyOn January 16 of this year, after three days of heavy

rains, a 200-foot section of Newfound Gap Road col-lapsed and slid toward the banks of the OconalufteeRiver. The landslide shut down a major transmountainroute between North Carolina and Tennessee and themost heavily-used road in the park. Fortunately thepark and the Federal Highway Administration wereable to fully fund and fast track the project so it wascompleted in 90 days, a full month ahead of schedule.

Bad News for Bats (and Humans)Thirteen species of bats live in or near Great

Smoky Mountains National Park, including theendangered Indiana and gray bats. Most do notinhabit caves in summer but roost in hollowtrees, under bark, or in tree foliage. They play anessential role in ecosystems by eating huge quan-

tities of moths, mosquitos, flies, gnats, and beetles. Unfortunately, bats in eastern North America are

being wiped out by a disease called white-nose syn-drome. Last year the disease was confirmed in theSmokies, and as a consequence, all park caves havebeen closed to the public. Unless an effective treat-ment for the syndrome is found soon, there may bevery serious impacts on natural ecosystems, agricul-ture, and people.

New Beetles to Help Hemlock TreesThe National Park Service is releasing two new

species of predator beetles to help save the Smokies’stately hemlock trees. The predator beetles eat thenon-native adelgids that have killed most of the hem-locks in the region. In addition to the beetles, the ParkService also treats a limited number of trees with in-secticides. Hopefully the predator beetles will eventu-ally hold the adelgids in check and allow the nativeforests to recover. Predator beetles are tiny and allblack. They should not be confused with the large, or-ange Asian lady beetles that invade homes in winter.

Park’s Salamanders Have DeclinedNew research from scientists Caruso and Lips at the

University of Maryland indicates there has been a“substantial decline” in the Smokies salamander pop-ulation over the last 30 years. The study concludes thedecline has not been caused by acid rain, over collect-ing, or historic logging practices. The scientists couldnot rule out climate change or disease as possible culprits.

behind the sceneryThe National Park Service strives to protect nature and history

Cyber Ranger NabsCades Cove VandalsFor decades, park rangers

and historic preservation-ists have been frustrated bythoughtless vandals whodamage the park’s invaluablecollection of historic churches,schools, cabins, and otherbuildings. The National ParkService is charged with pro-tecting nearly 100 historicstructures in the Smokies, in-cluding the largest collectionof historic log buildings in theEast.

The most widespread form

of vandalism is graffiti carvedinto the historic materialswith knives or written withmarkers, paint, or other tools.Graffiti causes often-irrepara-ble damage to buildings, rob-bing current visitors andfuture generations of theirchance to fully enjoy and ex-plore our nation’s culturalheritage.

Fortunately that frustration

is turning to fruition for parkranger Jamie Sanders and herfellow park staff and volun-teers in the Cades Cove area.Last year Sanders investigated

vandalism at the HenryWhitehead cabin in CadesCove where two sisters hadeach written their names anddate on a front porch supportbeam. The Whitehead househas been called “the finest loghome in Cades Cove” and isnoteworthy historically for itsunusual combination ofrough hewn and sawn logsand the precision of its crafts-manship.

Utilizing public social

media sites, Sanders was ableto locate the sisters and animage showing the family atthe cabin with the vandalizedsupport beam in the fore-ground. The mother of the ju-venile daughter and the adultdaughter both confessed tothe crimes.

Sanders also tracked down

two subjects responsible forwriting their names and “RodRun Trip Senior Year9/14/11” on the wall of thePrimitive Baptist Church. Thechurch building dates back to1887 and is one of the oldestframe structures in the park.

Again, Sanders found evi-dence on public social mediasites and received a full con-fession from the party. Crimi-nal cases have beensuccessfully made for both ofthese crimes, along with sev-eral others that Jamie and herfellow rangers have prose-cuted this year. “When visi-tors visit these historicstructures I believe that somuch of the experience is lostnow due to being distractedby graffiti,” Sanders said. “Itis no longer easy for visitorsto imagine that simple way oflife which a walk throughthese structures should in-voke. I don't want to lose thishistory for the next genera-tion,” she added.

Another success story in

historic preservation has beenthe “Adopt-A-Cabin” pro-gram. The park service has re-cruited over 100 volunteerswho work up to 8 hours perweek at their designated his-toric buildings where theysweep, clean, and discouragevandalism. “Removing thegraffiti takes a lot of plainelbow grease. I have found nosimple way to remove it,”said Volunteer Dr. Paul For-rest. Forrest watches over sev-eral structures near the CableMill Historic Area.

While some types of graf-

fiti can be removed from thehistoric buildings, much can-not. The park’s 19th centuryand early 20th century struc-tures were frequently builtfrom materials such as old-growth American chestnutwood that is no longer avail-able. If you see anyone van-dalizing a park building,please report the crime bycalling (865) 436-1230.

"Rangers have been catch-

ing these vandals and, whenthey do, violators face thepossibility of heavy fines, civildamages, and even jail time,"said the park’s chief rangerClay Jordan.

Jamie Sanders and her fellow rangers have tracked down and con-tributed to the prosecution of a growing number of graffiti vandals re-sponsible for damaging historic buildings in the national park.

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springhousesThe coolest place to be on a hot summer day

The spring was also themountain refrigerator, so thespringhouse was an importantbuilding on a hillside farm.Perishable foods, particularlydairy products, were kept in-side and cooled by waterflowing through the structure.Food was usually placed inheavy crocks capped with ce-ramic lids, boards, or flatrocks. Canned foods andsalted meat were also storedthere. Sausage, wrapped incornshucks, placed in a crockand sealed with fat, wouldkeep through the summer inthe springhouse.

Since all springhouses werebuilt for the same purpose,most of them were very muchalike. They were just tallenough to stand up in, butsome were not even that high.A solid door in the front wall,and sometimes a lattice orpicket door, kept wild and do-mestic animals away.

The interior layout was amatter of individual taste,somewhat tempered by thelay of the land and location ofthe spring. Most springhouseswere not placed directly overthe spring, but a few feetdownstream instead. Floorswere mere conveniences that

provided a dry place to standand work, although not allspringhouses had them.Heavy puncheons were oftenused instead of boards. Betterfloors of large stone slabswere occasionally used. Thespring itself was usuallywalled up with dry laid stonein order to confine the head,and direct the flow to thebuilding a few feet away.

The terrain immediatelyaround the spring and build-ing site determined the man-ner in which the flow washandled. On a relatively flat

site, the spring flowed throughthe building in a rock-linedchannel and out the other end.(The Walker sisters’ place has agood example of this.) On asteeper site the water was car-ried into the building in an ele-vated trough, which continuedthrough the structure andstopped at the opposite end.(Go to the Elijah Oliver placein Cades Cove to see one ofthese.) The water exited thetrough through a notch in theend, or a hollow woodenspout. Crocks were placed ei-ther in the channel in the floor,or in the elevated trough, andwere kept cool by the constantflow of water. Sometimesshelves were placed along theside and back walls to providespace for food which did nothave to be cooled directly bythe water.

Of all farm buildings, thespringhouse was perhaps themost delightful place to be inthe summer. The location waschoice, usually a narrowravine near the house, shadedby laurel and hemlock andcarpeted with fern. On a hotday, it was a good place tolinger and drink a dipper ofwater that was “cold enoughto crack your teeth.”

When it came time for a mountain family to choose

a house site, many considerations came into play.

Near the top of the list of considerations was good drink-

ing water. Taste was more important than quantity. There

are older people to this day who will not drink city

water, and who make regular pilgrimages into the park

to fetch water from a favorite spring and take it home.

The ornate Palmer springhouse in Cataloochee valley canstill be seen today on its original site.

Foods such as coleslaw, turnip slaw, sauerkraut, sausage,pickled corn, corn relish, milk, butter, and chowchow wereput in crocks and stored in the springhouse where theywould keep for weeks or months.

The Walker sisters’ springhouse has also been preserved onits original site. Water from the spring flows through thespringhouse in a rock-lined channel.

www.smokiesinformation.org smokies guide, SUMMER 2013 b 7

be a junior rangerProtect the park’s plants and animals for the benefit and enjoyment of the people

OR BECOME A NOT-SO-JUNIOR RANGERFor ages 13-130!

Summer is a terrific time to be-come a Junior Ranger in GreatSmoky Mountains National Park.If you are between the ages of 5and 12, this is all you need to do

to earn your badge.1. Purchase the correct

booklet for your age at anypark visitor centeror at Elkmont andCades Cove camp-grounds. The book-lets cost $2.50 eachand are specific tothe following agegroups: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, or 11-12. Or, ifyou want to just at-

tend three ranger-led pro-grams to earn yourbadge, pick up a free

Junior Ranger Summer Pro-grams schedule at any visitor center.2. Complete the activities in the booklet. It’s

O.K. to ask an adult for help.3.Attend a ranger-led walk or talk. If you are

not able to attend any of the programs listed in thisnewspaper, go to Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, orCades Cove visitor center and ask at the informa-tion desk for one of their other Junior Ranger activ-ity options.4. Pick up one bag of litter. Use a plastic grocery

store bag or other bag of similar size.5. Take your booklet to Sugarlands or

Oconaluftee visitor center, or Cades Cove RangerStation (at the campground) to receive your badge.

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If you are too old to become a JuniorRanger (ages 5-12), but too young towant to miss out on all the fun, we have aprogram just for you. Not-So-Junior-Ranger candidates sim-

ply need to pick up a free Not-So-JuniorRanger card at any park visitor center. Candidates then attend three ranger-led programs listed in this Smokies Guide park newspaper andget the rangers’ signatures on your card. Once your card is completed, take it

to Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, or CadesCove visitor center to receive a freeNot-So-Junior Ranger patch. The pro-gram is sponsored by Friends of theSmokies, Great Smoky Mountains Associ-ation, the National Park Service, and Toyota.

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

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Townsend

WallandWear Valley

MARYVILLEPIGEON FORGE

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Elkmont

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Cades CoveVisitor Center

Gatlinburg Welcome CenterNational Park

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To Chattanooga

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Clingmans DomeInformation Center

www.SmokiesInformation.org Summer 2013 ❧ 8

GREAT SUMMER DRIVING TOURS AND SCENIC VIEWS IN THE SMOKIES

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Chestnut Top Trail

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WolfRidgeTrail

Appalachian Trail

LakeCheoah

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Middle ProngTrail

Laurel FallsTrail

Fighting CreekTrail

MeigsFalls

Lynn CampProng Cascades

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viewing and access to a historic grist mill, churches, and log homes.

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Newfound Gap Road: This paved road is the only route over the Great

Smoky Mountains. It stretches for 31 miles between Gatlinburg and Cherokee and climbs from an

elevation of 1,300’ to 5,046’ (at Newfound Gap).

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Blue Ridge Parkway

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www.SmokiesInformation.org Summer 2013 ❧ 9

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Mountain FarmMuseum

Juney WhankFalls Trail

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Grotto FallsTrail

Road ProngTrail

SmokemontLoopTrail

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Andrews Bald

Porte r s Creek Trail

MingoFalls

Lake View

Park View

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Overlook

Newfound Gap

Carlos CampbellOverlook

Clingmans Dome Road: 7-mile paved road leads to the Clingmans Dome trailhead. A very steep, half-mile walk takes you to Clingmans

Dome tower and the highest point in the Smokies (6,643’).

Cataloochee Valley: 8 miles from I-40 (including 3 miles on a narrow

gravel road). The short road through the valley o!ers wildlife viewing

(including elk) and access to a historic church, school, and homes.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Paved, narrow, 5.5 mile one-way road

o!ers old-growth forest, waterfalls, and historic buildings.

No RVs, trailers, or buses.

Restrooms are available at all park campgrounds, visitor centers,

picnic areas, Newfound Gap, and Great SmokyMountains Institute at Tremont. Vault toilets,

port-o-johns, and other facilities are alsoavailable at some of the most populartrailheads, including Clingmans Dome,

Rainbow Falls, Grotto Falls, Abrams Falls, and the Townsend “Wye.”

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ValleyOverlook

Picnic Areas

Camping

Nature Trails

Major Hwys

Major Roads

Paved Roads

Gravel Roads

Trails

Summer Auto Tours

Great Mountain Views

Horseback Riding(rental)

Newfound Gap Road: This paved road is the only route over the Great

Smoky Mountains. It stretches for 31 miles between Gatlinburg and Cherokee and climbs from an

elevation of 1,300’ to 5,046’ (at Newfound Gap).

10 ❧ smokies guide, SUMMER 2013

CITY OF GAT

LINBURG PHOTO

Sugarlands Visitor Center11:00 a.m.Join a ranger on a short walk to discover why the Smokies isspecial in the summer. Topics may include waterfalls, wildflow-ers, trees, history, salamanders, and birds. Duration: 1 hourLevel: Easy

Geology Rocks! (last program August 5)Sugarlands Visitor Center2:00 p.m.Stop taking everything for granite. Amaze your friends withnewfound knowledge about how these mountains were bornand how they have changed over time. Duration: 45 minutesÈ

TuesdaysCataract FallsSugarlands Visitor Center11:00 a.m.Take a stroll to a beautiful waterfall and learn more about theGreat Smokies.Duration: 1 hourDifficulty: Easy�Junior Ranger: Yukky Animal StuffSugarlands Visitor Center10:00 a.m.Want to know some gross stuff about animals? Check outsome skulls. Go on a scat safari. Try out your sense of smell.Learn some disgusting facts.Duration: 1 hour

join a ranger!Free* programs and activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

June 16 - August 17, 2013

Park visitor centers are located at CadesCove, Oconaluftee, Clingmans Dome, andSugarlands. All offer information, exhibits,and publications related to the park andits resources.

Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.

Difficulty: EasyÈ

Junior Ranger: “Treemendous” ProgramSugarlands Visitor Center2:00 p.m.Have you ever wondered what kind of tree it is or how big orhow old it is? When will it leaf out? When will it flower? Joina ranger to find out how we know these things. Basic treeidentification skills will be taught.Duration: 1 hourDifficulty: Easy

WednesdaysSummer Stroll in the Smokies – Ranger’sChoice Sugarlands Visitor Center11:00 a.m.Join a ranger on a short walk to discover why the Smokies isspecial in the summer. Topics may include waterfalls, wild-flowers, trees, history, salamanders, and birds. Duration: 1 hourLevel: Easy

Junior Ranger: Retiring the ColorsMeet at the flag pole in front of Sugarlands VisitorCenter6:45 p.m.Do you know how to fold the American flag? Why does ourflag have 13 stripes? When do you salute the flag? Discoverthe answers to these questions while assisting staff in “retiringthe colors” in front of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Duration: 30 minutesÈ

È

These programs qualify as a Let’s Move Outside!activity, a component of First Lady MichelleObama’s initiative to end childhood obesity in ageneration. Let’s Move Outside! seeks to connectchildren to nature through outdoor recreation.

*there is a special fee for Cades Cove hayrides.

Families who hike in the Smokiescan now earn special stickersand collector pins as rewards.Pick up a “Hike the Smokies—For Families” booklet at anypark visitor center.

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GATLINBURG/ SUGARLANDSAREA

SundaysBecome a History Detective! (last program August 4)Sugarlands Visitor Center10:00 a.m.Walk with a ranger and learn how to “read” the landscape forsigns of human activity.Duration: 1 hourLevel: Easy

Cataract FallsSugarlands Visitor Center11:00 a.m.Take a stroll to a beautiful waterfall and learn more about theGreat Smokies.Duration: 1 hourLevel: Easy� Junior Ranger: Bear-mania!Sugarlands Visitor Center1:00 p.m.So you think you know a lot about bears, huh? Well join aranger to test your knowledge and learn more about this “sym-bol of the Smokies.”Duration: 45 minutesÈ

MondaysSummer Stroll in the Smokies – Ranger’sChoice

www.smokiesinformation.org smokies guide, SUMMER 2013 b 11

A Waterfall by Lantern LightSugarlands Visitor Center8:15 p.m.Limit 25 – sign up at Sugarlands Visitor Center.See Cataract Falls as you’ve never seen them before on alantern-lit evening stroll through the old Forks of the RiverCommunity. Duration: 1 ½ hoursLevel: Easy

ThursdaysCataract FallsSugarlands Visitor Center11:00 a.m.Take a stroll to a beautiful waterfall and learn more about theGreat Smokies.Duration: 1 hourDifficulty: Easy�Thinking Like a BearSugarlands Visitor Center1:00 p.m.What does the future hold for the black bear in the Smokies?How does the National Park Service manage wildlife here? Aranger answers your questions.Duration: 45 minutesÈ

FridaysCataract FallsSugarlands Visitor Center11:00 a.m.Take a stroll to a beautiful waterfall and learn more about theGreat Smokies.Duration: 1 hourDifficulty: Easy�Mountain Home Noah Bud Ogle Cabin on Cherokee Orchard Road2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.Sit a spell on the front porch of the Ogle cabin and learnabout the families who once lived here. Demonstrations andactivities will vary throughout the season. Duration: On-going 1 ½ hoursLevel: Easy

SaturdaysSummer Stroll in the Smokies—Ranger’s ChoiceSugarlands Visitor Center11:00 a.m. Join a ranger on a short walk to discover why the Smokies isspecial in the summer. Topics may include waterfalls, wild-flowers, trees, history, salamanders, and birds.Duration: 1 hourDifficulty: Easy

Searching for Salamanders (last programAugust 10)Meet at Chimneys Picnic Area, first parking areaon right 2:00 p.m.Limit 25 – sign up at Sugarlands Visitor Center. Join a rangerto discover some of the 13 species of salamanders that havebeen found in one area of the park. A change of shoes orwater shoes recommended. Children must have an adult signup with them.Duration: 2 hoursLevel: Easy

OCONALUFTEE/SMOKEMONT AREA

DailyMingus Mill DemonstrationLocated a half-mile north of the Oconaluftee Visi-tor Center on US 441 (Newfound Gap Road)9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Chat with a miller and feel the rumble of this historic grist-mill in action.Difficulty: EasyAccessibility: Two steps into mill

SundaysHike: Where the Waters SingMeet in Smokemont Campground D Loop11:30 a.m.Pack a snack and water and join a ranger on a moderate 4-mile round-trip hike along side Bradley Fork to ChasteenCreek Falls. Duration: 3 hoursDifficulty:Moderate�Junior Ranger: Whoooooo Gives a Hooooot?Porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center2:30 p.m. (last program August 4)Whoooooo!!!! Have you ever heard this sound in the Smokiesand wondered whoooooo it belongs to? Come learn aboutthe owls of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Duration: 40 minutesÈ

Junior Ranger: Night Hike Bradley Fork Trailhead, D-Loop SmokemontCampground8:45 p.m.Ever wonder what goes grrr in the night? What creatures areout there moving under the cover of darkness? Take a walkon the dark side with a ranger and learn about some of themysteries and wonders found only after the sun goes down.Limited to 25 participants. Call (828) 497-1904 up to fourdays in advance to make reservations.Duration: Approximately 1 hourDifficulty: Easy, less than one mile�MondaysThis “Tree-mendous” PlaceOconaluftee River Trail adjacent to theOconaluftee Visitor Center10:00 a.m.What can we learn from trees? What do they teach us? Scien-tists want to know and you can help them find the answers.Join park staff as they help researchers collect and recorddata. Duration: Approximately 1 hourDifficulty: Easy, less than one mile

Junior Ranger: Stream SplashersOconaluftee River adjacent to the Mountain FarmMuseum2:00 p.m.Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream tolook for mayflies, stoneflies, dragonflies, and other aquaticcritters. Be prepared to get wet. Closed toed shoes recom-mended.Duration: Lasts about 1 ½ hoursDifficulty: Easy

Once upon a time…Smokemont Campground between C-Loop & D-Loop

7:00 p.m. (starting June 24)...there was a Momma Bear, and a Poppa Bear and a BabyBear….Is that true? Come discover the real world of theAmerican black bear in the Great Smoky Mountains—mythsand legends, truth and fiction. You may or may not see one,but if you are lucky, you will be ready when you spot them.Bring a blanket or chair for an exciting evening.Duration: 1 hourÈ

Tuesdays Junior Ranger: Slimy SalamandersMingus Mill12:00 p.m.Join a ranger to explore the damp, dark world of the park’smost popular amphibian. Be prepared to get a little wet andeven a little dirty as we search for this slimy creature. Closedtoed shoes recommended. Duration: 1 hourDifficulty: Easy, less than one mile

A Stitch in TimePorch of Davis Queen Cabin on the MountainFarm Museum2:00 p.m.What do “The Mill Wheel,” “Log Cabin,” “Split Rail Fence,”and “Bear’s Paws” all have in common? They are traditionalblock patterns found in the southern Appalachians. Comelearn about the art of quilting and how it was handed downfrom generation to generation.Duration: 1 hourDifficulty: EasyÈ

WednesdaysJunior Ranger: Can you guess? Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch11:00 a.m.What wears a fur coat, is about the size of a breadbox, greetswith nose kisses, but has never been to the North Pole? Hint:it lives in the Smokies. They are under appreciated but oftenobserved. Come join park staff to find the answer—you justmay be surprised.Duration: 45 minutesÈ

Old Time Mountain ReligionSmokemont Baptist Church (near SmokemontCampground entrance)1:00 p.m.Join a ranger and discover how old-time mountain religion metspiritual, social, and community needs.Duration: 45 minutes

ThursdaysJunior Ranger: What Story? Oconaluftee River Trail adjacent to theOconaluftee Visitor Center11:30 a.m. (last program August 8)Join us for an easy stroll along the Oconaluftee River Trail andhear the story of the understory. Who lives there, why it isthere, and discover if all litter is bad litter. You will see a wholeworld that has been below your knees all along even—even ifyou never noticed it. Now you will!Duration: 1 hourDifficulty: Easy, less than one mile

Junior Ranger: I wish I lived in the good ol’ days!Mountain Farm Museum adjacent to theOconaluftee Visitor Center2:00 p.m. (last program August 8)

12 b smokies guide, SUMMER 2013

go to school in a one-room schoolhouse. Please arrive 15 min-utes before program start; space is limited. Duration: 1 hourDifficulty: Easy

WednesdaysJunior Ranger: Stream SplashersMetcalf Bottoms – Picnic Area Pavilion11:00 a.m.Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream tolook for mayflies, stoneflies, dragonflies and other aquatic crit-ters. Be prepared to get wet. Close-toed shoes that can get wetare recommended.Duration: 1 - 1 ½ hoursDifficulty: Easy

Junior Ranger: Bein’ A Kid in the MountainsHikeMetcalf Bottoms Picnic Area Pavilion1:00 p.m.What was it like to grow up in these mountains before any ofthe modern conveniences we enjoy today? Join a ranger to ex-perience how life used to be in these mountains, includinghow kids explored and what they liked to do for fun. Be pre-pared for a short hike.Duration: 2 hoursDifficulty: Easy, 1 ½ miles

CADES COVEBecause of slow moving traffic, it may take over anhour to drive the six miles from the start of CadesCove Loop Road to programs at the Cades Cove Visi-tor Center/Cable Mill Historic Area.

SundaysJunior Ranger: Blue & GrayMeet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Millarea halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road1:00 p.m.The Civil War needs young folks to enlist for the Union orConfederacy. As a recruit you will learn about the life of a sol-dier. Join a park ranger to see how the Civil War affected com-munities such as Cades Cove.Duration: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy È

WILD by DesignMeet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Millarea halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road2:30 p.m.A talk and hands-on demonstration about the wild things inthe park.Duration: 30 minutes Difficulty: EasyÈ

MondaysMill TourMeet at Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill areahalf way around the Loop Road11:30 a.m.Join a ranger for a walk around the historic structures at thissite and learn about their function in the Cades Cove commu-nity. Duration: 30 minutes Difficulty: EasyÈ

Junior Ranger Program - “Work & Play”Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Millarea half way around the Loop Road1:00 p.m.

Come explore the past for a glimpse into yesterday in ruralsouthern Appalachia at the turn of the last century. Neveragain will we see log structures of American chestnut and ifwe are fortunate, never again scrub our clothes on washboards.How wonderful it is to visit the past, how amazing it is to livein the present. Let’s compare and decide when we would reallyhave liked to live. Duration: 1 hourDifficulty: Easy, less than one mile

Fridays Junior Ranger: Be a BlacksmithBlacksmith Shop at the Mountain Farm Museum,adjacent to Oconaluftee Visitor Center10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.Learn about the blacksmith. Create your own item to takehome. Limited to ages 10-12. Other Junior Ranger programswill be going on simultaneously for younger kids.Duration: 30 minutes

Junior Ranger: Batteries Not IncludedMountain Farm Museum, adjacent to theOconaluftee Visitor Center10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.What kinds of toys did kids play with in the “old days?” Join aranger to discover (or remember!) how kids were entertainedbefore video games and iPods. You’ll be able to take home a“buzz button” of your very own. All ages welcome.Duration: 30 minutesLevel: EasyÈ

Smokemont Night Hike Bradley Fork Trailhead, D-Loop Smokemont Camp-ground8:45 p.m. (last program August 9)Move beyond the comfortable glow of the campfire and ex-plore the Smokies’ nightlife. Limited to 25 participants. Call(828) 497-1904 up to four days in advance to make reserva-tions.Duration: Approximately 1 hourDifficulty: Easy, less than one mile�SaturdaysJunior Ranger: Being a Kid in the MountainsMeet at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center10:00 a.m.What was it like to grow up in these mountains before any ofthe modern conveniences we enjoy today? Join a ranger tolearn about the chores that kids did as well as learning what thekids did for fun and how they explored this area.Duration: 1 hourDifficulty: EasyÈ

Junior Ranger: Stream SplashersOconaluftee River adjacent to the Mountain FarmMuseum1:00 p.m. (last program August 10)Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream tolook for mayflies, stoneflies, dragonflies, and other aquatic crit-ters. Be prepared to get wet. Closed toed shoes recommended.Duration: About 1 ½ hoursDifficulty: Easy

Spirit of the SmokiesSmokemont Campground between C-Loop & D-Loop7:00 p.m. (last program August 10)Bring a blanket or chair and sit back as you listen to stories ofthe Smokies. Duration: 1 hourÈ

ELKMONT/LITTLE RIVERAREA

MondaysJunior Ranger: Let’s be a ScientistElkmont Amphitheater11:00 a.m.Ever dream of being a scientist? Join a ranger and try usingscientific tools to study wildlife. Be prepared to get “up-close-and-personal” to some of the smallest critters that live in theSmokies.Duration: 1 - 1 ½ hoursDifficulty: Easy

Junior Ranger: Stream SplashersElkmont-Little River Trailhead1:30 p.m.Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream tolook for mayflies, stoneflies, dragonflies and other aquatic crit-ters. Be prepared to get wet. Close-toed shoes that can get wetare recommended.Duration: 1 - 1 ½ hoursDifficulty: Easy

WednesdaysOld ElkmontMeet behind Elkmont Campground Entrance Sta-tion2:00 p.m.Take a stroll with a ranger and learn about Elkmont when itwas a turn-of-the-century logging boom town.Duration: 1 ½ hoursLevel: Easy

FridaysEvening Campfire Program Elkmont Amphitheater8:00 p.m.Join a ranger for a National Park tradition – the evening camp-fire program. Topics vary, but you’re guaranteed to learn some-thing new about the Great Smoky Mountains.Duration: 45 minutesÈ

SaturdaysJunior Ranger: Biking on the RailroadMeet at Elkmont Campground Office2:00 p.m.Take a ride along the Little River Railroad. One catch: youhave to ride a bike! Join a ranger as we ride the old rail trail anddiscover the history of the Elkmont area. Helmets are requiredfor all riders. Duration: 45 minutes

Wings in the Night: Bats of the Smokies (lastprogram August 10)Elkmont Amphitheater8:00 p.m.Learn about the important role bats play in the ecosystem, whytheir very existence is being threatened, and what you can doto help.Duration: 45 minutesÈ

METCALF BOTTOMS/LITTLE GREENBRIER AREA

TuesdaysSchool Days at Little Greenbrier Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.Discover what it was like to live in a mountain community and

smokies guide, SUMMER 2013 ❧ 13

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Return of the ElkCataloochee Valley, Rough Fork Trailhead6:00 p.m.Tuesdays, July 9 & July 23Come enjoy a guided hike to the elk acclimation pen andexplore how, when, and why the elk were returned to theSmokies.Duration: 1 ½ hours Difficulty:Moderate, less than 1 mile

From Bradleytown to CampgroundSmokemont Baptist Church (near SmokemontCampground entrance)9:00 a.m. Saturdays, June 15, July 20, & August17Join Park Volunteer Dick Sellers for an easy 2-hour strollthrough time from early Bradleytown to the presentcampground. Learn how this area transformed from aforested haven to a barren wasteland and back again. Af-terwards visitors may choose to hike to the Bradley ForkCemetery with Dick. Walking shoes & water bottle rec-ommended.Duration: 2 hour walk (cemetery hike add 1 hour)Difficulty: Moderate, less than 1 mile

Back Porch Old-Time MusicPorch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturdays, June 15, July 6& 20, & August 3 & 17Bring an acoustic instrument and join in on this old-timejam. Or just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds asothers play traditional Appalachian music.È

Women’s Work FestivalMountain Farm Museum adjacent toOconaluftee Visitor Center10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 15Join park staff and volunteers for a glimpse into the pastroles that rural women held in the family and community.Come experience the similarities as well as the differenceslife presented more than a century ago. A variety ofdemonstrations will be ongoing throughout the day. È

Student Volunteer Days OPEN ONLY TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS &RECENT GRADS (and their families)Tennessee Location: June 21, July 8, & August 2Contact Ranger Emily (Emily_Guss@nps.gov, 865-436-1713) to RSVP and find out logistics.

North Carolina Location: June 25 & August 1Contact Ranger Beth Wright (mcwright@nps.gov, 828-497-1907) to RSVP and find out logistics.Ever wonder what it would be like to be a ranger? Everwant to help scientists study the National Park? Join us asa special volunteer and help rangers explore and protectthis National Park.

Special Scientists: Slimy Salamanders!Meet in front of Sugarlands Visitor CenterONLY OFFERED June 27, July 18, & August 9 at10:00 a.m.Attention scientists! Join a ranger to explore the damp,dark world of the park’s most popular amphibian. Be pre-pared to get a little wet and even a little dirty as we searchfor this slimy creature. Close-toed shoes that can get wetare recommended.Duration: 1 ½ hoursLevel: Ages 3-18 (Children under 10 must be accompa-nied by parent/guardian)

Special Scientists: Micro-world Explo-ration!Tennessee Location: July 25 at 10:00 a.m. Meet in front of Twin Creeks Science & Educa-tion Center, on Cherokee Orchard Road nearGatlinburg, TNNorth Carolina Location: June 18 at 10:00 a.m. Meets in front of Oconaluftee Visitor CenterAdministration Building near Cherokee, NCAttention scientists! Do you “like lichen”? Do you knowwhat a “water bear” is? Join a Ranger for a special in-depth science investigation. Program will include usingscientific tools, such as microscopes, to get up-close-and-personal with these critters.Duration: 1.5 hoursDifficulty: Ages 10 and older

Special Scientists: Become a Citizen Scientist!Tennessee Location: July 11 at 10:00 a.m. Meet in front of Twin Creeks Science & Educa-tion Center, on Cherokee Orchard Road nearGatlinburg, TNNorth Carolina Location: August 6 at 10:00 a.m.Meets in front of Oconaluftee Visitor CenterAdministration Building near Cherokee, NC.Attention scientists! Do you want to become a citizen sci-entist? Become a citizen scientist for the day by assistingin a new science investigation in the park! Program willinclude using scientific tools in the field and taking part inan ongoing outdoor research project.Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Ages 10 & older

Cades Cove Full Moon hikeMeet at the Orientation Shelter at the entranceto the Cades Cove Loop Road8:30 p.m. Sunday, June 238:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 238:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 20Duration: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy two mile walk. Wear comfortable walk-ing shoes. È

Blacksmith DemonstrationsSaturday & Sunday, May 25 & 26 Saturday & Sunday, June 22 & 23Saturday & Sunday, July 6 & 7 Saturday & Sunday, August 3 & 4 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Meet at the Blacksmith building near the CadesCove Visitor Center/Cable Mill areaLearn the art of blacksmithing and why it was importantin the Cades Cove community.È

Basketmaking DemonstrationSaturday & Sunday, May 25 & 26, June 29 & 3010:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/CableMill area half way around the Loop RoadUses of native plants was necessary to weave baskets forcollecting and storing everything from food to flowers.È

Quilting DemonstrationSaturday–Tuesday, May 25–2811:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/CableMill area half way around the Loop RoadDemonstrate the techniques of quilting.È

Shaped-Note Singing SchoolLittle Greenbrier SchoolSunday, July 14 at 2:00 p.m.Singing schools in the mountains were scheduled whenpeople were not occupied with their work. They taughtthe rudiments of music by the use of shape notes (alsoknown as Old Harp singing). Come and participate or justlisten. Songbooks will be provided.Duration: 2 hours

Experience what it was like to work on a farm and labor as afamily to get the chores done.Duration: 45 minutes Difficulty: EasyÈ

Cades Cove Night HikeMeet at the orientation shelter at the entrance tothe Cades Cove Loop Road9:00 p.m.Listen to the spirits of Cades Cove. Children under 14 must beaccompanied by an adultDuration: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy, 2 ½ miles�

TuesdaysJunior Ranger: BlacksmithingMeet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/BlacksmithShop, halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.Join a ranger in the blacksmith shop to learn about the black-smith. Create your own item to take home. Other JuniorRanger programs will be going on simultaneously for youngerkids. Limited to children ages 8–12 with group sizelimited to 8 children per program.Duration: 45 minutes.

Junior Ranger - “Animal Olympics” Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Millarea, half way around the Loop Road10:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

This interactive fun activity compares your abilities to the ani-mals of the park.Duration: 45 minutesÈ

Junior Ranger: Blue & Gray Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Millarea halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road 11:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.The Civil War needs young folks to enlist for the Union orConfederacy. As a “recruit” you will learn about the life of asoldier. Bring the family and join a park ranger to see how theCivil War affected communities such as Cades Cove.Duration: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy È

14 ❧ smokies guide, SUMMER 2013

Cades Cove Evening HayrideMeet at the Cades Cove Riding Stables5:00 p.m.Join a ranger for an evening open-air hayride in the Cove.Hayrides can fill up quickly, first-come, first-serve for this pro-gram.Duration: 2 hours Fee: $14.00/person

WednesdaysCades Cove Evening HayrideMeet at the Cades Cove Riding Stables5:00 p.m.Join a park ranger for an evening hayride viewing wildlife anddiscovering the Cove. Hayrides can fill up quickly: first-come,first-served for this program.Duration: 2 hoursFee: $14.00/person

ThursdaysJunior Ranger Program – “Eager Weaver” Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Millarea half way around the Loop Road1:00 p.m.Join a ranger and learn the art of weaving using a loom. Takehome your work.Duration: 45 minutesDifficulty: EasyÈ

WILD Program Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Millarea half way around the Loop Road2:30 p.m.A talk and hands-on demonstration about the wild things inthe park.Duration: 30 minutes Difficulty: EasyÈ

Evening Program – “Hills, Hollers & Har-monies”Meet at the Cades Cove amphitheatre7:30 p.m.Join a park ranger to learn about the fiddle and banjo tunes,ballads, and sacred music of the mountain folk that still echowithin the hills and hearts of the Smokies.Duration: 1 hour Difficulty: EasyÈ

Fridays ‘Early Bird’ HayrideMeet at the Cades Cove Riding Stables7:30 a.m.Join a park ranger for an early morning hayride viewingwildlife and discovering the diversity of life in the Cove.Duration: 2 hoursFee: $14.00/personÈ

Junior Ranger Program - “Aw Shucks!”Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Millarea half way around the Loop Road1:00 p.m.Join a park ranger as we cultivate countless kernels of knowl-edge and learn about the staple crop of mountain families –corn. Make a corn shuck doll to take home.Duration: 1 hour Difficulty: EasyÈ

Cades Cove Night HikeMeet at the Orientation Shelter at the entrance to

the Loop Road9:00 p.m.Listen to the spirits of Cades Cove. Children under 14 must beaccompanied by an adult.Duration: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy, 2 ½ miles�SaturdaysJunior Ranger: “Animal Olympics”Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Millarea halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road1:00 p.m.This interactive fun activity compares your abilities to those ofanimals in the park.Duration: 45 minutesDifficulty: EasyÈ

WILD by Design Meet at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Millarea halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road2:30 p.m.A talk and hands-on demonstration about the wild things inthe parkDuration: 30 minutesDifficulty: EasyÈ

NEWFOUND GAP/CLINGMANS DOME AREA

TuesdaysHike the AT! Newfound Gap – Rocke-feller Memorial1:00 p.m.Experience a taste of Canada inthe Smokies with a park rangeras we discover the buds, blos-soms, birds, black-bellies, andbear food along a piece of theAT in the spruce-fir forest. We’llalso talk a bit of the history ofone of the most walked trails inthe U.S.Duration: 2 ½ hours; 1.7 milesLevel:Moderate

’ThursdaysJunior Ranger: PackYour Day PackClingmans Dome trailhead11:00 a.m.Scenic vistas, waterfalls, and oldhomesites…Let’s hit the trail!But, wait…what should we takewith us? Join a ranger and learnthe knack of what to pack be-fore you make tracks!Duration: 30 minutesDifficulty: EasyÈ

Junior Ranger: Hikealong the A.T.Clingmans Dome trailhead12:00 p.m.Join a ranger and hike along theworld-famous Appalachian Trail. Learn basic hiking and ex-

ploration techniques that are ranger-tested and kid approved.Make sure to wear sturdy walking shoes, bring plenty of water,and a snack. Program concludes at the Clingmans Dome ob-servation tower.Duration: 2 hours; 1 ½ milesDifficulty: Easy to moderate�’CATALOOCHEE

SundaysJunior Ranger: Smoky Mountain ElkPalmer House, Cataloochee Valley5:30 p.m.It’s all about connection and balance in nature to insure survivalfor elk and other species living together in an ecosystem. Learnabout the history of the elk through “show and tell” activities.Then stay and watch the elk come into in the fields!Duration: 45 minutesDifficulty: Easy

www.smokiesinformation.org smokies guide, SUMMER 2013 b 15

be a part of the park!You can help preserve the Great Smoky Mountains

BILL LEA PHO

TO

State laws related to road use prohibit GSMNP from charging an entrance fee (generally $25 at national parks).Consequently this park receives substantially less funding than fee parks. You can help preserve nature and his-tory in the Smokies by shopping at park visitor centers and supporting the nonprofit organizations on this page.

become a

MEMBERSINCE 1953, Great SmokyMountains Association hasbeen supporting the educa-tional, scientific, and histori-cal efforts of the National

Park Service through cash do-nations and in-kind services.In 2013 alone, the Associationprovided over $1 millionworth of assistance. Projectssupported include savinghemlock trees, historicaldemonstrations, environmen-tal education, and new visitorcenters. Members of the asso-ciation receive a number ofbenefits which help keepthem informed about specialevents in the park and issuesaffecting the Smoky Moun-tains. These benefits include:• Subscriptions to the semi-annual full color magazine,Smokies Life; the award-win-ning quarterly park newspa-per, Smokies Guide; and theAssociation’s newsletter, TheBearpaw.• A 15-25% discount onbooks, maps, apparel, gifts,and other products sold atvisitor centers in the nationalpark• Discounts at other nationalpark and national forestbookstores across the country• Special discounts at areamotels, rental cabins, restau-rants, shops, and attractions. Join today using thecoupon to the right or visitwww.SmokiesInformation.org. Memberships start at just$35 per year.

Count me in!❒ Annual Membership $35 ❒ Annual Supporting Membership $50 ❒ Lifetime Membership $500

❒ Business Membership $250

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION

FRIENDS OF GREAT SMOKY MTNS. NAT’L PARK

❒ Friend $35

Please include your check with this form.Mail to: Friends of GSMNP, P.O. Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764(865) 932-4794 www.friendsofthesmokies.org

payable in 4 annual installments

Name(s) _____________________________________ ____________________________________________Address _____________________________________

_____________________________________________

Phone ( ) ________________________________

eMail _______________________________________Please include your check with this form. Mail to: Great Smoky Mountains Association, P.O. Box 130, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-7318 www.SmokiesInformation.org

be a park

FR IENDFRIENDS of the Smokies is anonprofit organization thatassists the National ParkService by raising funds andpublic awareness and provid-ing volunteers for neededprojects. Since 1993, Friends has

raised over $20 million forpark projects and programs. These donations help: • protect elk, bear, brooktrout, and other wildlife• improve trails, campsites,and backcountry shelters• support educational pro-grams for school children• improve visitor facilities • preserve log cabins andother historic structures. Your donation can help

make these projects a reality.Put a few coins or a few dol-lars in one of the donationboxes around the park or con-tact us at the address below.

Friends of the SmokiesP.O. Box 1660 Kodak, TN 37764 (865) 932-47941-800-845-5665www.friendsofthesmokies.org

AN EXCITING variety of ad-ventures await adults wholong to get out and explorethe park accompanied by ex-pert guides. Programs are offered by

Great Smoky Mountains Insti-tute at Tremont and theSmoky Mountain Field Schooland include Mt. Le Conteovernights, wildlife work-shops, birding and wild-flower seminars, teacherweekends, and more. Con-tact: (865) 448-6709 & (865)974-0150, gsmit.org & out-reach.utk.edu/smoky

GREAT Smoky MountainsAssociation is a nonprofit or-ganization that operates book-stores in all park visitorcenters. Contact 1-888-898-9102 or

www.SmokiesInformation.org

GREAT SMOKY MountainsInstitute at Tremont offers avariety of summer youthcamps in the national park.Camps last from 6-11 daysand cost from $523. Fees in-clude meals, lodging, andmost equipment. The 2013 summer offerings

include: Discovery Camp (ages9-12), Wilderness AdventureTrek, Girls in Science Camp,Field Ecology Adventure, andTeen High Adventure (variousages). Contact: (865) 448-6709www.gsmit.org

guided trips summer camps

volunteer

EVERY year over 3,000 vol-unteers accomplish morethan 145,000 hours of work inGreat Smoky Mountains Na-tional Park. Their dutiesrange from improving hikingtrails and assisting strandedmotorists to staffing visitorcenter information desks andmonitoring plants andwildlife. If you are interestedin learning more about vol-unteer opportunies in theSmokies, please contactwww.nps.gov/grsm/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm orcall (865) 436-1265.

new books

visitor informationinformation

General Park Information(865) 436-1200www.nps.gov/grsmCampground & Horse Campreservations 1-877-444-6777www.recreation.govBackcountry Information(865) 436-1297To order maps & guides(865) 436-7318 x226www.SmokiesInformation.org

emergencies

Listed below are some num-bers to call for emergencies.Park Rangers (emergenciesonly) (865) 436-9171Cherokee Police(828) 497-4131Gatlinburg Police(865) 436-5181Haywood Co. Sheriff(828) 452-6666

hospitals

Blount Memorial (865) 983-7211, U.S. 321, Maryville, TN.Sevier County/LeConte Med.Center (865) 446-7000, MiddleCreek Rd., Sevierville, TN. Swain County (828) 488-2155,Bryson City, NC. Haywood County (828) 456-7311. Hwy 23/74, Waynesville,NC

regulations

Picking or digging plants isprohibited in the park. Persons feeding wildlifeare subject to a $5,000 fine andsix months in prison. Pets are NOT permitted onmost park trails. Only theGatlinburg and OconalufteeRiver trails allow dogs on aleash.

accessibility

Restrooms at all park visitorcenters (Cades Cove,Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands)are fully accessible. The Sugar-lands Valley all-access naturetrail is located on NewfoundGap Road (U.S. 441) near Sug-arlands. Please ask at a visitorcenter for more information onaccessible facilities.