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Rehabilitating Forney Ridge Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Forever

Dec 7th - 12:44pm | HREpp

Great article! Thanks for writing this, Danny. What an enormous project! I still can't believe they hauled and placed all those boulders. Not to mention they placed them so carefully that the steps are easy to ascend--I've walked some stairways up to buildings that trip you up, but had no problem hiking back up the Forney Ridge Trail!

Dec 4th - 09:38am | tahoma

Thanks for this story, Danny. The trail rockwork is impressive, as is the continuing endowment for maintenance!

100 National Park Quizzes

Dec 7th - 12:01pm | Kurt Repanshek

Kudos to the professor, Rob. Kurt hasn't aced one yet, and so doesn't think of creating one!

Dec 7th - 11:45am | Rob Mutch

Kudos to Bob and Kurt for doing all this work on the quizzes. I forwarded this link on to our Crater Lake Institute Facebook fans. Rob :o)

Dec 7th - 08:53am | Lee Dalton

I'm not sure whether to thank you or curse you, Bob.  On the one hand here is a chance to jump in and have a lot of fun with many quizzes I missed. On the other hand, I have other things to do. But I guess they will just have to wait . . . .

Reader Participation Day: Why Are National Parks So Controversial?

Dec 7th - 09:52am | George

The National Park Service organic act set rather strict standards for protection of the parks.  There will always be some who want to introduce activities that are not consistent with those standards, and they will pick a fight if they don't get their way.  However, if all their demands were met, the parks would become more like national forests or BLM public lands. 

Dec 7th - 09:26am | Preston Filbert

   Turning the other way on the question (and putting aside the media's need to foment debate), there's a reassuring aspect to all this controversy, as well: It's because a lot of people really care about their national parks, which should be a good thing.

Dec 7th - 08:44am | Lee Dalton

While I agree completely with both Bogator and Raven, I can't help but think there is a much more simple -- and perhaps sinister -- reason. Money and power!  (Which, in this old world, are often one and the same.)

Dec 7th - 07:57am | Raven Watcher

Lack of compromise, yes, but its more than that.  Around 100 years ago, the powers that be, whomever that may be, could make decisions for themselves without serious worry of being waggled a finger at, be it by special interest groups or by the powers above them.  It seems now, you just can't make any descision without having it picked apart, destroyed, and turned into a multi-million dollar la

Dec 7th - 07:05am | Bogator

I think the problem is that Americans have forgotten the art of compromise. In all of the situations you mentioned, you have two extreme opposing sides who believe that their way is the only way and refuse to listen to any opposing view. This seems to be what is also happening in Washington today.

Proposed Backcountry Fee At Great Smoky Mountains National Park Would Be A First For Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers

Dec 7th - 04:56am | Martin Hunley

Thanks for the article. I get the Appalachian Trail Conservancy magazine Journal. The last edition has an article in it about the fees and the way it is wrote they are in support of the fee. This was done after they had a meeting with the park personnel before they would make a stand on the issue..... Looks like the GSMNP has some pull. Please keep this issue going.

Dec 6th - 22:04pm | Martin Hunley

@ Tom, Very good points. I have over the years been at most of the backcountry  sites. I have rarely seen a place that was overcrowded except where it was close to the road. I believe this is a big concern if this fee is started because then it opens the door to start charging other fees. This is double taxation at its best.

Hiker Wants Great Smokies Mountain National Park To Divulge Comments On Proposed Backcountry Fee

Dec 6th - 20:31pm | Anonymous

Well Owen, would you accept if the New Congress and President in January of 2013 asked you to be Director of the National Park Service.  With some character at the top (Trickle Down) those things you mentioned just might have a shot (openness and transparency).

Dec 6th - 16:57pm | Anonymous

You can be sure Park Headquarters is well staffed every day.

Dec 6th - 15:16pm | Owen Hoffman

No fee is charged for driving a car into the park (a practice established by the laws that established the park).  No fee is required for entering high-cost maintenance areas like the park's historic districts, although recently I found no staff present nor sanitary facilities open at Cataloochie Valley Historic District.  Therefore, why should any fee be charged for the use of the backcountry,

Dec 6th - 15:15pm | Joey Bridges

I'm fortunate enough to have the G.S.M.N.P. within 1/2 hrs. drive from my house. I spend an incredible amount of time x-c backpacking across those beautiful mountains. In all the time i've spent up there, I've never seen the overcrowding that they talk about.

Dec 6th - 14:40pm | Anonymous

this is commodifcation of nature and wrongheaded. check wildwilderness.org for information about these trends to pay to play

Dec 6th - 13:45pm | Anonymous

If the effort to have access to the Public Comments is like what I've experienced, NPS will not release them until after the EA is done and implemented.  The tone of the comments submitted were mischaracterized in statements to support their objective and not by just a little either.  The process was just a requirement and the result, a foregone conclusion.  NPS Culture on display.

Passport Picks For Winter: Where In the National Park System Should You Visit?

Dec 6th - 10:20am | rdm24

I've done most of California's desert parks in winter. Joshua Tree, Mojave, and Death Valley. All are pretty awesome in the winter, though you need a really warm sleeping bag!

Family of Man Killed By Mountain Goat in Olympic National Park Sues National Park Service

Dec 6th - 09:57am | Random Walker

I would not recommend using trekking poles to drive away a mountain goat, bear, elk, deer, etc.

Dec 6th - 08:12am | Anonymous

That type of argument "should" not under any cercomstances carry the argument, I believe. Where would it stop in making wild places and wildlife safe for sue happy visitors.  It's part of the culture decline in finding fault with someone or some agency for their own lack of accountability.   One of the culture changes that has threads to any number of abuses and consequences.  

Dec 6th - 05:23am | Never stop exploring

We hiked that trail 3 months prior to the incident.  We saw the warning sign about the goat at the trailhead.  We made the decision to do the hike anyway.  We carried trekking poles which we could have used to drive away the goat if needed.  Every account of the incident reports that the victim left his group and that there were no witnesses to the attack.  One question that comes to mind is: 

Second Body Of Trio Swept Over Vernal Fall At Yosemite National Park Recovered, Identified

Dec 5th - 21:35pm | hikertom

There are many ways to die in Yosemite if you are not careful. Going into a river above a waterfall is one of the surest ways to end your life. Last year the Sierra in California experienced exceptionally heavy snowfall. Snow was still melting in the high country through July and into August, resulting in raging rivers.

National Park Service Falls in "Best Places To Work" Rankings

Dec 5th - 17:02pm | Anonymous

Your words of support are noted and agreed with but....what should be done with the Hubbell Trading Post bunch and the mind set that's not so admirable.  Let them continue to hide behind the plastic water bottle ban or some other PC cause?

Dec 5th - 14:43pm | Owen Hoffman

Anon@ (12/2/11, 3:55 PM)  You say that it is commplace in the NPS for mediocre performers with lesser qualifications to be promoted within the ranks and that higher qualified and more motivated employees are often left standing in place.  Why is this so?  What factors contribute to this unfortunate practice?  What would you do to change things? 

Trails I've Hiked: Anthony Creek Trail to Spence Field in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Dec 5th - 16:09pm | Windancer

I first hiked in the Appalachians in August of 1969. I was 11 years old and our Scout Troop was on a 70 mile journey that started at Davenport Gap and ended at Fontana Dam. I remember Spence Field very well.

House Natural Resources Committee To Hold Hearing On Endangered Species Act

Dec 5th - 12:17pm | Felice Pace

There is no "consensus" that the "ESA is pretty messed up." What there is is a concerted campaign to give that impression and to demonize ESA litigation and the environmental organizations which insist that the ESA be properly implemented by government bureaucrats. 

Haunted House at Antietam National Battlefield?

Dec 5th - 11:18am | jesse

i went to the battlefield a few months ago. took a tour around. at the end of the tour this was about 630 i started over the the antietam cemetery. off in the distance i heard loud boom sounds off in the distance. pretty eerie.

Gulf Islands National Seashore Puts Out The Welcome Mat For Winter Visitors

Dec 5th - 09:41am | Carol B

We were just there before Thanksgiving - stayed at the Hampton Inn on the beach.  Gulfshores NS is always a beautiful park to visit! One of our favorites.

Life in the Parks: "Come Quick! There's Been an Explosion!"

Dec 5th - 08:40am | Lee Dalton

Some fine fun reading this morning.  Thanks, Jim.

Creating an Urban Gateway to Biscayne National Park on Virginia Key

Dec 5th - 07:43am | Anonymous

Great, thoughtful article on an important area that we need to preserve. -- Roger

Trails I've Hiked: Far Below And Long Ago—Basin Creek Trail to Caudill Cabin in Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Dec 4th - 20:55pm | Anonymous

Just found this story from more than a year ago -- was just thinking about Caudill cabin. I'm from Elkin, and once in high school, circa 1987, my friend and I hiked down from Wildcat Rock -- but couldn't find the "real" trail.

Looking At The National Park Service's Goal To Eliminate Plastic Bottles

Dec 4th - 20:13pm | ecbuck

"Now see what I wrote in parentheses. You're making my point." You are right - I should have said - when he buys the drink.  Would Jarvis allow the bottles if the cost of their clean-up/recycle was more than the income from the sales?  Of course not.  What ever cost the park incurs is more than covered by the revenue

Dec 4th - 16:23pm | Lee Dalton

No, I didn't say I want to shut down the production of anything.  It's that kind of rather irrational argumentative stance that makes it hard to reach any kind of decent solutions.  When an argument doesn't make good sense, it's difficult to counter with much of anything.

Dec 4th - 16:21pm | justinh

"When he pays his entrance fee - if not a deposit on the bottle." Now see what I wrote in parentheses.  You're making my point.

Dec 4th - 14:44pm | ecbuck

"When has any visitor to a national park paid a recycling fee?" When he pays his entrance fee - if not a deposit on the bottle.

Dec 4th - 12:09pm | justinh

ecbuck, When has any visitor to a national park paid a recycling fee?  (Think about where the savings will ultimately come from.)

Dec 4th - 11:35am | ecbuck

Lee - you want to shut down the production of anything people litter with?  Ok no more cans, no more paper, no more tires ......  My experience is that people are for the most part very respectful of the parks and litter is a relatively minor issue.  And if people litter, the answer is to punish the litterers not all those that use the product appropriately.

Dec 4th - 10:49am | justinh

ecbuck, I'm not sure I quite follow the logic of your comment.  In any case, I was following up on Mike Painter's post, which happens to be in the spirit of Lee Dalton's above.  Recycling is a waste of money and energy with respect to the alternative: reusing.

Dec 4th - 10:47am | tahoma

Coca -Cola is one of the most thugish international corporations around. Besides aggressively opposing container deposit legislation worldwide, they've also meddled in Mid-east foreign policy, violently busted unions in Columbia, and preempted local farmer's water supplies in Mexico. Camelback and Mike Painter both hit the nail on the head.

Dec 4th - 08:56am | Lee Dalton

Could we all be paying a price indirectly, though?

National Park Service Proposes To Change Name Of Ross Lake NRA to North Cascades National Recreation Area

Dec 4th - 19:07pm | Anonymous

What a silly waste of time, energy, and focus.  Over six years in the making and a name change is the best you can come up with?  Shame on you....................

UPDATED: Economists, Academics Urge President Obama To Protect Public Lands, Create New National Parks

Dec 4th - 18:42pm | Anonymous

I am referring to the Desert Sunlight solar project, the Desert Harvest solar project, the Eagle Mountain Wind project and the Pinto Mountain wind project.  All are being pushed by this administration and all threaten to despoil the desert wilderness lands near Joshua Tree.

Dec 4th - 18:34pm | Anonymous

Kurt, it's not hard for the president to protect national parks from oil and gas.  Those aren't his friends and political donors.  But any administration that would greenlight a giant solar installation surrounding Joshua Tree National Park is no friend of national parks.  These types of giant industrial blights on the landscape show that this administration has no problem in destroying wild la

Dec 4th - 15:14pm | Anonymous

John McCain and his son hiked rim to rim at the Grand Canyon a few years ago. Pretty impressive at his age.  I think true park lovers go to the parks.  As simple as that.  I don't think we'll ever see this president or his wife do any sort of outdoor activity in a national park.  He prefers golf and she prefers more luxurious surroundings.

Dec 4th - 14:45pm | Anonymous

Laura Bush and her girls also rode Grand Canyon Mules down to Phantom Ranch where they stayed the night, riding out the next day.  Witnesses said they had a glorious time as do most all veterans of the Ride.  Better than Martha's Vineyard?  I believe so.  It would appear that the Bush girls (at least) are true friends of the Parks. 

Dec 4th - 13:24pm | Kurt Repanshek

He did visit Yellowstone (if only for a day), as well as Acadia. And when he first took office his Interior Department put a hold on oil leasing near Arches, Canyonlands, and Dinosaur National Monument to take a closer look at possible impacts, and the Interior Department is moving to withdraw 1 million acres around Grand Canyon National Park from hard-rock mining.

Dec 4th - 13:06pm | Anonymous

This president vacations in mansions on Martha's Vinyard and Hawaii.  He just isn't a national parks lover.  Other than one photo op at the Grand Canyon, I don't think he's ever been to a national park.  While Laura Bush did the High Sierra Loop in Yosemite, Michelle Obama prefers luxury trips to Spain.  The national parks are just not on this president's radar at all.

A Year in the Life ... of Lassen Volcanic National Park

Dec 4th - 18:31pm | Lee Dalton

Neat!

Updated: Greenpeace Climbers Arrested for Climate Change Protest at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Dec 3rd - 22:28pm | Anonymous

Genius. I appluad those who have the drive to do something while the rest of America does nothing.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

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This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.