Celebrate National Trails Day in the Smokies

Immediate Release
Date: May 10, 2010
Contact: Nancy Gray
865/436-1208

CELEBRATE NATIONAL TRAILS DAY PERFORMING TRAIL WORK IN THE SMOKIES

On Saturday, June 5, many trail enthusiasts will be celebrating the 18th anniversary of National Trails Day nationwide. In recognition of National Trails Day, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host three volunteer trail projects, including the Annual Appalachian Trail Work Day.

The Park is currently recruiting for volunteers for two of the projects that are supported through the National Park Foundation and the Trails Forever Program. They are the Crooked Arm Ridge Trail on the Tennessee side of the Park near Cades Cove and the Grassy Branch Trail on the North Carolina side of the Park near Cherokee. On the Crooked Arm Ridge Trail volunteers will work to improve the trail by installing waterbars, maintaining existing drainage structures, removing social trails and defining the trail tread. On the Grassy Branch Trail volunteers will work to dig a new section of trail that is permanently being relocated.

Work will be conducted between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on both projects and Great Smoky Mountains National Park will provide all the necessary equipment needed for them, including work gloves, for the project. Volunteers should come prepared to work for a day in the woods and must be able to hike, safely perform manual labor, and be comfortable using hand tools. It is suggested that participants dress in good sturdy foot wear and long pants. Since volunteers will be working a full day, it will be necessary to pack a lunch and plenty of water. To attend these projects, interested persons must RSVP by May 28 to the Trails & Facilities Volunteer Coordinator, Christine Hoyer, at 828-497-1949 or Christine_Hoyer@nps.gov. At the time of RSVP, volunteers will be provided with further project and trailhead information.

In addition, the Friends of the Smokies is inviting participants to assist in the 14th Annual Appalachian Trail Work Day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in cooperation with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. The work day concludes with a barbecue picnic at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area for all registrants who will also receive a commemorative t-shirt. A registration fee for this activity will apply which goes to sponsor trail projects in the Smokies. For more information or to obtain a registration form, visit the Friends website at: Http://www.friendsofthesmokies.org/events.html or contact Holly Scott at fotshb@bellsouth.net.

-NPS-