FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK


Looking for ways to beat the heat but not be stuck inside until October? One way to turn back time to the cool breezes of springtime is to get up high in elevation. Join Friends of the Smokies in getting to know the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as they hike the Hemphill Bald hike.
On Tuesday June 7, hiking enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein (Hiking North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Heritage), will lead this 8.4 mile hike. The hike is moderate in difficulty and has a total elevation gain/descent of 1,500 ft. Be prepared to hike up!

“If you missed the spring flowers and wish to prolong the season, come on up to 5,000 ft where spring starts later,” says Bernstein. “The flowers, coupled with outstanding views from Hemphill Bald, make this out-and-back hike a spring and summer favorite.”
Judy Coker of Cataloochee Ranch, which borders the park along the trail, will join the group. Coker will share stories about the relationship of her family over generations with the park, conserving land, and entertaining mountain guests.

The Hemphill Bald Trail follows the spine of the Cataloochee Divide affording stunning 180 degree vistas on a clear day and spring wildflowers long gone at lower elevations.
The group will depart from Asheville at 8:30am and Maggie Valley at 9:00am, returning to Asheville by 5:30pm. A donation of $20 is requested to benefit the Smokies.

Space is limited. Contact Friends of the Smokies to register for the Hemphill Bald hike: grtsmoky@bellsouth.net or 828-452-0720.

For more information about the event, Friends of the Smokies, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park , visit www.FriendoftheSmokies.org. Information about helping to maintain and improve these special trails can be found at www.SmokiesTrailsForever.org.

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Since 1993, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, has raised more than $33 million to support educational programs, historic preservation projects, conservation of natural and cultural resources, and wildlife research and protection in the Smokies.