Archive for the ‘Appalachian National Scenic Trail’ Category

Snow Impedes Blind Hiker on Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Another Blind Hiker Targets Pacific Crest Trail

A blind hiker who set off last month to go end-to-end on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail has had to reorganize his trek due to heavy snows and ice in the Smokies of North Carolina.

Abstract: 
A blind hiker who set off last month to go end-to-end on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail has had to reorganize his trek due to heavy snows and ice in the Smokies of North Carolina. Meanwhile, another visually impaired hiker is set on conquering the Pacific Crest Trail.

Primary Photo: 

More »

Updated: Effort In Maine To Restrict Guns From National Park Units Falls Short of Goal

A concerted effort in Maine to draw the line on national park visitors arming themselves has fallen short of the original goal.

Abstract: 
A concerted effort in Maine to draw the line on national park visitors arming themselves has fallen short of the original goal. But the measure Gov. John Baldacci signed this week will at least outlaw open carry in Acadia National Park.

Primary Photo: 

More »

Though Revered As America’s Iconic Long-Distance Trail, the Appalachian Trail Could Use Some Help

The focus of many long-distance hikers’ dreams, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail can be a lifelong, end-to-end goal … or a weekend outing.

Abstract: 
The focus of many long-distance hikers' dreams, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail can be a life-long end-to-end goal … or a weekend outing. It knits together both a slice of Americana, and a society of folks who set off in search of adventure.

Primary Photo: 

More »

The Joys of Maintaining the Appalachian National Scenic Trail

My husband, Lenny, and I have been maintaining a section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail for more than 20 years, first in New York State and now on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.

Abstract: 
My husband, Lenny, and I have been maintaining a section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail for more than 20 years, first in New York State and now on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. For the last eight years, we’ve been the proud adopted parents of 4.9 miles from Devils Fork Gap to Rice Gap located north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and south of Hot Springs, North Carolina.

Primary Photo: 

More »

Groups Argue Against Transmission Line Proposal for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Transmission-line corridors sprouting 200-foot-tall towers should not be permitted within the National Park System, according to a coalition of groups opposing such a corridor through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River.

Permittin

Abstract: 
Transmission-line corridors sprouting 200-foot-tall towers should not be permitted within the National Park System, according to a coalition of groups opposing such a corridor through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River.

Primary Photo: 

More »

Blind Hiker Plans to Hike The Entire Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Hundreds of hikers set out along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail from Springer Mountain, Georgia, come springtime with sights set on reaching Mount Katahdin in Maine before summer expires. But how many are blind?

Mike Hanson, using only GPS technology and a white cane, planned to head north last week.

Abstract: 
Hundreds of hikers set out along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail from Springer Mountain, Georgia, come springtime with sights set on reaching Mount Kathadin in Maine before summer expires. But how many are blind?

Primary Photo: 

More »

Public Comment Period On Transmission Lines at Delaware Water Gap NRA, Appalachian Trail Extended

High public interest has prompted the superintendents of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreatio

Abstract: 
High public interest has prompted the superintendents of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River and National Recreation Water Trail to extend by a week the public comment period on a proposal to run a transmission line across the areas.

More »

Power Line Debate at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Highlights National Issues

A classic battle between utility companies and environmental groups at Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area is the latest example of similar issues all across the country. This debate is over a proposed major "upgrade" of existing power lines that cross the park, and public meetings will be held this week. You can also comment from afar if you're interested.

read more

More »

Corps of Engineers Rules Against Road Tunneling Beneath the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has decided not to allow the North Carolina Transportation Department to build a four-lane highway beneath a stretch of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

read more

More »

Road Proposal Stirs Controversy Along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail

In the spring of 1948, Pennsylvania native Earl Shaffer stumbled into Stecoah Gap on the Appalachian Trail, high above the Little Tennessee River in western North Carolina’s Graham County. “I must have been a pathetic figure,” he wrote later in his memoirs, “streaming with sweat, bleeding from scratches, every muscle aching, crawling endlessly in a back-slipping, bush-clutching struggle before coming out on top.”

read more

More »