PBS Documentary on GSM National Park Airs Tomorrow

"National Parks:America's Best Idea" Highlights the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Time/Place: Sept 30, 8PM & 10PM, PBS
The fourth installment in the series, titled “Going Home,” highlights the involvement of the men who were strong champions for the creation of the park. George Mesa was a photographer and Horace Kepheart authored “Our Southern Highlanders”. Together they were unrelenting advocates for the creation of the Park. Their efforts brought forth the national treasure which we all now enjoy.
Website: http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/

Guided Park Hike at Lake James State Park

Park News: Tree I.D. Hike
News Event: Guided Park hike learning tree species
Time/Place: Sept 30, 3PM, Lake James St Park, Nebo NC
Join a Park Ranger on a hike to one of the parks most beautiful vistas, Sandy Cliff Overlook, and learn to identify some of the many tree species found around Lake James. This will be an easy level hike of about one half mile, roundtrip. Please bring water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Contact: (828) 652-5047
Website: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/laja/main.php

Live Music & More at The Orchard at Altapass

September 30-October 4. Live Music & More at The Orchard at Altapass. Live music and mountain dancing, storytelling and hayrides, monarch butterfly raising, naturalist tours and birding walks, arts and handwork demonstrations, book signings and more. Free; The Orchard at Altapass, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 328.3.
Contact: (828) 765-9531
Website: http://www.altapassorchard.com/

Grreat Smoky Mountain 75th Celebration with Music

Sept 26, 6:30PM, Railroad Depot, Everett Street in Bryson City NC. A Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th Anniversary event. Regional talent is showcased in a relaxed, outdoor venue located in the heart of historic downtown Bryson City. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of great music. Free admission. Isaac Deal & Aaron Plantenberg - Formally of Commonfolk, these two talented musicians play guitar and banjo favorites.

Website: http://www.greatsmokies.com/

Go Batty at Lake James September 25th!

September 25, 7PM at Lake James State Park, Nebo NC
An exciting program on bats full of fun activities will take place at our outdoor amphitheater located off of the Lake Channel Overlook Trail. We will meet in the campground parking lot at 7:00 P.M. and hike to the amphitheater together. Please arrive a few minutes early and bring a flashlight if you have one.
Contact: (828) 652-5047
Website: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/laja/main.php

"Meet a Tree" Hike at Lake James Park

September 24 at 4:30 PM at Lake James State Park Nebo NC. Join a Park Ranger for a hike on one of the parks trails and meet a tree! This hike is full of activities and is a great hike for families. Meet at the park office at 4:30 P.M.

(828) 652-5047

Website: http://www.ncparks.gov/parks/laja/main.php

Hike in Lake James Park and "Meet a Tree"

September 24 at 4:30 PM at Lake James State Park Nebo NC. Join a Park Ranger for a hike on one of the parks trails and meet a tree! This hike is full of activities and is a great hike for families. Meet at the park office at 4:30 P.M.

Contact: (828) 652-5047
Website:  http://www.ncparks.gov/parks/laja/main.php

Hike with the llamas in Pisgah National Forest

September 19 at the Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah National Forest near Brevard NC. Programs about llamas as pack animals and trail companions begin at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., each followed by an easy 2-mile walk with the llamas with a picnic break. Ice tea provided. Llamas will carry participants' lunches and snacks. $5.00 for adults; free for youth ages 15 and under.
Contact: (828) 877-3130.
Website: http://www.cradleofforestry.com/

Grandfather Mountain Holds 39th Annual American Girl Scout Day

September 19 at Grandfather Mountain US 221, 2 miles north of Linville NC.  All Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership. Discount admission for other family members. Staff naturalists provide free nature programs throughout the day. Grandfather Mountain adopted the Girl Scouts in 1971, inviting the girls to visit the mountain each September to learn more about nature and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Contact: 800-468-7325

Website: http://www.grandfather.com/

Mountain Life Festival in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park

September 19 from 10 am – 4 pm at the Mountain Farm Museum, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Oconaluftee Visitors Center, Cherokee NC. As part of the GSMNP’s 75th Anniversary, this year’s festival will include a special showcase of Appalachian folkways. Tools, farm implements and historic photographs from the Park’s archives and artifact collection will be on display to help pay tribute to the former residents who lived where the Park now stands. Music will be provided by Marshall Crowe and the Bluegrass Singers. The purpose of the Mountain Life Festival is to share with park visitors some of the traditional fall activities that were an important part of rural life in the southern mountains. The spirit of cooperation that existed among families and neighbors is reflected in this event.

Contact: (865) 436-7318

Website: http://www.thegreatsmokymountains.org/

2nd Annual Orchard Photography Contest October 18th

Entries accepted through October 18, 2009 for the Annual Orchard Photography Contest. Submit Orchard at Altapass related photos only. Contestants may enter up to 3 photographs each. Digital photos are preferred. Several categories and prizes offered including the winning photograph featured on the Orchard's website HOMEPAGE for the 2010 season.

http://www.altapassorchard.com/photo-contest-2009.htm

Mile Post 328.3

Park Update: Skyline Trail in Chimney Rock Park Re-opens

Improvements have been completed after a lot of hard work from the Trails Crew and The Skyline trail to Exclamation Point is now open. With a big helping hand provided by state parks staff, contractors and the great crew from Isothermal Community College's Summer Youth Work program Park visitors can again enjoy the hike and incredible view from Exclamation Point.

Contact: 1-800-277-9611

Website:http://www.ChimneyRockPark.com

6th Annual Kidfest at Grandfather Mountain

September 12 beginning at 9AM at Grandfather Mountain between Blowing Rock and Linville. This special Kids' day is filled with activities designed to get kids excited about nature through programs with live birds, animal habitat tours, nature walks, games, face painting, reading, storytelling, craft making, music and fun, fun fun. All activities are included with park admission. For additional details: http://www.grandfather.com/

Birdwalk at Alta Pass September 12th

September 12 at 8AM at The Orchard at Altapass, between SPruce Pine and Little Switzerland in Mitchell County. Meet at the Loops Overlook, Milepost 328 on the Blueridge Parkway. Contact CrabillV@aol.com for more information. http://www.altapassorchard.com/

Wildflowers at Chimney Rock State Park

September 12 9AM-11AM Chimney Rock Park. Fall for Wildflowers Guided Hike at Chimney Rock. Spring isn’t the only time to see wildflowers at Chimney Rock. During this hike, we’ll be on the lookout for turtlehead, snakeroot, Asiatic dayflower and some asters. Be prepared for a moderate-to-strenuous 2-hour walk. $20, $5 for Passholders, $10 for ages 6-15, $3 for Grady’s Kids Club Members.
1-800-277-9611
http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/

Music at the Historic Orchard- Alta Pass MP 328.3

September 3-6 at the Historic Orchard at Altapass, in between Spruce Pine and Little Switzerland NC. Live music and mountain dancing, storytelling and hayrides, monarch butterfly raising, naturalist tours and birding walks, arts and handwork demonstrations, book signings and more. Every week, Wed-Sun. The Orchard is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 328.3.

http://www.altapassorchard.com/