Event Calendar
(check current information for recommended time)
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Late January Sand Hill Cranes at Hiwassee
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Early February Reel Foot Eagles
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March/April Wildflowers (Huskey Gap, Porters Creek, Cove Hardwood, Chestnut Top)
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April National Park Week
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Late May / Early June
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Fireflies at Elkmont
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Spence Field (Mountain Laurel)
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June Rhodendron at Roan Mountain
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Mid-June Mountain Laurel
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Mid-Late June / Early July
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Azaleas (Gregory Bald, Andrews Bald)
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Rhodendron (Ocoee Whitewater Center, Great Smoky Mountains)
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July Sunflowers (Forks of the River WMA, Seven Islands Refuge)
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July 17 -August 24 Perseids Meteor Shower
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August LeConte Lodge begins accepting requests for the following year
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September OBED Dark Sky Events
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October/November Fall colors in the mountains
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November Roaring Fork Motor Trail closes until May
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December - Holly Trees (UT Aboretum) , Clingmans Dome Road (closed Dec 1 -Mar 31)
All Skill Sets (usually <3 miles, easier terrain, family friendly, ATV parks)
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Bald River Falls from Cherohala Skyway
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Biltmore Estate
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Blue Hole in Elizabethton, TN
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Brushy Mountain Prison
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Cedar Creek Trail at Natural Bridge
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Cordell Hull Bunkam Cave
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Cove Lake Woods Loop
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Lost Creek Overlook Trail at Tims Ford
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Obed Overlook Trail, Boulder Field Trail and Emory River Nature Trail
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Paw Paw Trail at Fall Creek Falls
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Yellow Creek Falls in North Carolina
Moderate (usually 3-5 miles, root & rock terrain, elevation changes)
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Chained Rock at Pine Mountain (no safety rails at rock)
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Cloudland Canyon
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Laurel Fork Falls at Dennis Cove (climb down to falls)
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Margarette Falls in Greeneville (rock trail in places)
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Obed - Point Trail, Bridge Trail and Cumberland Trail-Emory River Gorge Section
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Turtletown Falls (rocky climb to falls)
Advanced (usually >5miles includes shorter "cliff" hikes, terrain and elevation changes)
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Fall Creek Falls - Base of the Falls, Cable Trail
A few adventuring tips:
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Remember to give yourself plenty of time based on your ability. The amount of time it takes you to walk a flat paved path will not equal the amount of time that same distance will be on a trail.
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You need some basic supplies, but you don't need to have all the outdoor gear from the store. Link to checklists for day hikes and backpacking trips to help get you started. Grow into your gear - you may not need the state of art hiking sticks or pack but you really want to invest in whatever footwear best protects your feet. Also remember some supplies vary based on the season and some more expensive supplies (kayaks, paddleboards) can be rented from outdoor stores.
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Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Cell service is not reliable in many areas.
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Have a good map of the area you are exploring. You can download various map apps (i.e. Avenza Maps) or use Garmin devices. Many times we find ourselves using the photo taken of the area map at the trailhead or a waterproof printed map as devices need recharging.
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Research your adventure so you don't miss any hidden gems along the way. (yes, I am talking to you old rusting Cadillac on Middle Prong that many hike right past daily)
An adventure may seem like something you wouldn't be able to do,
but you will probably surprise yourself if properly prepared!
And the best tip to remember:
Never judge an adventurer by the cover!