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Celebrate the National Trails System Act in 2018

Celebrate the National Trails System Act in 2018

2018 is the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System which officially kicks off many events to celebrate the access and protection of American trails. On February 13, leadership from the Departments of Interior and Agriculture met in Washington, DC during “Hike the Hill” for a conversation on National Trails, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and their lasting legacy as we reflect on and envision the future of these two important systems (this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act).

To help you see the scale and impact of our National Trails System, a Webmap was created by APPA GIS Specialist Matt Robinson with the link to the map below:

https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d89951079a374f28ab4a3b9fc41025dd

In Northeast Tennessee, many events will be occurring to commemorate the anniversary. Resources and promotional materials are available for networking with other groups at: https://www.trails50.org/.

Check the TEHCC newsletter often to see what events may be happening for you to join us as we get together and promote outdoor recreation, hike or do volunteer work in our community.

 

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Watauga Lake Shelter still closed due to bear activity

March 2018:  The bear pole, picnic table, and the steps to the shelter platform have been removed from the shelter to discourage eating or staying at this site with it being under a bear closure.

October 2017:  The A.T. section between US321 (NB Mile 427) and Wilbur Dam Road (NB Mile 431.4), including Watauga Lake Shelter, is still closed to camping due to bear activity. A temporary campsite (no water) has been set up at coordinates N36.29847, W82.12701 (NB Mile 426.5) just outside the Pond Mountain Wilderness. Also nearby is Boots Off Hostel along Bear Branch Road on the south side of the closed section. Vandeventer Shelter is open to the north of the restricted section.

April 2016: Two nights of bear encounters have been recently reported at the Watauga Lake Shelter. The bears were seeking food, thus destroyed a pair of tents, able to shake a bag off the bear pole, and climbed trees for hanged bags.

The US Forest Service has reinstated a Closure Order similar to the previous one which now covers Oliver Hollow Rd./Hwy 321 to Wilbur Dam Rd. – approximately four miles of the Appalachian Trail along the west side of Watauga Lake. No picnicking, lingering, or overnight camping. Hiking, only, allowed on the named four mile Appalachian Trail section. BEARS ACTIVE IN THIS AREA. Help us protect you and the bears. Please hike through the area without stopping. Closure Order: April 15, 2016- Until Further notice.

For TEHCC members, the best recommendation is to avoid this “Oliver Hollow” area and enjoy another section of the Appalachian Trail. For thru-hikers, the word is being gotten out so that they can properly plan their distances. The temporary campsite located south of Hwy 321 above Shook Branch is available for use.

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July newsletter released

The July newsletter has been released. If you don’t check it out, you’ll be missing out on a lot of good information!

  • The addition of new trekking poles to rent
  • News of SAHC purchasing 324 acres to protect the northern slopes of Hump Mountain
  • Introduction of two new staff of the ATC SORO
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June newsletter released!

The 2017 June newsletter has been released. If you don’t read it, you’ll be missing out on a lot of good information.

  • TEHCC receives the 2017 Pinnacle Volunteer Award
  • ATC SORO Hires new Trail Facilities Managers
  • Usage of L. L. Bean grant for purchase of saws
  • …And more!