May 18th, 2015

5/18/2015

Last minute sunset last night.

Greetings from the top! What started out as a clear, sunny morning has slowly turned cloudy and grey. No rain yet, but the forecast is calling for evening showers. Currently it is 55 degrees. Yesterday's high was 54 and the low was 47. The mountain finally received a bit more rain, if only .3", it was well needed.
Now in bear news. This has been a very active spring for bears throughout the Park and the lodge has been no exception! We have had bears in camp as well as many on the trails coming up. Just a reminder that any and all food trash MUST be packed out with you if you are day hiking. This includes, most importantly, those things that you might think "Hey, this is biodegradable, I can just throw it into the woods!". Things like apple cores, orange peels and pistachio shells are some of the most dangerous things to both bears and humans when tossed carelessly to the side of the trail. Please help protect both yourselves and the bears and be vigilant about food trash in the back country!

Sunrise this morning, facing west.

Micki

5/18/2015 03:07:35 am

Which trails to LeConte are bears being spotted on?

doug y link

5/18/2015 03:38:06 am

I couldn't agree more with your comments regarding trash. A "Leave No Trace" philosophy is a very good way of thinking, and very easy to follow for it covers a fairly wide range of actions, or 'non-actions', by hikers and campers and so forth, including guests at the Lodge. During my recent trip to the Park I spotted a young solitary bear down in the Sugarlands valley on my hike on the Old Sugarlands Trail and up near the Laurel Falls trailhead a Momma bear and three tiny cubs. But I lingered not at this "bear jam" not wanting to add to the traffic snarl at the time. But, yes, cubs are more prevalent this season it appears. I have been reluctant to mention one thing I observed at the Lodge recently, so I wrote briefly about it on my own site. It was a disgusting sight behind Cabin No. 9.
On more pleasant note, today's top photo is especially OUTSTANDING ! Magnificent. This is a photo which captures the purest essence of the Smokies ! Thank you and g'day.

Kent

5/18/2015 04:10:05 am

I always felt like the people who stay at the Lodge are a little more environmentally consciousness than most, Doug, but it's not always the case. People are just getting lazier and more self-centered, unfortunately -- even many who place a high value on these mountains. I was leaving the park last month and was repulsed by a the driver ahead of me who felt compelled to rid his vehicle of a smoldering cigarette butt. Granted, I doubt this guy was a serious hiker, but people seem to be getting worse in that regard.

doug y link

5/18/2015 06:07:33 am

So true Kent, so sadly true. Along any of the trails leading to Leconte Lodge, for just one example, one can spot candy wrappers, cigarette butts, and other bits and pieces of trash, and, yes, used tissue paper in places. I used to go up the Laurel Falls trail and continue on up far above the falls, some nice hiking, but am extremely reluctant to go there now because it is so terribly overcrowded. Just try to find place to park if you don't get there real early ! What can we do ? The GSMNP charges no entry fee as other major popular parks; could this help here ?

Kent

5/18/2015 08:21:04 am

It's a blatant lack of respect and reverence, I think. Although this is not related to the park, late week I had the misfortune of coming back to my car after a necessary shopping trip to Walmart and found a cart up against my car. Of course, in this person's hurry to continue with his/her hectic day, I will now have to fork out $50 to get the a dent repaired repaired if I choose to.

People behaving badly anywhere is irritating, but it infuriates me all the more in the great outdoors.

Paul

5/19/2015 10:55:22 am

I saw a bumper sticker a while back with the standard "person putting trash in a trashcan"-icon, with the text "Dude, it's not that hard".

Seriously considering buying one and putting it on my car!

Franklin

5/18/2015 06:42:01 am

Doug Y, I couldn't agree with you more. Unfortunately some people are just slobs. I have been an advocate of charging a fee to enter the park for a number of years now. I just hope they don't wait until people "love it to death". Happy trails

Tenderfoot

5/18/2015 08:07:13 am

Can someone help me out please. I have been down Forney Creek Trail looking for the Norwood Lumber Company boiler which lies a few hundred yards to the right of the trail......according to the "Brown Book". I hiked 1.5 miles to a rather large stream but saw to evidence. Is it before or after Campsite #68 coming from Forney Ridge Trail? And is there a noticeable off trail to the boiler? Thank You!!

Kat

5/18/2015 09:01:29 am

You went too far. I did same thing on my 1st trip to find it. When you turn off Andrews Bald onto Forney Cr. trail go slowly no more than 1/8 to 1/4 mi. looking to right on edge of trail. There is a very small cairn of rocks on bank by trail, turn up into woods at these rocks, angling up and to left, there is a very faint trail thru woods that takes you into a grassy old railroad bed. follow this to left, you will pass an old rail. some old brake pads and a few other old train parts. The Boiler is abt. 1/4 mi. out this railroad bed and to the left.[between old railroad bed and Forney Cr. trail, but closer to railroad bed] Worth the trip, we went in late may before the area got overgrown in summer. Hope this helps.
For the record. I have been to almost all the Nationial Parks in the lower 48. They are almost all crowded. and I live in NC and never want to see the GSMNP charge an entrance fee. School Children saved their money to help pay on the park and it was promised admission would never be changed. I have no solution for the trash thrown down but do not think a fee would change the situation.

Tenderfoot

5/18/2015 09:11:39 am

Can't thank you enough Kat! I really appreciate all the details you provided so as not to miss it again. Looking forward to seeing this soon. For the record, I agree with you about not charging an entrance fee for the Park.......I don't believe it would change the trash issue.

elktonbrant

5/18/2015 09:04:40 am

Doug Y and Kent, you are both on the money involving the hiking and the crowding (not to mention the $300 that I had to pay to replace a taillight hit by a runaway cart that was deemed an 'act of nature' by Harris Teeter).
I always enjoy getting beyond the crowds of the first mile of so of the many trails. I try not to be too critical, though, as many of these people are at least getting out of the t-shirt shops and fudge stands and getting out into nature. That said, though, it sickens me when my wife and I come across cigarette butts on a trail (or other trash).
I do think there is more of a selfishness now for many people. When we climbed Alum in April, there were a mom and dad and preteen daughter passing us near Gracie's Pulpit. People were coming down that one-way staircase, but the daughter kept going despite her parents telling her to stop and wait. Apparently she was too busy listening to music to pay attention to anyone else.

TwistyP

5/18/2015 10:14:56 am

I'm with Kat. Even if an admission fee assisted in removing some litter, you shouldn't punish the masses for the actions of a few. I would not be able to responsibly enjoy the park at the frequency I do now with an admission fee. Also, it would be sad if children were denied access because the parents didn't see the value due to an admission fee. No one can deny that a major reason for the park's popularity is because of the free admission.

Alan P

5/18/2015 12:23:30 pm

I agree with the comments about the trash, apple cores, orange peels, etc. A bears sense of smell is far greater than ours, hence they learn to stay close to the trails and roads for easy pickings. If people would act respectfully and responsibly no matter where they are, this would help tremendously.

Steve

5/18/2015 12:35:36 pm

Great discussion. It always bothers an ethical hiker but we can only realize where there are people there will be problems, so all we can do is try to pick up behind them.

J LeClair

5/18/2015 02:27:14 pm

The more the messier.

norman

5/18/2015 03:07:22 pm

All of ya'll are right> Their is a generation of people, "SELF & SELF ONLY", Godless, unrespectfull and unrevent that care nothing for nature, life or any thing else! Don't know that it is only a few. Also don't know that chargeing a fee would help much as to trash and taking dumps on trails and behind cabins!! I'v seen it at Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton NPs with in the last 10 years.! Also see it on local trails here in Ga. and Kennesaw NP. The problem is in the heart of mankind!! Guess we will just have to keep trying to clean up after them.. HAGN

TwistyP

5/19/2015 01:43:18 am

I use "few" in a relative sense. I didn't mean to infer that 3 people trash the Park. I am confident that there are many more that abide by "Leave No Trace" ethics, than not. All we can do is report anyone breaking the rules and continue to pick up trash when encountered.

norman

5/19/2015 03:59:47 am

Not picking up 'dump paper' -

Tammy (Tx)

5/18/2015 06:03:10 pm

I have to agree with ya'll. When my husband and I hiked up Alum to the Bluffs last summer I was surprised by the amount of trash and the disgusting "you know what" along the trail. At one point we came upon a bathing suit and other items thrown up under some rhododendron and it wasn't near a creek or stream. We could only wonder! There's one point on Roaring Fork nature trail I won't walk up to any longer because it has just become an outdoor toilet! Kinda funny story...several of us were hiking in Yosemite a few years back and one of my daughter's friends just had to smoke a cigarette (can't stand them). After he was done I made him put it out and put the butt in his pocket (for real). I kept looking back at him to make sure his pants weren't smoking!!

norman

5/19/2015 03:55:54 am

Way to go Tammy !! (about the cigarette)

Tammy (Tx)

5/18/2015 06:16:29 pm

Doug, regarding the comment you made on the previous day's post about the time you biked around Cades Cove loop at night....that's another thing I've always wanted to do on a full moon night. But with a group, not just the two of us...it would be too spooky to me. The park rangers have told me people hike or bike at night there often. I just didn't realize until a couple of years ago that you were allowed to go around the gates and enter the loop if you wanted as long as it was on foot or bicycle. Nighttime on the loop would be an entirely different experience.

doug y link

5/19/2015 01:25:45 am

Tammy: Yes, riding a bicycle around the Cades Cove loop at night is a wonderful experience, and a group of five or more people would be the way to do it. Spooky ? Depend on your personal imagination and such. Dangerous ? Maybe a wee bit more than in the daylight. Enjoyable ? Immensely ! If I had one,, which I do not, I think that using one of those "GoPro" cameras would result in an interesting video of a loop ride. My little Nikon compact camera will do about a 30-min HD video, but a longer one would be better perhaps. Yes, the Loop is a good ride anytime.

alan

5/19/2015 07:47:25 am

I have biked Cades Cove at night. It was interesting. My advice - get a good light system. A weak lamp won't do - you want to see and be seen. I had my flashing red light on the back, a strong white light on my handlebar and also put a light on my helmet. Even during a full moon there are pitch black areas on the Loop.

Tammy (Tx)

5/18/2015 06:24:10 pm

Oh, and another thing, before I checked the Leconte posts tonight I actually looked at the gsmnp site. Micki, if you look there under road and trail closures they will list the bear closures and bear warnings. I did notice there was a bear warning for the Mt. Leconte lodge area.

Patrick Potter

5/19/2015 03:59:13 am

We have a single spot for Wed night if anyone is interested. You will be sharing a room with three other hikes. Its available for $100 which is a steal...One of our hikers has pneumonia....
Regards,
Patrick Potter

Glenn Oh

5/19/2015 08:57:31 am

Hi everyone, looks like the park has closed the shelter and the trail to cliff tops until further notice,I 'm sure Ruthie will have a comment about it soon, everyone be careful, there must be al lot of bear activity!!!

Adam

5/19/2015 09:44:12 am

I've seen several articles in the paper today about Bear activity around Mt. Leconte. Several closed trails and shelters.
That being said, is Alum the only trail closed (construction) currently?

Thanks!

Chris

5/19/2015 09:56:36 am

I just saw a news report that agreesive bear "followed" a ranger who attempted to scare it away with noise and other means. He could not scare it away so he retreated to LeConte Lodge. It was euthanized this afternoon per the news report. Park officials stated the trails to LeConte are still open but hikers should travel in groups of 3 or more and carry near spray.

Tammy (Tx)

5/19/2015 11:02:29 am

When we travel to the area we purchase bear spray, but I really don't want to be that close to a bear to have to use it! My husband and I also purchased a couple of those small airhorns. Do ya'll think those would be effective?

Tammy (Tx)

5/19/2015 11:28:49 am

I would love to be able to hike the trails without alot of other people, but bears are the reason I prefer to have others on the trail around us. I've just become kind of jittery out in the woods. We have a mountain lion on our family country place here in Tx! My uncle saw it twice and my brother saw some babies and all three times they were within 50 to 100 yards from the house! I use to piddle around the place by myself, but not any longer. I've wondered if any have been seen in the park.

Chris

5/19/2015 12:16:09 pm

I didn't post the update on the near to alarm anyone. My wife and I have seen bears many times while hiking in the park and a couple in our yard near Pigeon Forge. Not once have we felt threatened or worried they would harm us. This could be due to our keeping our distance and not risking that too close close-up photo that so many cant seem to resist.
It's simply astonishing to me how some act as if they are simply like a squirrel in their yard and will run away if they get too close. They may or may not run away or could be very aggressive instead if crowded. I've seen folks chase follow them into the woods trying to get that special photo. I've also been cursed by hikers with dogs on a leash after I explained why they are prohibited on many trails.
Once a field near the Cades Cove visitors center look as though it was filled with zombies as around 40 people spread out and wondered towards a bear in a tree around 100 yards off the road.
The incident today seems very unusual based on our experience since it was apparently an experienced Ranger who knew how to avoid a bad situation and yet it still grew aggressive with him. If I had to guess the animal was 'taught' to associate people with food by others and he crossed its path before it had a more serious run in with a hiker.

Elaine

5/19/2015 03:25:54 pm

Chris, I applaud your comments. They are so spot on. I serve on my mountain towns bear task force and we are charged with educating our citizenry and visitors with appropriate behavior when visiting or residing in bear country. One of our most frequently used sayings is a fed bear is a dead bear. Once they lose their fear of man it is over for them. With education we may avoid incidences such as what took place today.

Tammy (Tx)

5/19/2015 11:40:16 am

Also, I think there was some discussion (and I thought on this site) some time back about wolves in the park. I thought I saw one several years back. I see coyotes here in Tx all the time and this animal was larger, darker (kind of dark grey/black) and had a slower gait than a coyote. It definately wasn't a dog and it was in the very back part of Cades Cove. The park ranger told me, if I recall, that they we removed from the park sometime back in the 70's. But he said that's not to say they removed everyone of them. Any thoughts about this?

Rick

5/20/2015 03:14:43 am

Tammy I saw the same thing about two or three years ago in the cove it was black and it wasn't a dog.

Tammy (Tx)

5/19/2015 05:21:55 pm

Chris and Elaine, I agree with your comments. I've been in the park many times and out in Cades Cove at least 100 - 200 times and it always amazes me how close people try to get to the wildlife (key word "wild")! My husband has a degree in wildlife management and we've enjoyed traveling all across the USA and enjoying the wildlife and wilderness and I have to say it's a very sad day when an animal has to be euthanized as a result of a human's direct or indirect actions or negligence! The news really saddened me today and I just hope it didn't have cubs. One time we were out on Roaring Fork nature trail in one of the parking lots (I believe it was Rainbow or Grotto) and a cub ran across the parking lot...about a 5 yr old boy ran after it and his dad was telling him to chase it! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! I like a picture just as much as the next person, but at a safe and quiet distance.

ric

5/19/2015 11:09:55 pm

tammy - on the wolf question... several years ago there was an effort to re-introduce the red wolf back in the park. they lasted only a few years and were eventually trapped and relocated. they didnt fare well for whatever the reason was. could have been one of those you saw. unofficially, the park has large cats as well. saw a large black one at the polls gap trail head (off the parkway near maggie valley) a few years ago. thought it was a really skinny bear at first till the big tail came into view

Don

5/20/2015 04:08:00 am

Is there some reason why the blog has not been updated in the last couple of days.

norman 'ga. rebel'

5/20/2015 04:23:35 am

Did not want to say any thing, but ME TOO.

Brian

5/20/2015 04:58:07 am

Don: I am sure that the crew tries to update the blog site with photos and weather information as well as occasional comments each and every day. But sometimes there are factors that surely come into play which affect this daily process / routine. They do a great job catering to all the guests quite thoroughly. Missing a day, or even two, on this blog site isn't a big deal. The crew has to be commended on how and what they perform every day for their guests. This blog site is but a sideline. I appreciate it.

doug y link

5/20/2015 05:20:55 am

I agree with you Brian. The Lodge crew does a great job up there. If you've been there as a guest, then you have to know this. I appreciate their dedication and efforts and applaud them. For whatever reason the blog goes a day or more without posting, it isn't big deal.

doug y link

5/20/2015 05:27:16 am

Meant to ask about the bears in the lodge area. And, there is now a posting for today, Wed the 20th

Brian

5/20/2015 07:53:40 am

Doug, you mention your personal site with additional information and photos on Mt. LeConte and the lodge but I've been unable to find the address. Is this something you share publicly? Thanks.

mark

5/20/2015 08:26:06 am

Brian, click on Doug's name in the header of the post, and it will take you to his site.

Brian

5/21/2015 06:44:10 am

Thanks! Didn't know that little trick.

Comments are closed.

May 18th, 2015

LeConte Lodge

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