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Hawk Migration
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Flocks of migrating Broad-Winged Hawks may be seen when the first cold front comes through around September 5-15.

With the cold front, raptors follow the Appalachian mountain range, riding the thermals over land.

Flocks can be quite large and the best vantage points are in the higher elevations, i.e. Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome, Look Rock, and Indian Gap.

Favorite Destinations for September
Alum Cave Trail is guaranteed not to disappoint.  There are things to see, footbridges, and fun for hikers of all abilities.  You can go to Arch Rock (1.25 miiles), Inspiration Point (2 miles) , Alum Cave Bluff (2.25 miles),  or go the whole way to Mt. LeConte Lodge (5 miles).

September is a great time to do a shuttle hike involving Sweat Heifer Creek Trail, Kephart Prong Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. Park a car at the Kephart Prong trailhead on Newfound Gap Road, then drive the second car up to Newfound Gap.

Take the Appalachian Trail north from Newfound Gap 1.7 miles to the junction with Sweat Heifer. Descend on Sweat Heifer 3.7 miles through open Northern Hardwood forest to Kephart Prong Trail. Then follow it 2 miles to the trailhead and your shuttle car.


And Foothills Parkway East, near Cocke County, is now open!
New Products
New GSMA private label hiking shirts.  We have both long and short sleeve styles in several colors for both men and women.
hiking shirts

National Park Scrabble

650592

National Parks USA Map Puzzle

650594

Clingmans Dome Christmas Ornament

650587

Great Smoky Mountains Trivia book

400861

Click on the link to check out all our New Items

Our New Business Members
old mill
Old Mill
175 Old Mill Avenue
Pigeon Forge TN 37863
tel: 865.806.4700 Laurie Faulkner
email: [email protected]
www.oldmillsquare.com


Below you will find several new GSMA Business Members who support our park. Please visit them when you're in the area. They, as well as our individual members, support the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by being members of GSMA.
 
You can see all of GSMA's Business Members by clicking on Our Business Members. To see the discounts offered to GSMA members, go to our website and click on Discounts & Freebies. Then pick your favorite category and shop.

If you own a business and would like to be included in this newsletter and our website, contact Westy Fletcher at 423.487.3131 or [email protected]


Hellbender Grill
651 Parkway
Suite 201
Gatlinburg TN 37738
tel: 865.436.5857 Allen or Sonia Foster
email: [email protected]
www.hellbendersgrill.com
GSMA Members in good standing will receive a 10% discount, alcohol excluded.
 
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
123 Cromwell Drive
Townsend TN 37882
tel: 865.448.0044 Nancy Williams
email: [email protected]
www.gsmheritagecenter.org
 
Ouray Sportswear
1201 West Mansfield Ave
Englewood CO 80110
tel: 800.666.6724 Dave Hutton
email: [email protected]
www.ouraysportswear.com
Help the Park Win $100,000!
Vote your paws off.  Help the park win $100,000 by clicking here.  Voting closes at midnight August 31.  Ask everyone you know to help.  Thanks!
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Time exposure of fireflies and people walking with flashlights by
Kevin Adams
New Sinks Overlook Open
Come Check it Out

sinks overlook
Photo by Valerie Polk

Hike to Hen Wallow Falls
Join Westy September 25
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Sunset at Morton Overlook by Deb Campbell

Join Westy Fletcher on Saturday, September 25 for a leisurely walk to Hen Wallow Falls. The hike is a moderate one at 4.3 miles round trip and begins at the Gabes Mountain Trailhead across from the Cosby Campground picnic area.
 
The trail was built by a CCC crew in 1934 and is a delightful walk through old growth forest and rhododendron and laurel tunnels.  You'll cross several small creeks on foot logs and soon discover why the falls was a favorite destination for a Sunday drive and picnic.  Yes, part of this trail was an old roadbed in pre-park days.
 
Hen Wallow cascades down three sections of rock with an almost 100 foot drop. Be forewarned... the algae-covered rocks are extremely slippery and no climbing should be attempted!  But it is a delightful and cool spot to enjoy the early autumn weather.  So be sure to pack a light lunch and "pull up a rock" at the falls' base and enjoy!
 
The hike will start at the trailhead at 9:00 am.  Please wear good hiking boots, bring water, rain gear... and a hiking stick might prove helpful.  Reservations are limited to 20 with a $10 fee per person.  Call 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254 to register.

Cataloochee Quiz
Win the Prizes!

elk ononaluftee
Photo by Valerie Polk

The elk restoration program is going great.  Twenty-five calves were born this year, bringing the total up to approximately 135 elk in GSMNP!  Click the link to hear elk bugling

Then test your knowledge of this paradise on the North Carolina side of the park by taking our Cataloochee Quiz.  The first person to get all the answers correct will win a copy of  Food & Recipes of the Smokies cookbook, a pint of apple butter, and a pint of blackberry preserves.
Last Call for Annual Meeting Registration
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Venus and Moon by Deb Campbell


Just a reminder that reservations for the September 10-12 GSMA Annual Membership Weekend must be made by Friday, September 3.  This fun and educational event is for GSMA members and their guests and will be head-quartered at The Center for the Arts in Bryson City, NC.
 
A Friday evening BBQ and music kicks off the weekend at Deep Creek Pavilion in the National Park. You'll have several hikes and indoor programs to choose from on Saturday... plus the annual meeting itself, followed by a buffet dinner and Celtic music.
 
The fee for programs, hikes, and both evening meals and entertainment is $75 per person. Should you want to attend "a la carte" the fees are as follows: $35 for programs & hikes only; $20 for the BBQ and music; $20 for the buffet dinner and music.  Children under 12 are free!
 
A Smoky Mountain Railroad Nantahala Gorge Excursion (4 hours) is optional with a $3.50 discount given to GSMA members (be sure to bring your membership card).  A half-day hike on Noland Creek Trail will take place on Sunday.
 
For further information and to register, call Judy or Marti at 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254. For info on Bryson City lodging, restaurants, etc. log on to www.greatsmokies.com or call 800-867-9246.
 
Join us for a fun weekend!
Butterfly Tagging Event and New Video
Let the Tagging Begin!

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Photo by Valerie Polk

Enjoy Valerie Polk's new monarch tagging video.

As monarch butterflies start on their long journey south volunteers are invited to join naturalist Wanda DeWaard for butterfly taggings on the dates below. 

September 21, 28, 30          October 12, 17, 19, 21, 27, 29          November 1, 4

All will take place in Cades Cove.  Meet at 9:30 am at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road and carpool to the tagging site.  Programs will end around 2:00 pm.
 
What to wear:  Long pants and hard, protective shoes, sun screen, and a hat for protection from the sun.  What to bring: Plenty of water and lunch/snacks.  Optional:  butterfly net with a big hoop, camera, binoculars, and butterfly, bird, and wildflower field guides.
 
To pre-register: email Wanda DeWaard at [email protected] or call 865-983-5393.
Other dates may be added, so please keep in touch. All ages are welcome, but equipment is limited, so please pre-register to take part.
Sorghum Making
sorghum horse press

Demonstrations will be on September 4-6, September 17-19, November 5-7, and November 12-14
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Rainbow in Cades Cove by James Karner

See the faint double rainbow above and to the right?
Cherokee-Sugarlands-Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Shuttle
Cherokee Transit Protects Park Air Quality
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Click here
to see the details.
Gift Memberships


Give a membership in Great Smoky Mountains Association for a present.  Not only does the recipient receive a variety of benefits, including the Smokies Guide newspaper, Bearpaw newsletter, Smokies Life magazine, and a 15% discount on merchandise, but there's the added benefit of knowing you're helping the park!

And of course, if we're given the recipient's e-mail address they can look forward to receiving the Cub Report e-newsletter, just like the one you're reading now ... full of good articles, information, photos, and wonderful videos to help them enjoy the Smokies even when it's impossible for them to visit in person!

Gift memberships are great for events like birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.  No shopping, no wrapping, no mailing!  Just a thoughtful and useful gift straight from your heart to theirs.
Contact [email protected]
Any Questions?
For questions about online purchases, click here and Doug will help you.
For questions about membership, click here and Judy or Marti will help you.

For questions about business membership, click here and Westy will help you.
Bird Quiz Winner!!
Winner of last month's Bird Quiz contest:  Waldon Roberts of Louisville, KY