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Bats in the Smokies Quiz
 Bat exam. Photo by Ann Froschauer.
Click here to take our newest quiz about Bats in the Smokies.
The first person to answer all 12 questions correctly will win a copy of the new book Frequently Asked Questions About Bats and the book Mammals of the Smokies.
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Elk & Fall Color Video
by Gary Wilson
 Photo by Gary Wilson
The fall of 2012 was spectacular as leaves created a tapestry of vibrant colors throughout the park. From the spruce-fir forests, to the northern hardwood forests, to the cove mountain forests, Gary Wilson was there to capture it in it's colorful splendor in this beautiful short video.
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Seasonal Road Closures
The Following Park Roads Are Slated to Close for the Season Soon.
November 1: Balsam Mountain and Heintooga Ridge roads closed
November 13: Round Bottom and Straight Fork roads closed
November 19: Parson Branch and Rich Mountain roads closed
December 1: Clingmans Dome and Roaring Fork roads closed
Also, LeConte Lodge closes for the season on November 21.
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Upcoming Events
Christmas Past at SVC
Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holiday Homecoming at OVC
Saturday, December 15
Hands-on activities from 10 a.m. to 12:30
Holiday music jam from 1-3
Back Porch Old-Time Music
Porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Saturday, November 17
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bring an acoustic instrument and join in on this old-time jam.
Or just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds as others play traditional Appalachian music.
Accessible
Blacksmith Demonstrations
Meet at the Blacksmith building near the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill area
Saturday & Sunday
November 3 & 4
10 am - 4 pm
Sorghum Molasses Making Demonstration
At the Cable Mill historic area in Cades Cove
November 9-11, 16-18, 23-25
Click here for more information on upcoming events.
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Business Members
Cabins for You
436 East Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
800.684.7865
info@cabinsforyou.com
www.cabinsforyou.com
Cabins for You began with a spark and dream that became a reality in October of 2001. Some would say this cabin rental business really began decades earlier during the early 1900's. It was then that the owner's great-grandmother owned one of only two cabin rental businesses along the east coast.
Call it generational or call it family heritage--either way, you still get what Cabins For You is today. We are family-owned, professionally managed, and aiming to please. From your first browse on the internet, to your call for information, to your confirmed reservation, and your arrival at the selected cabin, we are here to walk you through every step.
From your entry code to check out and all during your stay we are never more than a phone call away. Because we have been in every cabin on our site, we feel like we are making each trip along with our visitors. When you are happy we are happy. We personally know every kitchen, bedroom, and hot tub and have witnessed every Smoky Mountain sunset that our visitors experience.
To see an updated list of the discounts offered to GSMA members, click here.
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 Westy@GSMAssoc.org
Cirque de Chine
179 Collier Drive
Sevierville TN 37862
865.429.1601
monica.long@smokymountainpalace.com www.cirquedechine.com
Pigeon Forge Cabins
2624 Willa View Drive
Pigeon Forge, TN 37865
865.738.3512
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High Country Snow!
Low Country Fall
Photo by Gary Wilson
Super Storm Sandy has deposited some 3 feet or more of snow in the Smoky Mountain high country. This is the largest October snow in the Smokies that we can find records of. It also appears to have eclipsed any single snow during all of last winter!
Although we are deeply saddened by the carnage this storm has inflicted on the region, there is a silver lining in that it has created some incredible sights in the park. How often do you get a chance to go from vibrant fall color in the valleys to waist-deep snow in the highlands?
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New Cades Cove Video by Valerie Polk
View of Cades Cove from Rich Mountain Road by Valerie Polk
Relax and watch this new video by Valerie Polk featuring the beauty of autumn in Cades Cove.
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Listen to Ghost Stories for Free
3 Smoky Mountain Tales on iTunes
Click here to visit a page to hear the ghost stories or click on the links below.
Rachel read by Joey Heath, from Ghosts and Haunts of the Appalachian Foothills by James Burchill and others (1:57 minutes)
Snowy Footprints, read by Carey Jones from The Granny Curse and Other Ghosts and Legends from East Tennessee by Randy Russell and Janet Barnett (9:17 minutes)
A Cabin on Fire, read by Don Campbell from The Granny Curse and Other Ghosts and Legends from East Tennessee by Randy Russell and Janet Barnett (5:54 minutes)
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Chimney Tops Trail Rehabbed
First Phase Complete
 Repaired Trail with Stone Steps
The first phase of the rehabilitation of the popular Chimney Tops Trail, from the trailhead to the junction with the Road Prong Trail, has been completed. On Friday, October 19th, the trail will be open all week until the second phase of the trail rehabilitation begins in late April of 2013. The Chimney Tops Trailhead is located along Newfound Gap Road about 8 miles south of the Park's Gatlinburg, TN entrance.
The combination of heavy use, abundant rainfall, and steep terrain turned the Chimney Tops Trail into a badly eroded obstacle course of slick, broken rock, exposed tree roots, and mud. Since April 2012, The Park's Trails Forever Crew has been rebuilding the trail using durable stone and rot-resistant black locust timbers that will stabilize the trail for decades to come, reducing annual maintenance and greatly improving the visitor experience. The crew constructed rock steps to carry hikers up the steepest areas and prevent erosion, redefined sections of trail that have become unsafe or difficult to navigate, improved drainage by modifying water bars or constructing other types of drainage structures, and built raised turnpike structures out of sustainable materials to prevent further erosion.
With 848 miles of hiking trails, an average of more than 80 inches of rain a year, and significant forest vegetation, trail crews at Great Smoky Mountains National Park focus their efforts primarily on cyclic maintenance to keep the trails open (clearing windfalls, mowing/pruning and drainage). The Trails Forever program provides the opportunity for a highly skilled trail crew to focus reconstruction efforts on the high use and high priority trails in the park. The program also provides a mechanism for volunteers to work alongside the trail crew on these complex trail projects to assist in making lasting improvements to preserve the trails for future generations. The Park invites interested trail work volunteers to visit the Trails Forever website at www.smokiestrailsforever.org or contact Trails & Facilities Volunteer Coordinator at (828) 497-1949 for more information.
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Help Us Close Clingmans Dome for Winter
Friday, November 30
 Smokemont Fall and Winter by Terry Barnes
Clingmans Dome Road (and consequently Clingmans Dome Information Center) is slated to close for the winter on the evening of November 30. We plan to celebrate the end of another good year above 6,000 feet with a big sale, hot drinks, refreshments, and more.
Unless you are a very fit winter hiker, cross-country skier, or snow-shoer, Friday, November 30 will be your last chance to climb the Smokies highest peak and enjoy the 360° view from the observation tower. It's also the end of easy access to trailheads for Andrews Bald and the Appalachian Trail until April.
So join us as we bid adieu to the high country for another year. We'll have selected merchandise marked down by up to 40% at the information center and free hot drinks and snacks. You can also enjoy a sneak peak of our soon-to-be-released documentary film on Clingmans Dome and check out some very special panoramic photos from Gary Wilson.
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Hike of the Month
Saturday, November 17
Kephart Prong trail on the North Carolina side of the park (Just 9 miles from Newfound Gap or 5 miles from Smokemont Campground) is an easy four mile round trip. The area was heavily logged in the 1920s to 1930s, so most of the trees are only 80 to 90 years old. We will gain only 830' and enjoy a varied walking surface, from old gravel road bed to old blacktop to dirt trail. We will discover the remains of a CCC Camp, a fish hatchery, and narrow gauge railway.
The trail makes several crossings of the prong as we make our way to our turn around point; a backcountry shelter that was the site of a logging camp and recently renovated by Friends of the Smokies. This is a beautiful hike any time of the year and we will enjoy the clear crisp November weather. Please bring water, lunch and warm clothes as it may be cool in the woods.
An alternate hike, should the road (route 441) be closed due to inclement weather will be the Old Sugarlands Trail, located across 441 from Park Headquarters building. This trail is also rated easy and will be about the same mileage. There is a CCC Camp there as well.
Meet at Sugarlands Visitor Center at 8:30 am and we will carpool to the trailhead.
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Good Mast Crop This Year
Could be Good for the Bears
Hickory Nuts by Valerie Polk
A fair to good fall season for oak acorns and hickory nuts offered Smoky Mountain black bears and other wildlife the opportunity to gain weight for winter. An abundance of fall mast (wild grapes, acorns, nuts) is often followed by a bumper crop of bear cubs in the spring.
2011 was a poor year for fall mast and as a consequence many bears left the park in search of food. Over 400 bears were legally taken by hunters in North Carolina and Tennessee counties bordering the park last year. Other bears were hit by vehicles or killed illegally. In addition, many females did not give birth to cubs because of decreased fat reserves.
Besides bear, other wildlife including wild turkey, elk, squirrels, chipmunk, and deer benefit from robust fall mast production.
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Chef Heather's Pumpkin Recipe
Photo by Heather O'Donnell
Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
This rich Autumn treat is one of the easiest cheesecakes to pull off, and features one of our spicy Fall favorites, Foods of the Smokies Pumpkin Butter. It's wonderful on hot, buttered biscuits, or as seen here, in this tasty treat accompanied by fresh, nutmeg whipping cream and a cozy mug of coffee or tea.
3/4 c crushed gingersnap cookies
1 1/2 T melted butter
2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese at room temperature
1/2 c ricotta cheese
1 c Foods of the Smokies Pumpkin Butter
2/3 c brown sugar
1 T vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 c evaporated milk
1 t pumpkin pie spice
whipped cream for garnish
Heat oven to 375. Coat 9 inch springform pan with nonstick pan spray.
In a small bowl, combine gingersnaps and butter. Press into even layer across bottom of springform pan and refrigerate until needed.
In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sugar, and spices until smooth. Blend in eggs, milk, and pumpkin butter.
Pour batter into prepared pan, and bake 27-30 minutes, or until soft set in the center. Turn off oven, prop open oven door slightly, and allow to cool gradually for 20-30 minutes.
Allow to stand at room temperature an additional 30 minutes, then loosen sides of cake from pan with a knife blade. Remove pan sides, and refrigerate 2 hrs. Top with fresh, whipped cream and a drizzle of warmed pumpkin butter and enjoy.
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Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
Throw a gift membership into Santa's sleigh!
There isn't anything a Smokies lover would appreciate more than
a membership in Great Smoky Mountains Association! And there is nothing the park would appreciate more than your support during these trying times.
In addition to a discount (appropriate to membership level) on purchases at any of our sales locations, the recipient can look forward to receiving the quarterly Smokies Guide, the twice a year Bearpaw and Smokies Life magazine, plus a GSMA lapel pin and decal, and invitation to our annual membership weekend held in September. Our monthly Cub Report e-newsletter is also an added benefit. It contains interesting videos, quizzes, monthly hike and program offerings, products, and updated park information.
Please consider jingling some bells and throwing a gift membership into Santa's sleigh for that special someone in your life! You can order by phone at 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254. And just think... no shopping, no wrapping, no mailing!
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Park Visitation Up
Great Smoky Mountains National Park recorded 963,317 visitors during September 2012. This is a 9.2% increase in visitation as compared with September 2011.
Visitation numbers during September 2012 at all the Park's three major entrances showed increases over September 2011 as follows:
Gatlinburg: up 7.8%
Townsend: up 4.5%
Cherokee: up 5.3%
The total entrances at the 14 outlying areas were also up 17.4% difference over September 2011.
2012 year-to-date visitation is up by 8.9%, which works out to 602,299 more people than during the same time last year.
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Answers to Last Month's Quiz on Hiking in the Smokies
1. Which trail(s) in the Smokies abut(s) or has direct access to the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center? a. Big Fork / Caldwell Fork b. Hemphill Bald c. McKee Branch/Cataloochee Divide d. Boogerman Trail e. Pretty Hollow Gap /Little Cataloochee
2. Which trail takes you to Andrews Bald? a. Forney Creek b. Jonas Creek c. Springhouse Branch d. Forney Ridge e. Appalachian Trail
3. According to the schematic in the "Hiking Trails of the Smokies" book, how many creek crossings are there on the Eagle Creek Trail? a. 16 b. 19 c. 17 d. 18 e. 20
4. Which trail has the remnants of the Nichols-Shephard #4246 steam engine in a creek bed? a. Porters Creek b. Baskin Creek c. Brushy Mountain d. Old Settlers e. Grapeyard Ridge
5. Which trail has direct access to the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club Cabin & the Messer Cantilever Barn? a. Ramsey Cascade b. Porters Creek c. Grapeyard Ridge d. Trillium Gap e. The Boulevard Trail
6. Which of these items below is NOT a necessary item for a hike? a. Sturdy hiking boots b. Water c. I-Pod d. First aid kit e. Layers of clothing that have the wicking feature
7. On what two trails are you allowed to take dogs along with you? a. Old Sugarlands/Twin Creeks b. Oconaluftee River/Gatlinburg Trail c. Tow String/Newton Bald d. Thomas Divide/Kanati Fork e. Appalachian Trail/Laurel Falls
8. Which trail takes you to the most historic structure in the park, the Hall Cabin, which is on the National Register of Historic Places? a. Jenkins Ridge b. Hazel Creek c. Cold Springs Gap d. Welch Ridge e. Bone Valley
9. On which trail is "Rocky Top" located? a. Bote Mountain b. Miry Ridge c. The Appalachian Trail d. Jenkins Ridge e. Greenbrier Ridge
10. How many three-sided trail shelters are located in the Smokies? a. 15 b. 14 c.13 d.16 e. 17
11. Which trail has a memorial to Horace Kephart that was placed by a Boy Scout Troop? a. Indian Creek b. Springhouse Branch c. Noland Creek d. Deep Creek e. Sunkota Ridge
12. What is the highest mountain in the Smokies? a. Mt. Guyot b. Mt. LeConte c. Thunderhead Mountain d. Clingmans Dome e. Mt. Chapman
The winner of this quiz is Sharon McCarthy, North Carolina!!
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| Any Questions? | For questions about online purchases, click here and the Mail Order department 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. |
Join
Us! | Become a member of Great Smoky Mountains Association today. You'll receive discounts at our park stores of up to 25% and receive premiums like Smokies Life magazine and the Bearpaw newsletter. Most importantly, you'll be helping protect nature and history in the Smokies. |
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