A FREE Daily Visitor Guide for the North Carolina Mountains and 50+ NC Mountain Cities: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Open Again!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Open Again!

The National Parks and their facilities
in the NC mountains have re-opened.

Estimated losses in NC and TN resulting from the pointless shut-down are 33 million dollars, based on a Western Carolina University study. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is believed to be the biggest looser among the country's popular destination with more than $12 million in lost wages for workers, $1.8 million in lost state taxes and $1 million in lost local taxes.

There has never been a better time to visit the mountain Parks. Fall leaf color will reach it peaks in the next couple of weeks, the weather is still warm during the days and cool at night. The Parks need your support from both visits and donations.

The Great Smoky Muntains National Park offers a Hike to Celebrate the re-opening . On Thursday, October 17th hiking expert, author of several outdoor publications, GSMA board member and Friend of the Smokies volunteer Danny Bernstein will lead this 7-mile out and back hike. The hike is moderate in difficulty with a total ascent of 1,200 ft. and partially follows an old roadbed beside the creek. After the downhill return, participants can get an early jump on their holiday shopping at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

If you'd like to give Great Smoky Mountains National Park a big welcome home present, The Friends of the Smokies invite you to join or renew your membership. If you'd like to help spruce up the place, you can give to Trails Forever. You may also like to remember or honor a friend or relative with a donation in their name. CLICK HERE for more information.

October 18 and 19 Toast to the Park's reopening with Nantahala Brewing Company's 2013 debut party for Trail Magic Ale.

Get additional information and links for all the North Carolina Parks - National, State and local HERE.

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