Hi Everyone,

I mentioned to Mark about some "out of car experiences" at the Dragon. I know everyone loves to drive around the area, but the national park area up there is awesome! So I would like to propose some hiking. When my husband and I were up their over New Years we found a great 3 mile hike that ANYONE can handle. It is an old road that starts across the dam and comes out on Hwy 29 (?) It is very gradual, no steep parts, not very rough. There is a very interesting cemetary along the road up a short, steep hill. The graves date all the way back to the Civil War. I am a history teachers, so a free lecture about the history of Fontana Dam and the surround area, would be free of charge. Along the road is some old homestead we can check out. During our hike we found very fresh wild boar tracks, very fresh. And saw two huge, red crested woodpeckers. So,,,,, anyone interested?? Mark said if people were he could get it listed on the schedule of events. Let me know. Thanks, Morgan

 

I'm always ready for some hiking! Count me in.

 

Count me in. I was hoping to get some boot time while I was down there.

Patt

 

You can see a trail map of the entire park here. The trails are practically limitless!

 

I'm interested, but I'm going to hold back on committing until I see the event schedule. :-) I'm also thinking about bringing my mountain bike (different thread). I'm sure there will be time for both, however. We can't drive *all* the time (or _can_ we....?).

 

I'm with blalor. Schedule is all.

 

You gear heads go right ahead. :-) Sure, a nice drive here and there is everything, but I don't wish to spend 4 solid days in my Cooper. My husband on the other hand, "some one pass me the pry bar......." Packing my camera is always as critical as the beer cooler! For folks wanting some nature time, I am always open for suggestions. The horse stables up there are nice too. Morgan

 

I'd be up for hiking, it just depends on when/weather the day we plan to go!

 

yes!!!! great idea!!!! My husband love cars, but I love hiking. Count me in!!!

 

I'm considering a multi-day (Tuesday-Thursday) backpacking trip carrying a tent.

 

That 3 mile hike sounds lke it would be great.

 

Me too! I'm leaving Boston on Friday night, and hoping to be at a trailhead in the Smokies on Sunday morning. Planning on four days-ish... I don't have a cabin at Fontana until Thursday. There are a number of shelters in the Smokies, especially along the AT, but I'll be bringing a lightweight single-person tent just in case. The trail network is just overwhelming, so I haven't decided on a route yet.

 

I'd be interested in hiking - depending on timing and weather. Sounds like fun!

 

Sounds like fun to me too. Are you sure the trail is not to tuff? I love nature but why walk when you have Mini? That said, when I do walk my legs (and every other part of my body) tell me about it! The history lesson would be a plus too!

 

This trail is not bad at all, by far one of the easiest in the area! I am thinking early morning or late afternoon, thats best time to see the wildlife. Or in the middle of the afternoon, usually at the Dragon the afternoons say after lunch is a good down time, "drives" have come back, and got couple of hours till dinner starts. What do you guys thinK? I can't get their earlier than Thursday, I teach school and like have to take off Thurs & Fri as it is :-( NO Fair! Morgan

 

After lunch sounds great. Then we can hike off all the food! Most folks will want to sleep in anyway.

I am also looking forward to the free history lesson.

 

Depending on what day and time, I'm in! Most of the hiking I do is about 9 miles or more, so if anyone's looking for something a bit more strenuous, I'll be around until the Thurs after as well.

 

After lunch sounds good to me and the wife. Let me know what day.

 

Was there ever a day picked? Did I miss it?

 

How does Friday (morning) sound? Saturday is the scenic drive, autocross, etc.

 

Sunday is the only day I have definite plans. I did not know if I needed to sign up here and now or if it would be something that is signed up for once there.

 

I'm in if it's on Friday.

 

My girlfriend and I will be there Thursday evening and would love to do some hiking. Any campgrounds nearby? We'd like to camp in the Smokies. Much better than here in Florida.

 

Thursday or Friday. Count us in. Stephany & Michael

 

Hi everyone,

Sorry, I am a school teacher and life has been crazy lately!!!! How about hiking Friday and Saturday afternoons at 2:00 pm. Lets meet at the Fontana Rec. Center on the porch. I will make a dazing sign to hang around my neck! I am coming up Thursday and have promised to help Mark with handing out registration packs so I should be around that area. "Cooperation" has made me my own custom Honda Element ID badge ( I feel so special, I use to ride the short bus to school). My folks are driving my Red/Black Honda Element up, but don't hesistate to ask them where I am. I will be carrying a short wave radio on Ch 7 sub channel 21. How about Friday we go to the cemetary hike which is really cool and then those who want to go again Saturday we can look at the map and decide. Remember I wouldn't mind going rafting one of those days or horse back riding was alot of fun last year! Anyone got some suggestions? Morgan :-)