Steep slopes going up or coming down can be a real hazard for volunteers. Out in the woods and mountains, falling rocks, limbs, etc. Swollen streams from heavy rains can be a danger, even fatal.

This is only touching the surface of danger zones to watch for.

If you’re a nature lover in all weather conditions and feel this is something you’d like to do, here’s how. ( get complete and full details ) 

You can write or fax to the following for a form to fill out. You can be set up for volunteer hours and signing up for Orientation, training, field days, or to be added to mail list:

Discover Life in America
Twin Creeks Natural Resource Center
1314 Cherokee Orchard Rd.
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Fax: 865-436-3293

Moth can be destructive to trees and leaves as well as plants. This is only one of the reasons out of several that they are captured and studied through the science community minded people for a solution.

One last thought before I suggest going to your computer and look up  “Discover Life In America”  for a complete info guide on all they’re doing:

Winter Moth is only one study on the aggenda. There are many more such as Beetles, etc.

Hope you’ve found Smoky Mountains Winter Moth informative and helpful. Maybe it will lead to the fun and pleasure of yet another reason to become a lover of nature, at any park or nature site where ever you live.

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Winter Baiting Of Moth - Here is some fairly unknown information among many people. It’s quite interesting and educational, perhaps you’ll be fascinated. I was!

It’s simply a method of trying to obtain moths. Especially females during the active months from January to March.  Using a spread on trees which is sweet and sticky.

Here are some rules that must be followed to be a part of this “science team.”

Do not go near visitor areas. Stay at least one half mile from picnic and campground area, headquarters, etc. At least 10 meters off marked trails. Only use bait if and when necessary.

Also, you must stop immediately if bears or wildlife is close by.

Smoky Mountains Winter Moth safety factors for yourself and others:

Drinking Water
Getting off trail hazards
Stream crossing dangers
Poisonous Plants
Poisonous Snakes
Poisonous Spiders
Bear Area Safety
insect bites or stings
Dangers of exposure to cold, heat, or lightning

If you would like to be a part of this team, it is stressed to wear above ankle sturdy boots. Loose rocks and slippery conditions seem to increase when following too closely, probably 10 feet spaces apart are better.

Smoky Mountains Winter Moth activity advises you to avoid stepping on wet logs. Fresh fallen leaves in the fall can hide them, so being careful is highly stressed. ( Continued - part two )

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You will go some 3000 feet higher if coming from Gatlinburg Tennessee or Cherokee North Carolina. This climb will take you through Oak and Pine as well as hardwood forest. Finally getting to the Gap and its Evergreen Spruce - Fir forest setting off their fragrance.

According to history, a man by the name of Arnold Henry Guyot in 1872 discovered that Newfound Gap was the lowest pass through the Smokies. Before people had thought that Indian Gap was the lowest. He was a Swiss geographer who measured many elevations.

He used a barometer to measure air pressure changes to arrive at the mountains height and accordingly did a fairly good job only being 2-3 percent off. The second highest peak in Smoky Mountain was named Mount Guyot after him.

When he discovered the easier, lower crossing it became known as Newfound Gap. It became a forerunner of the road, Newfound Gap, a new road thereby beng built. The old road located about 1.5 miles west of the current area, crossing at Indian Gap over the Smokies.

From Cherokee, Newfound Gap is only 18 miles and from Gatlinburg only 16.

Newfound Gap is naturally much cooler than the lower lands surrounding it. It’s close to one mile high getting lots more snow, the temperatures being as much as 10-15 degrees greater. In fact they average in snow about 69 inches, but it may be rain in Cherokee or Gatlinburg.

One last important note:

Newfound Gap. Many people use Clingmans Dome Road,which is close by for skiing and walking but remember that it closes from December through March.

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Many take this time of year serious by hiking up Clingman’s Dome Rd. or the Appalachian Trail but here’s a warning for you:

The temperatures up near the top can be 15 degrees cooler. Even more, than down around Cherokee NC or the Gatlinburg Tn. area. Dress for these changing conditions and always remember that the winds can become blizzard style quickly at certain times.

There is an observation tower on the mountain top which actually was built way back in 1959. It borders the stateline, plus it is wheelchair accessible so the handicapped can enjoy. Stretching some 54 feet above the trees to let you view an awesome 360 degrees of surrounding mountains and landscape.

History Facts of Clingman’s Dome. In the Smoky Mountains National Park, it is the highest point at 6,600 plus feet. It’s Tennessee’s highest point, and of the Appalachian Trail which runs 2100 miles. Mount Mitchell NC at 6684 is the highest east of Mississippi River.

It’s the most popular with the most visits of any highpoint in USA. Once you visit there’s no question why. The first time you arrive it’ll hold you spell bound. No matter how many times you return the magic only grows on you. It’s that grand!

The peak is divided at the state line of North Carolina and Tennessee. The top is only 20 miles from the very popular Gatlinburg Tn. Whether it is cross country skiing, hiking, even riding a bike when weather permits, the winter is so lovely here.

You may want to follow the trail by hiking or biking as it is paved with a gain of 400 feet by the time you reach the summit. The parking area has nearby water fountains and restrooms near Newfound Gap.

Take your camera or small camcorder for Clingman’s Dome has some of the most dazzling view. It will absolutely take your breath away.

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In case you don’t know the history, briefly in a nutshell here it is. In the late 1830’s the government told the Cherokee Indians they must leave and resettle in Oklahoma and this was called the heart breaking “Trail of Tears” as they marched away, leaving behind all they loved and cherished.

But as I mentioned earlier, there were some Cherokee Indian leaders like Tsali who fought against leaving, and although they were killed, it ended up with their families being allowed to stay.

For more information you can call 800-438-1601 or you can send them email to their website for pricing and the best time to come, etc. This is indeed an experience you don’t want to miss.

( Directions ) 40 Exit 27. US 74 W. To Us 441 N. To US 19 S. Hotel 100Yards.

Phone number to call for more info is 800-438-1601.

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The word Cherokee itself meaning “people of a different speech” says much for these talented people who set the pace for themselves from many generations back. They want to be different and follow the traditions of their kin centuries before.

Unlike many today, they know where they’re going and where they came from. They excel in quality work and have abilities many envy.

The Oconaluftee Indian Village proves their idenity as it takes you back several hundred years into the past. At the entering of the Cherokee Museum is a hand carved statue made of redwood, some 20 feet high of the inventor of the Cherokee Alphabet by the name of Sequoyah.

It took about 4 months to carve and was done by a Hungarian sculptor, Peter Wolf Toth. The Museum has many artifacts going back many years which holds great value in the sense that they were actually used by the Cherokee Indians. These are extremely interesting and a lover of these types of artifacts could spend many hours here.

Location of the Cherokee Reservation is off Highway 441 and 19 in North Carolina’s western section. The Eastern Band has almost 12,000 population with 56,572 acres right next to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. They live on what is called the Qualla Boundary.

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One thing  discovered in the vast landscape was all the great places to eat and great foods for all ages and some of the prices were hard to beat. There is places in Gatlinburg you can go and eat home style cooking, and it really does taste like your favorites at home.

One such place is the Applewood Farm House Restaurant located on 1151 Parkway in Gatlinburg Tn. ( 865.436.4699 ) Here’s a taste of what you can enjoy:

With a ” down home ” country feel, you’ll be welcomed with smiles and friendly faces. They’ll treat you to a big dish of Hot Apple Fritters, fresh out of oven. Delicious Cinnamon Apple Butter tasting so good. A drink made from lemon Juice, orange, apple and pineapple called apple julep. Very cold and good.

This is only a start! You can get all kinds of great food including Chicken Dumplings in which you’re sure to be tempted to ask for seconds. Although they give you large portions and you couldn’t eat anymore anyway.  I was impressed with the reasonable prices.

I’ll mention that everyone will enjoy watching the Finches in their cages as they perform their antics.

There are also the ever popular Pancake Houses, several here in fact. You’ll love eating breakfast there. They’re all good, with satisfying service and menu’s.

Along with the food is the motels. It takes a while to cover Gatlinburg Tn and it cannot be accomplished in just one day. You’ll need a place to stay that’s comfortable both for you and your wallet and lovely sights so why not have the best of both? With over 11,000 Hotels around you can’t go wrong.

Talking about Gatlinburg food, the Greystone Lodge is only a jump from Ripley’s Aquarium and close to downtown . It has a heated outdoor pool, and continental breakfast and luxury size suites. This is only one of many great places to stay.

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“Smoky Mountains Photo Courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com” -  http://smokyphotos.com

Imagine, if you can, going back into years gone by.

Gorges, fertile valleys and mountains with lots of trees make up the Smokies in Western North Carolina. Within this protected area, the scenery is almost untouched. Plants and flowers add to the beautiful array of many thousands of acreas.

Bear, deer, and elk make up only a few of the vast animal kingdom protected against the destruction of men. Now picture you and your family spending days or weeks here, camping, hiking, and riding aboard the train, drinking in all this beauty.

Here’s a link to your directions and maps.

With a presidental suite to stay in and delicious  mountain food right next the depot. Here is a link to the rates and schedules .

You can have not only a unforgettable train ride on the railroad train of the great smoky mountains  ( Nantahala Gorge Excursion  )  but can even take a thrilling ride on a raft in the whitewaters  ( Nantahala River )  as the river speeds you along. This is a wonderful trip for the whole family to enjoy.

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See Reagan Terrace Attractions with the very popular “Camp Thunder” which come together with a indoor course plus 2 outdoor courses. With a brand new black light course so now you’ll have an awesome 4 mini golf courses to play.

Opens at 10:00 am and here’s something to get excited about dad and mom. You can save money for even more variety by buying tickets at one low price so you can do it all. Call for info and directions if needed to:

Gatlinburg Tennessee. 877-430-8680 for group pricing / 865.436.2326 Fort Fun / 865.430.7223 for Fort Thunder / 865.430.8985 Venturer Motion Rides / 865-430-4653 for the Old Gatlinburg Golf/Games  

Fort Fun has gem mining | Laser Tag movie theater | Bumper Car | Mini Golf course just to name a few things.

Camp Thunder has several great adventure movies | Golf indoors(miniature-18 holes) | Indoor slick track Go-Karts that you’ll love.

Motion Ride like nothing you’ve ever seen. As you move so does the screen. You’ll want to do this again and again.

All the family will enjoy the “glow in the dark” old Gatlinburg Mini Golf played inside. If you buy the tickets for one low price you can come back another day and do it all again “free.” Just a small sample of so much to do with your family and friends, all at Gatlinburg Tennessee.

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Directions: Coming from Ashville NC on West I-40. Follow to exit 27 which will say Maggie Valley. Get off and go South 19 (right) following signs leading you to area.

If you’re coming opposite direction like from Knoxville Tennessee you’ll be coming I-40 East to exit 20 taking South 276 following to South US 19 (right) and follow road signs.

Coming from South like from Atlanta follow US 441 to US 23 to city of Waynesville and exit off onto 102B which is North 276. Follow to South 19 (left) and follow signs. Call these numbers for info-800.768.0285 or 828.926.0285.

Cataloochee Ski location is off US 19 about 4 miles and I-40 accessable.

Snow Tubing is very popular, and you’ll find many different ages having the time of their life. You’ll want to check to make sure of the dates and time as they’re subject to change. You can go online to get all information.

Some rules apply such as: 42 inch minimum height required and the only equipment allowed is Tube World. No outside sleds, tubes or other sliding equipment is allowed in tube park. Only one person tubing allowed.

Maggie Valley NC cost is $20.00 per ticket each session. For those who do not meet the 42 inch height requirement can go to the Wee Bowl Snowplay Area for a $5.00 cost per session. It is well worth the cost for all the fun you’ll have.

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