Smoky Mountains

Archive for April, 2009

While visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park many people choose to hike as a way to explore the areas. For some their excursions on trails in the Smoky Mountains are the first hikes and for others it’s the hundredth time. Even for the most skilled hiker there are always safety precautions that should be taken. Below are a few steps everyone should take when planning a hiking trip.

-Always have another person with you.
-Let someone know what trails you plan to take and when you plan to arrive back.
-Know how to read a map and make this a necessity for you to have on your hiking trip.
-Dress accordingly. Wear comfortable clothing such as loose clothing and appropriate footwear (sneakers or boots).
-Be prepared for weather. Check the weather forecast to see what the conditions will be on the day of your hike.
-Pack a light lunch for an extended hike with snacks and bring plenty of water.
-Make sure you have a first aid kit handy. You never know when you will need one.
-Don’t try to hike a trail that you are not fit for or have the skills to hike.
-Keep your party together.
-Do not provoke any animals you come into contact with on the trail.
-Do not drink water from streams without boiling it first. Bacteria lives in water and can cause serious health issues long after you have hiked.

The Smoky Mountains are home to many different kinds of wildlife. Bears live in the wild and even though it is rare that an attack will occur you must not provoke these animals. Their behavior is unpredictable and if it feels threatened they will attack. If a bear attacks serious injury and even death can occur. Snakes also can be seen along the trails. There are two species of snakes that call the Smoky Mountains home, the northern copperhead and timber rattlesnake. Be cautious where you walk, lay, sit, touch, step, etc. Their bites are deadly. Although no fatalities from snakebites have been reported in the area it can still happen. There are also many insects in the area. Be sure to have insect repellent and avoid perfume, powders, scented deodorants, hairspray, etc. that might attract these insects. Swelling can occur if one is stung and in others severe allergic reactions occur so be sure you travel with epinephrine kits.

Even the most experienced hiker is subject to mishaps associated with lack of preparation and attention. You want your trip to be memorable and we want you to visit us again. Make sure you are cautious on your hike.

Summer is near and bears are out on the prowl again. Here are few things to remember about the bears of the Smoky Mountains.

The Smoky Mountains are known for beautiful views, great shopping, fine dining, fun attractions and bears! If you are planning a trip to visit the Great Smoky Mountains then there are a few things to remember. The bears in the area are beautiful to look at and even more exciting to see but bear safety is always an important thing to remember when visiting the area.

Most visitors to the area do not realize how important a few simple guidelines can be when visiting areas in and around the Smoky Mountains. Nothing is better than seeing a bear in its natural surroundings but you must remember that even though bear attacks on humans are rare, on occasion they do occur.

When you see a bear in the wild take note to be extra precautions and always remember that you are in their land. From a distance bears are a sight to behold but there should always be a safe distance between yourself and the bear. Do not ever approach a bear because the closer you get the more its behavior will change. Bears need plenty of space and they do not like to feel intimidated so if it stops eating, changes the direction in which it is going or stops to watch you then that is a sure sign you need to back away.

Sometimes even getting too close to a bear can turn a bear from a beautiful animal to admire to an aggressive animal that you will regret getting around. How do you know when a bear is becoming aggressive? Well, look for these behaviors. Bad and aggressive behaviors include swatting the ground, running towards you or even making loud noises. Never run away from a bear and never turn your back on the bear. Back away slowly because when you start to decrease the distance between you and the bear, the bear will do the same. Backing away lets the bear know you are not there to hurt him. If the bear is following you, try to change your direction. If this move does not help try to talk loudly or shout at the bear. If you are with other people make the group look large and space out.

Another good thing to remember is that leaving food out for a bear will only cause more problems for you. Most injuries made to humans are minor and are only because a bear is wanting food. Remember to separate yourself from the bear and the food. If a bear attack does appear to be happening to you then fight back very aggressively. Fight the bear off with anything you have in your presence.

Bear safety in the Smoky Mountains is very important. Keep a watch on the bear and always stay at a safe distance. Bears can be as friendly, or as aggressive, as they need to be and always remember that you are on their land so they already feel intimidated by you.