Is it possible to be scared out of your wits and profoundly grateful at the same time? Those competing emotions are racing through my brain, although at the moment “scared out of my wits” is out to a commanding lead. It’s nearly dawn, and in two hours I’m supposed to be hoisting my backpack onto my shoulders and setting off on a 14-mile hike to a...
Learn MoreA few years ago, the University of Tennessee and the U.S. Forest Service surveyed public opinion about recreational uses of the Cherokee National Forest. Their research found the most popular recreational uses of the forest are driving for pleasure, viewing and photographing wildlife, fish or scenery, picnicking, day hiking and visiting primitive areas. Strong support was...
Learn MoreThe Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) will reopen the Adirondak Loj and Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake and the Johns Brook Lodge on Thursday, Sept. 8. The reopening of the lodges and campground coincides with the reopening of a number of hiking trails in Adirondack backcountry. While Tropical Storm Irene left ADK’s north country properties largely unscathed, access...
Learn MoreWilderness Rangers Have Work Cut Out For Them in the backcountry. Hiking the backcountry in a national forest you expect to find mosquitoes, spot wildlife, discover a cache of mushrooms and see fellow hikers. If you are lucky you will encounter a wilderness ranger. The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest wilderness rangers patrol and maintain trails, lakes, campsites and...
Learn MoreManagers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park are considering some changes in the process by which backpackers make reservations for overnight camping at the Park’s nearly 100 backcountry sites and shelters. The proposed changes, which would update the reservation procedure as well as increasing Ranger presence on the Park’s 800 miles of trails, would be covered by...
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I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, publisher of Meanderthals, and a passionate hiker. I live in western NC near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are just out my doorstep, so the content will focus on these areas, but let me know what you would like to see on the site. 
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