Alum Cave At-Home-Adventure With Friends of the Smokies!

Some Trails Are Opening Back Up! For Those Who Can\’t Make It In To Town, Here Is Another Option.

Even if you can\’t make a trip up to the Great Smoky Mountains for a breath of fresh air, there is a non-profit giving you the chance to take a hike virtually!

Alum Cave At-Home Adventure is a Virtual Fundraising Hike on one of Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s most iconic trails. Although the trail will look different for everyone, we\’re all going the distance together – 4.6 miles for a roundtrip hike to Alum Cave or 10 miles up to the top of Mount Le Conte and down via Alum Cave Trail. Find your own trail. It could be your yard, your neighborhood or a treadmill in your basement. If a hike isn\’t your thing, just choose the Park Bench option! Anyone can join us in solidarity to raise funds for Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the comfort and safety of your own home.Just yesterday the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just put out new information regarding road and trail openings. We\’ve included a full copy of the document below as well as a link to their website for further clarification.

Why Should You Participate?

Over the last few weeks, we\’ve become pros at staying home and practicing social distancing. As we take care of ourselves and each other, we hope you\’ll also help us take care of the Smokies. The park is closed for the safety of visitors and staff, but critical conservation projects still need funding. It\’s up to us to preserve the park for generations to come so we hope you\’ll join us.

Here\’s How It All Works!

1. Register at www.alumcaveathome.org to virtually hike 4.6 miles or 10 miles, or choose the Park Bench option, and personalize your fundraising page.

2. Ask your family, friends, and coworkers to support you by making a tax-deductible donation to Friends of the Smokies through your personal fundraising page.

3. You have until June 6, 2020 to fundraise and complete your virtual hike, then you will receive your hike swag, including a t-shirt and finishers medal, in the mail!**

If You Do Go Out There, Please Practice Safe Social Distancing On Trails

The NPS is asking that everyone use common sense and continue to follow CDC guidelines regarding social distancing while in the Park.

Complete List and PDF of All Trails That Are Open

Here is a complete list as well as a link to the PDF: https://www.mypigeonforge.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020.5.7_Media-Update_Park-Access-on-May-9.pdf?fbclid=IwAR25cI3cYcGXyR2PD1sSRKgN6P-VEXBgLtZPZD0W0vGqUlzze5T7ny6CimA

National Park Service Website

And Don\’t Miss Out on the Virtual Rocky Top Wine Trail!

If you want to learn more about our own Virtual Wine Trail, you can check it out here.  Order wine, complete the trail, and we\’ll send you a couple of wine glasses and a free gift at no charge!

Alum Cave Bluff – Courtesy Kristi Parsons and Friends of the Smokies