GABES MOUNTAIN BACKPACK WITH OVERNIGHT
BACKCOUNTRY STAY
Backpack through an old growth forest, past ruins of early sites and the popular Hen Wallow Falls in the eastern Cosby region of the Park, and camp at a primitive site. This eight-mile easy-to-moderate hike is on a good trail passing through diverse foliage and stands of impressive buckeyes, poplars, and silverbells. It provides novices an opportunity to learn from seasoned backpackers and the more experienced a chance to add to their knowledge of natural history. Participants will provide their own gear and meals. Register early, as space is limited to six participants. Instructors: Joel and Kathy Zachry, both M.S., are your husband and wife leaders with more than 50 combined years of backcountry identification and hiking experience. They have led Field School sessions since the early 1980s and completed section hiking the 2,175 miles of the Appalachian Trail in 2005.
Register now: COURSE #09FA911
Fee: $98*
Fri. & Sat., September 18 & 19
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Meet at Cosby parking lot beneath entrance station at 10:00 a.m., Fri.)
*Registration fee is nonrefundable.

BACKPACKING WITH CONFIDENCE
Whether you’re a novice backpacker, want more confidence while in the backcountry, or just want to get out and greet the extraordinary Smoky Mountain springtime, this class is for you. Learning the basics of backpacking (from how to get safe drinking water and storing your food, to setting up camp) will help you cope with whatever challenges you may encounter and make any adventure safe and enjoyable. You will gain the confidence and know-how to care for yourself and the backcountry. We’ll also discuss wildlife that might be encountered to help you become more familiar and comfortable. We’ll enjoy both natural and cultural history aspects of the Smokies along the Porter’s Creek Trail. This moderate trail (7.4 miles roundtrip) is well known for its high diversity and abundance of spring wildflowers. Meals and some gear are to be provided by each participant. Instructor: Liz Domingue, M.S., wildlife and conservation biology, is a naturalist, educator, photographer, and writer. Through photography, observation, and research, Domingue has studied wildlife, plants, and the natural world throughout the United States and abroad.
This course is no longer available. Please select another course.
Fee: $98*
Sat. and Sun., May 9 & 10
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Meet at Greenbrier Picnic pavilion, 9:00 a.m., Sat.)
*Registration fee is nonrefundable.

MT. LeCONTE HIKE AND OVERNIGHT IN THE LODGE
Since its establishment in the 1920s, LeConte Lodge has been a rustic attraction for hikers. At an elevation of 6,593 feet, it is the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States. The mountaintop serves as a grandstand for the whole Park, and the pleasures of a visit to the lodge can include breathtaking sunsets from Cliff Top, clear night skies for stargazing, and spectacular sunrises from Myrtle Point. The true charm of LeConte Lodge is in the friendly spirit of the people who come here—people who find relaxation and renewed energy in the cool, majestic solitude at the top of the Smokies. This is a strenuous hike. The trails are steep and rocky and range from five to eight miles each way. You need to be in good physical condition ready for a rigorous climb. We suggest you sign up with an old friend, or be prepared to bunk with a new one! Instructors: Charles W. Maynard and David E. Morris are experienced hikers, stargazers, and storytellers. They are co-authors of Time Well Spent: Family Hiking in the Smokies and Waterfalls & Cascades of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Spring Hike
The wildflower show on the Trillium Gap Trail ascent should be near its peak. The return down Bull Head Trail is one of the most beautiful in the Park, both for flowers and long-range viewing. Note: The trails are steep and rocky and range from five to eight miles each way. You need to be in good physical condition ready for a rigorous climb.
This course is no longer available. Please select another course.
Fee: $155*
Sat. and Sun., May 2 & 3
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Meet at Rainbow Falls Trail parking lot on Cherokee Orchard Road, 9:00 a.m., Sat.)
*Registration fee is nonrefundable.

Summer Hike
The high-altitude pink catawba rhododendron should be in full bloom, and the trail covered with blossoms. We will go up the Appalachian and Boulevard Trails and descend via the Alum Cave Trail. Note: The trails are steep and rocky and range from five to eight miles each way. You need to be in good physical condition ready for a rigorous climb.
Register now: COURSE #09SU856
Fee: $155*
Sat. and Sun., June 20 & 21
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Meet at Alum Cave Trail parking lot on Newfound Gap Road, 9:00 a.m., Sat.)
*Registration fee is nonrefundable.

Fall Hike
We will go up via Rainbow Falls Trail and descend via Bull Head Trail. The brilliant fall foliage will be at its best, laid out in panoramic vistas. Note: The trails are steep and rocky and range from five to eight miles each way. You need to be in good physical condition ready for a rigorous climb.
Register now: COURSE #09FA857
Fee: $155*
Sat. and Sun., Oct. 31 & Nov. 1
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Meet at Rainbow Falls Trail parking lot on Cherokee Orchard Road, 9:00 a.m., Sat.)
*Registration fee is nonrefundable.

CHARIT CREEK HIKE AND OVERNIGHT IN THE LODGE
Discover the beauty of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on the Tennessee/Kentucky border. On this moderate seven-mile hike, your experienced naturalist guides will point out and discuss local landscape features; fall flowers and trees; and identify animal signs along the way. With time to explore the Arches, a wooden staircase makes for an easy climb to an overlook for a 360-degree view of the Big South fork area. The lodge, lying in a beautiful pasture framed by magnificent bluffs, is accessible only by horseback or on foot. For a peaceful, rustic experience, facilities are equipped with kerosene lamps and wood stoves. The lodge offers congenial accommodations and hearty meals. Space is limited, so sign up as a family or with an old friend! Instructors: Joel and Kathy Zachry, both M.S., are your husband and wife leaders with more than 50 combined years of backcountry identification and hiking experience and have led Field School sessions since the early 1980s.
Register now: COURSE #09FA908
Fee: $115*
Sat. and Sun., Oct. 17 & 18
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
(Meet at Bandy Creek Visitor Center, 10:00 a.m., Sat.)
*Registration fee is nonrefundable.

This apple denotes Knox County Teacher Center approval for in-service credit.

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