Park Officials Prepare For Hikers After Movie Release of “A Walk in the Woods”
Park officials prepare for an increase in hikers after the movie “A Walk in the Woods” is released. The movie stars Robert Redford and Nick Nolte as two old friends that hike the Appalachian Trail. The movie is an adventure/comedy/drama that comes out on September 2,2015. The Appalachian Trail is a 2190 mile trail from Maine to Georgia. Portions of the trail is located in the Great Smoky Mountains and officials for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are expecting a surge in the number of hikers that will want to hit the trails. But a concern of park officials is that inexperienced hikers will be unprepared for such an adventure.
Hiking Trail
Hiking the Appalachian Trail or trails in the back country of the national park is an adventure but one that all hikers need to be prepared for. Hikers should know park regulations, be familiar with back country rules and regulations, know of possible wildlife dangers/encounters before hiking the trails. Any overnight stays planned while hiking in the back county require permits and reservations. There are several general back country regulations such as a 3 night maxi,um stay, camp in designated camp grounds only, maximum party size regulations, camp fire restrictions, trash regulations, pet restrictions and many more regulations. Others concerns include safety issues for hikers; knowing the hazards and risks; bear safety; trail and facility closures; weather related issues and how to dress for changing conditions; having the proper equipment, supplies, maps and trail guides; and knowing about any park alerts.
The Great Smoky Mountains is a great place to hike and the movie just may result in a surge of adventure for many that see the movie and think what a great idea. But before you head for the trails and back country please do some reading and find out the Information you need to know before taking that old friend along for that hiking adventure!
“A Walk in the Woods” starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte…
