Clingmans Dome vista. Image by Jeaneane Payne.

KNOXVILLE – Hikers have an opportunity to view vistas from the highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome, on the September Classic Hike of the Smokies. Led by hiking guide and author Danny Bernstein, this Friends of the Smokies hike will take place on Tuesday, September 9th. Hikers will also enjoy the fruits of the Smokies Trails Forever program as they walk above the clouds along the reconstructed Forney Ridge Trail.

The hike is 7.2 miles in length with a total elevation gain of 1,600 feet and is moderately difficult. The hike will begin on the Appalachian Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail up to Clingmans Dome and continue along the improved Forney Ridge Trail out to Andrews Bald.

As participants hike along Forney Ridge Trail, they will experience how donations made to Friends of the Smokies benefit hiking trails in the park through the Trails Forever program. Major technical trail improvements include rebuilt stairs, redirected water flow off of the trail, and increased general walkability to promote a safe pathway for hikers to enjoy for generations to come. The Trails Forever crew is currently nearing completion of a major overhaul of GSMNP Chimney Tops Trail.

Hikers will also enjoy 360-degree views from Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee and the highest point on the Appalachian Trail. The hike will conclude with a stop at the Clingmans Dome Information Center, which has the distinction of being the highest park store east of the Mississippi.

Bernstein has been a committed hiker for over 40 years, completing the Appalachian Trail, all the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the South beyond 6000, many other hiking challenges, and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. He has written two hiking guides, Hiking the Carolina Mountains (2007) and Hiking North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains (2009) published by Milestone Press and blogs at www.hikertohiker.com. “My motto,” says Bernstein, is ‘No place is too far to walk if you have the time.’ I plan to die with my boots on.” His books can be purchased on Amazon.com Here.

Classic Hikes of the Smokies are $10 for current members and $35 for non-members who will receive a one-year membership. Members who bring a friend hike for free. All registration donations benefit the Smokies Trails Forever program.

Carpools from Asheville, Maggie Valley, and Gatlinburg will be available. Times and locations will be provided upon registration.

To register for this or any upcoming Classic Hike of the Smokies, contact AnnaLee@friendsofthesmokies.org or call 828-452-0720. For a complete listing of Friends’ monthly Classic Hikes of the Smokies, visit friendsofthesmokies.org/hikes.html. Information about support for trail improvements specifically in GSMNP may be found at smokiestrailsforever.org.