Off Wears Valley Rd (Hyw 321) and up Wear Cove Rd is a little known entrance into the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. If taken all the way in, it’ll bring you out at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area and to Little River Rd.
But, before you get all the way to Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area is the Metcalf Bottoms Trailhead. This is one of the ways to Little Greenbrier School.
When the residents of Little Greenbrier asked Sevier County for a teacher, the county replied that if they would build a proper schoolhouse, the county would pay the teacher’s salary.
The land on which the school was built was donated by Gilbert Abbott, and the hewn Yellow Poplar logs were provided by Ephraim Ogle and built into a one room 20′ x 30′ building on a stone foundation. The Classes were held from 1882 – 1936 with 39 different teachers throughout.
When school wasn’t in session the building also served as a Primitive Baptist Church, which
established the cemetery you’ll see there.
During the summer a volunteer, dressed in period costume, brings the Little Greenbrier School to life. An easy day, this makes a great family activity and can show today’s youngsters how life was for early settlers to the area.
Tags: Family activity, Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Storms have always fascinated me…lightning especially. There is so much power and beauty, it humbles you. 
But “How does it work”? Atmospheric conditions must be just right, heat, moisture, particles of dust all come together to give us a majestic display.
If you Google lightning images you will find some amazing pics, which is kinda cool cause to catch lightning with a camera (can’t say on film anymore) one must set up with a tripod 
and special settings on your camera.
Wikipedia has the science info behind it…Fulmunology (ist) The science and those who study lightning. Probably the most famous fulmunologist…Ben Franklin, who incidentally is credited with inventing the Lightning Rod 
Since they have been keeping records in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, lightning strikes are, on average, thought to be responsible for two forest fires per year.
Their Wildland Fires policy states “Under the fire management plan, lightning-caused fires that do not threaten valuable property or human life are allowed to burn in some areas of the park if conditions are favorable. The purpose of this policy is to restore park ecosystems to a more natural condition which existed prior to European settlement of the region. From 1997 to 2000, approximately 1,000 acres burned under this policy.”
Though I love to watch lightning I always give it the respect that it is due…be safe!
Sometime spring of 2012 we will have a Blink Network Electric Vehicle Charging Station installed in our parking lot. We are working with Bob Harris, from the Black Bear Solar Institute to have the station installed to benefit the Appalachian Bear 
Rescue.
While electric/hybrid cars are not abundant…their popularity is growing as their prices come down and gas prices go up and as environmental questions are answered about electricity production and battery recycling. Auto producers take an active role in the environmental impact the batteries pose. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/toyota-starts-battery-recycling-business-2010-10-27
Bob has answered some questions for us…we’ll announce when the chargers are in and ready to use.
LR- How will the station work?
BBSI- Every new electric vehicle owner is mailed a Blink Network access card. If they chose to activate it, they can use that card to start the charging sequence at any Blink EV charger in the United States. Because the all-electric Nissan LEAF will soon be built entirely in Smyrna, Tennessee, our state was chosen to host several of the pilot installations of public charging stations in the US Department of Energy’s “The EV Project”. These will be part of a study to determine where, when and how often electric vehicles owners choose to charge their cars away from home.
LR- About how long will it take to charge a battery?
BBSI- The charging time varies with vehicle battery capacity and level of discharge. For example, the all-electric Nissan LEAF has a battery large enough to provide a range of about 100 miles on a full charge.
Most of the full charging cycles will take place overnight at the owner’s home. The use of public chargers is expected to be mainly for a range boost while parked for some other activity during the day, while shopping at Little River Trading Company or off on a Cycology-lead bike ride for example. If someone is coming from a longer distance away, that boost charge for an hour or two provides a little extra “range certainty” for the return trip home.
LR- How did the Appalachian Bear Rescue get associated with the charging station(s)?
BBSI- We’ve personally been supporters of Appalachian Bear Rescue for many years. In addition to our work with electric vehicles and renewable energy, Black Bear Solar Institute was founded to provide a source of ongoing income for the rescue, rehab and release back into the wild of orphaned or injured black bear cubs. EV drivers using the charging stations will pay a small hourly convenience fee to use the stations, and this revenue will go toward building a new facility for the cubs. Black Bear Solar Institute is currently searching for land in the Townsend area for this new facility.
LR- Where all are your stations located?
BBSI- Besides the two EV chargers which will be located at Little River Trading Company / CYCOLOGY BICYCLES, there are two already operating at the Clayton Events Center at Maryville College and two visible from the bike path in front of the Townsend Visitors Center, plus businesses in Townsend, Pigeon Forge, and Knoxville. We are also in discussion about sponsoring the installation of EV chargers at several Tennessee State Parks. Most of The EV Project charging stations are going into the larger cities in Tennessee. We’re working to bring EV charging to the Smoky Mountain area and make it possible for EV drivers from surrounding areas to come take advantage of the many activities available in Blount County and the Smokies.
LR- What other projects does Black Bear Solar Institute have in the works?
BBSI- We have a 62,000 Watt solar electric array ready for installation which will produce enough electricity to provide approximately $20,000 annually toward running the black bear rescue facility. Sponsorship by businesses or individuals of one or more of the 264 solar modules in that array will help fund construction of the new home for the cubs.
One of my first trips paddling in my sea kayak was down Calderwood Lake. Calderwood is below Fontana, and Cheoah Lakes on the border of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. These lakes along with Chilhowee were formed when the Little Tennessee was dammed. Steep valley walls and mountain access roads mean that water traffic, on these lakes, is not what you might expect.
Calderwood Lake boat ramp is in great shape and easy to get to. Once you’re in the water down river left is 
Slickrock Creek. There is a backcountry trail here too, Slickrock Creek Trail, this is a popular backcountry hike that is considered strenuous but a beautiful area to see. There are several campsites on the creek.
Farther down river right is the tunnel on Calderwood. I first heard about this tunnel from a Customer. In my mind I pictured…probably the same thing you are right now, a long dark dangerous place. The paddle through the tunnel is less than 50 feet and I felt in no danger while paddling through.
You should always check the TVA website for release schedules
so you can be informed before you set out. The height of the mouths of the tunnel change with the reservoir release.
Paddling this lake is one of the reasons I love kayaking.
Named for the abundance of elk originally found in this area Elkmont, in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, is probably best known for it’s front country campground. Many day/overnight hikers access popular trails from here
(Jakes Creek, Little River and other connectors) as well. Even entomologists, across the globe, have heard of Elkmont due to the synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) that exhibit themselves for about two weeks each June.
One of the newest developments of this area is the decision by the GSMNP, to preserve the area by leaving 18 of the cabins which are dangerous and off limits to the public, a substantial fine will be levied for entering them. And as reported by WBIR, the Appalachian Clubhouse, originally built in 1934, will be renovated and available to rent.
Whatever your reason for visiting this historic district, when you see remnants from a bygone era you won’t be able to help feeling a visceral connection to the area, it’s people and be glad it’ll be around for your kids to enjoy too.
Rock climbing is an extremely gratifying but dangerous sport. As you get better/stronger you climb more difficult routes. Unlike other sports, if you miss you don’t just strike out, drop the ball, or miss the basket, you fall…hard.
Rick Bost is a local rock climber, former rep for the Access Fund, East Tenn Climbers Coalition (ETCC). We have partnered with Rick on many clean up events and fund raisers. I caught up with Rick as he was headed to his next climbing trip.
LRTC – What/when got you started climbing?
RB – I started climbing in 1997. After working on a big project at work, I needed a release. I went to the gym learned a few things met a bunch of great friends and have been hooked ever since.
LRTC- Where do you climb?
RB – I started climbing at the Obed in TN and still love climbing there however, mostly I climb at the
Red River Gorge in Kentucky. It’s only about 3 hours away and has almost 2500
routes.
LRTC – What’s the most exotic local where you have climbed?
RB - I am typing this on the airplane. I am heading to a small island in Greece just off the coast of Turkey. 
LRTC – Do you have to work out to stay fit to climb or does climbing keep you fit to climb?
RB – Yes, I work out almost everyday. I run, bike several times a week and climb in the gym once a week and climb both weekend days. I feel like I have to work out and cross train to see improvements.
LRTC – What are some climbing organizations to be a part of in the climbing community?
RB – Locally the ETCC is the climbing organization for the Obed and nearby areas. TheSoutheastern Climbers Coalition(SECC) and the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition are active near Chattanooga and Red River Gorge Kentucky respectively. The Access Fund is our National Climbing Organization, based in Boulder CO.
LRTC- What advice would you give someone just getting into climbing?
RB – Try hard, have fun.
Check out our climbing inventory, next time you stop by, if you’re interested in getting started. While rock climbing is primarily thought of as an outdoor sport, there are some indoor gyms nearby , The University of Tenn has an indoor facility as does River Sports Outfitters in Knoxville. Believe it or not rock climbing is becoming more and more mainstream. You will see climbing on tv shows, in commercials and, yes, local high school climbing teams. Maryville High School has a rock climbing team. They have recently completed an indoor wall on their campus for school competitions. Their climbing coach, Jack Pipenbring, is a local adventure sport enthusiast. We hope to have an interview from him up soon.
Dancing Bear Lodge & Restaurant is at the Gateway to the Smokies in Townsend TN and is considered the best Vacation Basecamp in the Smokies, for an amazing experience once you’ve returned from your adventure for the day. http://www.dancingbearlodge.com/ Matt Alexander, Managing Partner, has been the driving force behind turning Dancing Bear into a Smokies destination since 2006 when they completed renovations and added their renowned restaurant, which is also open to the public.
Here I’ve asked Matt to share a little about himself, Dancing Bear and his love of the outdoors.
LRTC - How long have you been in the hospitality business?
MA- I graduated with a Hospitality Management business degree and moved to Vail, CO in 91. After 9 years with Hyatt Beaver Creek and Vail/Beaver Creek Resorts, my wife Christy, and I moved back to Maryville where I worked as General Manager of Blackberry Farm. In 04, Blackberry Farm and I purchased Dancing Bear Lodge. So, including the restaurant and hotel jobs in college–23 yrs.
LRTC – As a native to Blount County, how often do you get out to play in your own backyard?
MA – Not as often as I would like. We are very fortunate to have endless outdoor activities in our area. However, when I have the time, I prefer to be on my bike with my buddies. Nothing compares to riding right here in East TN. Plus, we have one of the best bike shops right here in Maryville that will take care of all your cycling needs.
LRTC – What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in our community?
MA – The incredible growth in cycling. When I first started riding in 05, I pretty much knew everyone else on the road with the exception of a few joy riders. Now, there are hundreds of cyclists on the road and it is wonderful to see training racers, group rides and joy riders all enjoying the awesome Blount County roads.
LRTC – Matt, what sets Dancing Bear Lodge apart from other places to stay when coming to the Great Smoky Mountains to play?
MA – Dancing Bear Lodge is a full service destination resort with the best food in our area. There are numerous places to stay in the Smoky Mountains, but not many with our combination of service, food, location and accommodations. Plus, we love the adventure traveler, and being a cyclist I expect our guests to put their bikes in their rooms!
LRTC – I know you have an extraordinary chef, can you tell us a little about him?
MA – Jeff Carter, Chef Jeff, as we call him, is exceptional. Not only is he an award winning Chef, he is a great person and a joy to have on our team. He started cooking with his dad as a young man, went to culinary school, learned under the best in the industry at Blackberry Farm and then came to Dancing Bear Lodge to open our restaurant. He loves finding the best local ingredients from the farmer’s market and local purveyors and turning whatever the season gives him into an incredible menu our guests continue to rave about.
As you assemble your pack ever wonder…”how can I shed some weight”?
Join us for Backpacking 201 as Jody Brown clinics us on “how to lighten your pack“.
Jody has not only backpacked all over the Smokies and nearby forests but has also climbed and summited several big mountains. He has seen the value to lightening his pack and what that means to your overall trip benefit.
Join Jody as he shows you how to trim your pack down as you take your backpacking to the next level. Packing and the packs themselves will be discussed. Jody will look at shelters, sleeping bags, the kitchen and show you how he has gotten his pack weight under 20 lbs! See you there!
Thru hiking, hiking from end to end a trail of significant distance…many people set off with all of the gear and the best of intentions. The Appalachian Trail…Pacific Crest Trail… and Continental Divide Trail are America’s three long distance trails. To complete one is a huge undertaking. To complete all three (the Triple Crown) is almost unheard of. According to the Appalachian Trail Conference, only about 20% actually finish.
Our own Bert Emmerson (Wildcat) has the distinction of being a Triple Crown holder. He will speak at the shop on Thursday, November 3rd from 7:00 – 8:00pm. Bert has given his clinic to groups all over East Tenn. You will laugh at the stories, wonder at the discipline, and maybe just maybe set some goals of your own.
Logistsics…gear…food…water, what do you do first? How do you prepare mentally? Bring your questions, your imagination, and your sense of adventure. See you there!
Tags: appalachian trail, outdoor, thru hiking
The outdoor community and art community share many of the same people/values. Many artists go into the outdoors to become inspired to paint, photograph or write, and many outdoor enthusiasts are inspired while enjoying the outdoors to capture that moment in writing…pictures…you see where I’m going here.
Bill Womac is an local artist, active in the art community and owner and host of one of the sites (Boyd Thomas Clothing) of the “Maryville Art Walk” that takes place the last Friday of every month (excluding Dec and Jan) in downtown Maryville www.maryvilleartwalk.com As a downtown merchant he enjoys the traffic that the Art Walk brings and as an artist he gets to see new and familiar artist, their work and see the local art community grow.
Boyd Thomas is one of my favorite shops in town. If it’s in my closet and didn’t come from Little River Trading Co it probably came from Boyd Thomas. I’ve know Bill a few years so he gladly accepted when I asked him to talk about his art and the local art community.
LRTC- Do you ever remember a time that you didn’t feel compelled to paint?
BW- My parents enrolled me in an art class after school as a child…some kids took piano, I took an art class. So for me the classes came first and then the desire. As a student, I learned basic principles…composition, light, choosing subjects, balance, foreground/background. That type thing. I continued studying art while at UT studying to enter Pharmacy School.
LRTC- what is you favorite medium?
BW- I like to paint with acrylic on paper or canvas.
LRTC- When did you start to “produce” art for sale.
BW- I added photography as a medium after college and dabbled while at work on the road as a rep for various companies. It’s only been in the last few years that I have been off of the road that I can dedicate the time to paint and put together collections to display and sell off of.
LRTC- do you ever paint something that is really hard for you to consider selling?
BW- Oh yeah. Sometimes it’s hard to sell something that I’ve worked on or reminds me of something. I’ve begun to work on high contrast pieces lately that is interesting. What it all boils down to is to leave something behind when I’m gone that people can look upon and be happy.
LRTC- Do you have any advice for art consumers?
BW- buy what you like…buy/support your local art community…you can buy an original, local piece of art for just about what you’d pay for a print at a hobby shop.
LRTC- How is the local art community doing?
BW- you’d think from the number of guilds, or groups that it’s doing extremely well. But it would help if there was some kind of cohesive way to demonstrate all of the work from the local artist community, all of the local artists of every medium, from quilters, painters, photographers, those working in clay or wood, writers…everyone.
It seems to me that many of our Customers’ are artists. The purpose here was to see what the local art community is about. We will feature other artists in the future. If you haven’t been to an Art Walk on the Last Friday night of the month…check it out.
Cheers!
