A Trip to the Park Between Christmas & New Year's

April asks a few questions about planning a trip during the 12 Days of Christmas, which is a great time to see South Cumberland.

What about water? As noted in the Friends newsletter last week, Ranger Jamie reports that most of the normal watering holes have water again. Carrying a little extra water as a precaution would be a good idea.

Is it possible that the Connector Trail between Stone Door and Hobbs Cabin could be made impassible as the result of a big rain? Yes this is always a possibility, but the bridges built in the past several years have improved the passability in all but the most extreme conditions. A safety note about high water crossings the hard way: don't. Wait for the water to recede to a safe level. The Rangers will come looking for you. Stay on the trails.

Are there deer hunters on the North Plateau this year? No, the Park is closed to hunting this year. The North Plateau has been open to hunting in recent years, but not this year, the dry weather conditions being one of the reasons.

Best wishes for the holidays and Merry Christmas,

Ron Castle

South Cumberland Water Source Update

The drought in Tennessee has affected the availability of water for backpackers at South Cumberland. We have had rain the past week. Here is the latest news from the Park:

Ranger Jamie Hambrock from Stone Door Ranger Station: Water at Schwoon spring is just dripping one drop at a time. It may dry up at any moment. The rain has not affected the springs on our side much at all. Most riverbeds and springs are still dry. Greeter Falls plunge pool is the only reliable source of water on Stone Door side. I have not checked Ranger Falls since it rained, but it was dry before it rained. Even if it is flowing it probably won't last long.

Ranger George Shinn from Savage Gulf Ranger Station: Even with the rain we received the water is still very low, the ground soaked it up. Our springs are not completely dry anymore, they have a little wetness. The creeks have a little water puddled up here and there. Savage Falls is a large puddle with no water flowing and Horsepound Falls and Suter Falls completely dry with no plunge pool at all. But, the recent rain has saved us from the possible worry of wildfires.

Cheers,

Ron Castle

Water Sources for Backpackers & Hikers

Assistant Park Manager Bill Knapp emailed me yesterday regarding water sources in the Park. Almost every normal watering hole in the Savage, Collins and Big Creek Gulf area is dry.

There IS a suitable water source at both ends of the Fiery Gizzard Trail.

If you are backpacking or planning a hike where you think you will need water along the way, please check with the Rangers for the latest information.

Do your rain dance.

Cheers,

Ron Castle