Hey everybody, i've been planning a trip to the smokies for a few months now. My only chance to go is in july. 4 days, 3 nights, 70 miles. I am worried about smog, as i will be going in july. I don't want my views restricted, and i know winter would be the best but i have no choice. Can any1 who has encountered the smog comment on it during july? thanks, heading to the "smoggies".
Actually, you're miss-informed. That isn't smog, it's the thin shroud of vapour that forms due to the high humidity, especially during the summer months.Originally Posted by ikemouser
From Wikipedia:
The name "Smoky" comes from the natural fog that often hangs over the range and presents as large smoke plumes from a distance. This fog, which is most common in the morning and after rainfall, is the result of warm humid air from the Gulf of Mexico cooling rapidly in the higher elevations of Southern Appalachia.
So enjoy!
Im not talking about that im talking about smog:
http://www.aldha.org/smokey02.htm
“In the Great Smoky Mountains, our most polluted national park, ozone pollution exceeds that of Atlanta and even rivals Los Angeles,” said Harvard Ayers, chairman of Appalachian Voices.
The study uses an air-pollution index, developed by Appalachian Voices for two earlier studies, to rank the five most-polluted national parks based on haze, ozone and acid precipitation. The index compares data collected from 1991 through 2001 at 10 national parks with the most extensive monitoring programs. It assesses progress made during the decade since passage of 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act, the most recent changes to the law.
http://www.post-gazette.com/healthsc...moky0908p2.asp
http://articles.sfgate.com/2000-07-2...rce-specialist
"I live on a ridgetop, and I tend to stay in on those really bad days," said Renfro, air resource specialist at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, Tenn. "I can tell I'm not getting a full breath of fresh air like I should. I can smell the difference, I can feel the difference."
My mistake, please accept my apology.
Perhaps, you should stay home and not be a contributor to it's destruction. I mean, you are deeply concerned, horrified and mortified---aren't you?
No not really, views were just a big part of my trip planning. May decide to head north instead of south. Im taking my little brother on his first hike, i want it to be as good as it can be for him, thats all. I have no attitude about it one way or the other. I will be driving a prius, so i will be contributing less than most.My mistake, please accept my apology.
Perhaps, you should stay home and not be a contributor to it's destruction. I mean, you are deeply concerned, horrified and mortified---aren't you?
Haha, you have a good sense of humor. I hope everyone has a great time. Remember, it's Black Bear country and you can count on running into a lot of skeeters and ticks that time of year, so plan accordingly and enjoy!
By the way, have you ever considered hiking the Citico Creek Wilderness Area instead? It's in the Cherokee National Forest in TN, and if you plan your hike right, you can hike 3 different wilderness areas in one trip. Citico, Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock. One of the most beautiful wilderness areas you'll ever hike. Loaded with waterfalls, great swimming holes, trout fishing and depending on your route, some great views. I've been twice and hope to do it again soon.
Much better than the Smokies. You won't run into a lot of people and a great opportunity for a lot of solitude.
Enjoy!
Last edited by leepingreenlizards; 05-04-2010 at 14:56.
Pray for a weather front to come through while you're there.
"The more I carry the happier I am in camp; the less I carry the happier I am getting there" - Sgt. Rock
have you been there beep?
Even if there is no smog you really run the risk of whiteouts in the Smokies. I hiked from Davenport to Newfound Gap last October and at least half of my trip I couldn't see more than a hundred feet.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday...there is no someday.
Not for many years, but I grew up in the Carolinas. My first-ever backpacking trip (excluding boy scout trips) was on the AT south of Hot Springs.
My aging memory tells me that in July it'll be muggy...no, that's MUGGY!!...and quite warm during the day, even at mountain elevations, though the nights will be comfortable. I have no valid input based on current pollution conditions, but even in the ancient pre-pollution times when I was hiking in that area, I didn't often get "big" views because of trees & bushes that block views or because of the famous "smoke"/water vapor from which the Smokies take their name.
"The more I carry the happier I am in camp; the less I carry the happier I am getting there" - Sgt. Rock
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