Through the efforts of a local non-profit and the community, restoration work began on the watershed. In 2020, samples taken from various locations along the Cheat showed that hellbender salamanders had returned to the river. Their presence indicated that the restoration work was successful and the river had returned to a healthy level. When I’m home, I visit the river hoping to catch a quick glimpse of these extraordinary amphibians in my own backyard.

The eastern hellbender’s range extends from southern New York through to Northern Georgia, following the path of the Appalachian mountains. A few years ago, during time spent working in North Carolina, I was lucky enough to see these well camouflaged salamanders in the Smoky Mountains. They were out of sight again just as quickly as I found them, leaving behind a small cloud of sediment in their wake. But, even without seeing them in person, it’s hard to visit Appalachia without coming across the hellbender’s influence. The mascot of local high schools, and the image on many a bottle of local IPA, an outsider might ask why the hellbender salamander is so important to this region.

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The following devastation was unfathomable. The winds devastated an approximate 800,000 acres of timber land, the creeks in the mountains surged across 25 counties destroying everything in their path, and as the rivers swelled, neighboring communities were lost in the raging waters. The flooding that resulted was the worst in recorded history, the French Broad River rose to a historic thirty feet deep, the Swannanoa to twenty-seven (or 3 from CFS to 10,000). 

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Three and a half miles of climbing along the Shining Creek Trail I gain the ridge and turn south along the Art Loeb for an easy half mile to the gap.  The building snow as I climbed amplified my excitement of the views to come and gave me hope that this was all going to be worth it.  It is 8 years of exploring, predicting weather and discovering secrets of these vast forests and mountains that gave me the inspiration for this exploit.  Finally at the gap, grasses and remnants of last year’s plants covered in a thin layer of ice, and snow covering the peaks around me I wrap up in a blanket and sit down as the first hues appear on the horizon. 

Shining Rock Wilderness Guided Day Hike

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Kayaking adds a distinct dimension to exploration, allowing us to access areas unreachable by foot and offering opportunities to observe wildlife from a different vantage point. Kayaks were first crafted over 5,000 years ago for this very purpose, enabling Arctic Indigenous peoples to glide quietly across the water to hunt seals, whales, and other marine life. The word “kayak” comes from the Inuit people and translates to “hunter’s boat.” While our trips don’t involve hunting, you’ll have the chance to track marine life and immerse yourself in the natural world.

Kayaking vacations also provide a dynamic way to stay active. Think of hiking and kayaking as cross-training: while hiking primarily engages your lower body, kayaking is a workout for your upper body and core. By incorporating both, you’ll achieve a balanced and rewarding adventure.

Our guided kayaking trips include kayak rentals, paddles, safety gear, and expert guides to ensure your safety and enjoyment. From the lush Great Smoky Mountains to the icy Alaskan coastline, Wildland offers kayaking vacations in diverse regions across the United States. Whether you prefer camping under the stars or returning to a cozy lodge after a day of adventure, these trips cater to a variety of preferences. Here are some of the best places to embark on a kayaking vacation:

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From dense, mist-shrouded forests to panoramic mountain views, the AT challenges hikers with its diverse terrain, unpredictable weather, and often strenuous climbs. For many, it represents a journey of personal transformation, where physical endurance and mental resilience are tested every step of the way. Whether you’re section hiking the Appalachian Trail, thru-hiking it in one go, or simply out for a day hike, the AT offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and push your limits.

History 

The Appalachian Trail (AT) was first conceived in 1921 by Benton MacKaye, a forester and planner, who envisioned a continuous hiking trail through the Appalachian Mountains to provide a retreat into nature and foster a deeper connection with the environment. MacKaye’s idea was initially outlined in an article titled “An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning,” which emphasized the importance of recreation and preservation in the region.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Myron Avery, a passionate hiker and organizer, took on the task of turning MacKaye’s vision into reality. Avery played a central role in planning and coordinating the trail’s construction, and by 1937, the first continuous route of the Appalachian Trail was completed. However, the trail continued to evolve and was further finalized in the following decades, with some sections rerouted and adjusted. Section hiking the Appalachian Trail was the original vision, and it wasn’t until 1948 that Earl Shaffer became the first person to thru-hike the AT in a single season.

In the 1960s, the AT gained national recognition, especially after the passage of the National Trails System Act in 1968, which officially designated the trail as one of the country’s first National Scenic Trails. The 1970s saw the rise of thru-hiking, where hikers completed the entire 2,190-mile trail in one continuous journey, contributing to the trail’s growing popularity.

Today, the Appalachian Trail attracts thousands of hikers each year and remains one of the most iconic and challenging long-distance trails in the world. Managed by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the trail continues to be maintained and protected, ensuring that its natural beauty and historical significance are preserved for future generations.

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located within a day’s drive of more than half of the United States population. This makes it an easy and convenient destination for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park has something for everyone to enjoy, and visitors can choose from a range of activities including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. These activities are not limited to just the park itself. The park gateway towns of Gatlinburg and Asheville give visitors the opportunity to partake in these activities and more around the local area.

Another factor contributing to the park’s popularity is its breathtaking natural beauty. The Great Smoky Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountains, which are among the oldest in the world. The park boasts over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail running through the park. Visitors can enjoy scenic vistas, waterfalls, and mountain streams.

Explore Ashville and the smokies 

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Planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains? Discover what to expect with this season-by-season guide.

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But where do you begin to plan a visit?

Follow along for a list of some of our favorite Smoky Mountain activities.

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