HikingintheSmokys.com launches new store targeted towards day hikers

HikingintheSmokys.com, the most comprehensive source for hiking trail information for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, announces the launch of a new online hiking gear store today.

The new store is dedicated to day hikers and offers quality gear and apparel from some of the best outdoor brands, including; Columbia Sportswear, Kelty, Garmin, Leki, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear and North Face. The store also sells books and DVDs for hikers and visitors of the Smoky Mountains.

The Smoky Mountain Day Hikers Store is unique because it focuses on the needs of the day hiker, and shoppers don’t have to sort through backpacking and camping gear to find the gear they need for their day hikes. Online shoppers also enjoy the convenience of shopping for gear and apparel from home or work on the Internet.

HikingintheSmokys.com offers free hiking information on more than 70 trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including trail descriptions, key features, pictures, videos, maps, elevation profiles, and more. Additionally, the site is organized to make it easier for hikers to compare and choose trails that best suit their hiking preferences.

Before the launch of HikingintheSmokys.com, hikers had difficulty finding web-based trail information for the Smoky Mountains. Most existing sites list only 10 or 15 of the most popular trails, and provide only limited information without regard to individual hikers’ skill level or preferences.

Visit http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/ for more information.

Come Celebrate The Great Smokies 75th Anniversary!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson has worked closely with his partners, Great Smoky Mountains Association and the Friends of the Smokies, and with our neighboring communities, to develop the GSMN 75th Anniversary site as their “Virtual Visitor Center” to showcase “all things 75th”.

On their site you will find a rich and evolving variety of information on the Park’s history, current issues, and future visions. Throughout 2008 and 2009 you’ll find information about a wide array of activities and events in the Park as well as officially recognized events in all the neighboring communities.

You can even share YOUR photos and stories of your Great Smoky Mountains National Park adventures through the decades! Send your friends and family a cyber invitation to enjoy your approved image. After looking at your adventure, they can upload their photo and story to become a part of the Smokies Family Album, too! Images should contain people and a recognizable feature, overlook, or sign that ties the image to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Upload your story to the Smokies Family Album

Click here for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th Anniversary Site!