The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking volunteers to assist rangers during the increased fall visitation period in Cataloochee Valley from mid-September until Oct. 31. Volunteers will work as a part of a bike patrol program within the valley and will assist the Park by providing traffic control and visitor information and other assistance as needed.
Cataloochee Valley is a popular destination during the fall season due to the tree color and ability to view elk in rut. The increased vehicle traffic makes bike travel an ideal way for volunteers to assist visitors.
The bike volunteers will rove along the floor of the valley, which is mostly flat with very little change in elevation. The surface of the road is a mix of chip-and-seal and dirt sections. Volunteers will be required to bring their own bicycle and protective riding gear. Rovers are needed during the hours of highest visitation on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for 4-hour shifts. Typical hours will be from 4 p.m. until just before dark.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Park Ranger Pete Walker at 828.506.1739.
Every year as summer approaches and the days begin to heat up, I marvel at the beautiful orange explosion that protrudes from an unkempt patch of daylilies and Queen Anne’s lace that was once (BC – before children) a more kempt flowerbed.
