Great Smoky Mountains, NC
TRIP INFO
Site Leaders
Megan Sugg
Brenna Weber-Smith
Type of Service
Environmental
Site Partner(s)
National Parks Service
LOGISTICS
Departure Date
3/3/2023
Return Date
3/9/2023
Participants
10
Cost/Person
$500
Site Leader Description #1
Hey everyone! My name is Megan, and I’m a third year Comm student from Chantilly, VA. Last year I went on the Sequoia trip and had the time of my life! I’m so excited to share that experience with others again and serve in the Smokies. In my free time I enjoy journaling, trying new coffee shops, going to the gym, and hiking (my lifetime goal is to visit every national park). Can't wait to meet everyone!!
Site Leader Description #2
Hey guys! I’m Brenna! I am a third year government major from Williamsburg, Virginia. This past spring I had the opportunity to go on an ASB trip to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California. It was an incredibly memorable trip and I really wanted the chance to share the love of the outdoors and the joy of ASB with my fellow hoos! At school I work at the Corner Starbucks (come say hi anytime!) and am Alumni Hall bingo night’s biggest fan. I’m so excited to spend spring break with y’all!
Trip Logistics
We will be departing Cville around noon on the Friday before spring break (3/3/23) and will head to Cherokee, North Carolina and stay at an AirBnb (it’s a little too chilly to camp!). From Saturday-Wednesday we will work with our site contact at Great Smokies to get the park in tip-top shape before their busy spring and summer season. We plan to return to Charlottesville on the evening of Thursday the 9th.
Participant Requirements
We will be doing service with the National Park! We’ll be working with the trail & facility coordinator to clean up trailheads and campgrounds around the park.
There are no specific participant requirements – just be prepared to get your hands dirty and have a positive attitude about service.
Service Activities
Service activities include (but are not limited to!) campground maintenance, trailhead cleanup, and gravel trail resurfacing. We’ll start work around 8am each morning, and hopefully be done by mid-afternoon each day.
Recreational Activities
Largely up to you—we want your opinions and will ask for guidance from our knowledgeable site contact! We will try to get some hikes in during the late afternoons after our daily service. Some of the most popular hikes in the park are Laurel Falls, the Gatlinburg Trail, and Clingman’s Dome. We plan to reach the Tennessee side of the park for recreation at least once.
Community/Area Background
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US, with 14.1 million visitors in 2021. Given the large number of tourists and visitors, the park faces many issues that we hope to discuss before, during, and after our trip. Our goal is to create a sense of appreciation for Great Smoky Mountain National Park, service learning, and ASB through our reflections and group discussions.