Max Patch Bald- An “Over Tourism” Case Study
One of the most beloved spots along the Appalachian Trail for day hikers, through hikers, and photographers is the Max Patch bald on the North Carolina and Cocke County, Tennessee border. The 360 view of Unakas, Smokies, and Black Mountains is one of those scenic places that are drawing too many people for the fragile ecosystem.
The net result of the overuse of the area, is the closure of the Max Patch to campers, campfires, drones, and horseback riders, and limits the number of hikers in a group to 10. In addition, enforcement of current guidelines, hikers are to stay on designated trails, bikers are restricted to roads only, and no use of fireworks will be increased in the area. The closures begin on July 1, 2021 and extend until June 30, 2023.
During the year of COVID, we recognized that the “great outdoors” was at risk from over tourism. Unlike amusement parks and artificial destinations built for mass tourism, places like Max Patch are iconic destinations that cannot be manufactured or replicated. There is a spirituality created by the harmony of land and sky, unique to the geographic area. The increase of trail use and the thoughtlessness of individuals who mistreat and ignore trail rules, causing significant degradation to the very place that they came to experience. Once damaged, only time and mother nature can remediate the damage caused to these places.
Across the Tennessee River Valley, there are other cultural, heritage, and natural sites under stress. A battlefield cemetery is not a place for young people to scramble over graves and monuments; a historic cabin is not a place to carve your initials; a wildlife preserve is not a site to shoot off fireworks or to leave trash. Unfortunately, environmental literacy is not taught as it was in generations that were dependent on the land and water for survival. If we love these places, we need to demonstrate our love through stewardship and care of these treasured places.
The TRV Stewardship Council is engaged in the movement for Recreate Responsibly. When you visit this region, we ask that you practice these principles, and if you are a parent, take the time to teach your children about stewarding these fragile places.
Our Great Outdoors are Greater with Outdoor Manners
Prior to the COVID pandemic of 2020, thought leaders were focused on the concepts of responsible tourism and sustainability. How could communities take care of their people, economy, and landscapes while planning for tourism based economies?
When the world shut down, the “outdoors” became the “destination” for safe travel and social distancing. Many small communities were inundated with new visitors and unprepared for the deluge of visitors. All of sudden, the use of campsites, trails, and waterways exploded leaving residents wary of visitors who might be carrying the COVID virus; a demand on common household supplies that were already difficult to find; and significant overuse of trails without regard to weather conditions.
June is National Outdoor Month. Here in the Tennessee River Valley, our outdoors is a vast playground of lakes, rivers, forests, grasslands, and events held outdoors in small towns and large cities. Our southern hospitality welcome visitors, but our southern roots have an expectation for good manners and polite behaviors. So here are some tips for outdoor manners and polite behaviors to know before you go:
- Trails- If the parking lot is full, find another trailhead. You will enjoy your hike or bike more.
- Trails-Go through the muddy sections of the trail not around. Your boots or bike can handle it.
- River Access: Park and launch in designated areas only.
- Pack out what you pack in: This is the 911 for good behavior.
- Buy Local campfire wood- Invasive beetles do damage to native trees.
- Dog waste- Your furry friends are welcome, but their waste is not. Bag it!
Staying Safe on the Water
Memorial Weekend is traditionally the first big weekend of the summer for many boaters. As you prepare yourself and your vessel for that fun day on the water don’t neglect water safety for you and for your guests.
Water safety is all about knowing your risks and taking appropriate actions. One of the easiest ways you can protect yourself is by wearing a personal flotation device when you take to the water to boat or paddle.
Here in the Tennessee River Valley, our waterways have seasonal fluctuations and varying levels of boat traffic. Each year, there are drownings that may have been preventable if the boater or paddler had been wearing a life jacket.
May 22 to May 28 is National Boating Safety Week. Safety begins with risk assessment. If you are planning to paddle a river or new waterway that you have not paddled before, know before you go. Are there hazards such as low head dams or strong current conditions to be aware of? For boaters, make sure you check for hazards that might be submerged and always adhere to boating rules for passing another boater. Stay alert to other boat traffic around you.
Finally, be the “designated driver” to make sure everyone makes it back to land safely. When the boat is in motion, ask your guests to wear their life jackets. Paddlers, be the expert for what to anticipate on your paddling adventure.
Stay safe and enjoy your day on the water.
Recent Comments