Wing and Hoof Mountain Escape

04/08/2026

Hiker season is in full swing...

03/29/2026

03/27/2026

So great to have lunch with my wonderful friends.... Smokey Bear (Ronald Kottwitz and Gator Bait (Richard Gators Bait Rowan )

03/24/2026

Wing and Hoof Mountain Escape provides shuttles and accommodations for hikers from mile 115 Wayah Gap, 119 Wayah bald, 124 burningtown Gap, 128 Tellico Gap, 136 NOC, 150 yellow creek gap, 164 Fontana marina, 166 Fontana Dam visitor center, 200 Kuwohi ( opens 4/1), 208 Newfound Gap, 240 Davenport Gap/Waterford bridge -40. For more details and information call 828-200-1447

03/20/2026

Weather permitting, the National Park Service will conduct prescribed burns in Wear Cove Gap and Lynn Hollow between March 25–31. These carefully planned burns help reduce hazardous fuels, maintain healthy forests, and protect nearby communities.

What to expect:
• Temporary closures on Flats Road, Wear Cove Gap Road, Gold Mine Trail, Cooper Road Trail, and Roundtop Trail
• Limited access to Little Greenbrier, Metcalf Bottoms Trail, and Little Brier Gap Trail
• Firefighters, equipment, and smoke in the area

If you’re traveling in the park during operations:
• Slow down in work zones
• Keep driving—don’t stop on roadways
• Use headlights and close windows if smoke is present

Learn more about these planned prescribed burns: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-plans-prescribed-burns-in-march.htm

NPS Photo: Firefighters conduct prescribed burn in Wear Cove Gap in 2009

03/16/2026

US 441/Newfound Gap Road between Gatlinburg and Cherokee will close at 6pm tonight due to incoming inclement weather and a high wind advisory.

Check the park website for all updates on park roads: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

03/16/2026

Heavy rain will change to snow tomorrow afternoon(2-6pm) for most all of WNC, and that could cause some issues around the area. Surface temperatures are warm so accumulation will be difficult, but most models are showing heavy enough rates for some accumulation. Here is my projected snowfall map through Tuesday for WNC. I think many will see 1"-3" on grassy surfaces with a slush on the roadways. Others will see a dusting, with isolated higher elevation locations seeing over 4" of snowfall.

High wind gusts are certain through Tuesday morning and that means isolated power outages will be possible. Be prepared to lose power for 24 hours or so, just in case. Temperatures will plummet into the mid 20's early Tuesday morning so be mindful of this. Plants that have bloomed out will likely be killed without some type of protection and that still may not help.

For a more in depth analysis regarding this system, go to the video that is also just posted. I will do another update tomorrow if there is more information to provide!

Check Ashevillewx.com for live looks around WNC!

03/16/2026

02/23/2026

🐣 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA 2026 – COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS NOW OPEN

Each year, over 1,000 children and families join us at Darnell Farms for one of the most anticipated spring events in Western North Carolina. This year our event is on March 28, 2026.

In 2026, we’ll distribute:
🥚 36,000+ eggs
🎁 70+ grand prizes
🛍 Custom tote bags for every child

We’re officially opening Community Partnership Opportunities for businesses and individuals who want to align their brand with this FREE family event.

With a social reach nearing 100,000 followers and strong regional attendance, this is meaningful visibility with real community impact.

Partnership levels are limited and first-come, first-served.

🔗 Apply here: [ https://form.jotform.com/infodarnellfarms/2026EggravaganzaPartnership ]
🌷 Logo deadline: March 3, 2026

Let’s make 2026 our biggest year yet.