What is the 900 Miler Club?
How much of the Smoky Mountains have you seen? Can you say that you have hiked all 150 trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
(See Related: 4 Presidents Who Influenced the Smoky Mountains the Most)
For a local Smoky Mountain couple, the answer to the second question is, “yes.” As originally reported by the Sylva Herald on February 11, Sue and James Nations are the newest members of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s 900 Mile Club.
After picking up a hiking book while visiting Gatlinburg, Sue and James set to the trails. According to the article, the couple never imagined they would one day complete all 150 trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They were more interested in learning about the history of the area while exploring the beautiful scenery.
Sue and James Nation’s 900th Mile
To commemorate hiking their 900th mile, Sue and James invited some friends along to record the hike. Watch the video here:
With over 400 members, this club is more like a right of passage for hikers and trail blazers that have dedicated much of their time and energy to our beloved Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They have seen all of the streams, hiked to the waterfalls, and made lots of memories along the way.
The 900 Miler Club is a group of individuals that have hiked all of the official hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, both in Tennessee and North Carolina.
How do I join?
Aside from exploring all of the marked hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, new members to the 900 Miler Club will also receive a personalized achievement certificate, a 900 Miler Club cloth patch, and a bumper sticker. The only dues to the club members pay is a one-time-only $15 new member fee.
Hike the Smokies
Do you feel as if you have what it takes to join Sue and James in the 900 Miler Club? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park proudly invites guests to join their Hike the Smokies and Hike the Smokies For Families hiking challenges.
Available at the Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove Visitor Centers, there is a pocket-sized book available for purchase where hikers and families can record the number of miles they have hiked in the Great Smoky Mountains. Along the way, hikers are presented with mileage pins, and when they have completed the challenges in the book their names will be recorded in the official Hike the Smokies record book.
Mileage points for individual hikers are 100 miles, 250 miles and 500 miles. For families tackling the challenge together, the mileage markers are at the 10 miles, 25 miles, 40 miles and 50 miles points. Both the Hike the Smokies and the Hike the Smokies For Family books are only $1, plus tax.
Where to Relax
Looking for a nice and relaxing place to stay after you and your family have spent a fun-filled day exploring the hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Visit My Smokies invites families to check out our Where to Stay tab on our website when planning your trip. Here visitors will find a huge list of spacious lodging rentals in the Smoky Mountains! Whether you are looking to stay in a large condo in downtown Gatlinburg, or you want a secluded Smoky Mountain cabin rental just minutes from the Parkway, we have the perfect lodging option for your family. See you in the Smokies!
