More than 800 miles of trails await your exploration in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But where to start? Join Friends of the Smokies and a panel of experienced Smokies hikers at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 14 at REI in Charlotte to learn more about their favorite trails in the Smokies.

Pre-register for "Favorite Hikes of the Smokies" at http://www.rei.com/charlotte.

From a leisurely stroll along the Oconaluftee River to an overnight backpack along the Appalachian Trail, Friends of the Smokies' adventurous panel is comprised of experts on the great variety of trails in the Smokies, including Gracia Slater and Sharon McCarthy, who have hiked every trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Danny Bernstein, author of "Hiking North Carolina's Blue Ridge Heritage," will facilitate the evening.

For more information about the event, Friends of the Smokies, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit www.friendsofthesmokies.org. Information about "Classic Hikes of the Smokies," a Friends of the Smokies monthly hiking series guided by Danny Bernstein, is available on our events page. For information about helping to maintain and improve trails in the park, go to www.smokiestrailsforever.org.    

###

Since 1993, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a park partner nonprofit organization, has raised more than $37 million to support educational programs, historic preservation projects, conservation of natural and cultural resources, and wildlife research and protection in the Smokies.