Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Smoky Mountain University (SMU) staff and students along with strong support from the business community will be joining forces to recruit hikers for the first annual Smoky Mountain University Hike-a-Thon. The purpose of the event is to raise funds for air clean-up efforts in the National Park and all proceeds from hiker registrations will be given to the Park through the Friends of the Smokies.
“It’s a one-day hike to show support for air clean-up in the Smokies,” says event organizer and SMU board member Jonathan Wimmer. “All who register to hike will receive a t-shirt with this year’s event logo along with a pass to a complimentary hiker’s party at the Gatlinburg Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que with plenty of free food for everyone to enjoy. The University will offer a list of recommended hikes and each participant will record their activities for University records. We think it can be quite a fun time to enjoy the ‘campus.’”
Organizers have scheduled the event for Saturday, April 26, at a time when many visitors will be in town to enjoy events that are taking place in the “campus” such as the Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. “Earth Day events scheduled for the 27th in Mynatt Park just add to the fun of this upcoming weekend as we gather to raise money for the Park,” adds Mr. Wimmer.
The University opened its first bookstores in April 2002 with the intent to have some fun raising awareness and funding for the needs of the “campus” which makes up the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. “Enrollment this first year has been strong,” added SMU board member Dan Powers.
“The enrollment exam is available online and we welcome all potential students to apply through our web site.”
Sponsors of the 2003 Smoky Mountain University Hike-a-Thon include these Sevier County businesses: The Smoky Mountain Herald, BF Graphics, The Happy Hiker, Cupid’s Petals, Duffs Smorgasbord, Deer Ridge Mountain Resort, Timber Tops Cabins, Pancake Pantry, Gary Woods Photography, Lloyd’s of Gatlinburg, ERA in the Smokies, Kimble Real Estate and Rentals, Star Cars Museum, Alamo Steakhouse, Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que, Brainstorm Cafe, and Johnson, Murrell & Associates.
Hike-a-Thon registration forms are available at all sponsor locations or may be found online at www.smokymountainuniversity.com.
Registration will be held at The Happy Hiker of Gatlinburg, at traffic light #10 directly behind the Burning Bush from 9-11 a.m. the morning of April 26. Advance registration guarantees shirt size and groups of 4 or more hikers receive discount registration fees.

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