I just read an article in The Washington Post that the final shelter in the Smokies was renovated at Laurel Gap Shelter which is the last of 15 shelters to be modified: The work involved improved natural lighting, a cooking area to separate food odors from sleeping space; better bunk access; new roofs; masonry repair; and drainage upgrades. Having hiked and stayed in shelters frequently in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park - I applaud the volunteers of the Friends of the Smokies, the … [Read more...]