Take a hike this Friday in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and explore some of the "mountain culture" once found throughout the landscape/NPS

What better way to burn off some of the calories from those mashed potatoes, rolls, and pumpkin pie from Thanksgiving dinner than to take a hike Friday in your favorite national park?

Some parks are already planning to have rangers ready to lead you out across the landscape.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

Hikes will be offered in the Cataloochee, Elkmont, and Cades Cove areas of the park, providing an outstanding opportunity for people of all ages to #OptOutside and enjoy the park. Rangers, park volunteers, and Friends of the Smokies staff will help visitors discover special cultural and natural resources along the hikes. Visitors may also choose to hike on their own and can come to any of the park’s visitor centers throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend to receive information about hiking options including several short nature trails that are perfect for children.

“I hope you have the chance to Find Your Park over the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “The park offers the perfect place to take a stroll with your family or find a quiet place for reflection. I encourage you to spend some time in your park and am thankful for our dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners for making these special hiking opportunities available.”

The park has more than 800 miles of trails to explore throughout the year with every season offering its own special rewards. During late fall and winter, the absence of deciduous leaves opens new vistas revealing stone walls, chimneys, and foundations. These reminders of past communities allow hikers to discover a glimpse of history along park trails.

“It is due to the generosity of individuals giving to Friends of the Smokies that allows us to support programs like these special hikes, improve trails, support educating kids, and help park resources,” said Holly DeMuth, Friends of the Smokies North Carolina Director.

Friday, November 27 at 10 a.m. – Hike to Abrams Falls in Cades Cove

Join park staff for a 5-mile, roundtrip hike to one of the largest waterfalls in the park. The hike is rated moderate with several steep, rocky sections. Expect four hours total for the hike. Participants will learn about the park's 2,900 miles of streams, wildlife that depend on the stream, and the significance of Abrams Creek to the diversity of the park. Meet at the Abrams Falls trailhead, halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road at 10 a.m. The program is subject to cancellation if the weather is bad. For more information, call Cades Cove at 865-448-4104.

Friday, November 27 at 10 a.m. – Little Cataloochee Trail near Cataloochee

The 5-mile, roundtrip hike on the Little Cataloochee Trail is rated moderate but does have several steep sections. The trail follows an old road that provided access between Big Cataloochee and Little Cataloochee in the past. Stops on the hike include the Hannah cabin, the Little Cataloochee Church and cemetery, and the Cook cabin as well several former homesites.  The ranger leading the hike will have historic photos and maps of the area to share with participants. The guided portion of the hike will end after 2.5 miles at the restored Cook family cabin. Participants can return to their cars at their own pace or further explore the area. Meet at the parking area on the left just after entering Cataloochee Valley. From there, participants will follow the ranger and drive 5 miles to the Little Cataloochee trailhead. The best route into Cataloochee is Cove Creek Road, which is accessible from Hwy. 276 near its intersection with Interstate 40. Participants driving to the area on I-40 should use Exit 20 (Hwy. 276 exit) and immediately turn right on to Cove Creek Road. The drive from Hwy. 276 into Cataloochee is 10 miles. Cove Creek Road is a winding, two-lane road and includes a four-mile section that is unpaved. For more information, call the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at 828-497-1904.

Friday, November 27 at 9 a.m. – Cucumber Gap near Elkmont

This easy, 4.8-mile roundtrip hike follows the river through a beautiful, cove hardwood forest. Participants will learn about the rich history of the area including the logging operations of the Little River Lumber Company. Expect 3-4 hours total for the hike. One river crossing may be required. Meet at the Little River trailhead at 9 a.m., 7 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center in Elkmont. For more information, call Sugarlands Visitor Center at 865-436-1291.

What to bring: Weather in the Smoky Mountains can be unpredictable, especially in the fall. Rangers recommend participants dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring rain gear. Participants should also bring a bag lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.

Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida

Thanksgiving is always a great day for time with family and a good nap after a hearty meal. Waking up before the crack of dawn on the day after Thanksgiving has become as much a consumer staple as turkey the day before. On Friday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Big Cypress National Preserve will host “Burn Off the Bird,” a volunteer day to offer our community an alternative to the now common retail rush known as "Black Friday."

Fun, safe, and open to the whole family, projects will include preparing the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center for the Swamp Heritage Festival on December 5th, treating exotic species along Turner River Road, and maintaining the Halfway Creek canoe trail. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes for all projects. Necessary personal protective equipment is provided.

Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center requires some TLC as we prepare for its biggest event of the year, the Swamp Heritage Festival on December 5th. Clear out crowding vegetation from the landscaping and create a buffer zone between the vegetation and the building for fire protection. Limit 12 people.

Turner River Road is overgrown with invasive Brazilian pepper. The main access for Bear Island and the entrance of H.P. Williams Roadside Park, this road sees thousand of visitors each season. Groups began work along this road at H.P. Williams – see how your efforts compare to theirs! Cut down, spray, and record Brazilian peppers using loppers, herbicide, and GPS units. Long sleeves are required to participate in this opportunity.

Halfway Creek is one of only two canoe trails in Big Cypress. Eventually reaching the Ten Thousand Islands, the summer months allow for lots of vegetation growth. Paddle some of the trail and trim back the overgrown flora as you go. Canoes and other supplies are provided. Limit 6-8 people.

Please RSVP by November 24th (today) to (239) 695-1165 or [email protected]. Eager participants should plan on meeting at 9:45 a.m. at the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141.