No More Jumping at Townsend Wye
Published January 16th, 2007 in News, Smoky MountainsIt has long been a tradition to jump from the rocky bluffs at the Townsend Wye into the rushing waters of the Little River below. The park has now banned that activity amid concerns of collisions between jumpers and tubers on the river below.
A story published at the Gosmokies.com site outlines the parks concerns about jumping.
Park service officials say the new regulation is in response to increased crowding at the popular swimming and sunbathing site, as well as jumpers attempting to land on, or close to, people floating 20 feet below in inner tubes.
“The Townsend Wye isn’t what it was 10 years ago,” park spokeswoman Nancy Gray said. “Volume has risen to where visitors can’t find a place to park, and we’ve noticed some unsafe practices with the increased usage.”
Hi,
I just couldn’t help but leave a comment in here. I’m Tommy, a hiker from Australia. I haven’t been to Townsend Wye before, but from what I read I second the Park for imposing the new regulation. No matter how much precautions one takes, disaster could strike at any time. With the increasing number of crowds, disaster bounds to happen one way or another.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong in having fun and being adventurous. I guess knowing your limit is always recommended.
My two cents.
Tommy L.