Below is submitted maintenance activities for the last 6 weeks. Please note that trail conditions can change quickly. Or view maintenance by section.
Reporting: Joel Zabel
Date: 2025-01-27
Purpose: use marking tape to precisely locate AT for Helene damaged section south from Cherry Gap shelter
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Joel Zabel
Summary: Attempted to identify precise location of treadway south from Cherry Gap shelter through very dense blowdowns to aid sawyers. Eight inches of snow, and no standing trees with blazes, made the task next to impossible, even while checking GPS continually. I placed tape where I thought the trail was for the first 60 yards, but fear some of it is off trail. I stopped placing tape until I definitely found the trail 260 yards south of the shelter. That stretch was the worst of any I've seen from Helene. Ran into Brandon Church and Taylor from USFS, and Steve Domagala, sawing NOBO about 500 yards south of the shelter.
Date: 2025-01-26
Purpose: Assess section
Section: 19b: Curley Maple Gap Shelter - Nolichucky River
People: Van Hovey
Carrie Hovey
Summary: Today was an assessment day . We have not inspected our section since the last day work was done on it post Helene . We
started at Chestoa and hiked to the second switch back , about 3.1 miles . Other than a couple of simple blowdowns on the Jones Branch section and one 8’ rootball minor issue , the trail is in good condition. Did not encounter anyone else on the trail . On the walk out we used the road from USA Raft back to Chestoa .
Will revisit trail shortly to perform necessary inspection and maintenance of the shelter and mile we did not cover today as well as dispensing the blowdowns . Nice crisp day to be out ….. Cheers Reporting: Tim Stewart
Date: 2025-01-25
Purpose: blaze Nolichucky detour
Section: 19b: Curley Maple Gap Shelter - Nolichucky River
People: Tim Stewart
Carrie Hovey
Van Hovey
Summary: Since the Chestoa Bridge was destroyed during Hurricane Helene a detour through Erwin is necessary to cross the Nolichucky River. It is an additional 3.6 mile road walk.
Carrie and I met about 11:00 and began blazing with vinyl blazes that Carl provided. We started at Uncle Johnny's and spaced them out on power poles. We also painted some on guard rails and backs of signs.
Van arrived at about 1:00 and joined the blazing fun. We used all the vinyl blazes and then created some out of aluminum that was found. We also posted the laminated detour route at the trailheads.
There is alot of ongoing construction traffic near Uncle Johnny's. Hikers should use caution. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2025-01-25
Purpose: Cut Blowdowns
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Dan Firth
Carl Fritz
Tony Messina
Gerald Scott
Summary: This was third pass in much of this zone, but we cut a lot of head highs and 140-year-old oaks. This zone is fairly passable now, but there are many root ball holes that will not hold up to much foot traffic. So, there is a lot of future work here. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2025-01-25
Purpose: blowdown removal
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Joy Zabel, Joel Zabel, Yong Li, Joe Morris, Steve Domagala
Summary: Cold start turned into a beautiful winter day. The Zabel's pressed on towards the Cherry Gap Shelter looping, removing debris, and flagging. The rest of the crew cut several obstacles. The snow is significant near the 363 overlook. Many return trips are required to clear the section. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2025-01-23
Purpose: Blowdown removal
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Randy Allen, Steve Domagala, Joe Morris
Summary: Only one-tenth of a mile cleared today to 361.4.
Overwhelming number of root ball cavities and difficulty staying on tread with the snow. USFS back on site Monday with ATC crew joining on Tuesday. Reporting: Joel Zabel
Date: 2025-01-22
Purpose: clear blowdowns
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Yong Li
Joel Zabel
Summary: We hiked 0.75 miles south from the bear box through the recently cleared area, until reaching the first bad blowdown area. We cleared to passable, not perfect, about 90 yards of that 140 yard bad stretch. Beautiful sunny day with fresh snow: 6"+ over most of trail w/ 12+" drifting. Reporting: Joel Zabel
Date: 2025-01-17
Purpose: mark AT through blowdowns to aid sawyers
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Yong Li
Joel Zabel
Summary: We hiked in from Iron Mtn Gap and tape marked the uncleared AT treadway to FS 230D. There were 6 blowdown stretches ranging from 50 to 170 yds, for a total of 1/3 mile of blowdowns over the 1.6 miles of AT. This section's maintainers, the Johnson City Hiking Club, with it's two sawyers and multiple swampers, can clear these stretches to passable once the weather warms. This would leave the TEHCC and USFS pro sawyers to tackle tougher sections with that require less hiking in. Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2025-01-04
Purpose: Blowdown removal
Section: 20a: Nolichucky River to Temple Hill Gap
People: Steve Domagala
Summary: Assist USFS with tree removal Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2024-12-30
Purpose: Trail rehab
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Ed Speer
Summary: Ed constructed two short trails around the first two root balls N of the shelter. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2024-12-28
Purpose: Repair stile
Section: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Ed Speer
Summary: Ed replaced a stile board on last stile at woods. He checked the trail for more blowdowns to Double Springs Shelter Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2025-01-16
Purpose: Cut Blowdowns
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Elzear Lemieux
Carl Fritz
Tim Stewart
Mike Phillips CMC
Tom Fink CMC
Rocko Smucker CMC
David Huff CMC
Wesley Kinsley CMC
Mike Knies CMC
Bill Sanderson CMC
Boyd McGinnis
Thomas Rice
Peyton Brondes
Cameron Jensen
Phetsamay Gleaves f
Jeff Hatling
Summary: We cut additional trees that we bypassed on first pass so there are fewer trees to duck under and 36 inch diameter trees to crawl over. We still have another day with two sawyers about a quarter mile S of Jones Falls. We also did a little clearing of blue blaze to Jones Falls. If we get the first 200 feet the blowdowns decrease. 12 folks earned their first time patches including many from CMC. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2025-01-16
Purpose: Cut Blowdowns
Section: 12b: Walnut Mountain Road to Sugar Hollow Creek
People: Greg Kramer
Dennis Boone (CMC)
Russell Gillenwater (CMC)
Paul Curtin (CMC)
Summary: They removed additional blowdowns near Walnut Mtn Rd then cleared many of blowdowns to water source at Mountaineer Falls Shelter. All three CMC folks earned their first time TEHCC patch. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2025-01-16
Purpose: Cut Blowdowns
Section: 12a: Bitter End to Walnut Mountain Road
People: Tony Messina
Dennis Lewis (CMC)
Henry Kassell (CMC)
Art Hagar (GATC)
Summary: This crew finished cutting out some bad tree tangles that we bypassed on first pass. This entire section has now been cut. CMC and even GATC members supported us. And all three earned their first time patches with TEHCC. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2025-01-16
Purpose: blowdown removal
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Steve Domagala, Van Hovey, Joe Morris, John Beaudet, Randy Allen, Michael Sink
Summary: Another challenging day of blowdown removal as the crew accessed the trail via Low Gap at 360.7 N and cut to 361.3 N with Brandon, Luke, Taylor and Levi of the USFS. On the surface it appears two more outings will be necessary to reach Cherry Gap Shelter at 361.7 N due to the excessive number of downed trees. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2025-01-15
Purpose: Cut Blowdowns
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Randy Allen
Steve Domagala
Ken Murray
Joe Morris
Carl Fritz
Summary: Interesting adventure to fight our way to Cherry Gap Shelter (which we could not even quickly find because of blowdowns) in six inches of snow, and clear the AT to Cherry Gap. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2025-01-13
Purpose: blowdown removal
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Franklin Tate - ATC, Todd Gray, Tim Stewart, Steve Domagala, Greg Kramer, Van Hovey, Joe Morris, Tony Messina, Randy Allen
Summary: USFS crew asked for assistance as they started the process of clearing the corridor south of Iron Mountain Gap. We shuttled to the "kiss" about a half-a-mile south of IMG to begin the cutting for the day. The crew cleared 3/10ths of mile in less-than-ideal conditions. There will be multiple outings to cut blowdowns, as 2.2 miles remain to reach Cherry Gap Shelter. In addition, there are going to be many challenging tread repairs in this area and work here might be ideal for Konnarock outings. Reporting: Joel Zabel
Date: 2025-01-12
Purpose: explore proposed AT reroute option around proposed salvage logging N & S of Iron Mtn Gap
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Yong Li
Joel Zabel
Summary: We hiked to the reroute start 1 mile south of Iron Mtn Gap. The first 400 yards had about a dozen blowdowns blocking the old forest road that is the reroute. We climbed through and over those, but reached the point where 80%+ of the trees were down. Due to the snow and ice coating the trunks, we turned back as we felt it: a) was too hazardous to continue to climb over them, b) could see no relief in sight, and c) our pace had slowed to about 500 yds/hour working through that mess - not enough daylight to make it NOBO to Hwy 107 if much of the next 1.7 miles was bad. We then hiked to the northern AT & reroute junction, 1.1 miles N of IMG. Many blowdowns at the reroute start, but after dropping 100' vertical below the ridge , it was clear. We used GPS to follow the route through mostly open woods, as much of the first 0.6 miles was not on forest roads. Some old trail was visible, but renatured by rhodos & mtn laurels. We reached the open junction with FS 53442. The next 1.1 miles S
OBO to Hwy 107 was an easy walk, as the FS had sawed it clear of Helene damage - it's 4 wheeler/ hiker ready. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2025-01-02
Purpose: Inspect Bridge
Section: 13: US19E to Doll Flats
People: Dan Firth
Tony Messina
Carl Fritz
Summary: We inspected and mostly uncovered the bridge that washed 200 yards away in Helene. The bridge is in good shape. It was buried in rocks up to a foot in diameter, trees and root balls. It is recoverable with considerable work. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2025-01-02
Purpose: Cut Trees and Blowdowns
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Dan Firth
Tony Messina
Carl Fritz
Summary: We cut back some of already cut blowdowns on uphill side, cut out one switchback that had been bypassed, and cut 12 inch and 30 inch oaks whose root balls were going to destroy trail. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-12-30
Purpose: trail rehab and blowdown removal
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Joe Morris, Van Hovey, Ken Murray, Michael Sink, Tom Sahlin
Summary: The crew worked on four root ball cavities in another of many trips to the south side of IMG. Brushed in the temporary route and reestablished the trail on original grade. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2024-12-30
Purpose: Rehab Trail
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Dan Firth
Todd Gray
Gerald Scott
Tony Messina
Bob Peoples
Greg Kramer
Dennis Lewis
Jeff Hatling
Tim Stewart
Carl Fritz
Thomas Rice
Summary: We rehabbed major root ball damage. It is slow going filling 4-foot-deep holes that are over 20 feet long. We successfully pulled one root ball off the trail. We rehabbed about 60 feet and added 6 rock steps and two log steps. Another day is justified before many hikers come. Thomas Rice on his first day was given a patch for engineering a turnpike for one root ball. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2024-12-24
Purpose: Rehab Trail and Cutout Blowdowns
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Dan Firth
Elzear Lemieux
Gerald Scott
Tony Messina
Carl Fritz
Van Hovey
Bob Peoples
Rio Berry
Dean Baird
Ed Speer
Tim Stewart
Summary: FS joined us again today. Brandon, Seong, and T2 did a cleanup of blowdowns from 19E to Bishop Hollow. T1 cut locusts for rehab. We repaired 4 root balls of 75' of trail including 5 rock steps and 5 locust steps. Another huge root ball hole we have cribbed and filled with locust chunks. About 5 more root ball holes remain to be rehabbed with one requiring the root ball to be removed probably with grip hoist. A successful way to end the year! Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2024-12-23
Purpose: Cut Blowdowns from Helene
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Dan Firth
Elzear Lemieux
Steve Wilson
Ed Speer
Carl Fritz
Summary: Brandon, T1, T2 were able to join us for the first time since Helene. We targeted the blowdown tangles north of Double Springs Shelter to Locust Knob. FS, Ed and Steve approached from Osborne Farm while Dan, Elzear and I approached from Low Gap. We successfully met and finished clearing while using a lot of fuel. The trail is now open from Iron Mountain Shelter to TN/VA line! Elzear, Dan and I cleared a number of big leaners and two-foot stepovers on the return to Low Gap. Reporting: Scotty Bowman
Date: 2024-12-17
Purpose: Blowdown Removal
Section: 7: Vandeventer Shelter to Wilbur Dam Rd
People: Scotty Bowman
Tyler Cairnes
Murray Lamb
Megan Juneau
Nola Privett
David Lloyd
Thomas Rice
Summary: It was a great day to be out clearing trees. The rain held off until the hike out. The goal for this trip was to continue with blowdown removal starting at 2.7 miles from the trailhead. We broke up into 2 team to tackle the days tasks. Murray and Megan led one team which tackled a large complex of oaks with multiple trunks across the trail. I led the other team and headed trail north to clear as much as we could. On this day we were able to clear 7 trees (18" - 36" dba) and 2 treetops that were blocking the trail.
This section is clear from Wilbur Dam Road to 4 miles. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-12-19
Purpose: Blowdown Removal and Rehab
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Joe Morris, Tim Stewart, Van Hovey, Bob Peoples, Megan Krager, Wesley Miller, Carl Fritz, Dan Firth, Gerald Scott, Rebecka Powell, Jim McGuire, Heather Waldroup, Tracy Harris, Cheryl Ramsey
Summary: Crew continued with a secondary chainsaw pass from Campbell Hollow northward. Several large stepovers were removed and the corridor "widened". Several root balls were mitigated totaling approximately 100 feet of rehabilitation. This section will require additional work (Jones Falls access needs to be cleared) but, for the balance of the winter this area is in satisfactory shape. Reporting: Tony Messina
Date: 2024-12-19
Purpose: Helene Recovery Blowdown Removal
Section: 14c: Yellow Mountain Gap to Stan Murray Shelter
People: Tony Messina
Elzear Lemieux
Greg Kramer
Jeff Hatling
Michael Sink
Conner Sheppard
Steve Cobb
Summary: We had with us two guys from FL (who have met Kevin Sedgwick). They traveled to help TEHCC with recovery today (Thurs) and plan to work with the CMC tomorrow and GATC on Saturday. We cleared our assigned section, but not as planned. We drove around Yellow Mtn to meet Jeff, who was waiting amid devastation in Minneapolis. Roaring Fork Road was devastated as well, but the unpaved part is newly graveled up to the gate and graded above. It is in the best condition I have seen. From OverMountain, Greg, Jeff, and Michael headed NOBO with two saws and Tony, Elzear, Conner, and Steve headed SOBO toward SM, also with two saws. The NOBOs encountered their first blowdown at about 0.25 mi. However, when Tony pulled the starter cord on his Echo, it broke. We lacked tools for field repair. So, Elzear and the two FL guys continued NOBO and Tony returned SOBO to catch up with the others. Phones no good. Tony humped it to treeline below Little Hump and was able to shout to the guys up the hill to STOP. Greg and Michael headed back SOBO. About that time, Elzear's saw died as well. So Elzear and his posse continued on to the shelter, lopping and hand sawing. They turned around and met up with Greg about 0.6 mi north of SM. Altogether, NOBO we cut about 15 trees and SOBO about 30. Nothing complicated. Most less than 8 inches. Patches given to FL guys. Good Times! Reporting: Tony Messina
Date: 2024-12-18
Purpose: Recover Lost Tools
Section: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Tony Messina
Dan Firth
Summary: Dan and I hiked up the Coon Den Falls blue blaze to search for Elzear's titanium bar which had been lost on Monday by one of the volunteers. We searched all the way to the junction with the AT and then cut out Helene blowdowns on the return trip. We used a metal detector as well as Mark 1 eyeballs to search for the bar, all to no avail.
As a consolation prize, we did manage to remove about 20 blowdowns and the Coon Den Trail is now passable. There are four significant crawl overs left (20-30inch dia) that will require a large saw for removal. Three of these are above the spur trail to the falls. There is also one significant rootball hole about 0.25 mile above the spur that really needs attention, and will likely require steps and/or cribbing. The spur trail to the falls is completely blocked by a tangle of ten to twenty jackstraw blowdowns, none of which appears from the outside to be greater than maybe 18 inches. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-12-17
Purpose: Blowdown Removal and Rehab
Section: 11b: Canute Place to Bitter End
People: Joe Morris, Tony Messina, Steve Wilson, Dennis Lewis, Ken Murray, Dennis Whittington, Van Hovey, Todd Gray, Dan Firth, Greg Kramer, Jim McGuire, Gerald Scott, Rick Mulholland, Carl Fritz, Ed Speer, Kent Gardner, Sherri Millard
Summary: Remarkable completion of the rehab one mile north of Moreland Gap Shelter including: a six-step staircase, all blowdowns, and 120 ft. of locust crib to mitigate three root ball cavities. Part of the crew removed all of the blowdowns off the Moreland Gap Shelter roof. Reporting: Jeff Hatling
Date: 2024-12-17
Purpose: Check access road to the old Barn site.
Section: 14b: Bradley Gap to Yellow Mountain Gap
People: 1
Summary: Checked access to the old Barn site.
Roaring Creek Road has been rebuilt. It is in better shape than it was.
Above the gate has not been rebuilt. It is in good shape.
Walked the old Barn site camping area. All is good.
Walked up to the AT. All is good.
I believe Grassy Ridge sheltered the area from some of Helene's heavy winds.