Below is submitted maintenance activities for the last 6 weeks. Please note that trail conditions can change quickly. Or view maintenance by section.
Reporting: Jon HeidrickDate: 2024-05-01
Purpose: Remove deadfalls
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Jon Heidrick
Summary: 6 hemlock trunks had fallen across the first mile and a half of the trail since my last visit. Cut and removed the trunks with a double bladed axe and silky saw. Reporting: Russell Fleming
Date: 2024-04-27
Purpose: Trail Maintenance
Section: 15c: Ash Gap to Hughes Gap
People: Traversed trail. dug out water runs
Cleared one blow down
No other blow downs or obstructions
Summary: Performed trail maintenance and all of the checked tasks. Reporting: Russell Fleming
Date: 2024-04-27
Purpose: Trail Maintenance
Section: 15c: Ash Gap to Hughes Gap
People: Traversed trail. dug out water runs
Cleared one blow down
No other blow downs or obstructions
Summary: Performed trail maintenance and all of the checked tasks. Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2024-04-25
Purpose: Clear Waterbars, check for blowdowns, check spring, and remove trash.
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: From Iron Mountain Gap to Weedy Gap I cleaned out some waterbars of leaves blown in by storms and wind. I cut a few waterbars in the orchard but may need more. I also kicked some water bars opened that I missed on last trip. Continuing on to first tall knob where I met a north bound thru hiker who was suffering from blisters. I supplied her with gauze, povodone iodine swabs, bandaids, and a small burn kit which I thought might help blisters. Helped her find a campsite for the night that was semi sheltered in the gap under the first tall pinnacle rocks knob. Then I continued on up to the rocks using my mattock to clean out 8 or 9 water bars. Checked the knob beyond the rocks for blowdowns and then returned to the trailhead. Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2024-04-22
Purpose: Clean out water bars, check for blow downs, remove trash.
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: From Iron Moutain Gap I checked condition of waterbars I cleaned before a rain to see how they faired after a storm. Many had leaves blown back into them. So I pushed the leaves out with my boots and widened some with my mattock on the first ridge. Then moved on to the orchard cleaning water bars as I went down by pushing leaves out with my boots. At the orchard I met two thru hikers and built a fire for them (and me) because it was cold with temp in the 40's and 10 to 15 mph wind. After that I went down to Weedy Gap and cleaned out water bars with my mattock. As I returned to the trail head I kicked more leaves out of some. They seems to fill up quickly. Reporting: Derek Haire
Date: 2024-04-28
Purpose: Inspection for blowdowns and overgrowth
Section: 20a: Nolichucky River to Temple Hill Gap
People: Derek Haire, Craig Haire
Summary: Arrived in early afternoon for trail inspection and minor clearing. Found evidence of shortcuts at several switchbacks on the northern half from the Nolichucky River, as well as the deliberate dismantling of constructed obstructions intended to prevent same. Encountered several northbound thru-hikers, as well as a few day hikers, also northbound, all in good spirits and without complaints. No more than a dozen persons total.
One switchback barrier had its capstone dislodged, likely by a bear looking for ground wasps, as it was a very large and heavy rock that required two people to replace. Noted a few areas where the berm is too high, a few others where the treadway needs attention, a couple of rainwater turnouts that need to be re-dug, and one six foot section where there was evidence of a puddle forming, all to be addressed in the near future as the season progresses. Also removed overhanging vegetation inside the hiking corridor and other similar minor overgrowth. Reporting: Greg Kramer
Date: 2024-04-26
Purpose: Garlic Mustard Pull
Section: 20c: No Business Knob Shelter to Spivey Gap
People: Vic Hasler
Dan Firth
Greg Kramer
Summary: Matt Drury and PJ met us at Devil's Creek Gap to pull garlic mustard. Another successful garlic mustard pull. We pulled approximately 100 pounds of garlic mustard and we think we got it all. There were plenty of seedlings we probably didn't get, but we did our best. It was very satisfying to pick the garlic mustard in the bowl where the access road and AT meet, the other flowers were blooming well. Reporting: Bill Fuller
Date: 2024-04-25
Purpose: Clear blowdowns
Section: 9a: US321 to Pond Flats
People: Bill Fuller
Summary: I cleared two reported blowdowns and found a third… ranging from 8-12”. One was near the wilderness boundary, one was about a mile in, and the third at the two-mile mark. I cleared some encroaching underbrush on my way up the mountain and picked up some trash near the forest gate/cemetary. I didn’t make it to the top of the mountain but south Pond is in good shape, at least for the first couple miles. Got compliments and “thank you” from 11 thru-hikers and one section hiker. They said they were just a few days ahead of the big bubble of hikers. Beautiful day to be on the mountain! Reporting: Greg Kramer
Date: 2024-04-25
Purpose: Build trail around muddy spots
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Greg Kramer
Jim McGuire
Bob Peoples
Tim Stewart
Scott Huskey
Dan Eggart
Carl Fritz
Van Hovey
Dan Firth
Dave Allen
Summary: With 4 Forest Service members we had a tremendous Crew. One group went down to the bog bridges and moved the 20ft bridge to span the stream. The other 12ft bridge was carried UP the hill to be used at the wet spot. I had mentioned all of the rock work we did in my last report. The gap in the middle was closed. The SOBO end we added the bog bridge and added 5 steps for an additional rehab of 35 feet. 3 waterbars were added. The trail now is out of the water all of the way to the woods. Reporting: Dave Allen
Date: 2024-04-19
Purpose: Water flow control on Backbone Rock Trail
Section: 1: TN/VA state line to Backbone Rock Trail
People: Dave Allen
Ben Allen
Summary: Is was a bit of a rainy morning, so it was a good chance to observe water drainage on the steep sections of the Backbone Rock blue blaze trail. The steep sections are showing signs of erosion running down the trail. A total of 27 drainage diversions (coweetas) and waterbars were dug or cleaned out, along with a few small blowdowns removed, and some encroaching green briar trimmed back. There was 1 large blowdown hanging over the trail which was too large to remove by handsaw, but it is stable and can be passed under. Discussion with Tony Messina concluded to not remove immediately, but wait until there is chainsaw work needed on the AT sections at the top end of the blue blaze. Reporting: Jim McGuire
Date: 2024-04-23
Purpose: Replace wire mesh on bridge
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Jim McGuire
Summary: Replaced the wire mesh on bridge near mile 399.8. Saw 14 thru hikers. They all expressed appreciation for our work. Section looked good. Reporting: Dick Martindale
Date: 2024-04-23
Purpose: Paint/repaint blazes and brush in areas near three unauthorized trails.
Section: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Dick Martindale
Summary: The purpose of this trip was to paint and/or repaint blazes, and continue to brush in, three locations where unauthorized trails intersect the AT. All three unauthorized trails intersect the AT on the right while hiking south.
Mile 418.3 - Added one new blaze and repainted one existing blaze. I explored this trail, which after about 150 yards turned into what appears to be a recently excavated road. The attached photo was taken about 200 yards off the AT. It is possible that it is related to a 2023 logging operation in this immediate area. I added more brush/debris at the intersection and noted that the brush I left from last week had not been disturbed.
Mile 418.1 - Repainted one blaze and added brush at the intersection. The brush added last week had not been disturbed.
Mile 417.9 - Repainted one blaze and added brush at the intersection. Again, the brush added last week had not been disturbed.
For fun I hiked out via the Coon Den Falls trail, which has a few blowdowns uphill from the falls, one of which is a 16-inch oak. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2024-04-22
Purpose: Remove blowdowns and minor repairs to shelter
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Carl Fritz
Scott Huskey
Ed Speer
Summary: Ed walked from Osborne Farm to Low Gap. Scott and I covered significant chunks. Some of the blowdowns that were seen last week had been cleared. Scott cut the large double blowdown about 3/4 mile north of the shelter. We all installed a gutter on the back of Double Springs Shelter. Last year Ed had identified that during rains the water was running through the shelter. This gutter is probably the last vestige of Overmountain Shelter. We also repaired the front gutter. Ed hand sawed a 9" waist high blowdown. There still remains a 12" stepover probably 1.25 mile south of Low Gap. We removed a decades old blowdown with a big step entirely. Reporting: Tim Stewart
Date: 2024-04-20
Purpose: check section
Section: 11b: Canute Place to Bitter End
People: Tim Stewart
Summary: Just out to check a portion of my section. Went in from new access point and then began lopping rhodos. At the shelter, picked up some trash and removed ashes from the firepit. Hiking back I removed one small blowdown and encountered numerous NOBOs.
Once back at the car on FS293, I decided to count the 'potholes'. There were 66 of various sizes from access point to the gate, approximately 3 miles. The road is in bad condition. Reporting: Elzear Lemieux
Date: 2024-04-16
Purpose: Trail Maintenance Survey
Section: 13: US19E to Doll Flats
People: Elzear Lemieux
Summary: Backpacked from 19E to Indian Grave Gap
Surveyed the section and recorded trail rehab opportunities and Blowdowns
Sent separate report to leaders with pictures and locations
Reporting: Jeff Hatling
Date: 2024-04-19
Purpose: Inspect condition of the trial .
Section: 14b: Bradley Gap to Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Jeff Hatling
Summary: Cleaned out water diversion from the southern base of Little Hump up to the Peak.
Created three additional water diversion from the rocks to the peak, along with reshaping 60' +/-of trail to encourage hikers to stay on the trail (see photo for example of reshaping). Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2024-04-19
Purpose: Inspect trail for blowdowns and continue to clean out waterbars.
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: From Iron Mountain Gap to top of what I think is called Old Road Ridge I cleaned out 40 water bars. Some were short and hard to tell if there had been one there but obviously needed and others were long and full of silt and leaves. I saw several thru hikers and met one section hiker at the trailhead. He was a senior hiker who went from the trailhead south on the trail a mile and a half past the shelter just past Low Gap. He reported that there were 10 to 12 blowdowns the largest of which was close to where he turned around near Low Gap. He was tracking his hike on his phone so I feel certain his mileage was correct. Reporting: Greg Kramer
Date: 2024-04-18
Purpose: Trail Improvement
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Greg Kramer
Steve Perri
Carl Fritz
Tony Messina
J Scott Huskey
Bob Peoples
Scott Ourth
Tim Stewart
Van Hovey
Rio Berry
Joe Morris
Summary: We were improving the trail from the road down. The open field is also used as a trail for ATV's. We decided to move the trail near the first water seep to the left side of the trail, to allow the ATVs to go between the trail and the tree. We directed the water to cross the trail and go into the Multi Flora Rose (MFR) patch which would drain down by the second seep. We created 30 feet trail and a 20 foot water diversion that we hardened so the ATVs could go over. At the second seep we moved the trail to the right side so we could keep the trail above the water. We built 105 feet of trail by the second seep, 30 feet of stepping rocks through the muddy area, 75 of new trail in the MFR below and will continue to repair next week. Reporting: Dick Martindale
Date: 2024-04-17
Purpose: Small blowdown removal, brush cutting, and unauthorized trail assessment
Section: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Dick Martindale
Summary: My original plan was to perform basic maintenance tasks all the way to Canute Place, but several new blowdowns and unauthorized trails were encountered. All but one blowdown (a 14 inch step-over) was able to be removed with a hand saw, and more vegetation was cut back. From mile 418.3 to 418.0 there are now three new trails leading off to the right while heading southward. We brushed two of those in last Fall, but the brush has been removed and a third trail is so prominent that two NOBOs told me they were confused as to which trail to take. I brushed those in as best I could, though there is clearly an individual or group who is purposefully keeping them open and functional by clearing vegetation, extensive flagging (which I removed) and sawing blowdowns. I hiked the unauthorized trail at mile 418.0 which re-entered the AT at mile 418.2. I did not hike the one at at 418.3. At a minimum, I need to add at least one more blaze and repaint some of the existing ones. I saw at least 30 NOBOs, and spoke to several of them regarding the condition of the trail. They were all complimentary and enjoying the experience. None of them identified any issues from mile 418.0 to Canute Place and several said the water source/pipe at Canute Place was in good condition. I will find a local volunteer to assist with the remaining blowdown, and have already asked other people in this area to inform me if they know anything about the unauthorized trails. Reporting: Jim Foster
Date: 2024-04-17
Purpose: Routine maintenance
Section: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Jim Foster
Summary: Everything looks good after removing a couple of small blowdowns. There is one large one about 3.2 mi. Trail south from Hughes Gap that will require a chainsaw. I've contacted my sawyer and we hope to get it Sunday. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-04-17
Purpose: Rebuild trail due to root ball damage
Section: 20b: Temple Hill Gap to No Business Knob Shelter
People: Joe Morris
Van Hovey
Summary: Van, Alex Auton from FS, and I rebuilt the trail 100 yards south of Temple Hill Gap with two 11 ft. locust logs and a significant amount of backfill.
Reporting: Lotta Murray
Date: 2024-04-17
Purpose: Checking for blowdowns and painting blazes
Section: 20c: No Business Knob Shelter to Spivey Gap
People: Ken Murray
Lotta murray
Summary: Checking for blowdowns and painting blazes was the goal for the day. Cut back lots of rhododendrons and found no blowdowns on this part of our section. Reporting: Richard L Ramsey
Date: 2024-04-14
Purpose: clear trail of the larger trees
Section: 14a: Doll Flats to Bradley Gap
People: Nancy Mick
Richard Ramsey
Summary: Had to hike in from 19E. Cleared 5 larger trees from the trail that we left a few weeks ago. No obstacles currently in the trail.
The trail 1.75 mile above Doll Flats is very mudding and in need of a larger project. Of course access will make a group project much more difficult. It would be almost a 10 mile round trip just for a group to get to the place in need of work. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-04-15
Purpose: Konnarock section evaluation and rootball fill in
Section: 20b: Temple Hill Gap to No Business Knob Shelter
People: Joe Morris
Summary: Jerry, Matt, Ruth, Miriam and Virginia evaluated the section, from THG to No Business Knob, for the two-week Konnarock stint in July.
A large tree toppled over the weekend and the rootball completely blew out the trail about 100 yards south of Temple Hill Gap.
I stayed after the ATC/Konnarock crew left and tried to make the four-foot-deep hole passible. I had no digging tools, so, I did
the best I could under the circumstances. We're returning Wednesday to fix this properly. Hikers are plentiful with more on the way. Reporting: Dean Baird
Date: 2024-04-14
Purpose: Remove blow downs
Section: 9b: Pond Flats to Hampton trailhead
People: Dean Baird
Summary: I hiked South Pond to remove an approximately 8" reported blow down located near the top. I removed 2 other small blow downs in addition to this one. At this point, the AT on South Pond is clear and in good condition. Reporting: Dean Baird
Date: 2024-04-15
Purpose: Place Norvirus posters
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Dean Baird
Summary: Norovirus posters were placed:
1) on the back wall of the Laurel Fork shelter, 2) on the USFS kiosk at the Dennis Cove trailhead, and at the USFS kiosk at the Hampton Blue Blaze trailhead.
One large rhododendron branch that was encroaching the trail close to Koonford Bridge was removed.
The Potato Top Trail was walked to check its condition. We will do some minor vegetation cut-back later.
I saw 10 thru-hikers. Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2024-04-14
Purpose: Inspect trail for blowdowns and clear water bars.
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: I went to check for blowdowns since we had big winds and found only one so far but only made it around 1.5 miles. I trimmed back the limbs of a live tree that fell about a month ago which is slowly coming down gradually. I also removed a dead red oak about 6 to 7 inches in diameter that was across the trail. The wind picked up so I turned around and on the return to the trail head I cleared 8 to 10 water bars.. I also inspected the spring which was flowing at about a gallon a minute. Met 5 thru hikers while on the trail with one camping in the Apple Orchard and 2 more said they would join her. Nice day to hike with the air conditioning on medium to high by the end of the day. Reporting: Tim Stewart
Date: 2024-04-13
Purpose: Hiking with Tools!
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Tim Stewart
Steve Perri
Tracy Harris
Rebecka Powell
Summary: A very windy Hiking with Tools! adventure this month.
We met at Low Gap (US421) and hiked south on the AT. Cleaning water diversions was the main task. There wasn't much lopping involved but the aggressive green briars were snipped back. We also removed a few minor blowdowns.
Lunch was had at the Berry Fields where we observed some white stuff on Whitetop. After lunch we continued hiking South for about another 30 minutes. We made it almost to the top of Locust Knob where we encountered a blowdown obstructing the trail. It is easy to get around but the path to get around is under the dangling portion of the tree. It will need some attention soon. There were also 2 step-overs that we left.
Although the wind was relentless, the sun was shining. We saw a bunch of NOBOs heading to Damascus. Back at the trailhead, Steve installed a 'Footpath Only' sign. It was a good day! Reporting: Michael Watts
Date: 2024-04-13
Purpose: Spring maintenance
Section: Choose Section
People: Rick Lott, Mike Watts
Summary: Clear but windy day. Through hikers said while ascending and crossing Hump the wind blew them sideways. Trail rehab on this section looks great. Lopped encroaching vegetation and cleaned water diversions. Cleared a few smaller blowdowns. To Do List: 1) Blowdown across trail to spring will require chainsaw. Upper portion crossing trail about a foot in diameter. Curves upward to provide around 4 feet of clearance underneath. 2) Upper pipe from spring could use a 1.5' extension for easier access. 3) Need to tighten bolts for handrail on bridge past Apple House. Reporting: joe morris
Date: 2024-04-10
Purpose: Clear blowdowns and evaluate section
Section: 19a: Indian Grave Gap - Curley Maple Gap Shelter
People: Joe Morris
Summary: Lotta Murray reported a couple of blowdowns last week and I took advantage of a break in the rain to walk in from Indian Grave Gap to Martins Creek at 349.6. I didn't have enough saw to remove the tree (Katana) but I removed the branches and built a small crib and filled it with rock. That worked well, as I needed to gain height there anyway. There are several rehab opportunities in this area. Most notably: 350.1, 350.4 and 350.6 accessible from the guardrail intersection at 351.1. This will be a good fall or cooler weather work area. Reporting: Dick Martindale
Date: 2024-04-10
Purpose: Small blowdown removal, brush cutting, and trail assessment
Section: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Dick Martindale
Summary: Removed several small blowdowns with a hand saw and used loppers to cut back encroaching vegetation on approximately a two-mile stretch. This section of trail is in good condition with no major maintenance needs observed. One step-over blowdown will need a chainsaw for removal though it is not an impediment to hikers. Plan to do the same tasks on the stretch from the Coon Den Falls junction to Canute Place next week. Had brief conversations with four NOBOs. Reporting: Scott Huskey
Date: 2024-04-10
Purpose: Remove reported blowdown
Section: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Scott Huskey
Summary: I removed a blowdown, which was reported to me on 4/2/2024. Reporting: Steve Perri
Date: 2024-04-07
Purpose: Clean Water Bars
Section: 3: McQueen's Gap to US421
People: Steve Perri
Summary: I used the buddy system to check in and out with Steve Wilson as I connected with him before going out solo to clean water bars and cut briars. With the rains coming this week I thought this would be a good time to use the pulaski to clean the water bars near 421. I went in about 1.5 miles to the last incline past the rock wall next to the trail. No blow downs in the trail at all were found. I added about 5 trenched diversions to allow water to drain off the trail on that last incline. Cut back briars to the degree that I could before they encroach the trail. I decided to bushwhack over to the cabin on Locust Pole Knob since it was easily visible with no leaves on the trees. Someone had added a black tarp over the roof line some time ago as the roof has decayed quite a bit. There was a trace of snow in the shadow of the building. I saw only two north bounders on the trail. On the way back there was a motorcycle that crashed in one of the curves on 421 which I observed several emergency response vehicles and an ambulance coming from the local volunteer fire department. Reporting: Vic Hasler
Date: 2024-04-06
Purpose: Spring chores
Section: 20b: Temple Hill Gap to No Business Knob Shelter
People: Vic Hasler
Summary: The access forest road still could benefit from a boom mower. I removed several leaners and some growth encroaching into the path. Primary concern is where the downhill shoulder is narrow, thus maybe a summer crew could cut back the rhododendron on the other side. A hedge trimmer was used on the short bend of azaleas. I spoke with two of seven NOBOs seen to learn no problem blowdowns, but the previously report wetness at mile 339.1 was really slippery. I lopped uphill growth as time allowed. The wetness is water seeping across a shady trail section through a mass of decaying leaves. The one built channel which was cleared. This short section could benefit from rehab to allow more drainage, a turnpike, or even a bog bridge with steps to get above where the water begins to seep. I carried some rocks, not on the trail, from storm drainage in the next hollow over but their effectiveness will be limited. One the way out for the day I discovered a large pile of cans and glass bottles in the forest along Temple Hill Gap trail, thus hauled out the cans and moved the glass bottles to the trail since more than I could carry. While Konnarock Crew is here in July, I recommend including improvements for mile 339.1 during their hitch. Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2024-03-30
Purpose: Painting blazes, and clearing some water bars.
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: For the last half of a mile before the pinnacle of rocks on Iron Mountain I located and painted blazes from the gap below to the top of the knob. Most were very hard to tell if there had been one there so they were hard to find. Some were only a flat rectangle on a tree and the old paint was totally gone. Ran into some other thru and section hikers. Also used my trekking poles to rake leaves out of a few water bars in critical places. Will go back soon with my mattock to do more since the rainy season will be coming soon if not already here. Reporting: Dave Allen
Date: 2024-03-22
Purpose: Clear water bars; trim growth
Section: 1: TN/VA state line to Backbone Rock Trail
People: Dave Allen
Steve Perri
Summary: Parked at Backbone Rock and hiked up Backbone Rock trail, clearing a couple of small blowdowns and trimming back vegetation. Had lunch at the AT / blueblaze junction, and met a couple of hikers, one NOBO and the other SOBO, both reporting a clear trail over their last several miles. Heading north on Section 1 we cleared a number of water bars and dug several new water control trenches (coweetas) on steep sections of the trail. A small blowdown was cleared, and vegetation was trimmed back to the state line. The section needs a couple of new waterbars and a bit of side hill trail rehab at some point. Reporting: Karen Berry /Annette Vinding
Date: 2024-03-28
Purpose: Maintenance
Section: 14c: Yellow Mountain Gap to Stan Murray Shelter
People: Karen Berry and Annette Vinding
Summary: The shelter had tarps and old tent flies and plastic tied over the entrance and an inflatable mattress bed inside, trash blown through the woods and human feces on the ground. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-04-01
Purpose: Blowdown removal
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Joe Morris
Summary: Marlene "Emoji" Simpson sent a report of a tree down south of IMG, relatively close to the road. After removing the tree on 12b, I headed over to IMG and removed this moderately inconvenient stepover. Appreciate the accurate reports with photos that "Emoji" sends. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-04-01
Purpose: Clear Blowdowns
Section: 12b: Walnut Mountain Road to Sugar Hollow Creek
People: Joe Morris
Summary: Removed blowdown reported by Gerald Scott about a mile south of Mountaineer Falls Shelter and another stepover adjacent to Elk River. Busy day in the woods 10 thru-hikers, 3-day hikers and one hiker enjoying a spring break hike. Reporting: Bettye Boone
Date: 2024-04-01
Purpose: Remove leaners, cut tree limbs, cut dangerous exposed T-posts, & installed new boot brushes at Carvers Gap
Section: 15a: Carvers Gap - Cloudland Hotel
People: Bettye Boone
Saylor Fox
Carl Fritz
Summary: Cut leaners with chainsaw (Carl Fritz/Sawyer) Cut exposed T-posts on AT at Carvers Gap south. Installed new boot brushes at Carvers Gap north; Carl previously constructed boot brushes prior to today's arrival at Carvers Gap. Reporting: Bettye Boone
Date: 2024-04-01
Purpose: Remove leaners, cut T-posts near trail, & install new boot brushes at Carvers
Section: 15a: Carvers Gap - Cloudland Hotel
People: Bettye Boone
Saylor Fox
Carl Fritz
Summary: Removed by chainsaw (Carl Fritz, Sawyer) 8 leaners and one blow down. Cut back encroaching tree limbs. Cut T-posts off at ground level at beginning of AT South for safety reasons. Installed new boot brushes at Carvers Gap headed north on AT. Carl Fritz had prepared boot brushes prior to his arrival. Saylor and I helped with install. Reporting: Van Hovey
Date: 2024-04-01
Purpose: Clear blowdowns
Section: 20a: Nolichucky River to Temple Hill Gap
People: Van Hovey
Ken Murray
Summary: Received report , from Peggy Cantrell , of two (2) blowdowns. One , approximately 1.5 miles SoBo from Temple Hill Gap and one , approximately 1 mile SoBo from Devils Creek Gap.
Decided to get the Temple Hill Gap one first , accessed trail via Granny Lewis Road found a multi-stemmed oak , 10" and 16" across the trail with collateral rhodie damage. Dispatched the blowdown and cleaned up the debris.
After returning to our vehicle we drove back to the Kan lot and walked in to Devils Creek Gap and tracked down the second blowdown. 8" lying across the trail . One cut later a good push and done.
Met about 18 through hikers , likely more than that out today.
Cheers
Reporting: Jeff Hatling
Date: 2024-03-30
Purpose: Spring check on trail along with cleaning out water diversions and creating new diversions.
Section: 14b: Bradley Gap to Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Jeff Hatling
Summary: I found the spring pipe for the spring just south of Bradley Gap (mile 388.5) at the tent site (mile 388.3) while picking up trash. I re-installed it at the pipe spring site mile 388.5.
Removed on walk over log.
Cleaned out 20+/- water diversions.
Brushed in 4 sections of trail were hikers where getting off to the side of trail, thus potentially moving the trail and causing adverse impact to bald area. Reshaped the existing trail to encourage the use of the existing trail, and deposited cut material in the new path that hikers were creating. Will continue to monitor to see if hikers have moved back to the existing established trail. (see attached photos)
The water diversions and new bog bridge at Bradley Gap are working well. Only one small section remains wet. In that section reshaped the trail to allow hiking around the water and mud. Plan on going back to place stepping stones in the wet area and moving the trial back. (see photo) Reporting: Scotty Bowman
Date: 2024-03-31
Purpose: Blowdown Removal
Section: 7: Vandeventer Shelter to Wilbur Dam Rd
People: Scotty Bowman
Tyler Cairnes
Summary: It was a great weekend to be out. We spent the weekend in Big Laurel Branch Wilderness clearing blowdowns 25 in total on this section. We hiked in Saturday morning and hiked out Sunday clearing blowdowns as we went. Counted 30 NOBOS, 16 section and day hikers. The weather was perfect for spending Easter weekend in the woods.
Saturday: 18 blowdowns removed, and 2 water bars were cleaned out in the first 3.75 miles.
Sunday: 6 more blowdowns removed, cleaned gutters at Vandeventer Shelter, and replaced shelter journal. On the hike out cut back new rhododendron growth in several sections and removed a treetop (widow maker) from over the trail.
Springs are flowing and the shelter was clean with no trash.
Reporting: Phyllis Cairnes
Date: 2024-03-31
Purpose: shelter maintenance
Section: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Phyllis Cairnes
Summary: Purpose was to post laminated norovirus signs and check shelter. I posted one sign at the shelter and another at the stile which crosses from the pasture into the woods northbound. I was a traveling health educator today! Talked with Bear Taco, Slinky, Radar, and Simmer. They had heard of norovirus but knew nothing about its symptoms, how it was transmitted, or how to prevent it. Later talked with Lady Madonna. She had had norovirus and felt it was from conditions at a hostel. She asked me to report 2 hostels for her since she had no phone coverage. I will contact ATC. I took a photo of a blowdown at mile 452.1 and will send it to Renee. At the shelter I picked up trash, re-painted the graffiti board, talked with more hikers about noro, left a new broom, and carried out two old ones. Trail magic people with a camper were set up at Cross Mtn. parking area. They were cooking pizzas for hikers, handing out soft drinks, and snacks. Reporting: Greg Kramer
Date: 2024-03-30
Purpose: Spring Checkout
Section: 5: TN91 to Iron Mountain Shelter
People: Greg Kramer
Betty Kramer
Summary: Weed eater final section left last year because of medical issue. Found 15 stepovers and had a blowdown that I created a path around. Will go back in a week or so to remove them and complete Spring cleanup of waterbars and cutback vegetation out by the shelter. Leaving work near Cross Mtn Rd for Third Saturday. The shovel handle has been burned and the broom has no handle. Replaced logbook, and the Graffiti Board needs cleaning and paint job. Graffiti board is de-laminating some but good for another year at least. Reporting: Steve Wilson
Date: 2024-03-30
Purpose: General Trail Maintenance
Section: 2b: Low Point roughly 2 miles N of Abingdon Gap Shelter to McQueen's Gap
People: Carl Belcher & Steve Wilson
Summary: Starting from McQueens gap, we hiked north cleaning water diversion and cut briars. The “Gastrointestinal Illness Alert” sign was posted at the Abingdon Gap shelter as requested by the NPS. It was a sunny warm day for a hike and we saw two NOBO thru hiker and five section hikers. Reporting: Van Hovey
Date: 2024-03-28
Purpose: Clear blowdown
Section: 19b: Curley Maple Gap Shelter - Nolichucky River
People: Van Hovey
Carrie Hovey
Summary: Wednesday evening received a report of a blowdown located about a mile and a quarter in from USA Raft .
Found a dead hemlock about 18” in diameter across 2 sections of the trail .
Cut and cleared blowdown and collaterally damaged rhodies .
Nice afternoon to be out ….. Cheers Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-03-28
Purpose: Scout trail and harvesting locust
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Van Hovey, Tim Stewart, Bob Peoples, Rio Berry, Carl Fritz, Jim McGuire, Elzear Lemieux, Tony Messina, Joe Morris, Greg Kramer
Summary: The Thursday crew visited Bishop Hollow to evaluate options for trail rehabilitation and run-off mitigation. Forest Service personnel cut several locusts in the area for steps, water bars, and side logs. Locusts were debarked and stacked, also several outlets were dug to eliminate water pooling on the trail. This was the first of several trips to the area. Reporting: Steve Perri
Date: 2024-03-28
Purpose: Spring Maintenance
Section: 3: McQueen's Gap to US421
People: Steve Falling, Steve Perri
Summary: Steve Falling and I hiked in and out from McQueen's Gap to conduct annual spring maintenance. We cleared the water bars near McQueen's Gap and north of the spring with a Pulaski, lopped briars, and overgrown branches. The spring was flowing reasonably well this time of year. We cut out one broken tree leaning about head high. At the shelter we picked up trash and removed debris from the rear rain gutter. Blazes are in really good shape in both directions. We picked up some minor trash and broken glass at McQueen's Gap and installed Foot Travel Only signs heading north and south from the gap. We saw 3 thru hikers and a father and son section hiking. One hiker mentioned the trail was clear to US 421 but there might be one blow down south of US421. Steve Falling found a quarter with the symbol of Perry's Victory. Too bad we're not related but it was certainly a coincidental and unexpected find! Reporting: Jeff Hatling
Date: 2024-03-28
Purpose: Spring check on trail along with cleaning out water diversions and creating new diversions.
Section: 14b: Bradley Gap to Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Jeff Hatling
Summary: Clean out 17 +/- water diversions.
Dug in 10 +/- new water diversions.
Reshaped approximately 40' +/- trail to encourage people to stay on trail. Reporting: Jeff Hatling
Date: 2024-03-27
Purpose: First time inspecting new section. Spring clean out of water diversions, check spring, check for trash, and remove any blow down.
Section: 14b: Bradley Gap to Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Jeff Hatling
Summary: The old Red Barn camping area was very clean. However, it was interesting to see the use of wood from the old Red Barn site. It is being used to build a shelter (see picture). Good design, had the shelter laid out to block the northwest wind from the fire pit.
Cleaned out spring to increase the flow.
Cut one blowdown with a hand saw (see picture).
Cleaned out 37+/- water diversions. Many just required a small amount of cleaning (see picture). The upper section, above Yellow Mountain Gap, water diversions required a large amount of digging, and fill below water diversion steps, and brush to cut of short cuts and move hikers back on the trail.
Reporting: Bettye Boone
Date: 2024-03-25
Purpose: Prepared for & attended Zoom Meeting regarding Trail Counters on Roan
Section: 14d: Stan Murray Shelter to Carvers Gap
People: Bettye Boone
Summary: Prepared for meeting & attended Zoom meeting regarding Trail Counters Reporting: Bettye Boone
Date: 2024-03-24
Purpose: Check & download Trail Counter Data
Section: 14d: Stan Murray Shelter to Carvers Gap
People: Bettye Boone
Saylor Fox
Summary: Downloaded data from 3 trail counters
Uploaded data to DataNet Reporting: Jennifer Baird
Date: 2024-03-25
Purpose: Paint blazes
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Jennifer Baird
Summary: The main purpose for today's outing was to paint blazes (also did the blue blaze ones on the high water trail). The trail was in good condition; also checked the shelter. Several thru hikers and day hikers were on trail (interacted with most of them). Minimal trash was packed out. Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2024-03-24
Purpose: Check section for blowdowns and paint blazes
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Marlene Simpson
Summary: Met Marlene at noon at trail head with the intention of her just hiking but I managed to suck her into helping me. Glad she agreed or it would have taken me much longer since she not only painted a few blazes but helped find and clean blazes. We even had a thru hiker paint a blaze who expressed the desire and wanted to feel involved. Met 8 or more really nice thru hikers and a couple more that didn't stop. We made it to the pinnacle of rocks about the time the wind picked up and the temperature dropped. We planned to rest there but it was too cold so we headed back to Greasy Creek Friendly painting more blazes on the way that we missed on the way up. Chilly day but productive. Reporting: Elzear Lemieux
Date: 2024-03-24
Purpose:
Section: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Elzear Lemieux
Emily Lemieux
Summary: Hiked entire section
Removed encroaching Vegetation
Removed 10 " blowdown
Checked trail for future maintenance requirements:
Mile 431 : 50 ft of cribbing (flagged)
Mile 433: 15 ft of cribbing (flagged)
Mile 433.1 Hole next to trail, 30 ft of cribbing (flagged) Reporting: Gerald N Scott
Date: 2024-03-22
Purpose: Routine Spring Maintenance
Section: 12b: Walnut Mountain Road to Sugar Hollow Creek
People: Gerald Scott
Harold Wexler
Summary: Cleared several blowdowns with the largest being around 10 inches in diameter. Left one blowdown too larger for Silky saws. It was 15-20 inches in diameter and located around one mile trail south of Mountaineer Falls. High winds had blown treetops on top of rhododendrons in several places pushing them down. We removed treetops and lopped the rhodos back. Water drainage looked good on the whole sections. No ATV damage seen. Encounter several through hiker and a few section hikers.