Below is submitted maintenance activities for the last 6 weeks. Please note that trail conditions can change quickly. Or view maintenance by section.
Reporting: Vic Hasler
Date: 2026-03-14
Purpose: Inspect the A.T. road walk detour while picking up recyclables and trash
Section: 19b: Curley Maple Gap Shelter - Nolichucky River
People: Vic Hasler
Summary: Second springtime check of the trail detour maps and markings, which all are still present in the field. The Unaka Springs Baptist church is repaving their parking lot, thus heavy machinery present. A pair of section hikers headed NOBO with one other vehicle parked in the AT lot. First active train seen since the flood! Utility repair construction has been finished along the Jackson-Love Highway bridge. The hospital building is now being dismantled. The river embankment along Unaka Springs Road has been partially reinforced with large rocks, but no roadway shoulder established. Brief conversations with two NOBO hikers indicated that they did not mind the road walk, which is quickly accomplished in an hour out of journey of several months.
With limited time available for trash pickup, the focus was limited to Chestoa Pike, then north end of Temple Hill Road. The litter is primarily beverage and fast food packaging with the aluminum cans and PET bottles being recycled.
Date: 2026-03-14
Purpose: Begin work on annual spring maintenance as well as trail assessment
Section: 13: US19E to Doll Flats
People: Michael Watts
Summary: Beautiful day. Steady stream of through hikers as well as group doing section hike. Two larger blowdowns (14-16") in first mile north of Doll Flats. These have to be straddled and will require a chainsaw to clear. Cleared 5 smaller blowdowns. Lots of lopping. Some rock placement to improve treadway. Will send separate email with details on hazard tree assessment as well as special project needs. Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-03-14
Purpose: Blowdown removal
Section: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Randy Allen
Joe Morris
Summary: Jim Gregory of Boots Off sent photos of a large pine at N 429.9 and we removed it Reporting: Jeff Miller
Date: 2026-03-11
Purpose: Recon
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Adam Bean
Jeff Miller
Summary: Cleared minor secondary Helene blowdowns and did recon to report to Joel Zabel of the Johnson City Hikers. Reporting: Jeff Miller
Date: 2026-03-08
Purpose: Litter
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Jeff Miller
Summary: Picked up litter at Iron Mt. Gap trailhead and two other trail access points. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-03-11
Purpose: Look at trail relocation possibilities
Section: 9a: US321 to Pond Flats
People: Tim Stewart
Carl Fritz
Summary: We looked at different trail options from Pond Mountain side to access the current US321 crossing . A detailed report will be provided separately. Reporting: Lotta and Ken Murray
Date: 2026-03-11
Purpose: Spring cleaning
Section: 20c: No Business Knob Shelter to Spivey Gap
People: Ken Murray
Lotta Murray
Summary: Cut back lots of rhododendrons, removed several smaller blowdowns, cleaned out water sources. Left two larger trees that require chain saw but they are easy step over. (Mile 335.4 a 14 inch pine and at 334.1 a 8 inch birch). At mile 334.8 is a large rootball from Helene that never was fixed and mile 334.2 is side sloping, roots, and could use a side log and some work.
The campsite at mile 334.4 has two dead trees (locust and oak both approximately 14 inches diameter) that might come down in the camping area, hard to tell which directing they would go. Reporting: Bettye Boone
Date: 2026-03-09
Purpose: Spring Check of our Section
Section: 15a: Carvers Gap - Cloudland Hotel
People: Bettye Boone
Saylor Fox
Summary: Saylor and I hiked our section for the first time this year. Ice/snow have prevented our hiking the trail until this week.; there was still ice on several sections of the trail. I checked the only remaining trail counter (North of Carvers), then joined Saylor on the section south of Carvers to Cloudland. We cleaned all water diversions, removed blowdowns w/silky, cut back vegetation, removed numerous spruce limbs, checked the shelter (closed), checked the water source at the shelter (working fine), and dismantled 3 fire rings (built during the burn ban). There was evidence of very high winds and saturated soil across the whole section. Numerous live spruce/fir trees had been blown over throughout the forest. There are 4 blowdowns which will need a Sawyer. Only one requires getting off the trail to go around due to the large rootball on the trail. All the others are leaners which may come down in the future.
One real problem we encountered was with the water diversions. Someone, either a TEHCC volunteer or the forest service, has thrown a lot of limbs/trees into the water diversion ditches. In order to clean the ditches so water can move freely, the limbs had to be removed or we had to dig under the brush. We respectfully request that folks quit doing this. There are about 70 water diversions on our section and this becomes very time consuming. Thanks! Reporting: Lotta and Ken murray
Date: 2026-03-07
Purpose: Check trail status
Section: 20c: No Business Knob Shelter to Spivey Gap
People: Lotta Murray
Ken Murray
Summary: Cleared a dozen smaller blowdowns, left one large easy step over close to shelter which require a chainsaw. Lots of dead brush and branches on the trail. Pained blazes, cut back rhododendrons, cleaned out creeks and spring close to shelter, brought a new logbook and repainted the graffiti board. Shelter area looks good just some half burned trash. No hazard trees that we could identify close to shelter or spring. Lots of large dead hemlocks just south of shelter that are slowly coming down but not threatening unless you happen to be there at that exact moment.
We identified two areas that could use some work.
1. Mileage 336.5 . The trail is side sloping, exposed roots and possible need steps and side logs. Several 20-30 feet sections need work within 200-300 feet area. Mileage 336.6 is where last year you fixes a large rootball which destroyed the trail. The dirt from the uphill slope is now eroding onto the trail and need some digging out.
2. At mileage 337.7 there is also an area of about 200-300 feet where several shorter sections of trail is severely sloping and could use side logs Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2026-02-16
Purpose: Inspect trail for blowdowns, and check spring
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: From the orchard to the top of first tall I removed many branches of all sizes. Close to the top of first tall knob I removed several logs that luckily were in pieces not too heavy to move. At the top near the rock pinnacle there is a tree down over the trail but okay for now since hikers have made a trail around it. Will come back with katanaboy. Checked the spring in the orchard on the way back to the Gap and it was flowing okay but only about half of full force. Collected a few pieces of trash and returned to trail head. Reporting: Gerald Scott
Date: 2026-03-08
Purpose: Routine Spring Maintenance
Section: 12b: Walnut Mountain Road to Sugar Hollow Creek
People: Gerald Scott
Harold Wexler
Vic Hasler
Summary: We cleared several 6–10-inch blowdowns. Left 3 blowdowns too large for Silky saws (see picture). None are urgent - hikers can step over or duck under. Assessed damage to Mountaineer Falls shelter from tree falling against shelter during Hurricane Helene. Sent report to Carl Fritz. Signs of ATV traffic observed at the Splash Dam Falls turnoff. The locks had been cut off the Elk River gate. New locking pen is needed. Forest service road at Elk River Falls is still in excellent shape. Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-03-07
Purpose: Shook Branch recon for first Hiking With Tools! Outing
Section: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Tracy Harris
Rebecka Powell
Tim Stewart
Sam Ensor
Summary: Trail recon for first Hiking With Tools! outing on March 14. With Tim’s help, we identified several sections that could use some attention - clearing water diversions, minimal rhododendron lopping, cutting back green briar and other encroaching vegetation. Great news! There is plenty to keep us busy on our first outing of 2026. Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-03-07
Purpose: Hiking With Tools! Meeting
Section: 9a: US321 to Pond Flats
People: Tracy Harris
Rebecka Powell
Tim Stewart
Aerin Miller
Michael Sink
Sam Ensor
Summary: Had a meeting to finalize Hiking With Tools! 2026 season schedule, and coordinate leadership for individual dates. Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-03-07
Purpose: Blowdown removal and recon
Section: 20a: Nolichucky River to Temple Hill Gap
People: Aaron Brown
Joe Morris
Summary: Aaron and I walked in to Temple Hill Gap from Granny Lewis - the road to the Gap is in good condition. We were looking for an illusive blowdown reported north of No Business Knob Shelter and, unfortunately did not locate it. We know it's not north of Temple Hill Gap to Uncle Johnny's. We did remove several nuisance limbs and trees. There are two blowdowns within two miles south of Uncle Johnny's that need to be removed. Reporting: Van Hovey
Date: 2026-03-05
Purpose: Clear blow downs off shelter
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Bob Peoples
Steve Domagala
Van Hovey
Summary: Objective: Cut and clear blow downs off the Cherry Gap Shelter.
Objective achieved.
Shelter in neither safe nor usable. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-03-05
Purpose: Rehab and Blowdown Removal
Section: 11b: Canute Place to Bitter End
People: Joe Morris, Tim Stewart, Greg Morie, Heidi Wolgamuth, Greg Kramer, Michel Denizot, Gerald Scott
Summary: The crew completed the bulk of rehab south of Moreland Gap including: 141 linear feet of trail, 4 rock steps, and 8 locust steps (two site visits).
Some minor issues can be dealt with at a later date i.e., when the shelter is removed. Gerald Scott and Greg Kramer removed 3 contractor bags of trash from Mountaineer Falls Shelter (Section 12b). Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-03-05
Purpose: Clear blowdowns
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Todd Gray
Carl Fritz
Dan Firth
Ed Speer
Jonathan Lukas
Summary: We cleared blowdowns and many leaners from Campbell Hollow Rd to Jones Falls intersection. Also, we cut back corridor in many places, but much more remains. We were out of fuel for the saws and us. We saw two thru kikers and four section hikers. Reporting: Steve Domagala
Date: 2026-03-03
Purpose: To obtain gear from Carl Fritz
Section: Other (Meetings/preparation/etc.)
People: Steve Domagala
Summary: Traveled to Carl’s house to pick up the gear needed to work on cherry gap shelter on Thursday. Rope, come along, straps, etc.. Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-03-05
Purpose: Section assessment
Section: 9a: US321 to Pond Flats
People: Tracy Harris
Summary: General section assessment. No blowdowns seen, no hazard trees seen, 3 areas that could use steps repair or replacement. I’ve attached three photos of steps that might be a good Thursday project, and one photo of wild daffodils for Renee (no dirt ?). Reporting: Steve Wilson
Date: 2026-02-21
Purpose: Routine Trail Maintenance
Section: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Ed Speer
Summary: Cleared the trail from TN91 to Locust Knob just past Double Springs shelter. Removed one blowdown on Section 4B and three blowdowns on Section 4A. Reporting: Steve Wilson
Date: 2026-02-20
Purpose: Marking Blowdowns for Removal by Chainsaw
Section: 3: McQueen's Gap to US421
People: Ed Speer
Summary: Starting at Low Gap (Hwy 421), Ed Speer hiked north to a maple grove north of Double Springs Gap to further clean rock from the trail and mark trail side blowdowns that should be cut to facilitate weed cutting. Reporting: Steve Wilson
Date: 2026-02-18
Purpose: Performing Tread Way Repairs
Section: 3: McQueen's Gap to US421
People: Ed Speer
Summary: Ed Speer hiked from Low Gap (Hwy 421) north to section’s mid point at Double Springs Gap. Installed a 16-foot wood & stone crib beside a rootball hole. Removed trail side brush and poison ivy from locust logs to be sawed and used later. Reporting: Steve Wilson
Date: 2026-02-17
Purpose: Spring Trail Maintenance
Section: 3: McQueen's Gap to US421
People: Ed Speer
Summary: Ed Speer hiked AT Section 3 from Low Gap (Hwy 421) north to McQueens Knob to clear natural litter and remove blowdowns. Moved locust logs for future use as check steps on steep trail sections. Reporting: Steve Wilson
Date: 2026-02-11
Purpose: Spring Trail Maintenance
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Ed Speer
Summary: Ed Speer cleared the trail from Low Gap (Hwy 421) hiking south to the high point at Locust Knob. Removed a 12-inch blowdown and natural litter from the trail. Reporting: Jim McGuire
Date: 2026-03-01
Purpose: General Maintenance
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Jim McGuire
Summary: I completed general trail maintenance. There were many branches to lop. I cleared a couple small blow downs, but there are 4 new blow downs that will require a chainsaw. There was some trash, but not bad. Trail was in good shape. I noticed vehicle tire tracks on the trail along Elk River. The repair work on root ball holes was looking good. There is an abundance of white blazes that seemed fresh. Painting blazes on this section of trail is not necessary at the moment. I encountered 12-day hikers who were very appreciative of the repair work we have done. I'll send more details via email on the blow downs. Reporting: Steve Wilson
Date: 2026-02-28
Purpose: Cutting Over Growth & Blowdowns + Looking for Hazard Trees
Section: 2b: Low Point roughly 2 miles N of Abingdon Gap Shelter to McQueen's Gap
People: Ed Speer & Steve Wilson
Summary: We started the day by spending an hour clearing the Forest Service road (3 miles) of blowdowns to reach McQueens gap and AT section 2b. Then, we hiked north from the gap towards Abingdon Gap Shelter. The shelter looked in good shape and had a broom & shovel. Ed hiked down to check the spring’s flow and cleaned out the old iron spring pipe. The new gray spring pipe installed last year is flowing well, so this will be a good source of water for thru hikers. Meanwhile I replaced the log book, and cleaned & repainted the shelter’s graffiti board. After lunch we hike north another mile cutting back growth and clearing two small blowdowns with a hand saw.
During the hike we measured the clearance & diameter of hazard trees that need to be removed later with a chainsaw. Six walk-under blowdowns from Huricane Helene storm were noted in these two miles, and plans are being made for chainsaw crew outings to remove them. Reporting: Van Hovey
Date: 2026-02-28
Purpose: Shelter maintenance
Section: 19b: Curley Maple Gap Shelter - Nolichucky River
People: Van Hovey
Carrie Hovey
Summary: Primary goal to check shelter and surrounding area.
Accessed AT / Shelter via Martins Creek trail / access trail.
Picked up trash , painted over graffiti on structure , washed and repainted graffiti board , replaced shelter log with new log , swept out shelter, inspected water source (low but running clear) and looked for hazard trees ( nothing new but one mildly questionable) . Hauled out trash.
Met two hikers , one section and one day .
Beautiful day to be out . Reporting: Greg Kramer
Date: 2026-02-27
Purpose: Remove Downed Tree from Iron Mountain Shelter
Section: 5: TN91 to Iron Mountain Shelter
People: Greg Kramer
Joe Morris
Ed Speer
Summary: A downed tree was reported at the Iron Mountain Shelter. We also removed 2 hazard trees in the campsite area and more fallen trees along the way. Water bars were cleaned Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2026-02-09
Purpose: Inspect trail, remove blowdowns, check signage, and check spring.
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: From Iron Mountain Gap to Apple Orchard then to Weedy Gap. At trail head there were 2 new sets of footprints in the snow and 2 set of old hiker footprints and dog prints. One new tree down just past forest service gate but easy to walk under by bending over. Limbs from trees coming down slowly were trimmed back, and some fallen limbs removed. Mission was also to inspect reroute signs for damage but both the forest service sign and a sign I made had been removed and the reroute trail had been brushed in to stop hikers from taking it. Since I did not know who did it I did not remove the brush. No footprints were on the reroute. Spring in the orchard was flowing but slow at about a gallon in 2 minutes. The orchard had been used but only for a stopover since no tent impressions were found. Footprints were south bound coming from Weedy Gap. Inspected almost to Weedy Gap but wind and 26 degree temperature turned me around for the day. Saw no hikers. Reporting: Tim Stewart
Date: 2026-02-21
Purpose: recon dayhike
Section: 19a: Indian Grave Gap - Curley Maple Gap Shelter
People: Tim Stewart
Summary: Out for a dayhike, south of Indian Grave Gap, I noticed numerous opportunities for Thursday maintenance. Although it turned into a recon mission, I did not account for my driving time.
Starting furthest from the gap:
349.7 sloughing trail - perhaps a rock ramp
349.8 2 areas with sloughing trail
349.8 Martin Creek Rock Ramp that we built several years ago
349.9 Martin Creek - improve stepping stones
350.1 unnamed creek - improve stepping stones
350.1 fallen sidelog - reinstall 15ft sidelog
350.4 sloughing trail
350.7 overhead blowdown - 8 incher
350.9 possible viewpoint - remove dead trees (see picture)
351.3 unauthorized? sidetrail - noticed some ribbons heading downhill
351.4 campsite access - shortcut from 395
351.8 overhead hazard tree - 15 incher
351.9 rootball hole - minor damage to edge of trail
351.9 Ephriam Place Rd bridge and trench
351.9 rootball damage - leaning tree with rootball right on trail
352 rootball hole - minor damage to edge of trail, 10ft sidelog
352.9 Indian Grave Gap
Additionally, close to the trailhead is a dilapidated registration kiosk (that is what it looks like to me). Suggest we seek approval to dismantle and discard debris. (Perhaps add a brief topic in Partner meeting.)
I took pictures of all but unfortunately, I am unable to retrieve them from FarOut. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-02-25
Purpose: USFS - ATC - TEHCC Field Visit
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Joe Morris
Van Hovey
Summary: USFS personnel and ATC visited the areas around Iron Mountain Gap, in order to evaluate the need for fire mitigation. Discussion points also focused on the upcoming removal of debris and slash primarily near Spivey Gap, Unaka Mountain (including Upper Poplar Creek and Loggy Knob in North Carolina), and IMG North and South. There is "hope" that TEHCC rehabilitation efforts can commence on the north side of IMG sometime during the 4th Qtr. of 2026. Reporting: Craig Haire
Date: 2026-02-21
Purpose: blocking shortcuts
Section: 20a: Nolichucky River to Temple Hill Gap
People: Craig Haire
Summary: Two switchbacks at the north end, with perfectly good steps available, have been scarred by thoughtless hikers sliding down a steep bank to save a few seconds. By driving stakes into the banks and arranging dead limbs on the stakes, I have tried to make this behavior less appealing. Toward the end of my efforts, three pleasant ladies came by on their way to the Nolichucky River from Spivey Gap. They thanked me for my work. Reporting: Tim - Test Submission
Date: 2026-02-23
Purpose: Test
Section: Other (Meetings/preparation/etc.)
People: me
Summary: testing Reporting: ted allen
Date: 2026-02-21
Purpose: General. Maintenance
Section: 15c: Ash Gap to Hughes Gap
People: Randy Allen
Summary: A general walk through. Cked trailhead, both springs and campsites for hazard trees. None found. Do have one above trail . Noted in pic. We will see if snow and wind will bring on down . No immediate danger.
Also dismantling fire ring at first campsite due to large amount of downed trees near.
(Section is in long term fire ban)
Got a jump on the saw briars . Got about 3 areas where they are really growing fast due to canopy loss.
Will not be long before weed eating start. Reporting: Tim Stewart
Date: 2026-02-19
Purpose: Thursday maintenance
Section: 11b: Canute Place to Bitter End
People: Tim Stewart
Summary: I had an early dentist appointment, so I was not able to meet everyone at the community park. I went in from Bitter End and hiked North. I thought I might meet the others at some point but by 1:30 I knew that was not likely. I turned around after about 3 miles and headed back to the trailhead.
Before turning around, I filled in some small rootball holes and did some other maintenance.
After returning to Bitter End, I drove to the Park and waited for everyone else to return. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-02-19
Purpose: Trail Rehab
Section: 11b: Canute Place to Bitter End
People: Joe Morris, Greg Morie, Heidi Wolgamuth, Jim McGuire, Todd Gray, Carl Fritz, Tony Messina, Dan Firth, Michel Denizot, Sam Ensor, Van Hovey
Summary: Thursday crew rehabilitated two staircases, removed blowdowns (including campsite hazard trees), and rehabbed treadway between Moreland Gap Shelter 414.0 and 413.2. An additional outing is required in the area to finish all the rehab tasks. Reporting: Steve Domagala
Date: 2026-02-18
Purpose: Removed 1 blowdown & 1 leaner
Section: 18: FS230 switchback to Indian Grave Gap
People: Steve Domagala
Brandon Church - USFS
Summary: During my road walk yesterday, to beauty spot, I was alerted to a blowdown @354.5 by a hiker. On my way back down on the trail I came across it myself. As I was already scheduled to work with Branden this morning on a non-AT project, he said he would assist me afterwards to clear this blowdown as well as one that was on beauty spot road. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-02-17
Purpose: Inspect Trail for Root Ball Holes
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Yong Li
Carl Fritz
Summary: We checked south of Greasy Creek Gap for potential trail rehab for Konnarock Crews. There was some minor rehab within 0.1 miles but most started a half mile out and continued to 1.3 miles out. There were about 17 root ball holes that need repair. About 14 will take some time-consuming work. Much of the trail corridor needs cleared so we can cut briars. We marked some locusts with orange flagging. With hand saws we ((mostly Yong) cut out some minor branches and logs impinging on trail, a 12-inch poplar at waist high and a hazard tree at tenting site. The water source at Greasy Creek Gap was running well. Reporting: David Cook
Date: 2026-02-14
Purpose:
Section: 19a: Indian Grave Gap - Curley Maple Gap Shelter
People: David Cook
Summary: Continued cutting back vegetation and used a scythe to mow green briar. During my last maintenance trip, I found a discarded car tire approximately one mile in from Indian Grave Gap. I cut the tire into pieces and packed it out. I also noticed significant trash around the Indian Grave Gap parking area and ended up collecting and bagging three bags of refuse, as well as discarded construction supplies. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-02-12
Purpose: Rehabilitation
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Joe Morris, Ed Speer, Van Hovey, Dan Firth, Carl Fritz, Todd Gray, Jim McGuire, Michel Denizot, Tim Stewart, Tony Messina
Summary: The Thursday crew rehabbed 115 feet of trail. A locust staircase was rehabbed, and three other stone step areas were rehabilitated. This section is in pretty decent shape for the season. Reporting: Dennis Whittington
Date: 2026-02-09
Purpose: RoutineTrailMaintenance
Section: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Dennis Whittington
Summary: Routine trail maintenance after recent heavy snow/ice storms. Remove miscellaneous branches, pick up trash and checked water sources that have recently been dry. (Note: Ran into the Old Timers Hiking Club on a routine Monday hike.) Reporting: Jim Foster
Date: 2026-02-10
Purpose: Cut blow downs and check trail
Section: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Yong Li, Jim Foster
Summary: Yong removed 2 (chain saw) blow downs and quite a bit of other stuff that was impeding the trail with his hand saw. The trail was snow covered and slick but the air was warm and we had a great day.