Below is submitted maintenance activities for the last 6 weeks. Please note that trail conditions can change quickly. Or view maintenance by section.
Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2026-05-03
Purpose: Check forest service trail for useage by hikers and cut back weed growth in orchard.
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: Since it was a Sunday so workers were not present I went from Iron Mountain Gap to Orchard so I could check usage by hikers on forest service road which appears to be getting little use. Grass was not trampled enough to show. When I got to the orchard I found the place were a tree was felled to brush in forest service route was cut with a saw and removed. The post where sign was originally posted had been pulled out of the ground and placed at start of forest service road. I moved sign post to log next to the new reroute sign. I cut back grass growing in orchard in tent spaces as well as some from the AT down to the orchard. I also cut large branches near the orchard trail to allow for easier weed removal when the growth gets thick. Three hikers came in while I was there so I cut the limbs up because they wanted a fire and it was turning cold. I also cut more up near the AT so they would not run out. They reported a grueling hike on the reroute as the hardest part of the AT since their start at Springer Mtn.
Date: 2026-04-30
Purpose: Inspect forest service road for usage, and check for re-route usage.
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: From Iron Mountain Gap checked forest service road for hiker usage and wearabouts of machinery on forest service road. Road building extends down to behind forest service road gate at Iron Mtn Gap. Went up 1/4th mile where I encountered a skidder and driver who saw me and came down to talk. I inquired if he had encountered hikers and he told me of 2. One woman and one man at different times who climbed through downfall in process of removal for road building. They could have been locals but left before the operator had a chance to talk to them. I returned to the gap after talking to the operator. Then took a trip from Hwy 107 up Red Fork Road to connector at intersection of trail reroute so I could give information to hikers headed southbound. My original plans were to go up reroute from forest service gate above cemetery but it was blocked with TDOT trucks and machinery. Only objective achieved was that Iron Mountain Gap needs a sign stating the forest service road is closed for hiking. Reporting: Jeff Hatling
Date: 2026-05-07
Purpose: Fix spring at Bradley Gap
Section: 14b: Bradley Gap to Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Jeff Hatling
Summary: Cleaned out a few water diversions and addressed some trail sections that hikers were going of the tread.
Main purpose was to find the missing spring head piping for the spring at Bradley Gap. Found the piping about 1/4 mile south of the spring in a water seep. It was located in a lower section of the seep. Being an active wild hog area, not a good thing. Moved the piping back to the Bradley Gap spring. Piping is located at the head of the spring inserted in the hillside. Access is walking down the wonderful rock boulder steps the Thursday crew built.
Since this the second time in two years that the piping went missing, I am working on getting a back-up spring head piping. Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-05-09
Purpose: Hiking With Tools!
Section: 12a: Bitter End to Walnut Mountain Road
People: Tracy Harris
Rebecka Powell
Jennifer Jablin
Tim Stewart
Renee Messina
Tony Messina
Vic Hasler
Jim McGuire
Dennis Lewis
Justin Branson
Summary: Perfect weather for Hiking With Tools! 3rd outing of 2026. There were 10 volunteers including newcomer Justin Branson, retired police officer from Washington, DC. Renee refreshed blazes. Tony, Dennis, Justin, and Jim repaired log steps. And the rest of us lopped rhodos. This beautiful section of trail is in great shape. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-05-08
Purpose: Repair Bridges
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Tim Stewart
Ed Speer
Dan Firth
Carl Fritz
Summary: Ed and Tim started repairs to northern bridge and made great progress. Dan and Carl finished repairs to southern bridge by primarily working under the bridge. We dropped two hazard trees and unfortunately clipped one brace which was structurally weak. We replaced it. Many day hikers and thru hikers were out. Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-05-08
Purpose: Blowdown removal
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Joe Morris
Marlene Simpson
Summary: The Baird's reported a downed tree 2/10 north of the Dennis Cove trailhead and I removed it this morning Reporting: ted allen
Date: 2026-05-08
Purpose: Weed eating
Section: 15c: Ash Gap to Hughes Gap
People: Randy Allen
Summary: Got back to finish weed-eating, went ahead and cleared first trail to spring. It grows fast.
Then went back to where I stopped Monday. Got all geared up and starting cord broke on 1st pull. Grrr.
So worked my back down brushing in spots in need. Reporting: Dean Baird
Date: 2026-05-05
Purpose: Identify and measure reported blowdown
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Dean Baird
Jennifer Baird
Summary: We readily found a hiker-reported blowdown that was located within 0.2 miles trail North of the Dennis Cove trailhead. The tree is lying horizontally almost perpendicular to the trail at breast height. It measures ~22 inches and is a single trunk uncomplicated blowdown. Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-05-07
Purpose: Blowdown removal and rehab
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Van Hovey, Michel Denizot, Jim McGuire, Joe Morris
Summary: We rehabbed 3 rootballs while Brandon and Todd continued to remove blowdowns from the north side of Unaka. Reporting: Randy Allen
Date: 2026-05-04
Purpose: Weed eating
Section: 15c: Ash Gap to Hughes Gap
People: Randy Allen
Summary: Lots of weed-eating. Cked first spring all good.
Made it to Mile 375.6 just about 1/2 way through section. Will return soon and finish up through Ash gap.
No garbage found . Brushed in spots around steps seem to be working, items still in place Reporting: Mateo Caffrey and Craig Haire
Date: 2026-04-27
Purpose: Clearing water diversions and improving passage around rootball.
Section: 20a: Nolichucky River to Temple Hill Gap
People: Matthew (Mateo Caffrey) and Craig Haire
Summary: We cleaned out seven water diversions. Widened and lowered a passageway around a huge root ball. Saw AT least a dozen through hikers and four south bound section hikers and two day hikers. Noted encroaching vegetation AT south end will require further work. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-04-30
Purpose: Repair two northern bridges
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Dan Firth
Gerald Scott
Jim McGuire
Michel Denizet
Tony Messina
Greg Kramer
Ed Speer
Tim Stewart
Carl Fritz
"Lobo"
Summary: We carried landscape timbers in with help from "Lobo". We only worked on the middle bridge replacing bracing, posts and decking some of which was damaged by Helene. Some was due to natural decay. Bridges are solid but more work is needed. "Lobo" stopped his hike to help transport timbers. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-04-30
Purpose: Blowdown Removal and Rehab
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Joe Morris, Van Hovey, Dennis Whittington, Sherri Millard
Summary: USFS crew and SAWS spent the day removing very complex jackstraw trees north of the Unaka Mtn. Summit. Our crew bucked multiple blowdowns and repaired root ball cavities. Lots of hikers toward the end of the day. At least two additional trips are going to be needed to remove all the unstable trees in the area. Reporting: Jon Heidrick
Date: 2026-04-30
Purpose: Spring Cleaning
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Jon Heidrick
Summary: Weed whacked the entire length of Bishops hollow Reporting: Dan Firth
Date: 2026-04-27
Purpose: Garlic Mustard Pull - Moreland Gap Shelter
Section: 11b: Canute Place to Bitter End
People: Dan Firth
Summary: With the assistance of the ATC Invasives Strike Team, we pulled 87.6 pounds of garlic mustard from around Moreland Gap Shelter. This was the first concerted pull at the shelter after finding the infestation last year. The garlic mustard was propagating down both sides of the gap. Reporting: Greg Kramer
Date: 2026-04-27
Purpose: clear shortcut
Section: 5: TN91 to Iron Mountain Shelter
People: Greg Kramer
Betty Kramer
Summary: We cleared 4 trees bigger than 20". The first one was a surprise when it stood up on me. The others were more tame but were difficult to cut. Reporting: Jon Heidrick
Date: 2026-04-27
Purpose: Cutting new growth
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Jon Heidrick
Summary: Weed whacking on Bishop’s Hollow Reporting: Van Hovey
Date: 2026-04-27
Purpose: Remove blowdowns
Section: 19b: Curley Maple Gap Shelter - Nolichucky River
People: Van Hovey
Carrie Hovey
Summary: Primary purpose to clear overhang tangle and cut back from the trail a previously sawed log.
Walked in from Chestoa to trestle overlook to handle tangle then another quarter mile to deal with item two .
Nice day out , encountered 5 hikers on trail . Reporting: Dennis Whittington
Date: 2026-04-26
Purpose: Routine Trail Maintenance
Section: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Dennis Whittington
Summary: Conducted routine trail maintenance including removal of blowdown >10" at MM 430.0 and picking up trash around stealth campsites along Watauga Lake. Reporting: Tim Stewart
Date: 2026-04-25
Purpose: inspect bridges
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Tim Stewart
Summary: Went to double check the condition of the bridges North of Laurel Fork Falls. They both need some of the landscape timbers replaced.
North bridge
Handrail posts 2 76" 1 bad crack and other has cracks
Long deckboards 3 96" otherwise all look bad
Short deckboard many have cracks
Handrail angle pieces 5 50"
Steps look okay. The whole bridge shakes pretty easily.
Handrail pieces have cracks, but no soft spots noticeable.
South bridge
Underneath cross members 4 52"-55" (if we are going to add new ones)
Handrail posts 3 76"
Long deckboards 8 96"
Short deckboards 5 48" many are cracked but only 1 softy #26
Handrail angle pieces 3 50" only 2 softy some need retightened
Bottom, middle and top handrail pieces - no softy but many cracks
Piers are also damaged.
Steps look okay. The whole bridge shakes, especially when there's a large group on it.
There is a 10' 2x8 and previous timber cutoffs leftover under the bridge. I didn't see any other leftover timbers, but I couldn't remember if we stashed them elsewhere.
Would probably be a good idea to bring some extra timbers.
Additionally, the high-water trail is in need of some side logs and/or side log repair. Also, some steps need to be repaired.
Nice day to check out the falls. Plenty of hikers had the same idea. Reporting: Dan Firth
Date: 2026-04-21
Purpose: Garlic Mustard Pull
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Dan Firth
Summary: With the assistance of the ATC invasives strike team, pulled 59.4 pounds of garlic mustard from low gap and the roadside west of the gap. This is significantly less than previous years and a significant reduction in the amount of garlic mustard, especially, since we went further down US 421. Reporting: Jeff Miller
Date: 2026-04-06
Purpose: Basic trail maintenance
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Jeff Miller
Summary: encroaching briars, trash at trailhead, small blowdowns Reporting: Scott Huskey
Date: 2026-04-22
Purpose: Routine Maintenance and Reconassaince
Section: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Scott Huskey
Summary: I hiked the entire section to conduct some routine maintenance. I cut back some vegetation, cleaned out some water diversion channels and created several more channels. The other reason for the hike was to check on the need for weed-eating -- it is almost time. After the forecast rain, I believe the trail will require its first weed-eating soon. Reporting: Greg Kramer
Date: 2026-04-20
Purpose: Pull Garlic Mustard
Section: 20c: No Business Knob Shelter to Spivey Gap
People: Vic Hasler
Greg Kramer
Dan Firth
Summary: Picked 98# of Garlic Mustard. Found out that the garlic mustard is spreading some and we have to check the edges of the area more closely. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-04-23
Purpose: Rehab and Blowdown Removal
Section: 18: FS230 switchback to Indian Grave Gap
People: Joe Morris, Randy Allen, Greg Kramer, Carl Fritz, Dan Firth, Michel Denizot, Tim Stewart, Ed Speer, Steve Perri, Tony Messina, Bob Peoples, Sherri Millard, Van Hovey
Summary: The Thursday crew rehabbed 296 feet including 100 feet of locust crib. Numerous blowdowns were removed between the meadow/guardrail and Beauty Spot Gap. Franklin Tate of the ATC helped with the rehab. Six root ball holes were rehabilitated. Plenty of hikers working their way north. Reporting: Steve Perri
Date: 2026-04-21
Purpose: Spring Maintenance
Section: 3: McQueen's Gap to US421
People: Carl Belcher, Steve Perri, Ed Speer, Steve Wilson
Summary: We hiked in from Low Gap north to Double Spring cutting back briars and overgrowth while Steve Wilson and Ed cut out blowdowns, nuisance trees sticking into the trail after the Helene punch through and other trees that have become easier to remove since then. They left several large trees that have not been an issue to walk under as we wait for them to drop further down to be safer to remove in the future. We also cleaned out water bars and I refreshed blazes at Low Gap. Carl and I cut back the abundant briars pretty hard for about a mile and a half in. We saw Dan Firth and Emily and her seasonal crew from ATC at Low Gap working to pull garlic mustard. I told her I would convey any multiflora rose locations. We found 2 locations at mile 456.3 and 456.6 and I sent photos to Matt Drury to relay to her their locations. There are also some north of the spring they could get if they walked through to McQueens Gap. All of this section has been cleared and maintained along with minor work that has already been reported by Ed. We saw about 16 thru hikers and about 2 section hikers. Reporting: Lotta Murray
Date: 2026-04-21
Purpose: Looking for a reported blow down
Section: 20c: No Business Knob Shelter to Spivey Gap
People: Ken Murray
Lotta Murray
Summary: Went looking for a reported blowdown requiring a chainsaw. Walk one mile past reported milage but never found anything. Cut some rhododendrons along the way. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-04-20
Purpose: Scouting, Blowdown Removal and Rehab
Section: 18: FS230 switchback to Indian Grave Gap
People: Joe Morris
Summary: Removed some small blowdowns, filled holes and flagged work for Thursday. Also, scouted north of Emerald Forest for future outings Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-04-15
Purpose: Discuss Possible Trail Reconstruction on Round Bald
Section: 14d: Stan Murray Shelter to Carvers Gap
People: Carl Fritz
Tim Stewart
Summary: 15 representatives from Pisgah FS, Cherokee FS, SAHC and TEHCC discussed the trail design concepts with Silas Lindsey and Erik Crews, the engineers. They have a trail design using contained gravel. Survey work will be done in next month and they can create the detailed design later this year when we will have another walk through. Reporting: Heidi Wolgamuth
Date: 2026-04-17
Purpose: Assess trail for hazards and cut back brush
Section: 2a: Backbone Rock Trail to Low Point roughly 2 miles N of Abingdon Gap Shelter
People: Heidi Wolgamuth
Greg Morie
Summary: 1. Mile 465.9, At intersection to Backbone Rock Trail, blowdown broke trail sign. See Attachment 1.
2. Mile 465.6, About 5 blowdowns along section 2A needing chain saw removal.
3. Mile 464.9, Rootball took out part of section 2A trail. See Attachment 2.
4. Mile 464.8, Blowdown across section 2A trail needing chain saw removal.
5. Mile 463.7, Blowdown across section 2A trail needing trail saw removal.
6. Mile. 463.5, Large logs across section 2A trail and have been cut but were not moved. Need to be removed. See Attachment 3.
7. Mile 463.3, Blowdown across section 2A trail needing chain saw removal.
8. Backbone Rock Trail - about 2 miles from parking lot, there is a fallen tree hanging over along the trail. Very technical to cut but also dangerous to walk under. See attachment 4. Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2026-04-15
Purpose: Clear as many tent sites in Greasy Creek Gap as I can for growing numbers of hikers, and inspect spring.
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: I decided to try to make more tent sites in Greasy Creek Gap since there are few from Apple Orchard to the gap. Moved logs and rounds around fire ring which opened up more space for tents. Now total of 9 tent spaces in the gap and 3 more in campsite 150 feet up the trail going south. Checked spring and was flowing but not as much as a week before so now at probably a gallon in 2 to 3 minutes. Reporting: Jon Heidrick
Date: 2026-04-18
Purpose: Trail maintenance
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Jon Heidrick
Summary: Inspected treadway, cut back new growth and deadfall’s, painted blazes. Reporting: Dean Baird
Date: 2026-04-16
Purpose: Set USFS Blue Line trail post with concrete
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Dean Baird
Jennifer Baird
Summary: We used concrete to reset the USFS Hampton Blue Line trail sign that is located at the first switchback on the trail, which is just before the trail goes under the power lines. In addition to concrete, we drove a section of rebar into the ground on the side of the hole that was dug for the post. The portion of the rebar that is not in the ground is incorporated in the concrete. Hopefully this will make removing the post more difficult. Reporting: Jeff Hatling
Date: 2026-04-16
Purpose: Inspect condition of the trial .
Section: 14b: Bradley Gap to Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Jeff Hatling
Summary: Cleaned out water diversions from the southern base of Little Hump to Bradley Gap. Widened the tread in several areas. Hand sawed a couple of blowdowns.
Spring south of Bradley Gap missing pipe. Same thing happened last year. Last year found at the camp site just south of spring. This year a through hiker said they saw one at the spring south of camp site. Did not have time to return it to the proper spring. Will make a request for a second pipe. Reporting: Scotty Bowman
Date: 2026-04-08
Purpose: Corridor clearing
Section: 6: Iron Mountain Shelter to Vandeventer Shelter
People: Francis Carraway (SAWS)
Noah Spaulding (SAWS)
Jack Elvin (SAWS)
Jai Moreno (SAWS)
Brian McGann (SAWS)
Jacob Jenkins (SAWS)
Summary: The TN Crew worked 4/1-4/8, 2026: They cleared 20 blowdowns and brushed 3.6 mile starting at Vandeventer Shelter (mile 448) and finishing around mile 441. They worked to finishing clearing this section of blowdowns and brushing the corridor. Section 6 has been brushed and cleared. Reporting: Richard L Ramsey
Date: 2026-04-16
Purpose: Weed eat briars at Doll Flats Working on Tread/diversion
Section: Choose Section
People: Nancy Mick
Richard Ramsey
Summary: Cutting back briars. Worked or removing protruding roots and stobs from tread and improved drainage, clear diversions, stabilizing steps. Reporting: Tony Messina
Date: 2026-04-14
Purpose: Clear Blowdowns and Patrol Section
Section: 12a: Bitter End to Walnut Mountain Road
People: Tony Messina
Renee Messina
Summary: Renee and I patrolled our section and cleared three nuisance blowdowns reported by Tracy recently. Since she is planning to run Hiking With Tools through there this spring, we refrained from lopping rhodos on this pass. Instead we concentrated on taking care of "round-tuits" which we have deferred in the past. These included trees hung up in rhodo tunnels, low hanging branches, and assorted debris which was not cleared far enough from the sides of the trail during the Helene Recovery work. There are three places near Bitter End where we might consider replacing decayed steps with new locust logs during the Hiking with Tools outing. We ended up taking all day and a fine day it was. ...a little over 70 degrees with a light breeze and frequent sunshine. Lunch at the bench was as good as it gets. The bench is getting a little loose and we need to reattach it next time. Spread out through the day we encountered 21 NOBO hikers, most of which were very appreciative of the club's efforts, even including the Iron Mtn Gap bypass. Reporting: Steve Wilson
Date: 2026-04-14
Purpose: Cutting Hazardous Blowdowns & Briars
Section: 2b: Low Point roughly 2 miles N of Abingdon Gap Shelter to McQueen's Gap
People: Carl Belcher, Ed Speer, & Steve Wilson
Summary: We hiked north from McQueens Gap for three miles to the end of maintenance section 2b and used a chainsaw to cut several hazard & nuisance blowdowns. The trail’s tread way is in good shape with Ed’s recent work rehabbing the trail. Carl continued cutting back the briars and over growth. The shelter is in good and the shovel has been replaced. On this warm spring day, we enjoyed visiting with the 15 NOBO hikers that were headed to Damascus. Reporting: Steve Domagala
Date: 2026-04-14
Purpose: Remove a blowdown
Section: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Steve Domagala
Randy Allen
Summary: Removed a chest high blowdown reported to me by Joe Morris earlier that morning. Randy and I had already discussed doing some trail corridor widening on the lower part of his section so we decided to combine the projects.
Adjacent to the blow down was a locust we also managed to clear and set aside for a large cribbing when needed Reporting: ted allen
Date: 2026-04-14
Purpose: Weed eating/ sawing
Section: 15c: Ash Gap to Hughes Gap
People: Randy A., Steve D.
Summary: Worked on weed-eating. Gotta the first spring and trail to it. Flowing well. Then Steve and I worked on clearing Helen damage further back from trail. Worked in the first 1/2 mile. Then cut a locust to replace step , stripped bark. Cut same for stakes.
Will send photos in e mail. Reporting: Steve Domagala
Date: 2026-04-13
Purpose:
Section: Choose Section
People: Steve Domagala
Pucky - nobo hiker.
Summary: Parked at the FS 230 trail/road intersection at 354 and walked sobo 1/2 mile to the tree. The two hikers I had just dropped at Indian Grave passed me .1 from the tree so I didn’t ask them to walk back to it with me. Sure enough. 2 minutes later, here comes Pucky. (I didn’t ask). He agreed to hang out. As it was an old dried out pine, it was cut and removed quickly. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-04-13
Purpose: Inspect Work Sie with Konnarock Crew Leaders
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Carl Fritz
Summary: Luke Mason from ARD, Jerry Kyle, three Konnarock Crew Leaders, the Mount Rodgers Ridge Runner and I hiked from Greasy Creek Gap south 1.3 miles. Helene brought a number of trees down in this area and some of the root ball holes have impacted the trail. The Konnarock crews will be rehabbing this area for two weeks in early June. Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-04-13
Purpose: Recon for Hiking With Tools!
Section: 12a: Bitter End to Walnut Mountain Road
People: Tracy Harris
Summary: This was a recon hike for Hiking With Tools! and to make sure I could find the trailhead parking by myself. The trail in this section is in very good shape. Tons of rhodos which is perfect for the two outings scheduled for this section. There are also three blowdowns - one is ankle high (mm408.4), one is knee high (mm406.8), and the last one is hip high (mm406.3). Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-04-13
Purpose: Recon for Hiking With Tools!
Section: 12a: Bitter End to Walnut Mountain Road
People: Tracy Harris
Summary: This was a recon hike for Hiking With Tools! and to make sure I could find the trailhead parking by myself. The trail in this section is in very good shape. Tons of rhodos which is perfect for the two outings scheduled for this section. There are also three blowdowns - one is ankle high (mm408.4), one is knee high (mm406.8), and the last one is hip high (mm406.3). Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-04-13
Purpose: Recon for Hiking With Tools!
Section: 12a: Bitter End to Walnut Mountain Road
People: Tracy Harris
Summary: This was a recon hike for Hiking With Tools! and to make sure I could find the trailhead parking by myself. The trail in this section is in very good shape. Tons of rhodos which is perfect for the two outings scheduled for this section. There are also three blowdowns - one is ankle high (mm408.4), one is knee high (mm406.8), and the last one is hip high (mm406.3). Reporting: Steve Domagala
Date: 2026-04-09
Purpose: To clear a blowdown
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Steve Domagala - Sawyer
Yoga - nobo hiker
Summary: Late in the day on April 8 I was contacted by a hiker who wished to be removed from the trail at Red Fork Rd due to a leg injury. Upon locating him he informed me he believed he pulled a hamstring climbing over a blowdown. In FarOut he showed me the location. Early the next morning I received a call from a girl who sustained an injury as she slid down the log attempting to climb over it. I immediately headed to Red Fork Road and the base of the detour (south end). I knew the south end of the detour needed to be brushed in also. After proceeding up from the FS road, I came across the young lady. She said she was feeling better and was going to carry on. I returned to the truck to retrieve the chain saw. (18”). Arrived at the blow down and, as I suspected, 4 hikers came along almost immediately. I asked them to stand by and be my +1s and they agreed. Shortly thereafter, Toga came by and said he would stay with me as long as needed and the others could move on. He also helped me push the larger pieces off the trail.
I then went down to the start of the detour and “logged” it pretty good before heading out. Reporting: Dean Baird
Date: 2026-04-12
Purpose: Cut rebar that we left protruding from a side log.
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Dean Baird
Jennifer Baird
Summary: Primarily we made this trip to cut two pieces of rebar that we could not drive completely through side logs that were placed on the trip of 4/9.
We successfully sawed these at the level of the log. Additionally, we found that the USFS "Hampton Blue Line Trail" sign was out of the ground and lying against a tree. We placed this back in the ground and provided some stabilization. Our plan is to return and make the post hole larger and concrete this in place since this section of trail is the practice area for the national sign removal competition. Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-04-11
Purpose: Clearing water bars/diversions
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Tracy Harris
Rebecka Powell
Jennifer Jablin
Tim Stewart
Dennis Lewis
Jim Mc Guire
Summary: We had a great turnout of six people. Weather was perfect for clearing water bars/divetsions. We also cut back a lot of green briar. The new pruning shears were a big hit with this group! Kudos Carl! Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-04-11
Purpose:
Section: Choose Section
People: Tracy Harris
Summary: . Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-04-10
Purpose: Investigate Trail Relocation South of Shook Branch
Section: 9a: US321 to Pond Flats
People: Carl Fritz
Tim Stewart
Summary: We explored some trail options to get from Atwood property to US 321 and avoiding Shook Branch Road. The most promising route is to use the upper half of the gravel road to cemetery, make a switchback to a trail with 10% grade and shoot directly across US 321. This will require a new trail into the Shook Branch Recreation area and maybe a dozen steps there. Reporting: Greg Kramer
Date: 2026-04-08
Purpose: Clear Shortcut from Lynn Norris Property
Section: 5: TN91 to Iron Mountain Shelter
People: Greg Kramer, Betty Kramer
Summary: Tried to clear the shortcut in from Lynn Norris property, I think it comes out about FarOut mile 448. I have 3 trees that I could not clear with my 20" chainsaw. see pictures. They are spread out along the way. One at the beginning once you park in the field, the other two pictured are at the junction Reporting: Steve Perri
Date: 2026-04-09
Purpose: Spring Maintenance
Section: 3: McQueen's Gap to US421
People: Carl Belcher, Ed Speer, Steve Perri, Steve Wilson
Summary: The crew of 4 hiked from McQueens Gap south originally planning to walk all the way to Low Gap. However; there were a lot of trees needing to be cut out and cut back from the original Helene punch through. Steve used 3.5 tanks of fuel so when we reached the spring, we didn't think there would be enough fuel to cover the southern section so we made this an in and out trip. Carl and Steve P cut back the briars heavily while Ed and Steve cut out the trees. We left a small collection of trees still hung up overhead just North of the Spring about a quarter of a mile. Ed has worked to reinforce the emergency shelter and improve the drainage under the lower logs to reduce exposure to moisture. We removed some discarded clothing from the shelter and returned the sleeping platform to its original orientation inside the shelter. The spring is not flowing as well as before Helene. An improvement may be needed by cutting the large tree that fell at the head of the spring or figuring out how to reroute the flow of water in the gap. There is water, but it just isn't pooling and flowing as well as before. The briars were really growing profusely. There may be multiflora rose in several areas within a half mile of the spring. We'll have to verify whether that is what it is during weed season. We saw 4 section hikers and 1 thru hiker. Reporting: Dean Baird
Date: 2026-04-09
Purpose: Work on steps and switchback
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Randy Allen, Dean Baird, Rio Berry, Michel Denizot, Greg Kramer, Jim McGuire, Bob Peoples
Summary: The last group of the Thursday crew worked under and near the power lines on the HBB. We placed 3 additional side logs on the first switchback before the power lines, adding rocks and dirt to help stabilize the logs and trail. We placed 6 new log steps beneath the power lines and removed 2 existing steps, placing these logs on the side of the trail to provide stability and to discourage off-trail hiking. We then used a large amount of dirt to establish a grade between the 3 lowest steps and to raise the level of the trail where compression and water had increased the height of several steps. We added large rocks to the sides of 2 pre-existing log steps that were too short. A large amount of vegetation was removed on the uphill side of the trail and this exposed up to 1.5 feet of existing trail that was not being used (was not even visible) due to the plant cover.
This was a very productive day and dramatically changed the status of the steps and one switchback on one of the most heavily used areas with which we work. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-04-09
Purpose: Blowdown removal and rehab
Section: 12b: Walnut Mountain Road to Sugar Hollow Creek
People: Tony Messina, Van Hovey, Joe Morris
Summary: Early start getting materials to Hampton and subsequently meeting mid-morning at Roan Mountain Community Park. The crew cut multiple blowdowns from Walnut Mtn. Rd. (406.1) to south of Mountaineer Falls (403.6) and rehabbed 40 feet. Brandon and his crew cut from Canute Place/Tower Rd. to Dennis Cove and Michael, Aerin, and Nathan cut everything from Moreland Gap to Bitter End. An extremely productive day and we all benefitted from the excellent recon w/ photos by Sarah Michelle Baker - a trail runner who frequently traverses the TEHCC sections. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-04-09
Purpose: Install temporary fence along trail on Round Bald
Section: 14d: Stan Murray Shelter to Carvers Gap
People: Dan Firth
Carl Fritz
Tim Stewart
Summary: After three tries we successfully installed a temporary rope fence on both sides of the trail on top of Round Bald including the peak finder signs. Three FS employees coordinated and three biologists spread grass seed and straw outside the ropes. Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-04-08
Purpose: Recon for Hiking With Tools!
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Tracy Harris
Rebecka Powell
Summary: We hiked two miles south from the trailhead parking lot. We wanted to check out the conditions so we would know what needs to be done and which tools to bring on Saturday. We ran into two USFS guys who were clearing out the fields on the east side around mm 454, and one downed tree with a blaze on it. Reporting: Lori Mirrer
Date: 2026-04-04
Purpose: spring check, part 2
Section: 15b: Cloudland Hotel to Ash Gap
People: Lori Mirrer
Summary: My second day of Spring trail work. Focus was painting (white) blazes.
I ended up removing more blazes than repainting/adding them. The errant ones were a) superfluous; b) on the left; c) on a clearly dead tree. A few had two - or all three - problems (see pic).
Fortunately, the trail is recognizable through the section, even when it moves through several debris sections. So I added very few blazes. Good thing, since there's a serious shortage of non-dead trees in the places that could have benefitted from a blaze.
Not a lot of vegetation coming out yet, though the Helene-induced new open areas will likely encourage more growth as we head to summer.
The Balsam firs were coming out early; perhaps they like the lack of competition right now.
Saw more backpackers and received more thank-yous for TEHCC's work.
One backpacker stopped to watch me paint a blaze. He said he'd wondered how it was done.
His trail name is Tootsie, after the chewy candy. Since taking on the name, several folks have told him about the movie "Tootsie," which he'd never heard of before. He did know who Dustin Hoffman is ("I'M WALKING HERE!" he quoted.)
Was almost finished and back to Cloudland when the heavens opened. Glad there's been rain, though: Can you please share some with North Carolina? Reporting: Lori Mirrer
Date: 2026-04-03
Purpose: Spring check of my section; paint blazes; remove fire rings
Section: 15b: Cloudland Hotel to Ash Gap
People: Lori Mirrer
Summary: This was the first of two days I spent on my section. I focused on the "wellness check" (as Medicare likes to call it):
Looking out for anything at risk of falling on the trail.
Checking on rootballs
Trimming back some branches
Picking up trash
Disassembling two fire rings
Delighted to report no urgent issues. Several rootballs I've been monitoring since last year seem to have settled in place.
There's been one main fire ring at the northern edge of Ash Gap. I did my best to disassemble it. Did the same for a second fire ring. Sure hope hikers follow the no-fires rule; there's far too much kindling ready to go up in this section.
Encountered several hikers - thrus, slackers, day hikers. Lots of compliments on the state of the trail and thank yous for TEHCC's efforts. Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2026-04-06
Purpose: Inspect trail, spring, and potential tent sites.
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: From Greasy Creek Gap to the first tall knob (called Iron Mountain on Far Out) trail inspection looking for blow downs and tenting sites. Found a step had disintegrated and blown out that I installed 3 years prior. I used the remaining locust log to slide in place, stake down, and add rocks and dirt. I continued on to the top of first tall knob called Iron Mountain so named by Far Out. The tent site on "Iron Mountain" per Far Out is listed as a potential site but not in my opinion. It is covered with downed trees so much so that hikers have not been able to find it. It even grew up last summer from no use. Several have asked as they were going to stay at that site but had to continue on to Greasy Creek Gap or Clyde Smith Shelter. There is one other tent site at upper Greasy Creek Gap but there are some hanging trees, and dead branches, but it is being used. Greasy Creek gap really needs to be cleared more to make tent space. While at Greasy Creek Gap I went down to the pipe spring and it was flowing good. Saw 2 hikers at the gap and gave info for north bound. Caught a nice sunset at the top of the mountain. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-04-02
Purpose: Shelter Material Removal
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Joe Morris, Ed Speer, Jon Heidrick, Sherri Millard, Michel Denizot
Summary: This Thursday we had a split crew - part of the team at Laurel Run and this crew helped support Michael and Aerin of SAWS and Brandon from the USFS. We moved approximately half of the Cherry Gap Shelter debris to FS 230D (actual location of Cherry Gap) with the Canycom and wheelbarrows.