Below is submitted maintenance activities for the last 6 weeks. Please note that trail conditions can change quickly. Or view maintenance by section.
Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-07-09
Purpose: Rehab, Blowdown Removal, Weed eating
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Joe Morris, Ed Speer, Jeff Hatling, Dan Firth, Carl Fritz, Tony Messina, Greg Kramer, Gerald Scott, Richard Good, Tim Stewart, Van Hovey, Steve Domagala
Summary: The Thursday Crew started the process of restoring the tread north of Unaka Mountain to the tune of 420 feet of rehab. The crew, also, removed weeds on a substantial portion of the area toward Cherry Gap. Aerin and Michael from SAWS removed several punched thru blowdowns, as they widened the corridor. They also removed significant timber from the top of two root balls to stop compression and trail creep. Very productive day.
Date: 2026-07-08
Purpose: Weed / brush removal
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Steve Domagala
Summary: Use the line trimmer, cutting back weeds and vegetation from the trail from what we refer to as “the kiss” to just before the stairs starting up towards Unaka Mtn Reporting: Scott Huskey
Date: 2026-07-08
Purpose: Weeding
Section: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Scott Huskey
Summary: Just a routine weed-eating excursion. Reporting: Steve Domagala
Date: 2026-07-07
Purpose: Clear trail back to 6’ corridor
Section: 20b: Temple Hill Gap to No Business Knob Shelter
People: Steve Domagala
Summary: Thoroughly cut back rodies, laurel and other heavy brush, predominantly on the uphill side of the trail. Completed 1/2 of the section. 1/2 to go.
https://www.relive.com/view/v8qVzPxM23q Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-07-02
Purpose: Remove blowdown
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Joe Morris
Carl Fritz
Summary: We removed the reported blowdown N of Bear Branch. We also inspected the trail where root balls are still close to the trail and tried to plan our long term recovery. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-07-02
Purpose: Inspect Trail N of Yellow Mtn Gap
Section: 14b: Bradley Gap to Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Joe Morris
Carl Fritz
Summary: We met Jeff and inspected the northern steep climb out of Yellow Mountain Gap. Some simple additions of check steps and improving some water diversions seem appropriate. We will also add some water diversions. There are a few rocks that can be used. More significantly about a third of the way up the hill there is an entire area where locust trees have been cut and are ready to be harvested. Reporting: Jeff Hatling
Date: 2026-07-07
Purpose: Mow the old Red Barn site, and meet Carl and Joe to scope out Yellow Mountain Gap up the hill northbound.
Section: 14b: Bradley Gap to Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Jeff Hatling
Summary: Mowed the old barn site meadow, a scoped out future work. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-07-02
Purpose: Weed whack
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Van Hovey
Joe Morris
Summary: Van and I weed eated from the locust footbridge at 397.7 to 19E at Bear Branch 395.6 - Bishop Hollow is special kind of torture.
Surprised and disappointed by the invasive growth in and around our root ball cavity repairs near Bear Branch. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-07-02
Purpose: Weed whack
Section: 14c: Yellow Mountain Gap to Stan Murray Shelter
People: Randy Allen
Steve Domagala
Summary: Randy and Steve got an early start and completed a thorough weed eating pass from Yellow Mountain Gap to Stan Murray Shelter.
The club doesn't have an "Above and Beyond Award" but they'd be on the list of recipients Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-07-02
Purpose: Cut Weeds
Section: 14d: Stan Murray Shelter to Carvers Gap
People: Ed Speer
Tony Messina
Dan Firth
Jim McGuire
Bill Murdoch
Greg Kramer
Tim Stewart
Carl Fritz
Joe Morris
Summary: While Tri Cities suffered in the high 90's we enjoyed the high 70's of the Roans. With string trimmers and hedge trimmers, we tackled the entire section. It is in pretty good shape for weeds. Briars and alders in Grassy Ridge area and Jane Bald area could be trimmed back some more with multiple people. Thanks to Joe for recovering Bill and Dan from Yellow Mountain Gap. Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2026-06-25
Purpose: Cut back encroaching vegetation on AT from trail to tent sites and spring.
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: First on arrival to Orchard I checked signage to reroute which was intact. Then cut back vines on AT, then trimmed growth on trail and tent sites, then down to spring. Spring is flowing but slow. Three hikers arrived while I trimming to spring. They stopped for water and said the tent sites changed their mind to stay for the night. I trimmed some briars as I returned to Iron Mtn Gap but left most growth to discourage hikers from using the forest service road. Reporting: Jeff Hatling
Date: 2026-07-02
Purpose: Weed whack
Section: 14a: Doll Flats to Bradley Gap
People: Jeff Hatling
Summary: Weed whacked and checked condition of the trail. Tread work and water diversions are needed. Reporting: Richard L Ramsey
Date: 2026-06-29
Purpose: Cutting back briares on southside of Hump mountain
Section: 14a: Doll Flats to Bradley Gap
People: Nancy Mick
Richard Ramsey
Summary: Cut back briares on south side of Hump Reporting: admin
Date: 2026-07-01
Purpose:
Section: Other (Meetings/preparation/etc.)
People: Testst
Summary: Testszx Reporting: admin
Date: 2026-07-01
Purpose:
Section: Other (Meetings/preparation/etc.)
People: Test
Summary: Test Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2026-06-28
Purpose: test
Section: Other (Meetings/preparation/etc.)
People: Test
Summary: TEst Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2026-07-01
Purpose: Test
Section: Other (Meetings/preparation/etc.)
People: Tim Test
Summary: Test Reporting: Jim McGuire
Date: 2026-07-01
Purpose: Cut Back Vegetation
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Jim McGuire
Summary: Using one of Carl's trimmers, I cleared Elk River up to Jones Falls. Then I hiked back down to the river and whacked weeds along the river. I cleared 1 small blowdown and cleaned 2 water diversion. I entered the gate at Elk River Falls. The gate was closed, but not locked. It was wide open when I departed. I saw one hiker. He was doing a section hike from Elk River to Mount Rogers. Reporting: Steve Domagala
Date: 2026-07-01
Purpose: Removal of leaner / blow down.
Section: 20b: Temple Hill Gap to No Business Knob Shelter
People: Steve Domagala
Joe Morris
Summary: Before heading back to the truck I took the opportunity to line trim approx 50 yards of trail at/near the work site Reporting: Steve Domagala
Date: 2026-06-26
Purpose: Check trail for condition of leaner and minor cutback of brush
Section: 20b: Temple Hill Gap to No Business Knob Shelter
People: Steve Domagala
Summary: Used the line trimmer sparingly due to sciatica and degenerative disc issues but primarily wanted to check on a leaner after the recent storms. It has been at approximately 7’ for quite some time. Today I found it to be at 5’. If it were to completely fall it would make a serious trail obstruction. I provided photos to Joe and we established a day to remove it. Reporting: Van Hovey
Date: 2026-07-01
Purpose: Dispatch Blowdown
Section: 19b: Curley Maple Gap Shelter - Nolichucky River
People: Van Hovey
Steve Domagala
Summary: Reported blowdown on trail somewhere around bridge #1 or #2 ?
Fortunately only about 1/2 mile form USA Raft trail head.
Minor blowdown , some had already been cut out with hand saw.
Finished cutting and cleared trail .........HOT
Encountered one section hiker on her way to Damascus. Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-06-30
Purpose: Weedeat
Section: 12b: Walnut Mountain Road to Sugar Hollow Creek
People: Van Hovey
Joe Morris
Randy Allen
Summary: Van and I weedeated the entire section from 405.4 to 401.6 in Elk River with a major assist from Randy Allen - he picked us up at Sugar Hollow and shuttled us back to Walnut Mountain Road. The section is reasonably clear - it desperately needs a blade pass and lopped.. Tough day, Reporting: Randy Allen
Date: 2026-06-29
Purpose: Clear blowdown
Section: 15c: Ash Gap to Hughes Gap
People: Randy Allen, Steve. Demagogue
Summary: We hiked in 2.4 miles to cut blowdown. Kinda got lucky. Was new one 1/10th of mile before the one we went after.. both cut and cleared Reporting: Greg Kramer
Date: 2026-06-29
Purpose: Weedeating
Section: 5: TN91 to Iron Mountain Shelter
People: Greg Kramer
Summary: Weedeated the rest of the unmowed section. Reporting: Gerald Scott
Date: 2026-06-27
Purpose: Removal of Summer Vegetation
Section: 12b: Walnut Mountain Road to Sugar Hollow Creek
People: Gerald Scott
Eric Scott
Harold Wexler
Vic Hasler
Summary: Vegetation growth was overwhelming. Vegetation was shoulder high for long stretches. From Walnut Mt. Road, we cleared to around marker 405.4. We were unable to get the rest of the trail due to time and weather (rain & thunder). We were unable to get a very bad stretch from 405.4 to the shelter (404.2) The growth was shoulder to head high on both sides and starting to come together. North of the shelter is not as bad but still needs attention. We encountered around a dozen hikers. There was a group of 4 men from Georgia & Florida breaking in the shelter and headed to Damacus. Reporting: Randy Allen
Date: 2026-06-27
Purpose: Weed eating
Section: 15c: Ash Gap to Hughes Gap
People: Randy Allen
Summary: Weedeating the bottom 1/2 of section. This is 3ed time through on it. Was not to bad. Most new growth was still tender and easier to cut..
Cut to spring also. Was the slowest flow i have seen out of it in a bit. Reporting: Steve Wilson
Date: 2026-06-25
Purpose: Cutting Three Large Blowdowns Near McQueens Gap
Section: 3: McQueen's Gap to US421
People: Carl Belcher & Steve Wilson
Summary: We hiked south from McQueens Gap to cut three large blowdowns. These “duck under” blowdowns were a 16” hickory, a 18” hickory , and a 14” poplar fallen trees which were 0.6, 1.2 & 1.3 miles, respectively, south of the gap.
Note that the forest service road to the McQueens Gap is more difficult to travel, since it has new ruts due to recent rains which make the road rougher but its still passable. Also, about 200 feet below the gap is a 18” maple tree leaning over the road, which requires vehicles to drive into the ditch to get under. We chose not to cut the maple tree this trip, because we didn’t have the man power to roll the cut logs off the road and wanted to focus on the trail’s blowdowns. Reporting: Jim Foster
Date: 2026-06-25
Purpose: Do routine maintenance
Section: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Yong Li, Jim Foster
Summary: We had a productive day as we did a little bit of everything. Still have the south end to deal with. Oh well they're be another day. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-06-25
Purpose: Retrieve locust logs and Cut Grass
Section: 3: McQueen's Gap to US421
People: Tony Messina
Bob Peoples
Van Hovey
Ed Speer
Greg Kramer
Greg Morie
Carl Fritz
Summary: Most of the crew harvested a large truck load of down locusts for future trail work. Although most of briars had been previously cut, Greg Morie and Carl cut the knee-high grass in many places from Low Gap to the spring. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-06-25
Purpose: Cut Weeds
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Dan Firth
Tim Stewart
Summary: Dan and Tim used string trimmers to cut weeds and briars from Low Gap to Berry Fields Reporting: Vic Hasler
Date: 2026-06-22
Purpose: TEHCC A.T. Committee
Section: Other (Meetings/preparation/etc.)
People: Carl Fritz, Greg Kramer, Steve Perri, Renee Messina, Tony Messina, Tim Stewart, Steve Wilson, Tracy Harris, Rebecka Powell, Vic Hasler
Summary: TEHCC A.T. Committee gathered to primarily discuss training needs, trail maintenance and recovery projects, tool storage, outreach coordinator, kickoff event planning, cutting weeds, and upcoming meetings. Follow-up tasks have been distributed. Next A.T. Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, September 28. Reporting: Renee Messina
Date: 2026-06-21
Purpose: Summer Maintenance
Section: 12a: Bitter End to Walnut Mountain Road
People: Renee Messina
Tony Messina
Summary: We arrived at Bitter End to find a road-closure sign just beyond the AT crossing, which is likely due to the recently discovered logging activity in the area. I dropped Tony at Bitter End, where he began weed whacking southbound. After moving the car to Walnut Mountain Road, I hiked in to meet him for lunch at "the bench". Tony continued weed whacking while I lopped the most egregious rhododendrons and green briars on my way back to the car. I left plenty of material for Hiking with Tools to do on the planned September outing --- fingers crossed for a large turnout and good weather. Tony was pleasantly surprised that the vegetation growth was not as heavy as expected. We also repaired one minor rootball hole and removed three stepovers. The weather was gorgeous for late June; and we enjoyed the rhododendron in various stages of bloom along the trail. Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-06-21
Purpose: Recon for HWT
Section: 5: TN91 to Iron Mountain Shelter
People: Tracy Harris
Rebecka Powell
Sam Ensor
Tim Stewart
Summary: Recon for the next Hiking With Tools! outing. There are a lot of rhodos to be lopped and a few blazes to be painted. Reporting: Vic Hasler
Date: 2026-06-20
Purpose: Clear some debris on side trail to Jones Falls
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Vic Hasler
Summary: Headed to Jones Falls from Campbell Hollow Road to use a reciprocating saw to clear some debris for a non-club related activity, which was not counted in the volunteer hours. Jim McGuire had just cut the weeds with a trimmer, so the path looked great, and former Hurricane Arthur had washed the trail centerline. I performed some lopping and removed the blowdown reference in Jim’s June 16th report. A group of four hikers arrived at Jones Falls coming from Elk River, but otherwise the trail was quiet (as confirmed by the webs physically cleared during the hike in). Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-06-20
Purpose: Blowdown removal
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Joe Morris
Summary: Hiker reported a maple down 4/10 north of Jones Falls - two trees in the area were removed. Parking lot packed to overflowing at Elk River Falls. Put a new No Parking sign on the gate - road to the AT access is in great shape. Reporting: Steve Wilson
Date: 2026-06-02
Purpose: Searching for Blowdowns & Cutting Weeds
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Ed Speer
Summary: On May 25th per a request from Joe Morris, Ed Speer hiked south from Low Gap/Hwy 421 to find a reported large blowdown. Found a 20-inch green white oak across the AT one-third of a mile south of Low Gap. The rest of the day was spent cutting weeds.
Weeds were also cut on this section during solo outings on 5/27, 6/1 and 6/2. Reporting: Steve Perri
Date: 2026-06-16
Purpose: Cut Weeds
Section: 3: McQueen's Gap to US421
People: Ed Speer, Steve Perri
Summary: Ed and I continued to cut back weedy growth in the center portion of section 3. The prior effort by the Thursday crew was unable to cut the weeds in the center of the section. We cut weeds with a swing blade and scythe. We cut back briars hanging into the trail since the last weeding effort which was generally about 2 feet outside of the tread way from about 1 mile south of Low Gap to just past Double Spring. The prior cut areas seemed to be not growing back which was satisfying to observe. In the heavily damaged areas about 0.5 mile south of the spring the open canopy has allowed grass to grow in the tread way that has never been there before. Our tools weren't effective for cutting the grass, but a string trimmer would be. Water was flowing slowly at the spring. Ed continued north of the spring and found a new tree down about 1 mile south of McQueens Gap. He cut the branches extending below head hight to allow hikers to walk under it. Most of the large trees hanging over the trail since Helene haven't changed their positions. I continued cutting the weeds heading back to Low Gap while Ed worked north of the spring. Future weeding with the change in conditions since Helene would be better conducted with string trimmers and a scythe. We saw 4 thru hikers all heading north bound. Ed scared off a bear that recently killed a fawn in the center of the trail. He left it alone. Reporting: Jim McGuire
Date: 2026-06-16
Purpose: Cut Back Vegetation
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Jim McGuire
Summary: I used a weed trimmer to cut back vegetation from Campbell Hollow Road to Jones Falls. I just finished the blue blaze to Jones Falls when I ran out of gas. I was not able to cut back vegetation from Jones Falls down to Elk River. I plan to return in 2 weeks to work on that section of trail. I also noticed the need to do significant lopping. I plan to lop in July. There were 2 new blowdowns about a quarter mile south of Jones Falls. I cleared one, but the other was just a little bit much for my Silky and exhausted body. It was fairly easy to step over. Will tackle it when I return in a couple weeks. I encountered 7 nobo hikers. All expressed their deep appreciation for the trail maintenance. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-06-17
Purpose: Reporting Sahlin Accrued Hours
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: Reporting Tom Sahlin's four work trips 7-MAR-2026 to 7-JUN-2026. Various tasks on Section 16b Reporting: Greg Kramer
Date: 2026-06-16
Purpose: Weedeat
Section: 5: TN91 to Iron Mountain Shelter
People: Greg Kramer
Summary: Weedeated Reporting: Jeff Hatling
Date: 2026-06-11
Purpose: Weed whack, cut back vegetation , install water diversions, and clean water diversions.
Section: 14b: Bradley Gap to Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Jeff Hatling
Austin Bennett
Summary: Austin Bennett, Southern Appalachian Highland Conservancy Intern and I weed whacked from the southern base of Little Hump to Bradley Gap. Cut back Blackberries along trail on the bald area near Bradley Gap. Added three additional water diversions. Cleaned out water diversions. Dismantled two fire rings and cut back vegetation. Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-06-15
Purpose: Weed whacking
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Joe Morris
Summary: First weed eating pass from Greasy Creek Gap to the Orchard complete. Growth is ridiculous now that the canopy is gone in multiple places. Tom and I cut a locust blow down near the orchard and I made a quick weed eater pass through the orchard at the end of a long day. Reporting: Matthew “Mateo” Caffrey
Date: 2026-06-07
Purpose: Clear a path around the rootball
Section: 20a: Nolichucky River to Temple Hill Gap
People: Mateo Caffrey
Craig Haire
Summary: On June 7, Craig and I worked the southern end of the Nolichucky River to Temple Hill Gap section of the Appalachian Trail, less than a quarter mile from Temple Hill Gap, tackling a large root ball that had been making the tread difficult to navigate. Between us we had two Pulaskis, a McLeod, a Silky, and a pair of Fiskars, and we took turns working the root ball, cutting back protruding roots and clearing debris and rocks from the tread. The result is a significantly improved passage that is now comfortable for a single hiker and potentially manageable for two, where before it had been a real obstacle. The weather was very pleasant and we saw no hikers the entire time. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-06-15
Purpose: Extract Konnarock Crew
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Carl Fritz
Summary: Branson from FS was able to provide a UTV and get the Konnarock Crew gear out. The 10 person Crew had a good week and were in good spirits. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-06-13
Purpose: Cut Blowdowns
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Carl Fritz
Dan Firth
Summary: Dan and I came in later at Greasy Creek Gap to cut the 30" blowdown which Brandon had already removed. With Joe's help we covered the entire section. There was another tricky blowdown near Weedy Gap, another leaner, plus some clean up. Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-06-13
Purpose: Weed eating and blowdown removal
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Steve Domagala
Joe Morris
Summary: Went up to Greasy Creek Gap with the intention to continue weed eating south and remove a large tree that Tom Sahlin had reported. Steve joined for safety but when we reached the blowdown Brandon had already cut it. Steve took my saw down the mountain to the Friendly and I continued south to 367.4 (1.4 miles) whacking ridiculously thick growth. Konnarock was making slow and steady progress on root balls. Carl and Dan walked the entire section removing obstacles but report very aggressive encroaching weed growth. Hope to network through Jerry Kyle and get some weed eating help - we are woefully behind in several areas. Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-06-11
Purpose: Install, rehab, and clean waterbars
Section: 18: FS230 switchback to Indian Grave Gap
People: Joe Morris, Steve Perri, Tony Messina, Richard Good, Dan Firth, Ed Speer, Carl Fritz, Greg Kramer, Gerald Scott, Bob Peoples, Tim Stewart, Sherri Millard, Van Hovey
Summary: The Thursday crew installed 7 new locust water bars south of Beauty Spot, cleaned 7, and modified or reset 4 locust water bars. Nice turnout and we were joined by Rich and Tim of the OTHC, and Luke Mason from the Pisgah ARD. The area south of Beauty Spot to the intersection of FS 230 was covered. Reporting: Richard Ritter
Date: 2026-06-11
Purpose: Work with Eastman Thursday crew for Water bars dug and rebuilt
Section: 18: FS230 switchback to Indian Grave Gap
People: Rich Ritter
Tim McClain
w/Eastman crew that will file their own hours
Summary: Worked with Eastman Thursday crew to clean, clear and rebuild water bars from Beauty Spot to Indian Grave Gap. A few left on lower mile to be done by Eastman on another day.
New black locust logs were put in place in several locations
Great learning day for us 2 Old Timers how to rebuild and take care of water bars in the future.
Great work with a great team of at least 15 from Eastman Reporting: Richard Ritter
Date: 2026-06-09
Purpose: 2nd round of weedeating and overgrowth cut back and water bar runoff
Section: 18: FS230 switchback to Indian Grave Gap
People: Rich Ritter
Pam Ritter
Mary Major
Tim Major
Pat Kenney
Tim McClain
Jeanine Snyder
Lisa Milburn
Dave Polon
Simon Templeton
Belinda Mahon
Summary: Finished weed eating from Beauty Spot tree line to Indian Grave Gap
Others cut and cleared the water bar runoffs in preparation of Eastman Thursday crew to help dig and rebuild water bars.
About 18 water bar runoffs were cleared from Beauty spot Tree line to Indian Grave Gap Reporting: Jon Heidrick
Date: 2026-06-11
Purpose: report repairs
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Jon Heidrick, Rick Lott
Summary: Rick and I went in at Issac Cemetery and cleared blowdown reported at MM 398.3 16 inch pine trunk and one 8 inch standing dead tree. smoothed tread way back to original condition. Reporting: Jon Heidrick
Date: 2026-06-11
Purpose: report repairs
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Jon Heidrick, Rick Lott
Summary: Rick and I went in at Issac Cemetery and cleared blowdown reported at MM 398.3 16 inch pine trunk and one 8 inch standing dead tree. smoothed tread way back to original condition. Reporting: Jim Foster
Date: 2026-06-08
Purpose: Refresh blazes and check the trail
Section: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Yong Li, Jim Foster
Summary: We had a good day repainting blazes and clearing several small blowdowns from the trail. Reporting: Jeff Hatling
Date: 2026-06-04
Purpose: Cut back vegetation.
Section: 14b: Bradley Gap to Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Jeff Hatling
Summary: Cut back vegetation from the old Barn Site blue trail to the AT, and from Yellow Mountain Gap northbound to the ridge. Focused on cutting the Blackberries. Reporting: Dennis Whittington
Date: 2026-06-06
Purpose: Routine Trail Maintenance
Section: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Dennis Whittington
Summary: Picked up trash in Shook Branch parking lot and along AT treadway including high water (blue blaze) trail at MM 429.7. Weed wacked overgrowing vegetation at Shook Branch parking lot, along AT treadway from MM 429.2 - MM 430.0 and high water (blue blaze) trail from MM 429.7 to Oliver Hollow Road. Reporting: Dennis Whittington
Date: 2026-06-06
Purpose: Remove Blowdown
Section: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Carl Fritz
Dennis Whitington
Summary: Cleared complex blowdown at MM 430 Reporting: Dennis Whittington
Date: 2026-06-02
Purpose: Routine Trail Maintenance
Section: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Dennis Whittington
Summary: Picked up trash from stealth campsites along Watauga Lake and Shook Branch parking lot, cleared one small blowdown. Check availability of water and reported on hiking app. Reporting: Jennifer Baird
Date: 2026-06-06
Purpose: Cut back encroaching vegetation
Section: 9b: Pond Flats to Hampton trailhead
People: Jennifer Baird
Summary: Cut back heavy vegetation growth. There was a 5” blowdown (easily stepped over) on the upper portion which Dean will help me remove at a later date. The spring was running but was low. Encountered a actively rattling timber rattlesnake next to the trail on top of Pond where the nuclear blowdown occurred. Saw several hikers (day, section, and thru). Reporting: Steve Mahan
Date: 2026-06-07
Purpose: Remove vegetation encroaching trail
Section: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Steve Mahan
Christal Mahan
Bob Peoples
Summary: Bob Peoples provided transportation to Canute Farm.
Vegetation removal using weed trimmer.
Removed blowdown with hand saw.
Removed several blowdown limbs.
Mile 481.6 (per FarOut) oak limb blowdown in trail. Too large for hand saw. Trail passable. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-06-07
Purpose: Transport Konnarock Crew out of Work Site
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Carl Fritz
Summary: Brandon and Chad showed up with UTVs so we easily got the crew extracted. They had a great weather week and made progress on reestablishing the trail and armoring some root ball holes. Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-06-06
Purpose: Hiking With Tools!
Section: 9a: US321 to Pond Flats
People: Tracy Harris
Jennifer Jablin
Marcia Pruner
Jael Johansen
Nova Johansen
Andrew Johansen
Robert Bence
Christine Robertson
Ty Hultz
Conner Sweeney
Gigi Gardner
Tim Stewart
Chris Townsend
Abigail Townsend
Rebecka Powell
Ruger Beesley
Dodge Ayers
Summary: 17 people came out for a very hot and humid Hiking With Tools! outing on Saturday. We met in the parking lot of Boots Off Hostel. Tim led half of the group to the top of Pond Mountain and they lopped their way down the trail. I started with the other half of the group at the bottom . We had two people swing blading for about 3/4 of a mile, while the rest of us lopped rhododendrons. The age range of this group was 16-80! We finished up the outing with pizza and cold soda at Boots Off Hostel. Reporting: Randy Allen
Date: 2026-06-06
Purpose: Weed eating
Section: Choose Section
People: Randy Allen
Summary: Started at Toll House gap and worked my was through Lori's section, was a couple spots i hit on way to Ash gap.
Started getting thick about. 2ths mile north of Ash gap. And I know some farmers who would have liked to bale what was in there. Tall and thick..cut all back and did blue trail down to spring.
Do have a fresh tree on trail. Will get back to get. Not major. More of a step over.
Should be all good till I get back in a few weeks Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-06-06
Purpose: Collect Locusts for Water Bars and Stakes
Section: 18: FS230 switchback to Indian Grave Gap
People: Carl Fritz
Summary: After helping Dennis at Watauga Lake with a blowdown, I went to our locust stash at Watauga Work Center. With some sorting I was able to come up with 15 water bars and appropriate stakes. They are now at my house ready to go to south of Beauty Spot. Reporting: Dave Allen
Date: 2026-06-04
Purpose: Cut Vegetation on Section 2a
Section: 2a: Backbone Rock Trail to Low Point roughly 2 miles N of Abingdon Gap Shelter
People: Dave Allen
Scott Morie
Summary: We started about 9 AM and hiked up Backbone Rock Trail, and turned south at the AT/BBR intersection onto Section 2a. A crew has cut weeds the previous week to about 0.4 miles south of the intersection, so we continued cutting weeds moving south, accomplishing about 0.5 miles to MM 465.1. Towards the bottom of Backbone Rock Trail on the way back out, Van Hovey an Joe Morris caught up, as they (and others) were cutting weeds on section 2a as well, starting from McQueen’s Gap and hiking though Section 2a, and starting north. Between the two groups, weed cutting on section 2a is nearing completion, and will be handled on another trip coming soon Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-06-04
Purpose: Weed eating and blowdown removal
Section: 2b: Low Point roughly 2 miles N of Abingdon Gap Shelter to McQueen's Gap
People: Ed Speer, Randy Allen, Van Hovey, Joe Morris
Summary: Crew walked in from McQueen's Gap 4 miles to a pair of blowdown locations. Randy and Ed removed the trees returned to the vehicle and drove to Backbone Rock Trail where they waited to pick up Joe and Van who had continued north to weed eat through to 465.2 where last crew had stopped cutting. We caught up with Dave Allen and Scott Morie as they walked down the BBRT and we were able to share the latest status on the sections. Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-06-04
Purpose: Cut Weeds
Section: 5: TN91 to Iron Mountain Shelter
People: Heather Waldroup
Dan Firth
Greg Kramer
Steve Perri
Carl Fritz
Summary: With 4 string trimmers and one lopper we cut back most of the weeds on this section. We left a half mile where Greg has easy access. Dan cut a half mile south of Iron Mtn Shelter tot 444.3 mm. No blowdowns were found. Reporting: Rick Lott
Date: 2026-06-03
Purpose: Weed Eat
Section: 13: US19E to Doll Flats
People: Rick Lott
Jim Brooks
Summary: We weed eated trail from hwy 19E to Wilder Mine Hollow campsite. Also weed eated aforementioned campsite and Apple House campsite. Spoke with a few NOBO section hikers and were informed that there was one old rotten blowdown across trail about 1.5-2.0 miles trail south of hwy 19E. The blowdown was an easy step over. I suspect this was the old hemlock beside the trail that we had planned to fell this summer. Will try to get to it in the next few weeks and finish weed eating the rest of this section. In asking about the trail condition, a few said there was a lot of high grass encroachment on the north side of Hump Mtn. Reporting: Richard Ritter
Date: 2026-06-03
Purpose: Weed eating and cut back vegitation
Section: 18: FS230 switchback to Indian Grave Gap
People: Richard Ritter
Pam Ritter
Tim McClain
Jeanine Snyder
Pat Kenney
Willie Tyree
Kit Parks
Ruthie Edwards
Eric Schonenberg
Simon Templeton
Belinda Mahon
Summary: Weed eating from Beauty Spot North from Tree line to Beauty Spot Gap
Then Unaka Switch backs FS 230 to Low Gap (water source)
Hedge trimmer and Lopper crew went from FS230 road crossing to Indian Grave Gap
Left to do yet is South Beauty Spot south from Tree line to Indian Grave Gap
Also to do is open up water bar runoffs in prep for Eastman crew to rebuild water bars B.S. to Indian Grave gap Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-06-03
Purpose: Help Setup Konnarock Crew
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Carl Fritz
Summary: With great help from Chad, Brandon and Luke and their UTVs, we transported Konnarock Crew to work site of Greasy Creek Gap Reporting: Steve Domagala
Date: 2026-06-03
Purpose: Mowed weeds
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Steve Domagala
Jerry aka G-Man
Summary: G-Man used his riding lawn mower to cut down knee high weeds along the 1.1 mile section of the FS road that the trail runs on. I cut back low hanging branches and removed rocks and large branches from the road to prevent damage to the mower
Pictures are on the Unicoi Trail Services facebook page. Reporting: Scott Huskey
Date: 2026-06-03
Purpose: Weed eating
Section: 5: TN91 to Iron Mountain Shelter
People: Scott Huskey
Summary: Weeded the trail from Cross Mountain and TN-91 to the point where the old forest service road intersects — a little over a half mile. Reporting: Scott Huskey
Date: 2026-06-03
Purpose: Weed eating
Section: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Scott Huskey
Summary: Weeded the section between the barn and the cattle area, the handicap parking area, the Cross Mountain parking lot and some areas along the handicap trail. Reporting: Scott Huskey
Date: 2026-06-03
Purpose: Remove blowdowns
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Scott Huskey
Eddie Speer
Summary: Removed three blowdowns previously reported. Reporting: Steve Domagala
Date: 2026-06-02
Purpose: Weedwacked back vegetation and remove reported blowdown
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Randy Allen
Steve Domagala
Summary: Trimmed back low hanging limbs and branches
Drove in from 107 to the farthest possible spot on the FS road. Hiked up to the north end of the detour. Weedwacked north to 366.5, where we found and removed the blowdown. Returned to the detour and Weedwacked back down to the truck
Photos available on either Unicoi Shuttle Services or Lost and Found facebook pages Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-06-02
Purpose: Konnarock prep
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Joe Morris
Tom Sahlin
Summary: Tom and I cut a little over a mile south of Greasy Creek Gap and cleaned up tent sites for the arrival of the Konnarock Crew tomorrow.