Recent AT Maintenance – Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club

Below is submitted maintenance activities for the last 6 weeks. Please note that trail conditions can change quickly. Or view maintenance by section.
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: 2026-05-20
Purpose: Repairing Parking Lot at Cross Mtn
Section: 5: TN91 to Iron Mountain Shelter
People: Ed Speer
Summary: Ed Speer supported the spreading of gravel in the parking lot at Cross Mountain with contractor Doyle Sheffield.

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 Wilson
Date: 2026-05-29
Purpose: Removed Blowdowns & Cut Weeds
Section: 3: McQueen's Gap to US421
People: Ed Speer
Summary: Ed Speer spent four days (5/18, 5/19, 5/20 & 5/29) working by himself removing blowdowns and cutting weeds on Section 3.

Reporting: Steve Wilson
Date: 2026-05-15
Purpose: Trail Rehab
Section: 2a: Backbone Rock Trail to Low Point roughly 2 miles N of Abingdon Gap Shelter
People: Ed Speer
Summary: Ed Speer rehabbing the AT on Section 2a by hiking up Backbone Rock trail. Installed locust cribbing to stabilize the trail and leveled the tread way.

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: 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: Dennis Whittington
Date: 2026-05-17
Purpose: Routine Trail Maintenance
Section: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Dennis Whittington
Summary: Removed several small blowdowns and cutback vegetation north of Watauga Dam, picked up trash from stealth campsites along Watauga Lake, checked for availability of water.

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: Richard Ritter
Date: 2026-06-01
Purpose: Weed eating and cut back vegitation
Section: 18: FS230 switchback to Indian Grave Gap
People: Richard Ritter
Pam Ritter
Mary Major
Tim Major
Simon Temperton
Belinda Mahon
Sharon Begley
Pat Kenney
Tim Richardson
Debbie Louden
Summary: Day 1 Weed eating from Beauty Spot North and South to tree lines/ then Beauty Spot gap North to Low Gap (water source) and South from Beauty Spot gap to tree line
Hedge trimmers and loppers crew went south from Beauty Spot to FS 230 road crossing

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: Steve Domagala
Date: 2026-05-31
Purpose: Cut back vegetation and widened the trail corridor with the line trimmern
Section: 20a: Nolichucky River to Temple Hill Gap
People: Steve Domagala
Summary: Weedwacked just under 1/2 mile of encroaching ground vegetation. Additionally pruned back low hanging limbs, trimmed back uphill side shrubs and heavier rodies.

Provided water and apples ? to approximately 11 hikers passing through.

Photos are available on the Unicoi Trail Services facebook page.

Reporting: Steve Domagala
Date: 2026-05-30
Purpose: Widen trail corridor with the line trimmer
Section: 20b: Temple Hill Gap to No Business Knob Shelter
People: Steve Domagala
Summary: Weedwacked 100 yard of the trail sobo from the gap. The remainder of this section is tree covered and does not experience a large amount of weed encroachment.

I started nobo from the gap and made it 50yds, but foolishly left set the roll of extra line down in the garage before leaving the house ?‍♂️.

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.

Reporting: Jim Foster
Date: 2026-05-30
Purpose: Annual trail trim
Section: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Joel Zabel, Joy Zabel, Ed Brading, Jeff Bennett, Jim Foster
Summary: We string trimmed the entire section. We had a great crew and a great day.
Thanks to everyone in the JC Hikers for your help.

Reporting: Jennifer Baird
Date: 2026-05-28
Purpose: Check trail conditions and cut back vegetation
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Jennifer Baird
Summary: Cut back encroaching vegetation with my hedge shears; trail is in good shape. There is an area going down the rock steps to the waterfall that I brushed in (again). Brush continues to be removed. Also, there are a couple places on the high water trail that will have to have some work at some point. There is a 12’+(?) side log along a very narrow part of that trail that will eventually slide down the bank and a wooden step that has moved out of place at a switchback. Small amount of trash picked up at trailhead. Plenty of hikers out on the trail.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-05-28
Purpose: Cut Weeds and Blowdowns
Section: 1: TN/VA state line to Backbone Rock Trail
People: Ed Speer
Dan Firth
Jim McGuire
Michel Denizot
Randy Allen
Tony Messina
Carl Fritz
Summary: A hard day up Backbone Rock Trail. From there to state line weeds were cut back and blowdowns were removed. Must have been close to ten blowdowns with two major 30" tangles. We were able to get trail back to its original location, did some rock cribbing and dug about 50 feet.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-05-28
Purpose: Cut weeds
Section: 2a: Backbone Rock Trail to Low Point roughly 2 miles N of Abingdon Gap Shelter
People: Steve Perri
Dale Mangen
Richard Good
Greg Kramer
Summary: A hard day going up and down Backbone Rock Trail to work south on the AT. Weed eating only got a half mile south of Backbone Rock Trail. One trimmer quit after 90 minutes. Steve and Dale used loppers and hedge shears to get within 2.75 miles of Abingdon Gap Shelter. More weed trimming is needed. Dale received his first timer's patch.

Reporting: Jim McGuire
Date: 2026-05-19
Purpose: Cut Back Vegetation
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Jim McGuire
Summary: I used the Elk River Falls road to gain access to the section of trail along the Elk River. Along the river, I used one of our new weed trimmers to cut back vegetation. It seemed like a lot of vegetation for this early in the year. Spoke with the construction crew working on the NC side. They were wrapping up and preparing to start working on the TN side. I recommend anybody doing trail maintenance in the area to touch base with the construction crew before beginning work.

Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-05-28
Purpose: Weed whack and blowdown removal
Section: 3: McQueen's Gap to US421
People: Joe Morris, Jeff Hatling, Van Hovey, Greg Morie, Heidi Wolgamuth
Summary: Crew met at McQueen Gap and weed eated north and south of the gap. To the south the entire section to US 421 at Low Gap was walked and all but 4/10 of the 3.7 miles was cut. Ran out of gas at 458.4 near the water source, Van walked north and brought more fuel. Also, Van removed the tree at 455.7 south of Low Gap. Greg and Heidi weed eated 2.6 miles north from McQueen to 3.6 miles south of the intersection with the Backbone Rock Trail, leaving a gap of 1.4 miles. We will need to return to remove trees and walk and weedeat the entire stretch later in the season. Tough day, some areas were significantly overgrown. Michael and Aerin removed 8 trees today.

Reporting: jon Heidrick
Date: 2026-05-28
Purpose: trail work
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Jon Heidrick
Summary: cut back vegetation and remove downed trees and branches. 2foot diameter pine trunk at mm398.3 just south of Issaac cemetery will require Sawyer

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-05-27
Purpose: Inspect Water Diversions
Section: 18: FS230 switchback to Indian Grave Gap
People: Rich Ritter
Carl Fritz
Summary: Water diversions on this section can be repaired or replaced. Probably about 12 man-days. Beautiful day on Beauty Spot.

Reporting: Joel Zabel
Date: 2026-05-27
Purpose: early summer clearing
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Yong Li
Jim Foster
Joy Zabel
Joel Zabel
Summary: Weedwacked 3+ mile open portion of our section 17, plus Low Gap detour. Cut back rhodos, briars, etc, with Dewalt hedge trimmer. Checked that there were no blocked water bars.

Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-05-26
Purpose: Blowdown removal
Section: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Joe Morris
Summary: Emoji reported a nuisance blowdown at 419.3 and I removed it this afternoon, one mile south of Dennis Cove

Reporting: Dave Allen
Date: 2026-05-14
Purpose: Clear blowdowns from Backbone Rock Trail
Section: 1: TN/VA state line to Backbone Rock Trail
People: Dawn Allen
Dave Allen
Summary: We returned to Backbone Rock Trail and removed 3 blowdowns that remained from a trip two days earlier. As of this date, Backbone Rock Trail is clear from the Parking lot to the AT

Reporting: Dave Allen
Date: 2026-05-12
Purpose: Clear Blowdowns
Section: 2a: Backbone Rock Trail to Low Point roughly 2 miles N of Abingdon Gap Shelter
People: Ed Speer
Heide Wolgamuth
Greg Morie
Dave Allen
Summary: We started at Backbone Rock Trail parking lot and hiked up BBR trail to the AT, noting blowdowns to take care of on the way out. At the AT intersection, we turned south onto Section 2a, clearing approx 15 blowdowns to about 1.5 miles south of the intersection. Vegetation hanging over the trail was also cut back, and several water diversions were cleaned out. On the way back down Backbone Rock Trail, we cleared 7 blowdowns. Three blowdowns within 0.7 miles of the parking lot were left for a subsequent trip.

Reporting: Karen Berry
Date: 2026-05-20
Purpose: Trail and shelter maintenance
Section: 14c: Yellow Mountain Gap to Stan Murray Shelter
People: Karen Berry and Annette Vinding
Summary: The trail is in great shape. The stable but large widowmaker reported in December is still there. There is a new large tree across the trail that you can step over. It is after the large corner boulder but before the widow maker.

Reporting: Jennifer Baird
Date: 2026-05-21
Purpose: Check trail condition and cut back vegetation
Section: 9b: Pond Flats to Hampton trailhead
People: Jennifer Baird
Summary: Cut back encroaching vegetation along the trail. Picked up a bag of trash, mainly at the trailhead. One of the new signs had bullet holes through it.

Reporting: ted allen
Date: 2026-05-22
Purpose: Weed eating
Section: 15c: Ash Gap to Hughes Gap
People: Randy Allen
Summary: Back to weed eating. Hit the needed spots for first 1.5 miles. I had cut that far last time. Made it another mile .stopped .8 from Ash gap. Will go back from top to finish the rest.

Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-05-21
Purpose: Rehabilitation
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Joe Morris, Tim Stewart, Greg Kramer, Carl Fritz, Dan Firth, Ben Trotter
Summary: The crew created a forty foot rock crib and removed a portion of a large root ball rehabilitating a trail segment damaged by Helene. The crew also rehabbed four other areas during the day. This completes the work on the north side of Unaka for the season.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2026-05-20
Purpose: Tend Apple Trees
Section: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Paul Benfield
Ted Mowery
Summary: Ted and Paul started heritage apple trees along the AT near the Osborne homestead years ago. They have tended them ever since. This year they removed the cages that were protecting the trees from the deer and cattle since the trees have now matured and the cages were inhibiting tree growth.

Reporting: Jeff Hatling
Date: 2026-05-20
Purpose: Mow the old Red Barn site.
Section: 14b: Bradley Gap to Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Jeff Hatling
Summary: Mowed the meadow with a DR mower.

Checked spring. and outhouse. All is well.

Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-05-20
Purpose: Blowdown removal
Section: 12b: Walnut Mountain Road to Sugar Hollow Creek
People: Randy Allen
Joe Morris
Summary: Randy got a report of a blowdown obstructing the access trail to Mountaineer Falls Shelter and blocking a tent site. We removed the trees and examined the shelter. We walked south another 1.4 miles and cleared 7 blowdowns. We covered 406.0.to 403.0 - there's some minor tread repairs left to do. I talked to Brandon about removing the large trees between the waterfall and the shelter.

Reporting: Bettye Boone & Saylor Fox
Date: 2026-05-15
Purpose: Hike our Section to Inspect for Work Needed
Section: 15a: Carvers Gap - Cloudland Hotel
People: Bettye Boone
Saylor Fox
Summary: Hiked our section to see what work needed to be done. Entire section looked good. Water at Carvers is fine, but most springs have dried up. VERY DRY. Noted several blazes that need attention, but still visible. One leaner that is passable, but we can handle with our Silky. Will go back to handle in the near future including weed eating but will wait until the Forest Service opens the gate so we can drive up. Vegetation is not encroaching on any of the AT.

Reporting: JOE MORRIS
Date: 2026-05-18
Purpose: Weed eating
Section: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Van Hovey
Joe Morris
Summary: Bizarre start to the day attempted to weed eat the Apple Orchard - Van came to the rescue after I encountered a blowdown on Birchlog. Once liberated I weedeated heavy growth from 357.3 to 357.8 on the south side of Unaka.

Reporting: Tom Sahlin
Date: 2026-05-16
Purpose: Inspect trail, cut back encroaching vegetation in orchard trail and tent sites, inspect spring, and check for trail use.
Section: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Tom Sahlin
Summary: Since it was Saturday when workers would be absent I went to Apple Orchard on the forest service road. I followed tracks left by machine(s) to the orchard and discovered they went into the orchard meandering around the orchard and up onto east side of hill where they turned and went down the Appalachian Trail toward Weedy Gap which amazed me they could get through tight spaces. I turned around before going to Weedy Gap to see if anything was disrupted at the spring. It was okay and flowing okay which surprised me due to dry weather. In the orchard I cut back weeds from the AT to the tent areas where I also cropped grasses in tent areas. I also removed trash from the tent area. Met two older hikers who came from Uncle Johnnys to the orchard via the reroute which they said about killed them. Gave them trail info toward Virginia line.

Reporting: Tracy Harris
Date: 2026-05-16
Purpose: Recon for Hiking With Tools!
Section: Other (Meetings/preparation/etc.)
People: Tracy Harris
Summary: I went to the Backbone Rock blue blaze trail to see if it would be appropriate for a Hiking With Tools! outing. It would be a great location for HWT since there is a ton of vegetation that needs to be cut back. Also, there were a few blue blazes on the ground (one tree is on the ground, and one big piece of bark with a blaze has peeled off). There were a lot of butterflies and thousands of spider webs. Note to self - go later in the day so you’re not the first one on the trail.

Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-05-14
Purpose: Rehab and corridor clearing
Section: 11b: Canute Place to Bitter End
People: Carl Fritz, Ed Speer, Dan Firth
Summary: The crew worked south from Canute and reports the tread is in good shape after rehabilitating 110 feet with locust crib.

Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2026-05-14
Purpose: Rehab
Section: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Greg Kramer, Gerald Scott, Richard Good, Van Hovey, Joe Morris, Heather Waldroup
Summary: Crew worked trail north of Canute to 418.3 and repaired two significant root ball cavities and rehabbed 105 feet

Reporting: Scott Huskey
Date: 2026-05-14
Purpose: Weed-eating
Section: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Scott Huskey
Summary: Finished what I started yesterday on 4b and did about 3/10th of a mile of Section 4a. There are two blowdowns on 4a about a quarter mile from the shelter. One is a headknocker and the other one requires one to crawl under it on one's knees. Neither tree is overly large but a chainsaw is required. I will work with Eddie Speer to get it removed.

Reporting: Scott Huskey
Date: 2026-05-13
Purpose: Weeding
Section: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Scott Huskey
Summary: I weed-eated from the beginning of the wood line at Osborne Farm to roughly a half mile before Double Spring Shelter. (I had a weedeater issue; hence, why I stopped.) I will attempt to finish within the week. I removed one small blowdown.

Reporting: Jim McGuire
Date: 2026-05-12
Purpose: General Maintenance
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Jim McGuire
Summary: I cleared back encroaching vegetation from Campbell Hollow Rd down to Elk River. My primary goal was to get briars. And, there were many, many briars. I used the extended sheers, but it was a much bigger job than I could do with sheers. I really need a weed trimmer. It is also time to hit the trail along the river with a trimmer. I'll try to do that in a week or two. I talked with 6 thru hikers. There was a bulldozer excavating on the other side of the river. I found several pieces of medium sized broken glass spread out over the first 200 yards of my section. Troubling....