Another great volunteer turnout this weekend. We are rehabilitating the Appalachian Trail on the West side of Black Mt. In 2016 we did a lot of work rehabilitating the Appalachian Trail on the east side of Black Mt. (see album #54).
As we work our way up Black mountain we will be working in several sections or phases. The first steep section or phase is right after the trail crosses an old woods road and heads uphill. There we placed forty new rock steps, anchor rocks etc. Then came a short section that needed a couple of crib-walls, a few steps and some new trail. Next it was the notch. The notch has a steep rock face on one side and a sloping hillside on the other. The notch is a narrow work space so only a few crew members could safely work in there at the same time. Placing new steps in there was a real challenge. To keep everyone busy, we setup a second high-line to quarry rocks for use on Phase 2. Phase 2 is about 30 yards past the end of Phase 1. In Phase 2, to control water and hikers, we are going to close off a heavy eroded piece of the trail with two massive water bars, and relocate the new trail about five yards into the hillside. To accomplish this we’ll need to move a whole lot of big rocks.
Nice going Crew, keep up the great work
The Appalachian Trail is always changing and evolving. All along the A.T., work crews, like LDTC constantly relocate and rehabilitate portions of the trail to protect nature and to enhance the Appalachian Trail hiking experience.
All of our projects take a lot of effort and as always, all done by volunteers. Our experience crew and crew leaders are eager to teach volunteers of all abilities the skills needed to build hiking trails.
Speaking of volunteers, not everyone can make it everyday and that’s OK with us. Some volunteers come out everyday while others can only make it to 1 or 2. Don’t feel that you have to commit to an entire project or even a weekend, any help is appreciated and being a volunteer you can come and go as you see fit.
We're a community of volunteers who build, protect and maintain hiking trails. We invite you to join us. You’ll be glad you did.
