We are rehabilitating the Appalachian Trail on the West side of Black Mountain. In 2016 we did a lot of work rehabilitating the Appalachian Trail on the east side of Black Mountain. (see album #54).
This was another productive weekend. Our crew not only finished the trail in the Notch and the area just above the Notch, we also completed all of Phase 2. Yes we finished both massive crib-walls and the steps on the new path. The upper crib-wall needed over two feet of crush and a couple of check-dams before it could be treaded in with mineral soil. A big Thank You to Carlo and Mike for breaking up a big pile of large rocks into usable crush. Way to go guys. While part of the crew was completing Phase 2 Russ led other crew members in finishing the trail in the Notch, and the trail leading up to Phase 2. It’s a tight area, they moved and placed many big rocks, it wasn’t easy but they got it done. Nice work everyone.
Next it was on to Phase 3 where we quarried and placed 2 new steps. We are progressing nicely on this massive multi-phase project and have already installed over 100 new steps. We can’t rest on our laurels, there are many more steps needed to complete this entire project. Thank you all, you efforts are greatly appreciated.
As we work our way up Black mountain we will be working in several sections or Phases. The first steep section or Phase 1 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 work in there safely at the same time. Placing 37 new steps in the Notch and the area just above the Notch 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 20 yards past the end of Phase 1. In Phase 2, to control water and hikers, we closed off a heavy eroded piece of the trail with two massive water bars, and relocated the new trail about five yards into the hillside.
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.
