The Unicoi Crest above Tellico Plains

 

Cherokee Hiking Club
198 Crews Drive, Benton, TN 373
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Bald River Falls

 

Using a crosscut saw in the Citico Wilderness

 

 

Trail Maintenance
Projects

2016

Jan     Feb    Mar    Apr    May    Jun    Jul    Aug    Sep    Oct    Nov    Dec

Work Trips in 2008 or 2009 or 2010 or 2011 or 2012 or 2013 or 2014 or 2015

Tellico Ranger District Worktrips
Benton MacKaye Trail Worktrips
Other Worktrips

 

January

Every Mon and Thurs - Continue work on the Towee Creek Reroute of the BMT/John Muir Trail. Meet at the Towee Creek parking area at 9AM.

Thurs, Jan 21 - Refresher for Crosscut and Chainsaw - Meet at the Tellico Ranger Station at 8 AM. Must be preregistered with Travis Schwarzer, Trails Tech at Tellico Ranger Station.

Mon, Jan 25 - Trail Maintenance Planning Mtg for South Zone of Cherokee National Forest - Meet at the Tellico Ranger Station at 8 AM. By invite only of various volunteer maintaining groups.

Thurs, Jan 28 - Tellico Work Trip - Pine Ridge Trail - We will log out and brush out this trail. Meet at the Tellico Ranger Station at 8 AM. This is wilderness, we will be using crosscut saw and loppers.

Fri, Jan 29 - FA/CPR Recertification - Meet at Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger Station at 8 AM. Must preregister with Drew McCarley, Trails Tech at Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District.

Fri, Jan 29 - FA/CPR Recertification - Meet at Cheoah District Work Center, Nantahala NF at 8 AM. Must preregister with Jeremy Waite, Trails Tech at Cheoah Ranger District in Robbinsville, NC.

February

Tue, Feb 2 - TN/NC BMTA Work Trip - Section 15a - Unicoi Gap to Tate Gap - We will install two trail signs and log out this section. Meet at the Coker Creek Welcome Center at 9 AM.

Thur, Feb 4 - Tellico Work Trip - Pine Ridge Trail - We will finish logging out the Pine Ridge Trail. Meet at the Tellico Ranger Station at 8AM. This is wilderness; we will be using crosscut saw and loppers.

Thur, Feb 11 - TN/NC BMTA Work Trip - Section 16e - Sugar Mtn to Tellico River - We will be planting at trail sign on Sugar Mtn, then logging out the BMT from Sugar Mtn down to the Tellico River. Meet at the Tellico Ranger Station at 8 AM. Contact Ken Jones at 423-506-8128 to sign up.

Sat, Feb 20 - TN/NC BMTA Work Trip - Section 12b - Dry Pond Lead Trail Intersection to Kimsey Hwy - We will be digging the tread wider in a side hill spot adjacent to the Dry Pond Lead Trail. We will hike in about 1/2 mile up the trail from Kimsey Hwy to reach the work location. Meet at the State Parking Area in Reliance, on the road toward Hiwassee Outfitters before you reach the trestle at 8:30 AM. Be sure to bring at least 2 quarts of water, lunch, and wear sturdy boots. Please let me know if you plan to attend so that I can have enough tools and personal protective equipment for the work crew. Contact Ken Jones at 423-506-8128

Sat, Feb 20 - FA/CPR Certification - Conasauga Ranger District, Chattahoochee NF. Must preregister, contact Karen Larsen, 706-695-6736

Thurs, Feb 25- FA/CPR Refresher - Meet at Tellico Ranger Station at 8 AM. Must preregister with Travis Schwarzer, Trails Tech at the Tellico Ranger Station..

March

Sat, March 26 - BMTA TN/NC Work Trip - We will be working on the BMT from the top of Sugar Mtn both directions, to the Tellico River and to the Brookshire Creek crossing, logging and brushing out. Contact Ken Jones to sign up at 423-506-8128. Meet at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center at 8:30 AM.

April

Sat, April 9 - Chainsaw Certification - Conasauga Ranger District, Chattahoochee NF. Must preregister, contact Karen Larsen, 706-695-6736

Sat, April 16 - FA/CPR Training - Chatooga River Ranger District, Chattahoochee NF. Must preregister, contact Ryan Farr at 770-297-3038

Sat, April 16 - FA/CPR Training - Blue Ridge Ranger District, Chattahoochee NF - Must preregister, contact Amanda Walrod, 706-745-6928

Sat, April 23 - Chainsaw Certification - Blue Ridge Ranger District, Chattahoochee NF - Must preregister, contact Amanda Walrod, 706-745-6928

Sat, April 23 - BMTA TN/NC Work Trip - For the April work trip we will be working in the Ocoee Ranger District on BMT Section 12e along Big Lost Creek. We will be working on several problem spots on the part of the section from Lost Creek Campground downstream to Little Lost Creek. A portion of the trail (old jeep road) has collapsed into the creek, narrowing the tread to only 2' between a large rock and a precipitous drop to the creek. We also need to haul gravel to build up wet spots, and dig the tread back in other spots. The hike in to the big problem is 1 1/2 miles, but other work will be available near the road (FSDR 103). This is one of the most beautiful spots on the BMT with lots of water cascades and deep pools. Wildflowers will be out in abundance for the work date. Come join us, enjoy the this great location, and give something back to others. Meet at the State Parking Area in Reliance, on the road toward Hiwassee Outfitters before you reach the trestle, at 8:30 am. Be sure to bring at least 2 quarts of water, lunch, and wear sturdy boots and long pants. Please let me know if you plan to attend so that I can have enough tools and Personal Protective Equipment for the work crew. Contact Ken Jones at 423-506-8128 for information or to sign up.

Mon, April 25 - Bald River & Cow Camp Trails - Tellico Trail Maintenance on the Bald River and Cow Camp Trails - Monday, April 25. Meet at 9 AM behind the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center. This trip is primarily to log out the Bald River Trail and the Cow Camp Trail. This is wilderness, so we must use crosscut saw. If we have enough maintainers, we will go in from the Bald River Falls parking lot, the Cow Camp parking lot, and the Bald River Trail parking lot on Bald River Rd with three saw crews, all meeting in the center, then return to our vehicles. There are maybe 20 trees to cut off the Bald River Trail and about 10 from the Cow Camp Trail, some fairly good size. We could also do some minor lopping, though the trail is in good shape except for a short stretch south of Pawpaw Branch. So we could use a few folks with loppers and maybe even a swing blade for the section just past Pawpaw Branch where there is an overgrowth of Dog Hobble. This work trip is open to anyone, though we need people with crosscut saws primarily as well as loppers and maybe on swing blade. Be sure to wear long pants and boots, gloves and helmet and eye protection. We have extra helmets, eye protection, and gloves. Bring 2 qts water and a lunch in your day pack. Please let me know in advance if you are coming by Meetup or cell phone (513-260-1184) or email HarrisRi@aol.com

May

Mon, May 16 - Tellico Hiking Trail Work Trip - Warriors Passage - We will meet at the Tellico Ranger Station at 8 AM, then go to various sections of the Warriors Passage Trail to log it out, to brush out the section between Bald River Rd and Wildcat Rd, and to mark the sections for the treadwork planned for the June 11 Scout Work Trip.

Sat, May 21 - Crosscut Certification (Tentative) - Conasauga Ranger District, Chattahoochee NF. Must preregister, contact Karen Larsen, 706-695-6736

Sat, May 21 - TN/NC BMTA Work Trip Section 12d - The May work trip will be back at Lost Creek Campground again. We will be working in the other direction from the April Trip on Section 12d, headed south and climbing the ridge through a series of switchbacks. These switchbacks are no longer directing water off the trail, and need tread work to reshape them to the correct standards. There are also other spots through this area that need tread work, so this will be a "dig in the dirt" trip. Meet at the State Parking Area in Reliance, on the road toward Hiwassee Outfitters before you reach the trestle, at 8:30 am. Be sure to bring at least 2 quarts of water, lunch, and wear sturdy boots and long pants. Please note that Jack Callahan will be leading this work trip. Please let him know if you are attending. Jack's email address is jackn1945@bellsouth.net

June

Sat, June 6 - Tellico Hiking Trail Work Trip - Monday, June 11 - Warriors Passage Trail - We plan to finish off the brushing out of the Warriors Passage Trail. We have logged it out (58 trees last Monday) and brushed out the bad stretch between Bald River Rd and Wildcat Rd. Now we need to brush out the rest of the trail. So, we really need folks with gas powered brush cutters. We have 3 available and a few others in private ownership. So if you don't have one, we should be able to find one you can use. Our plan is to get the entire trail brushed and logged out before the Boy Scout worktrip scheduled for June 11. We plan to have the Scouts just work on sidehilling only with pulaskis, hoes, fire rakes, and McCleods. So please sign up for this work trip Monday June 6 so we can get all the brushing out done. Contact Rick Harris at HarrisRi@aol.com or 513-260-1184 cell or 423-253-6358 home if you need a brush cutter. Sign up here on Meetup or contact Rick Harris.

Sat, June 11 - Chainsaw Certification - Chatooga Ranger District, Chattahoochee NF. Must preregister, contact Ryan Farr at 770-297-3038

Saturday, June 11 - National Get Outdoors Day - Work trip on Rocky Flats Trail - Come join us on National Get Outdoors Day by helping to clear logs and brush off the Rocky Flats Trail in the Citico Creek Wilderness. This is Wilderness, so we will be using crosscut saws and loppers/swing blades. Meet at the Picnic Area just before the beach at Indian Boundary at 8 AM. We will eat breakfast, provided by Tellico Grains, then go to the work site at Warden Fields a short distance from the campground. Afterwards, we will reassemble for a free supper as a celebration of our accomplishments. Contact Rick Harris at HarrisRi@aol.com or 513-260-1184 cell or 423-253-6358 home if you need a brush cutter. Sign up on Meetup or contact Rick Harris.

Sat, June 25 - TN/NC BMTA Work Trip - Section 15b - Six Mile Gap to Tate Gap

The June work trip will be on Section 15b. We will be driving to the top of Waucheesi Mountain, hiking down an old manway to Sixmile Gap, then brushing out this section to Tate Gap and the old Doc Rogers Place. The total hiking distance is about 5 miles round trip, with a steep climb back to the top of Waucheesi at the end of the day. This is a ridge top trail with  several more uphills involved, as well as climbing Cantrell Top from both directions. Yes, this section of the BMT is uphill both ways! We will be brushing out using primarily weed eaters with metal blades, but slingblades and loppers will also be available if you prefer. This section has been faithfully maintained for a number of years by Jim Sirmans and Phillip Gooch. They have both had to retire from trail work for various reasons, but we all appreciate their service through the years. Meet at the Cherohala Visitor Center at 8:30 am. Be sure to bring at least 2 quarts of water, lunch, and wear sturdy boots and long pants. Please let me know if you plan to attend so that I can plan the work and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

July

August

September

Sat, Sept 19 - Crosscut Certification - Chatooga Ranger District, Chattahoochee NF. Must preregister, contact Ryan Farr at 770-297-3038

Sat, Sept 24 - TN/NC BMTA Work Trip - Sycamore Creek Section of the Benton MacKaye Trail - For our work trip on September 24th, we will be working in the Tellico Ranger District on the Sycamore Creek Trail / BMT Section 17a & b. We will be logging out blow downs and brushing out as much of this 6 mile trail as possible. We will be using brush cutters and other hand tools to brush out the trail, and I will plan to log out blow downs with a chainsaw. Meet at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains at 8:30 am. Be sure to bring at least 2 quarts of water, lunch, and wear sturdy boots and long pants. Please let me know if you plan to attend so that I can plan the work and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Thanks, Ken Jones bamajones70 at gmail.com

October

Sat, Oct 22 - TN/NC BMTA Work Trip - Six Mile Gap to Tate Gap section 15b - For our work trip on October 22nd, we will be working in the Tellico Ranger District on BMT Section 15b. We will be using brush cutters and other hand tools to brush out the trail. This is the section that was scheduled for the June work trip when a stop work order was issued for the Tellico Ranger District. The work trip will start from the top of Waucheesi mountain. The road to the top of the mountain will be in much better shape, as the Forest Service has just completed some major work on the road. The top of Waucheesi has some great views in all directions, and the fall colors should be close to peak. From there, it is about a 1/2 mile walk down an old man way to Sixmile Gap where the brush out work will begin. The section to be worked is 1.8 miles long with some up and downhill climbs to Tate Gap. Tate Gap is the site of the Old Doc Rogers house ruins, and a historic point of interest along the trail. From Tate Gap there will be a 2.3 mile hike back to Waucheesi, with some climbs for Cantrell Top and back up Waucheesi. Meet at the Coker Creek Visitor Center at 8:30 am. Be sure to bring at least 2 quarts of water, lunch, and wear sturdy boots and long pants. Please let Barry Allen know if you plan to attend so that he can plan the work and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). I will be out of town in Washington DC on the date of this work trip. Barry's email address is:barry.w.allen@att.net

.November-

December

Sat, Jan 28, 2017 - TN/NC BMTA Maintenance Trip - Section 15c - Sandy Gap to Six Mile Gap
For the first work trip in 2017 on the 28th, we will be working in the Tellico Ranger District on BMT Section 15c, Sandy Gap to Sixmile Gap. This section currently has no one assigned as a maintainer, and must be brushed out in the winter to protect a plant, the ash-leaved bush-pea. This is a section that has beautiful views in the winter, and runs along a knife edge ridge for parts of the 2 mile section. Portions of this section are outside wilderness with other portions inside wilderness, and we will plan to brush out and log out as much of the section as we can. We will be meeting at the Coker Creek Visitor Center, at the intersection of Joe Brown Highway and Highway 68, at 8:30 am to make the 45 minute drive to Sandy Gap to start our work. Be sure to bring at least 2 quarts of water, lunch, and wear sturdy boots and long pants. Please let me know if you plan to attend so that I can plan the work and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Thanks, Ken 423-506-8182