Session Five: Rattlesnake and Sunset from Rocky Top

Rocky Top to Russell Field Shelter

Crew Leader:  Amy Allamong

Assistant Crew Leader: Ben Royer

Session Overview:  Session 5 we completed the section from Rocky Top down to about a mile north of Russell. Most of this section is in very good condition. From Rocky Top to Spence the trail and all structures are holding up well. Everything from Spence to Russell looks pretty good although there are a few hazards. There are two turnpikes holding up very well but there are some steps that have multiple spikes protruding up from the logs. There is a boggy section forming about ¼ mile south from Spence that may need a turnpike in the future. But, all in all, this section looks great with no major erosion.

Specifications:  Again, this week we cut back the blackberry bushes and other perennial growth. We continued to focus on sapling removal from the corridor. This week we stuck closer to the 4ft defined corridor rather than trying to cut extra for sustainability in the coming years. We did however trim as high as we could for the horses. As we hiked through, we worked on the drains and tunrpikes that could be cleaned easily and efficiently. We did install one new log water bar. The crew practiced solid safety principles while working and hiking to the worksite.

Results and Measurable Accomplishments: 

·         Total Trail Mileage: about 3.6 miles

·         Water Bars Installed: 1 log

Day 1: We hiked in from Cades Cove via Anthony Creek Trail and Bote. The crew did great and we made it to Spence in great time.

Day 2: We hiked up to Rocky Top and began working our way down to Spence. We finished about 0.6 miles.

Above Left: Rattle snake on Rock Top. Above Right: Steps holding up well just south of Little Rocky Top

Day 3: We kept working south and made it another 0.7 miles. We found an old tool cash with two shovels and a fire rake that were now rotten. We hiked those out.

Day 4: We worked another 0.9 miles south of Spence Field.

Day 5: We continued on towards Russell. We ran in to Franklin LaFond and he updated us with what he has completed in his section. We should be able to move through his quickly to hit the unfinished parts next week. We finished about 0.6 miles today

Day 6: Hike out and breakdown at Soak Ash.

Week Summary: We had a great week of weather! It kept everyone in high spirits and we were able to work hard. Looking forward to next week! We will continue working south from where we left off.

GO S.W.E.A.T!!!

Session Four: High Spirits and Working Hard

Rocky Top to Derrick Knob Shelter

Crew Leader:  Amy Allamong

Assistant Crew Leader: Ben Royer

Session Overview:  This week we had a small crew, but we are back on track with our sections.  The section between Beechnut Gap and Rocky Top is badly eroded in some areas. We cleared the existing drains, but this section could definitely use more rock work such as steps. Some 30-50 foot runs are on a 20+ grade and eroded down to bedrock. The bedrock here is soft and easily eroded. North of Beechnut gap also has some very steep (almost vertical climbs). 

Specifications:  Again, this week we cut back the blackberry bushes and other perennial growth. We continued to focus on sapling removal from the corridor. This week we stuck closer to the 4ft defined corridor rather than trying to cut extra for sustainability in the coming years. We were able to move a little quicker. As we hiked through, we worked on the drains that could be cleaned easily and efficiently. We did install one new rock water bar and one new log. The crew practiced solid safety principles while working and hiking to the worksite. 

Day 1: We hiked in from Cades Cove via Anthony Creek Trail and Bote. This may be one of my favorite hikes in so far, it was beautiful! The crew did great and we made it in fine. 

Day 2: We hiked north of Beechnut Bap and met up with our end point from last session on Brier Knob. We cleared about 1.1 mile; it was mostly brushing with the occasional drain. This is the section that has the almost vertical section of trail you have to climb up.

Day 3: We kept working south and made it another 0.9 miles. The thickest section was just north of Beechnut Gap. We also removed a failing log water bar and installed a new rock one as seen in the pictures below.

 

Before a rock waterbar installation (above), and after rock water bar installation and drain enhancement (right). 

Day 4: We worked another 0.6 miles south of Beechnut towards Thunderhead. This section is badly eroded so we focused on drains. We tried to clear all of them and make them large. We made it to Thunderhead where it was thick with Rhododendron and Blueberry. We spent some time clearing through here. 

 

The Trail before (left) and after (right).

Day 5: We continued on to Rock Top. We cleared about 1 mile.

Day 6: Hike out and breakdown at Soak Ash.

Week Summary: We had a great week of weather! It kept everyone in high spirits and we were able to work hard. Looking forward to next week! We will continue working south from where we left off. We will be camping at Spence Field Shelter.

Session Three, including evening yoga!

Rocky Top to Derrick Knob Shelter

Crew Leader:  Amy Allamong

Assistant Crew Leader: Ben Royer

Session Overview:  This week we had a full 8 person crew! The weather held off through the day and rained at night. We accomplished some grade A work. Group dynamics were on point and everyone had a great time!

Specifications:  Again, this week we cut back the blackberry bushes and other perennial growth. Continuing to focus on beech, cherry, and birch sapling removal from the corridor. As we hiked through, we worked on the drains that could be cleaned easily and efficiently and we did install a few new ones. We also finished removing one downed tree from last session. The crew practiced solid safety principles while working and hiking to the worksite.

Day 1: We hiked in from Tremont on Middle Prong and Greenbrier to the AT. This hike had a steady increase in elevation, but was very gradual. These trails had quite a few blow downs (about 5-10) and could use some brushing, but all in all they were in good condition. Our hike in was much faster this week! We stopped to see the waterfall and a couple people took a dip.

Day 2: We began work at Derrick Knob shelter and worked south. We completed 1.1 miles of trail after a group brushing and drain clearing demonstration. We made note of a lot of too-long stobs that were about a foot high that abruptly stopped our swing blades and damage them. We've also noticed unsightly stobs coming from the tree branches where they have not been cut back (should be < ½ in) to the main stem or trunk.

Day 3: We kept working south and made it another 0.9 miles. On the sections with a steep side slope we focused brushing more on the uphill side of the trail and left more brush on the downhill side to keep users away from the critical edge. This is very important in some of these areas, the drop off is steep and dangerous in some sections.

Day 4: We made it a little past Brier Knob brushing 0.5 miles. We hit a few thick blackberry sections here.

Day 5: We went back to the section we did not finish last session between Derrick Knob and Silers Bald. We worked north to the Miry Ridge intersection and got about 1.3 finished. We removed one of the blow downs, but there is still one more.

Day 6: Hike out and breakdown at Soak Ash.

  

Week Summary: We had a great week of weather! It kept everyone in high spirits and we were able to work hard. Looking forward to next week! We will continue working south from where we left off. 

GO S.W.E.A.T!!!

We also did some evening yoga!!!