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For trail conditions and closures on the BMT in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, contact the Backcountry Office (865-436-1297). FS816 Road to Swinging Bridge Closed February 9-20, 2026

BMTA ACTIVITY CALENDAR

BMTA normally schedules four or five hikes per month, some “leisure” hikes that are shorter and easier and some 5 to 8 miles and of moderate difficulty. In addition, we have occasional backpacking hikes and more difficult ones that might be called “hardy hikes.” Occasionally we co-sponsor hikes with other organizations. Some, but not all, of our hikes are “dog friendly.” Although more hikes are in Georgia than the other states, you will find hikes in all three BMT states: Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

*Please refer to: BMTA COVID-19 Hiker Guidelines and Hiker Guidelines.

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February 28, 2026 TN/NC Maintenance Trip

Check Out information on the MRNRA Sugar Grove, VA, Crosscut Course scheduled for March 30- April 2, 2026.

Info is after the sign-up form below.

When: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Where:  Section 14a — FS 22B » Unicoi Mt Trail (TN Hwy 68) and 14b — TN Hwy 68 » Buck Bald Road

Georgia Crew

Time: 7:30 AM
Meeting Location (Georgia Folks): Home Depot parking lot in Blue Ridge, GA. Travel to BMT crossing of TN Hwy 68 to meet other trail workers.

Home Depot – Google Maps

Tennessee Crew

TN Time:  8:30 AM
Meeting Location:  BMT Crossing/Trailhead at TN Hwy 68

Benton MacKaye Trailhead TN Hwy 68 – Google Maps

Parking at the Trailhead:  There should be plenty of parking at the trailheads. The trailhead parking area will be at BMT crossing of TN Hwy 68 (between Turtletown and Coker Creek).

Plan for the Day:  Based on volunteer response, we will try to work from both ends of section 14a of the BMT and have one saw team on 14b. The work on 14a (TN Hwy 68 » FS 22B) will be with digging tools, loppers, handsaws and a chainsaw. The work on 14b (Buck Bald Rd » TN Hwy 68) will be with a handsaw and a chainsaw. We will divide into 3 crews.  Once Crews 1 & 2 meet up they will hike back together to FS 22B to drive back to TN Hwy 68. Crew 3 will remove a reported blowdown on 14b.

  • Crew 1:  Begin at TN Hwy 68 working SOBO until they meet up with the other crew.
  • Crew 2:  Drive to trailhead on FS 22B working NOBO until they meet Crew 1.
  • Crew 3:  Saw Team – Drive from TN Hwy 68 to the BMT crossing of Buck Bald Rd to hike SOBO to remove the blowdown.

Bring/What to Wear:  Water, food/snacks, gloves, long pants and boots with non-slip soles. Bring safety glasses, hard hats and hand tools if you have them. PPE will be provided for those without.

Weather Note:  If inclement weather is determined, updates for the day or cancelation will be sent via email on Thursday, 1/22/2026. Please be sure to check for such an email sent to volunteers who have signed up for the Work Trip.

Watch for additional information in emails and on the BMTA website!

To be a Section Maintainer, you must be a member of BMTA.
Join or Renew your Membership today!

For questions of for additional information, contact

TN/NC Maintenance Director, bmtatn-ncmaintdirector@bmta.org

RSVP TN/NC Maintenance Trip February 28, 2026

Name(Required)
Crew Choices

MRNRA Sugar Grove, VA Crosscut Course
March 30- April 2, 2026

The USDA USFS, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), and the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) are hosting a crosscut A/B Bucking course.

Schedule:

Monday March 30, 8 AM to 12 PM – First-Aid CPR (only 8 slots available)
Tuesday March 31, 9 AM to 5 PM – Developing Thinking Sawyer Crosscut Class.
Wednesday April 1 & Thursday April 2 – Crosscut Bucking Field Sessions

There are 25 spaces available for the Crosscut Course.
Only 8 spaces are available for the First Aid/CPR.

Location: Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Volunteer Trail Camp (Konnarock) in Sugar Grove, Virginia.

Registration Closes March 6, 2026

Follow the link below to register.

MNRA Crosscut A/B Bucking Course

Date

Feb 28 2026

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