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Contact GSMNP's Backcountry office for any closures on the BMT (865-436-1297) / BMT Near Trail 69 in Cherokee National Forest now open/ Tellico River Road (NSFR 210) Trailhead Closure

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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January 25 TN/NC Maintenance Trip

When:   Saturday, January 25, 2025
Where:  Section 19c – FS 251C (east end) » Fontana Lodge
Where:  Section 19b – Old Field Gap Road » FS 251C (East End)
Where:  Section 19a – Tapoco Lodge » Old Field Gap Road

Georgia Crew

Time:  7:00 AM
Meeting Location:  Blue Ridge Home Depot. Consolidate vehicles and travel to Fontana Dam Village General Store to meet other trail workers.

https://goo.gl/maps/Edbb9q24sCV1wkjZ7

Tennessee Crew

Time:  9:00 AM
Meeting Location: Fontana Dam Village General Store, 180 Welch Road, Fontana Dam, NC 28733 – Parking lot in front of the General Store

Fontana Village General Store – Google Maps

Parking at the Trailhead:  Will be determined when we meet at the Fontana Dam Village General Store and sort out the crew(s). We will consolidate into enough vehicles to drive to trail access points.

Plan for the Day: Primary focus for the day will be logging out blowdowns on 19c (“Stairway to Heaven”) only as far as the TV reflector tower near the top. The secondary focus will be recons of 19a and 19b if sufficient volunteers are working. We will assemble volunteers into 2 crews.

  • Crew 1:  Need at least two chainsaw sawyers and associated swampers on 19c.
  • Crew 2:  Recon and cut with handsaws & loppers any small obstacles on 19a and 19b. Crew 2 will make a record of and report on trail conditions (specific size and location of any blowdowns requiring sawyers) for planning of subsequent work trips.

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

Weather Note:  This time of year, weather conditions are a major concern. If inclement weather is determined, updates for the day or cancelation will be sent via email on Friday, 1/24/2025. Please be on alert to check for such an email.

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

Attention Section Maintainers & Sawyers

If you recently attended a sawyer or first aid class, please email copy of your certificate to Joy, jforehand@bmta.org.

All Section Maintainers must be members of the Benton MacKaye Trail Association. If you haven’t renewed your membership go to MEMBERSHIP to renew now.

To RSVP Contact

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

Or you can register online below.

RSVP TN/NC Maintenance Trip January 25, 2025

Name(Required)

Date

Jan 25 2025

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