This work trip is designated toward clearing the 30 miles of trail between NOC and Fontana of any trees and limb debris that has fallen over the winter and prepping the trail for the upcoming thru hiker season. ATMC needs sawyers and volunteers to assist with removal of debris after it is cut, removal of smaller limbs from the trail, and repair any tread as needed where trees have fallen. Specific work locations and quantity of trees will not be known until a walkthrough is completed in late February and based on number of sawyers and volunteers signed up. Ideally, we would like to have 4 crews. Each crew would hike no more than 7 miles over moderate terrain. Alternate bad-weather date is Saturday March 12.

Carpool from the Maryville Walmart on Hwy 411 at 7:30am. Alternate meeting points are either Fontana Marina or Robbinsville Ingles at 9am. RT travel is approximately 110 miles and may include drive/ride behind FS gates. Participants will need to wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate attire. Bring gloves, lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. If you have a hardhat, ear protection, and/or safety glasses, please bring those as well. Loppers and small pruning saws may also be helpful.

Pre-registration is required. Masks are now required for all those participating in carpools, shuttles or key swaps, regardless of vaccination status. You may also choose to drive your own vehicle to the trailhead.

Leader: Franklin LaFond
Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.