June 3, 2023

By Stephen D. Bowling

The morning sunshine warmed the front of the R. M. Brooks Store as the first rays slid over the trees. On the inside, trail builders enjoyed some warm conversations and a hot breakfast of eggs and biscuits. More than 25 workers gathered in front of the store and waited for personnel from the Big South Fork to arrive and lead the day’s activities.

The workers loaded the STA van and several private vehicles to make the short trip out to the Joe Branch Trailhead. After dividing the tools and reviewing the safety requirements, the group headed off into the woods of Fentress County to work along the Clear Fork River as the trail inches its way toward Burnt Mill Bridge. Blue and white plastic streamers marked the path approved by the Compliance Officer from the Big South Fork, and the work started after a short hike to the spot where work stopped at the end of the last workday.

National Parks Service sawyers cut a path into and through the thick rhododendron and mountain laurel patches that lined the river. A team of STA “sappers” followed to throw the trimmed brush off the trail. Behind the sappers, crews manned the pulaskis and the McLeods to cut in the path at the appropriate grade for the new trail. Tampers with the Prohoes and step-builders completed their work as the team moved slowly through the brush.

By lunchtime, nearly half a mile of new trail was constructed over some difficult and through the thickly wooded terrain. Shortly after lunch, the front of the column reached the end of the line that has been permitted for construction. The successful day was completed, and work could progress no further until approved by the Big South Fork Compliance Office to ensure the protection of endangered species and sensitive archeological areas.

A special “Thank you” to each and every worker and the representatives of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Thanks to the R. M. Brooks General Merchandise Store at Rugby for their hospitality. Special “Thanks” to Big South Fork Superintendent Niki S. Nicholas for her work and assistance in extending the trail to Historic Rugby. We extend our “Thanks and Special Appreciation” to our Director, Steve Barbour, for his continued devotion to the Sheltowee Trace Association and for his determination to improve and expand “our little path through the woods.”

Here are a few images from our workday on June 3, 2023:

The day was a huge success, but there is much more work left to do and miles to go before we are through. The Sheltowee Trace Association and the Big South Fork have about three more miles of construction to connect the Rugby Trailhead to Burnt Mill Bridge. Look for opportunities to volunteer for our next workday. These workdays prove that the trail is not about the miles or the dirt path. Workdays let you get to know your fellow hikers. It allows us to work on the trail as we spend the day with people who share the same passion for the trail and a common love of the outdoors as you. What more could you ask for from a day in the woods?

I look forward to seeing you on the new trail section during our next workday.

© 2023 Stephen D. Bowling