CUMBERLAND TRAIL
BREAKAWAY
What is BreakAway ?
BreakAway is an Alternative Spring Break program hosted by the Tennessee Trails Association
(TTA) and Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC). College students from across the country pay
their own way to come to Tennessee to work on the Cumberland Trail along with TTA/CTC
volunteers. Students and volunteers stay in East Tennessee and participate in trail
building/maintenance for a week. BreakAway also provides for educational opportunities
about the environment, history, geology, flora and fauna along the Cumberland Trail.
Each college is limited to a maximum of 12 participants for this program.
BreakAway participants must be affiliated with a BreakAway sanctioned school
and have a site leader present.
What is the Cumberland Trail ?
The Cumberland Trail (CT) is a rugged, historical trail celebrating the heritage
of Tennessee. The Cumberland Trail, when completed, will be a 303-mile trail
beginning at Cumberland Gap National Park on the northern border of Tennessee/Kentucky
and ending in the "Grand Canyon" of Tennessee, the Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga.
The Cumberland Trail was designated a State Scenic Trail in 1971, and a State Park
in 1998. It has been recognized as the official Millennium Legacy
Trail for Tennessee! The Cumberland Trail is managed by the Cumberland
Trail Conference (CTC), an associate organization of TTA.
What is the Tennessee Trails Association ?
The Tennessee Trails Association (TTA) is a non-profit, all volunteer
organization established in 1969. Our mission is to build and maintain
a statewide system of hiking trails, to lead hikes so people can enjoy
these trails, and to work for the conservation of resources inherent to
this objective. TTA is also a sponsor for the Cumberland Trail.
There are ten chapters of TTA across the state. TTA publishes a monthly
newsletter with information on organized hikes, trail projects, and
articles of interest to outdoor enthusiasts. TTA is funded by
membership dues, an annual fundraising auction and donations. You can visit
their website at
http://www.tennesseetrails.org.
What is the Cumberland Trail Conference?
The Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC) was formed in 1997, as an associate
organization to Tennessee Trails Association. Our mission is to preserve
the historical and cultural heritage of Tennessee, conserve natural resources,
and provide educational and recreational opportunities through the development
and completion of the Cumberland Trail Corridor, and to establish a foundation
of support by interconnecting local communities within the trail corridor to
acquire, maintain, and promote the Cumberland Trail. CTC publishes a
newsletter and hosts numerous program outings on the Cumberland
Trail. CTC is a non-profit organization funded by grants and donations.
Lunch Break Presentation On Early Settlers Use of Area Wild Plants
What will I do as a BreakAway Participant?
Trail duties include: using fire rakes to clear leaf cover on the trail,
using hand clippers and pocket saws to clear small limbs and bushes from the
trail corridor, using mattocks to make a level trail by cutting into hillsides
and ridges, installing water bars to control erosion, building rock steps and
footbridges, and painting blazes on trees in order to mark the trail. Most of the
work is done by groups of 4-6 people working with TTA/CTC volunteers on a
particular section of the trail. Since the trail runs through isolated areas,
it is necessary to hike into the work areas.
Therefore, plan to hike from 5-10 miles per day.
Work Schedule, Lodging, Food, and Miscellaneous Details:
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Arrival: Plan to arrive by 3:00 PM on the Sunday before you are scheduled to work
on the trail. This will allow you time to eat and attend an
orientation session.
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Lodging: Lodging is to be paid for by either the University or
the student. The CTC will handle lodging arrangements.
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Food: Meals will be provided by CTC. In the Smoky Mountain Segment, meals will include: Dinner on Sunday; Breakfast,
lunch, and dinner on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; breakfast only on Wednesday and
Saturday. Since Wednesday is a free day to explore the local area, students will be
responsible for meals. In the Grassy Cove Segment (March 11 - 16 only), meals will include: Dinner on Sunday; Breakfast,
lunch, and dinner on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; breakfast only on Friday. The students will make lunch (with food provided by CTC) during the breakfast hour before leaving each morning since lunchtime will be out on the trail. Students will also be responsible for their own snack food beyond the designated mealtimes.
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Insurance: Proof of medical insurance coverage for each student and
faculty member participating in this program must be
provided to the CTC in case of any emergencies.
An Impromptu Discussion of Forest Diversity
Miscellaneous Details:
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Daily Schedule: Varies with work site. Typical schedule is to leave at
7:30 AM to drive to the trailhead. Expect to drive about 30-45 minutes
to reach the trailhead. Once at the trailhead, we will hike into work area
and continue doing trail work until lunch. Educational sessions while on the
trail will occur daily. After lunch, work on trail until around 3:00 PM. At
3:00-3:30 PM, begin hike back to vans to return to lodging. Evening
activities are planned, as well as reflection sessions.
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Equipment and Clothing: Trail work is dirty. Wear old, comfortable clothes.
Either hiking boots or some other type of boot is necessary in order to protect
your feet. Tennis shoes do not provide enough protection or traction for trail
work and will not be allowed on the trail. Rain gear should also be packed.
You will need to have backpacks or fanny packs to carry lunch and
water during the workday. Two quarts of water per person is recommended.
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Medical: Trail work is physically demanding, so participants should be in
good to excellent physical condition. Potential participants should be
screened for medical conditions that might prove to be harmful to them
while working on the trail.
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Roads and Driving Information: The roads to the trailheads may
be gravel. The drivers of the school vehicle should be familiar with
driving on loose gravel.
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Weather: March in Tennessee is usually mild (40-70 degrees). Winter clothing
should be brought in case the temperature goes below freezing. Rain is likely
in March. Daily and weekly work schedules will be altered if it is raining hard
when it is time to depart for the trailhead.
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Alcohol: CTC has a no alcohol/drugs policy for our BreakAway program. This includes
the lodging facility, meeting areas, the surrounding property, and trail. This should be taken
into account when recruiting students for our Spring BreakAway program.
For additional information and/or to obtain an application for BreakAway, please
email us or contact us at:
Cumberland Trail Conference
19 East 4th Street
Crossville, TN 38555
(931) 456-6259
Click
HERE for BreakAway Sitebank Catalog Page
Discovery of Rattlesnake-plantain prompts a discussion with students
.
Bob Brown teaches BreakAway student about
the wonders of the Cumberland Plateau plant species.
Bob has studied the flora of the Tennessee mountains extensively
and willingly shares his expertise.
Send mail to
cumberlandtrail@rocketmail.com if you like
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