Tennessee River Gorge Segment
March 7-20
Stinging Fork/Piney River
March 21-27
Sixty students from 6 universities joined more than 40 TTA/CTC volunteers to complete the revitalization of the Tennessee River Gorge Segment and revitalize the Bowater Stinging Fork and Piney River gorges.
In the Gorge, students and volunteers constructed 3 bridges in Richie Hollow on the Pot Point Loop Trail and completed the Signal Point Trailhead restoration, including a 25-ft ramp with platform stairs and trail- and bluff-side surface restoration. Further efforts saw the reconstruction of a 20-ft suspension bridge located between Signal Point and the Middle Creek suspension bridge. A new switchback was built from the North Suck Creek suspension bridge up to Musroom Rock. It will provide easier access for the hiker and solve the erosion problem of the old switchback.
Further trail revitalization saw the reconstruction of a 1-mile rock stretch on Short Creek on the Mullens Cove Loop Trail and the restoration of an original spur trail to the CT from Hwy 27, including the construction of a rock staircase at the entrance on Hwy 27. The trail tread within the Stinging Fork and Piney River gorges was rebuilt, including the construction of a set of falling stairs within the Stinging Fork gorge that had recently been destroyed by winter ice storms.
Students came from the University of Vermont, University of South Carolina, East Illinois University, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and Washburn University. We salute their dedication and hard work, and we continue to be inspired by these students!