Cumberland Trails Conference News

Most Tennessee State Parks reopened for day-use visitation between 7am and sunset starting April 24, 2020. This includes the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail State Park . There is still no camping allowed. Check the Tennessee State Parks website for updated information daily. The Cumberland Trails Conference Trail Crews began working on the Cumberland Trail again on April 8, 2020. With the rainy, spring weather they have still made great progress on Hinch Mountain, even completing the trail from Roaring Fork Trail Head to the McGill Creek section.

We Are HIRING

Please spread the word. CTC needs Trail Builders. We currently have 2 crews working to complete sections on Hinch Mountain and in Catoosa Wildlife Management Area.

Part-time:
Part-time, flexible; average 2 to 4 days per week, including some weekends. Workdays vary with season and scheduled construction projects.

Qualifications:
Community members who love to build trail. Previous trail building preferred but not necessary.

Individual Considerations:

Leadership skills
Communication skills
Coordination skills
Trail building related experience (helpful but we do train)
Building
Maintenance
Map reading
Safety education
First aid education
Good physical condition
Able to lift 40 pounds easily
Able to hike six miles with 20 pound pack and tools
Comfortable in a backcountry setting
Comfortable with power tools and chain saw

Transportation: Required

Salary: Per current policy

Please contact the CTC office at: ctcoffice2014@gmail.com or (931) 456-6259

TRAIL INFORMATION
The Suck Creek bridge off Hwy 27 (near Mushroom Rock) in Prentice Cooper State Forest is washed out. Staff are looking at possible options with an indefinite timetable for repair at this time.

One of the most anticipated sections of The Cumberland Trail is almost complete but not officially open. Black Mountain to Ozone Falls State Natural Area. With amazing rock work and rock steps built by the CTC Trail Crew, the trail winds through the tall oaks and pines on the east side of Black Mountain. The trail travels close to the beautiful Black Mountain Water Basin and crosses over several creeks, on the backside of Haley/Renegade Mountain and eventually will end at one of the most visited State Natural Areas, Ozone Falls. The Trail, upon completion will be approximately 6 miles in length.

Beloved Founder of the Cumberland Trail Passing.

Mack Prichard, Tennessee's first State Naturalist, and on to hold the title of Tennessee State Park Naturalist Emeritus. He was a tireless advocate for nature, acquiring what we know today as South Cumberland State Park after years of hard work.
This photo was taken on Saturday, June 5, 2004, at the National Trails Day event in Soddy-Daisy. Pictured are/were the four living CT founders and Rob. In order, l-r: Donald Todd, Bob Brown, Sam Powell, Rob Weber, and Mack Prichard. Mack never went anywhere without at least one camera around his neck; in this case he had two. The four founders present on that day are all now deceased.
For more information on Mack Prichard you can visit his website: www.mackprichard.com