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After the SCC's 3rd year of trail work days, we are proud to announce that we have finally finished our trail building project that was started back in Spring of 2008. Thanks to all those who helped out and made this project a success! |
Background:
In 2008, the SCC began a trail building project at Laurel-Snow State park in Dayton, TN. The objective was to construct wooden steps leading from the tall warm-up boulder below honeycomb roof up to the roof. This steep section of trail is heavily trafficked by climbers and trail erosion was becoming an issue. This stretch of trail is about 68 ft long (~28 vertical ft & ~62ft horizontal).
This was a big enough project that most everyone involved at some point got overwhelmed or discouraged. Cutting and hauling 1600lbs of wood and materials alone was a large undertaking. Installing each wooden step into a steep bank filled with large rocks and roots was hard to say the least. Having several hundred pounds of wood at the worksite stolen and burned was upsetting and demoralizing. Yet when any person got weary another volunteer would pick up the slack and keep everyone motivated. Watching this project unfold was a lesson in the better side of humanity. We are at our best when we all set aside our differences and work together to accomplish a project that no one of us could do by himself. That is why i like being a part of the SCC- when we unify we can be a powerful force for good.
Click here for the write-up/pics of Dayton 2008 trail day
To recap 2008 work, the SCC installed ~7 steps with 46 hrs of volunteer service.
Click here for the write-up/pics of Dayton 2009 trail day
To recap 2009 work, the SCC installed ~7 steps with 24 hrs of volunteer service.
2010 Trail Day:
Here is the recap of 2010 work.
April 16, 2010- Wood purchased and cut. 5 hrs x 3 volunteers = 15hrs
April 23, 2010- Wood moved to worksite and 14 steps installed. 5hrs x 4 volunteers = 20 hrs
April 24, 2010- 12 steps installed. 5hrs x 8 volunteers = 40hrs
Total recap 2010 work, the SCC installed ~26 steps with 74 hrs of volunteer service. Cost was $319.
The Dayton trial project was not for the faint of heart. Trail building required serious carrying, digging, root removal, mattock swinging, and moving large rocks. The weather was often less than desirable and yet the volunteers still came out and gave a good effort.
I personally appreciate every person who came out to give back to their local climbing area. Without your effort this project would have never been possible.
Big thanks to 2010 Volunteers:
1. Nathan Steele
2. Caleb Calhoun
3. Micah Gentry
4. Pam Thomasson
5. Ken White
6. Mark Williams
7. Victoria Alexander
8. Adele Gant
9. Matthew Gant
Thanks goes out to the TN State Park Service for allowing us to climb and do trail work on their land.
Also special thanks to our sponsors:
Access fund, North Face, and Clif Bar
Written by Matthew Gant
