Benton MacKaye Trail Association to hold work trip Saturday

CHERRY LOG, Ga. – The Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA) is seeking volunteers to help with trail maintenance for an upcoming work trip.

According to Barry Allen, Georgia work trip coordinator for the BMTA, a work trip is planned for Saturday, Feb. 10, on a section of the trail on the Sisson Property near Cherry Log.   This month’s Georgia work trip will focus on tree removal, water diversion work, and installation of vertical 6×6’s with BMT diamond blazes to mark confusing areas of the trail. Allen stated at least one saw crew would be needed on the section to remove trees in a few locations.

Allen also stated, despite of the possibility of a federal government shutdown over the weekend, the work trip will continue as planned since the work section is located on private lands. Typically, work trips are not allowed in the National Forest sections during government shutdowns.

All work trip participants are asked to wear sturdy shoes or boots, pants and long sleeve shirts, work gloves and, for cold-weather trips, multiple thin layers that can be easily shed one at a time. Also, a daypack for storing food, water or other items is always a good idea for work trips. Food and water are not supplied by the BMTA on work trips; however, tools are provided by the Association. The BMTA recommends workers to bring at least two liters of water for the trip.

Those interested can meet either at The Village Restaurant in Blue Ridge for breakfast at 8 a.m. or at the Craddock Center parking area at 9 a.m.

The Benton MacKaye Trail spans three states – Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina – and nearly 300 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Davenport Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is enjoyed by thousands of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts each year.

For anyone with questions or needing further information, contact Barry Allen at bmtabarry@gmail.com or 770-294-7384.

[Featured image: Benton MacKaye Trail Association volunteers work to install steps at a section of trail near Fall Branch Falls in Fannin County.]