Athens Big-Fork Trail Maintenance

Trail Maintenance:

     Our annual maintenance on the Athens-Big Fork Trail (A-BF) will take place on March 5th.  

What to Expect: 

     The A-BF is a well established, well-traveled trail. There will certainly be up-and-down hiking, as we’ll traverse three mountains. We’ll be covering the original southern section of the trail between Blaylock Creek and the southern trail head near Shady Lake Campground, which is a little over three miles in distance. If there are enough of us, there are particular areas that need special attention. Dress appropriately for the weather (layers are highly recommended; cotton is discouraged). Sturdy footwear is also a must. Bring lunch for the trail, as well as snacks (power bars; GORP; etc.). And don’t forget water. Even if the temps are cool, you will still need to hydrate. Expect to be on the trail most of the day. We try to be on the trail by 9:30-ish and are typically off the trail by 3:30 or so. We will have hand tools (such as pulaskis and fire rakes) that are provided by the Forest Service, but please feel free to bring long handled loppers, small trail saws, or other tools you may have that you think would be useful for clearing overgrowth on the trail, trimming smaller branches, or building/repairing water bars. 

Other Logistics: 

     We’ll be camping at Daisy State Park this year instead of Shady Lake. They have plenty of RV sites as well as sites for tent camping. Reservations can be made by contacting the Park Office at (870) 398-4487. The Park has bathrooms, showers, and a dump station. . Kathy and I are staying at Site #81 (yurt near Loop E), so look for us if you need help with anything when you arrive, or text/call me at (318) 464-1114. Meals are on your own. Traditionally, we have had potlucks/group gatherings for dinner on Saturday night. Because Daisy is a larger park than Shady Lake, we’ll be more spread out, but I can look into reserving the pavilion for Saturday dinner if enough people express interest. Also, we occasionally have someone who drives up early on Saturday to meet us at the trail. If you plan to do that, I strongly encourage you to let me know in advance so we can be looking for you. Why Daisy, and why the early date? Several considerations shaped this decision, including Shady Lake’s late opening on Easter weekend, desire to have our work done before traffic on the trail picks up in April, and how my availability to serve as contact person corresponds to the calendar and other BCOS events. A sign-up sheet for the outing will be circulated at our next Chapter Meeting on February 15. If you are not able to attend the meeting but do plan on joining us on March 5th, then please send an email so I will know to expect you. You’re also welcome to call me at the number above with any questions. Kathy and I are really looking forward to seeing some old BCOS friends and meeting some new ones as well. See you on the trail.  Feel free to email KramerHill@suddenlink.net or call me (318-464-1114) with any questions.    

Perry Hill