South Cumberland Friends Blog

Camping Question Re the Fiery Gizzard Trail

2008-04-22T13:57:00.002-05:00

Clint from Murfreesboro asked today: Hello I was thinking of planning a camping/hiking trip on the Fiery Gizzard on Saturday May 3. I was wondering if I needed to reserve a camping spot? Also I read where fires are allowed in certain campgrounds. Has this changed due to the recent drought conditions? Thanks!

Hi, Clint, you can't reserve a camping spot in advance but you do need to sign a back country camping permit at the kiosk at Grundy Forest (if you are heading south) or at Foster Falls (if you are heading north) to the Raven's Point campsite. The campsite is 4.5 miles from Grundy or about 8 miles from Foster Falls.

Regarding fires, we have had plenty of rain the past 3-4 weeks and there presently are no restrictions on fires in the designated fire pits at the campsite but it is always a good idea to check with the Rangers or stop in at the Visitor Center to check the latest conditions.

Cheers,

Ron Castle

Wildflower Watchers Report

2008-04-22T13:27:00.002-05:00

Park Manager John Christof advises today that wildflower viewing at South Cumberland is still good. The best spots are in Collins Gulf and down into the Fiery Gizzard Gulf.

The last guided wildflower hike of the season will be Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 10:00 AM, a Collins Gulf Hike. Meet Mary Priestley at the Collins West parking lot if you would like to hike the Collins West Trail.

Cheers,
Ron Castle

Conservation Forestry Workshop May 27-29, 2008

2008-04-22T10:24:00.002-05:00

Here is an educational opportunity coming to Sewanee that should be of interest to local landowners and others interested in forestry on the Plateau.

A Conservation Forestry Workshop on the Southern Cumberland Plateau sponsored by the Open Space Institute and others is scheduled for May 27-29 in Sewanee. Check it out.

http://www.osiny.org/site/PageServer?pagename=programs_Institute_CFN_TN

Cheers,
Ron Castle

Hemlock Adelgid Threat Is Fatal to Hemlocks

2008-04-18T09:16:00.002-05:00

Most people have heard of the hemlock woolly adelgid that is attacking the hemlock forests of the Eastern U.S. You may not, however, realize how destructive this tiny alien insect has become or how imminent that destruction is for our area. It could, in fact, kill every single hemlock on the Cumberland Plateau, from Kentucky to Alabama. The adelgid is ravaging the Smokies and other forests to the east, wiping out whole mountainsides of these ancient trees, along with their ecosystems, and turning them into giant white ghosts. This plague is being compared to the loss of the American chestnut forests a hundred years ago.

In February 2008, Sewanee’s Jon Evans, professor of biology, organized a symposium that brought together a score of scientists and forest managers to discuss efforts to create methods to fight the hemlock adelgid. Afterward Jon and one of his students, Erin Tyrell, along with John Christof, South Cumberland State Park manager, presented a program on the adelgid to a group brought together by the Friends of South Cumberland. Using satellite imagery, Erin had conducted a research project that identified 8,000 hemlock trees in the canopy of Savage Gulf Natural Area, meaning that thousands more exist below the canopy and probably that many more exist in Fiery Gizzard Cove. These areas are the western limits of the eastern hemlock. Therefore, saving them here may be crucial to the survival of this wonderful tree.

Viable but expensive treatments, principally a systemic insecticide along with predatory beetles, are showing promise. The Friends of South Cumberland will be considering the creation of hemlock defense fund and may try to protect at least some of the hemlock stands in the natural areas. Individual property owners should also be aware that their hemlocks are in danger.

More information about the hemlock adelgid may be found in an article at the website of the Friends of South Cumberland State Recreation Area – www.friendsofscsra.org.

Visit http://www.friendsofscsra.org/woolly-adelgid-pest-alert-updates.htm for frequent updates.

Sign up for Friends email news on the website so we can keep you informed.

You can also subscribe to the Friends blog feed here http://www.friendsofscsra.org/atom.xml.

Thank you,

Latham Davis

New Road Crosses Buggytop Trail

2008-04-14T12:37:00.004-05:00

Don't be alarmed the next time you hike the Buggytop Trail, the Park is already aware.

The trail that leads to Buggytop Cave starts from the parking area on private property. The Park has an easement from the property owner. When you hike in on the trail you will see the kiosk where the trail passes on to State owned land.

The State of Tennessee has attempted to purchase this private property between the State property and Highway 56 from the owner on two occasions and in each case the appraisal, which is the maximum price the State can pay, was not satisfactory to the land owner.

Road cut through the woods.
Where the road crosses the trail.
Entrance from Highway 56
Keep out sign and cable crosses the new road.

It appears that the purpose of the road is to allow the land owner and prospective purchasers to view the property on four-wheelers. The property is still for sale. Unfortunately, no erosion control measures have been used to prevent the disturbed soil from washing and eroding. There is also a concern that this new road could be used for recreational four-wheeling by trespassers.

The State of Tennessee is still interested in purchasing this property and perhaps with the help of lovers of Buggytop and the Friends we can make this happen.

Ron Castle

New Savage Gulf Map Now Online

2008-04-14T09:42:00.004-05:00

Assistant Park Manager Bill Knapp sent us a new down-loadable full size trail map for Savage Gulf with updated trail descriptions etc. The map is 7.4 mb.

Using the new Adobe Acrobat Reader you can zoom right in on countour details.

Check it out, download your copy.

Cheers,
Ron Castle

Fiery Gizzard Wildflower Report

2008-04-07T17:13:00.002-05:00

Ranger Jason Reynolds reports on what is presently blooming in the Gizzard along the Ravens Point Loop) we have the following in bloom:

yellowroot
bloodroot
star chickweed
windflower
white and purple hepatica
cohosh
rock cress
trout lily
long spurred violet
halgerd leafed violet
kidney buttercup
wakerobin
large flowered trillium
scorpionweed
wild geranium
golden alexanders
toothwort
phlox

Cheers,

Ron Castle

Two Night Father Daughter Backpacking Trip

2008-04-07T08:59:00.003-05:00

Allen sent this message over the weekend: My daughter and I want to do a 2 night backpack starting next Friday morning. Do you have any suggestions for a good loop? We are both fairly experienced and and in good shape so we don't mind a harder trail. We are coming up from Florida and have previously hiked in the Cohutta in Georgia. We heard about Savage Gulf and would like to try something new.

There are lots of options available but at the moment the most spectacular would be to see the wildflowers in Collins Gulf, which will also include several waterfalls and MAY REQUIRE a wet crossing (meaning wading the creek).

Look at this previous post about doing a Collins Gulf loop:

http://www.friendsofscsra.org/2008/03/collins-gulf-loop-hike.html

Depending on how ambitious you are, night one at Sawmill, night two at Stage Road or night two back at Collins East.

Or, from the Savage Gulf Ranger Station, Hobbs Cabin out on the Savage Gulf Rim Trail and back on the Plateau Trail with two nights at the cabin and a day hike down to Sawmill and back is a good option. Or, Hobbs night one, Sawmill or Stage Road night two.

Plan for all kinds of weather from near frost, cold rain and high temperatures near 80.

Cheers,

Ron Castle

Savage Gulf Wildflower Report

2008-04-07T08:41:00.003-05:00

Here's what's happening with wildflowers at South Cumberland today:

From Ranger George Shinn at Savage Gulf Ranger Station:

In Collins Gulf is an array of many wildflower showing now, from bluebells and trillium to hepatica and violets and many more. There is a lot of water from all the rain we have been getting, so Suter Falls and Horsepound are quite amazing. The redbud are of course flowering and others putting their new buds out and beginning to get green and lush down in the gorge.

On top as you hike to Savage Falls and around our day-loop there are shoots coming up for the appearance of lady slippers and others, already in our planters there are jacks in pulpit and bluebells and white trillium and more coming out and everywhere seems to have the new green of ferns beginning to unfurl themselves. Its just amazing, its beautiful, I can't even name all the plants out there... folks are just gonna have to come out and hike and view all these natural wonders.

From Jamie Hambrock, naturalist:

Hepatica, Wake Robin, Sessile, Some large flowered Trilliums are in bloom now. Also, Virginia BlueBells, Rue Anemone, Violets, Spring Phlox and Trout Lilies are starting to bloom.
Dwarf Iris, Purple Trilliums, Wild Geraniums, and Large Flowered Trilliums are still to come.
Most of the Blood Root is gone.

Cheers,

Ron Castle

Retreat Accommodations Near South Cumberland

2008-04-03T13:14:00.003-05:00

Laura from Nashville asked today about accommodations or cabins for hosting a retreat in October for about 50 ladies.

You have several options in the area, although not necessarily cabin accommodations.

One is St. Mary's retreat center south of Sewanee

http://www.stmaryssewanee.org/

Another is DuBose Conference Center in Monteagle

http://www.duboseconf.org

Another is the Methodist Assembly in Beersheba Springs

http://www.tnumc.org/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=176

St. Mary's is the most private setting of the three, Beersheba Springs is next. They all have good food. Your timing is near the peak of fall colors. Better book soon!

Cheers,

Ron Castle

Alabama Scouts Preparing for Philmont & The AT

2008-04-01T15:33:00.003-05:00

Scoutmaster Jerry set me this message this morning: "My troop is planing a trip on the 18, 19, 20th of this month. We are preparing for the AT and Philmont trips. We will be at the park around 6:00 pm on Friday to camp. We need some ideas on trying to get 7 miles on Saturday and Sunday for the Philmont group and 4 miles on Saturday and Sunday for the AT group. We would like to be able to camp together on Saturday night. What trails or loops do you recommend?"

Hi, Jerry,

Thanks for your message and welcome to South Cumberland. Glad you and your guys are coming up for a visit. Friday night you will need to camp at the campsite close to the Ranger Station and make an early start Saturday morning.

The way the campsites are laid out there is not really one good spot to do what you want.

An out and back to Stage Road campsite from Savage Gulf Ranger Station is probably the best bet. The trail out to the Savage Day Loop is about a mile. From there to Stage Road campsite is about 4.8 miles. Total 5.8. If you had the Philmont group do the Day Loop that would add about 3 miles.

If that's too much, the best alternative would be to do Stone Door to the Overlook, 1 mile. The AT group takes the Big Creek Rim Trail to Alum Gap. Total 4.2. Come back Sunday on the Laurel Trail, that's 2.9 and very flat. You could do an out and back with or without packs to Greeter Falls to get in some extra walking and see some great scenery. We have had lots of rain recently, the falls should be showing their stuff. Bring your cameras.

The P group from the Door could take the Big Creek Gulf Trail, a good workout, that's 1 to the Door plus 4.0 with a little out and back to Ranger Falls, the round trip is 1.0, could be done without packs. So that's about 6 with a good climb coming up to Alum Gap.

The Sunday return for this group would be the Greeter Falls out and back and then back to the Door on the Big Creek Rim Trail, back to the Ranger Station.

The other campsites are either too close in or too far. Come back and give us a report here. And, send us some photos we will put them online.

Cheers,

Ron Castle

Friends Trail Project Volunteer Work Day April 26

2008-03-26T07:57:00.003-05:00

April 26, 2008 at 10:00 AM CDT

Members of the Friends of South Cumberland are invited to gather April 26 at Grundy Forest (Fiery Gizzard Trailhead) for the organization’s first trail maintenance project in partnership with the Tennessee Trails Association.

Volunteers will gather at 10 a.m. at the Grundy Forest pavilion. Tools will be provided, but everyone is asked to bring gloves and wear work clothes and boots or hiking shoes. Each person should also bring a lunch and extra water.

The day won’t be all work. There will be an opportunity for some hiking. A program about wild turkeys will be followed by a picnic supper at the pavilion sponsored by the Friends.

Park Ranger Anthony Jones will direct the project, which he has divided into two parts, removing privet and clearing rocks where the trail has eroded. He said the work will not be strenuous.

Persons who plan to attend are asked to call Latham Davis at 931-598-5101 or send an email to lathamdavis@bellsouth.net.

Alabama Scouts Invading Tennessee !!!!!

2008-03-25T18:50:00.005-05:00

Chris, Assistant Scout Master, sent this inquiry today: We are a Boy Scout troop from Birmingham, AL making a first time trip to the Savage Gulf area this weekend (March 29-30). We plan on hiking from the Stone Door ranger station to the Stone Door and splitting there to have our younger Scouts hike the Big Creek Rim trail and our older Scouts the Big Creek Gulf trail. We will re-converge at Alum Gap campground.

I have spoken with the visitor center already and have gotten many particulars but was wondering if you had any last minute insight(s). Most of us are experienced backpackers and of course will have our water filters AND purification tablets and/or devices (MIOXX, Steripen), stoves, first aid kit, etc.

Given the looks of the Big Creek Gulf trail on the topo map, what is your estimate of how long it may take a group of 10-12 to hike to Alum Gap?

Is the Big Creek Gulf trail suitable for some first time 11 year old backpackers or should we have them take the rim trail as planned?

Is the Greeter Falls trail a worthwhile side hike late Saturday afternoon or early Sunday morning?

Any other thoughts or recommendations are appreciated.

Looks like you have everything well planned out, Chris. Stone Door Overlook to Alum Gap on the Rim Trail is about 3.2 miles. On the Gulf Trail it is about 4 miles.

The Gulf Trail is steep both up and down but not bad if you pace yourself. If your 11 year old guys are in good shape and feeling OK when they get to Stone Door Overlook, I would leave it up to them if they want the challenge of the climb down and back up. You could do a little side trip to Ranger Falls down in the Gulf if you start early enough. You are likely to see many more wildflowers in the Gulf than on the Rim Trail.

A good walking stick is really helpful on these up and down trails. I personally don't hike without one.

The side trip to Greeter Falls is definitely worth the effort. You could to that packless and backtrack to Alum Gap.

On the return, the Laurel Trail is a little shorter and you will probably get to see some different wild flowers.

In the pine thickets around Greeter Falls, you might stick your head in and see if there are any Pink Ladyslippers blooming. It is a little early but they are there.

We have had plenty of rain the past several weeks so all the waterfalls should be showing off for you. Bring your cameras.

Cheers,
Ron Castle

Best Camp Site for Five Lads and Two Dads

2008-03-24T16:23:00.003-05:00

Chad asked this question today: I am planning a trip with a friend of mine. Between the two of us, we have five boys, ranging in age from 3 to 11. We'd probably come in May or June on a Sunday morning and leave Monday afternoon, spending one night at a campground. Ideally, we'd like to hike no further than six miles roundtrip due to the three year old. Is there a trail that would show us some great ridge views and then drops down to allow us to camp along a river (the boys' favorite).

Point number one is that there are no "rivers" in the Park. We have some good streams which are all mainly wet weather streams. If we have good rain in May and June, you will have good stream flows. The places most closely meeting your requirements: Savage Falls campsite, do the day loop in to the camp and take the rest of the loop on your way out (or do an out and back on the South Rim trail for some better bluff views); or Alum Gap in from the Greeter Falls parking area.

Savage Falls is more likely to be a better wilderness experience.

There are no campsites along a river and we don't really have any ridge views either (that's the Smokies) but we have some great scenery and wonderful waterfalls. Visit the newly updated photo gallery on the website to see what I mean.

http://www.friendsofscsra.org/park-photos/index.html

Cheers,
Ron Castle

March 24 Wildflower Report from Savage

2008-03-24T13:53:00.004-05:00

Wade from Nashville emailed today: Coming your way and to Shakerag Hollow soon, about when do you think the wildflowers will peak this year?

Ranger Jason Reynolds reports what's blooming today: lots of hepatica, wake robin trillium (red purple not the large white flowered trillium), rue anomonea, star chickweed, scorpion weed, halbeard leaf violet, wild geranium, butterweed, spicebush, cherry, plum, flox species. Nothing too showy yet, a lot of this is small stuff but that's the way the season starts.

In reality there is no real peak of the season. Show time for the woodland plants quickly ends when the canopy closes in. The sun loving and fringe plants will continue through the season and the later in the season the taller the plants for the most part. Timing depends on what flowers you want to see. If you like trillium and Jacks-In-The-Pulpit it may be a week or two. Blood Root should be blooming now. Violets are among the earliest as is star chickweed.

As an amateur herbaceous plant taxonomist, I have photographed blooming wildflowers on the plateau area not too far from Shakerag Hollow and in the Park from late February through December. My guess is the second week of April will be prime visiting for Collins Gulf.

Cheers,
Ron Castle

Local Accommodations for Non Campers

2008-03-18T07:38:00.002-05:00

Mary from Franklin, Tennessee asks this morning: We are planning a trip to Savage Gulf in April and would like to spend a couple of days. We are not campers but looking for lodging. Any suggestions of places nearby.

The accommodations around Savage Gulf and Stone Door are very limited to none.

There are good restaurants and lodging in Monteagle. Visit http://www.monteagle-mtn.com/business.htm for a list of restaurants, motels and other lodging. Also visit http://www.monteagleinn.com/ and the Monteagle Chamber website http://www.monteaglechamber.com/busdir.htm business directory.

The other alternative is Manchester which has more motel rooms than any small town in America (my opinion) and good restaurants. And they have a Starbucks! Visit the Manchester Chamber http://www.macoc.org/.

Cheers

Ron Castle

Collins Gulf Loop Hike

2008-03-06T08:28:00.005-06:00

Rick from Fayetteville, Tennessee asked today: "What is your suggestion please for hiking from Collins West parking area up to Sawmill camp for one night and return on the CG trail--making a loop. Do you have a preference for which direction to take first and second day? Also is there a good water supply at Sawmill? Thanks, Rick"

The way the park map is currently marked, it is a little confusing because you have a CG trail going town the middle of Collins Gulf and another CG trail on part of the rim coming back to Collins East camp from the junction with Stage Road.

My recommendation is to hike down (not up) to Sawmill on the CG trail in the gulf. From Sawmill you will have to take a short diversion to the east on the Connector Trail and come up SRH = Stage Road Historic trail. At the top of the bluff you will join the Collins CG trail that takes you to Collins East, across the top of the gulf on the Boulder Crossing, where you can return to Collins West Camp and then the parking area.

I have not had any recent water reports from the Rangers but things should be fine for the moment, we have had frequent rains the past three weeks. My recommendation is to keep your water supply topped up frequently.

Cheers,
Ron Castle

Campground Information at Foster Falls

2008-02-27T08:12:00.003-06:00

Jason asked a question today that comes up frequently: "Looking for info on reservations at the campground at Foster Falls. Do they have a group site?"

The Foster Falls campground is not part of South Cumberland, it is managed by TVA.

The campground has an on site manager (423) 942-5759, 26 campsites which are accessible for car camping, handicap-accessible rest rooms with heated showers and flush toilets, picnic tables and grills.

TVA also has a picnic pavilion at Foster Falls. Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling TVA's toll-free number, 866-494-7186.

The pavilion has tables that will seat 75 people, one large and two small charcoal grills, handicap accessible restrooms within 25 yards with paved parking. Water and 115VAC electricity is furnished.

Foster Falls is at the southern end of the Fiery Gizzard Trail. While there is no group camp at Foster Falls, the Father Adamz Boy Scout Camp (which is a primitive backpacker camp) is about one-half mile down the Fiery Gizzard Trail from the Foster Falls parking lot.

Cheers,
Ron Castle

Free Planned Activities at South Cumberland

2008-01-04T13:47:00.000-06:00

Keli from LaVergne emailed me today: Hello, I would like to attend one of the up coming hikes (to Stone Door) and wanted to know if there was a need to register or if there was any additional information that I might need. This will be my first visit to the Park. Thanks!!

Good question Keli and hooray on your first visit to South Cumberland.

Planned activities at South Cumberland do not require registration. It is important to show up on time!

There are a couple of exceptions to this. The rappelling program offered every few months requires registration and the canoeing programs offered during warm weather often require registration. We do our best to make sure this is clearly stated on the activities page.

If you sign up for our email newsletter we will advise you each time new activities go online. Join the Friends and help support the Park.

Best wishes,

Ron Castle

Dogs in the Park

2008-01-04T08:04:00.001-06:00

A prospective Park visitor asked a couple of days ago, can I bring my dog on one of the planned activity hikes?

The answer is yes, dogs are welcome in the Park and on the trails provided they are on a leash or lead.

See the planned activities at http://www.friendsofscsra.org/activities.htm

A safety note regarding dogs and the many trails in the Park which are close to the edge of the bluff: you need to have your dog closely restrained and heeled when passing others on these trail areas or when you are being overtaken from behind.

My two border collies, Bandit and Candy, love being on the trails. There are so many new things to sniff!

Cheers,

Ron Castle

Savage to Hobbs to Alum Gap to Stone Door - WHEW!

2008-01-04T07:42:00.000-06:00

Darren G. and a small group of able bodied friends are planning a trip to the Park the first week of February and are asking for some trip planning advice about seeing a good part of the park in three days. The first overnight at Hobbs Cabin, coming up through Stone Door on day three.

Savage Ranger Station to Hobbs is a good walk, a little easier on the Plateau Trail but a little longer. Starting at 10 AM you should have enough daylight. It is getting dark here before 5 PM but the days will be a little longer in early February.

The Connector Trail is the most challenging trail in the Park and the trip down from Hobbs is steep. A good walking stick is a nice partner to have on trails like this. If you start early, Hobbs to Alum Gap is doable but if you hike to Alum, unless you go back down the Big Creek Gulf Trail and come back up, you will already be above the Stone Door at Alum, they are about the same elevation. You could take the Big Creek Rim Trail from Alum Gap to Stone Door, go down and back up the Door. There are very good photo ops at Stone Door with one of the best scenic overlooks in Tennessee or anywhere else for that matter.

Hobbs Cabin to Stage Road campsite would require a backtrack part of the way to get to the Stone Door on day three. Hobbs Cabin to Stage Road is doable in one day, no problem.

As far as I am aware, all of the stream crossings along the Connector Trail are now on bridges and should be AOK so long as we don't have a frog strangler rain. The park is still dry from our severe drought, although recent rains have helped. Read this blog comment from Ms. April regarding the water conditions she and friends experienced last week.

http://www.friendsofscsra.org/2007/12/trip-to-park-between-christmas-new.htm

Be careful to keep your water bottles filled as you go along, you could hit an unexpected dry spot at any campsite.

If weather or other conditions slow you down, you could always do your second night out at Sawmill, do a rock hop day hike up Savage Creek and back to see the old growth timber, and come out Stone Door on day three from Sawmill.

Sage advice? Take your time, smell the planet and take lots of photos. There is much to see in the Park if you take time to look.

Have fun, be safe,

Ron Castle

A Trip to the Park Between Christmas & New Year's

2007-12-17T13:14:00.000-06:00

April asks a few questions about planning a trip during the 12 Days of Christmas, which is a great time to see South Cumberland.

What about water? As noted in the Friends newsletter last week, Ranger Jamie reports that most of the normal watering holes have water again. Carrying a little extra water as a precaution would be a good idea.

Is it possible that the Connector Trail between Stone Door and Hobbs Cabin could be made impassible as the result of a big rain? Yes this is always a possibility, but the bridges built in the past several years have improved the passability in all but the most extreme conditions. A safety note about high water crossings the hard way: don't. Wait for the water to recede to a safe level. The Rangers will come looking for you. Stay on the trails.

Are there deer hunters on the North Plateau this year? No, the Park is closed to hunting this year. The North Plateau has been open to hunting in recent years, but not this year, the dry weather conditions being one of the reasons.

Best wishes for the holidays and Merry Christmas,

Ron Castle

South Cumberland Wish List for Santa 2007

2007-11-27T08:55:00.000-06:00

Greetings,

At the recent Friends board meeting we asked Park Manager John Christof if he would have the Rangers and Staff provide us with a wish list of all the things the Park needs that are not covered by our always tight state budget.

We put the list together and sent it to Santa Claus.

Read more at www.friendsofscsra.org/south-cumberland-wish-list.htm

You can be Santa, too! Join the Friends and help us support the best wilderness park in Tennessee.

Cheers,

Ron Castle

From the President: Are you ready to volunteer?

2007-11-05T10:19:00.000-06:00

One of the challenges we face as an organization is finding ways to involve our members who want to be more active.

Many people, members and non-members, love the parks of the South Cumberland and spend weekends and holidays on the trails. It’s not unusual for some of those people to appear at the Friends annual meeting or to send messages and ask us to let them know if they can help with anything we need.

Well, we do need help. But do we give members enough chance to help beyond giving their money?

To build a stronger organization, we need to provide our members with ways to use their talents and apply those talents to something they love.

Twelve members serve on the Friends board of directors, and some others serve on standing committees, most notably the Community Relations Committee. Our webmaster and newsletter editor are volunteers. A few other volunteers fill in at ranger stations. That should be just the beginning of our list, but, unfortunately, it’s currently the whole package.

For these reasons, I’m beginning some small steps to form a planning group of Friends volunteers. Park Manager John Christof has assigned Ranger Anthony Jones to help with this effort—to identify projects and help with resources.

What would the opportunities be? Trail maintenance and construction offer the most obvious projects for volunteering. Yet, there are other kinds of projects that can improve and enrich the experience for park visitors and, at the same time, can protect and conserve the more fragile areas of the parks and natural areas.

We should plan well, so that we waste neither our goodwill nor the time and energy of volunteer members.

Jeff Hunter, regional director of the American Hiking Society, offered some excellent suggestions in a talk recently at the State Friends Conference. Hunter, who has been very active in organizing volunteers to work on the Cumberland Trail, said most of the trail systems in American have been built and are maintained by volunteers.

Among Jeff’s suggestions: Give volunteers clear goals and training, provide food, some entertainment, and an opportunity to socialize, and add an educational component.

Sound like fun? You bet. So, if you can offer your own suggestions or would like to join the planning, let me know. Logging onto the Friends website, may also be a good place to start.

Latham Davis
President, Friends of South Cumberland State Recreation Area, Inc.

South Cumberland Water Source Update

2007-10-29T09:42:00.000-05:00

The drought in Tennessee has affected the availability of water for backpackers at South Cumberland. We have had rain the past week. Here is the latest news from the Park:

Ranger Jamie Hambrock from Stone Door Ranger Station: Water at Schwoon spring is just dripping one drop at a time. It may dry up at any moment. The rain has not affected the springs on our side much at all. Most riverbeds and springs are still dry. Greeter Falls plunge pool is the only reliable source of water on Stone Door side. I have not checked Ranger Falls since it rained, but it was dry before it rained. Even if it is flowing it probably won't last long.

Ranger George Shinn from Savage Gulf Ranger Station: Even with the rain we received the water is still very low, the ground soaked it up. Our springs are not completely dry anymore, they have a little wetness. The creeks have a little water puddled up here and there. Savage Falls is a large puddle with no water flowing and Horsepound Falls and Suter Falls completely dry with no plunge pool at all. But, the recent rain has saved us from the possible worry of wildfires.

Cheers,

Ron Castle