Eagle Crag/Meader Ridge/Trail mess

[dms]

I am submitting this report for Doug and Jeff Romano, who I was supposed to hike with yesterday, but could not, as they maintain the Meader Ridge Trail. To make a long story short, Doug told me that long stretches of the trail are virtually impassable due to blowdowns, trees so large that it will require work from the professional trail crews to clear the trail. But it seems like all the reports of this weekend's trips lead to one conclusion, this past storm has been a disaster for lots of trails in the Whites. The number of blowdowns seems overwhelming.

 

[Chip]

what normally happens ? will they try to clear the trails now or leave it until Spring ?

 

[dms]

I think because of the present snow conditions, and the proximity of the winter season, most of this work won't happen this year. And just from reading the posts on VFTT, the problem seems to be very widespread, and really quite serious.

 

[dr_wu002]

Ehhhh, what's a little blooodown!? Just makes things more fun! I was on Davis Path yesterday, tons of it above Mt. Crawford. Makes travel difficult, especially if yer shooting for Isolation but it was a blast! No shortage of views either -- could see Arethusa Falls, in full view, from Mt. Resolution Ledges!! I like the blowdown on the trail -- just provides an added challenge as far as I'm concerned!

-Dr. Wu

 

[dms]

The problem with blowdown on trails like Meader Ridge is that they are "family" trails used by familes with small children, thus blowdowns are a problem.

 

[dr_wu002]

The problem with blowdown on trails like Meader Ridge is that they are "family" trails used by familes with small children, thus blowdowns are a problem.

This is true but like you said, I guess there's nothing that can be done about it till spring. Hopefully people read Trail Conditions or do some other kind of research to find out about the trail they're going to go on.

FWIW, I think a lot of the 'family' travel on these trails will drop off until spring anyway because the winter scares a lot of people away. I could be wrong about it.

-Dr. Wu

 

[arghman]

FYI this area in general is maintained by CTA (Chatham Trails Association), a very nice & somewhat small group -- if you like the Evans Notch area & want to get involved or contribute, see the CTA webpage, it's fairly basic but gives contact info.

 

[Greg]

Hmmm, maybe I ought to tote an axe up South Baldface trail along with my drainage tools weekend after next...