It's Official: New BMT re-route!

[SGT Rock]

I've been working for a few years to be able to say this:

The BMT is going to avoid The Dragon!

The last MOU was signed yesterday. There is some work to be done, and for now there sill still be the same old official route until June 1st. I've quoted the release from Dick Evans, the BMTA Past President, who has been spearheading this project for many years.

The basics of the new trail described for a NoBo Hiker:

Section 1 (2.3 miles) starts at the Slickrock Trail Head (MP 184.2) where it connects to US129 beside the bridge beneath the Cheoah Dam and ends at Old Field Gap Road. NoBo hikers turn right and start a 0.5 mile road walk to the intersection of US129 and Meadow Branch Road. At that point cross Meadow Branch and climb the ridge on the Yellow Creek Mountain Trail (Trail #48). There are a few nice overlooks along this section which ends at Old Field Gap Road. This section is currently navigable and has very old blue blazes in spots. This section is partially on private property. DO NOT remove flagging or rebar in these sections, as they are used to mark property lines.

Section 2 starts at the crossing of Old Field Gap Road next to Gated FS 251 and continues to the end of the established FS 251C. Until completion, the trail will be routed on FS 251 eastward. Watch carefully for blazing and signs in this are to avoid getting lost.

Stage 1 (4.2 miles) – the trail will stay on Forest Service road all the way through to the end of FS 251C.
Stage 2 (2.8 miles) – when the clearing of Yellow Creek Mountain Trail is complete, the trail will cross Old Field Gap Road and hike up the ridge on the old trail system completely bypassing FS 251. The completion time on this is not known. So again: watch for blazing and signs to alert you.

Section 3 (3.1 miles) starts where FS 251C ends and continues to the end of Trail #40. As of the writing of this guidebook, this section is almost totally un-navigable from the Yellow Creek Mountain Overlook to the end of FS 251C which is about 2.1 miles of ridge walking except for a short section of about 0.2 miles under the power lines that cross the ridge. So if you were to choose to do this alternate trail before the trail project is started, there are about 1.9 miles of nearly impossible trail to walk.

Section 4 (1.7 miles) Trail #40 to Rhymers Ferry Road, to Circle Road, to Welch Road. This section ends beside the office for the Fontana Lodge. The BMTA has no policy that you must walk every single mile to be an official BMTA thru-hiker, they prefer you conduct your hike as safely as possible. You can walk, shuttle, or do a combination of these to get to the Lakeshore Trail trail-head. Here are some possibilities:

- Use local trails to connect to the AT near the Fontana Marina. It is about 2.9 miles to the AT from the lodge using these trails. From there, use the AT to get to Lakeshore Trail/BMT which is another 2.7 miles. The recommended foot trail is shown on the relocation strip maps.
- Use the Fontana Village or Hike Inn shuttle to get back to the AT in the Dam area like the shelter or visitors center.

Mileages for these segments

0.5 miles from the lodge to the start of Lewellyn Cove (trail #157) using
Welch Rd.
1.5 miles on Lewellyn Cove Trail to Old Fontana Rd (FS 2624).
0.7 miles on Old Fontana Rd to the AT.
0.2 miles from Old Fontana Rd to the Marina/NC 28 on the AT.
1.2 miles from NC 28 to Fontana Dam Shelter on the AT.
0.4 miles from the shelter to the Fontana Dam Visitor Center on the AT.
1.1 miles from the Visitor Center to the Lakeshore/BMT Trail Head
5.3 miles from the Trail Head to the Lost Cove Trail intersection (MP 200.4)
10.9 miles total from the end of Section 4 to the current trail.

Using this route, the BMTA considers the start of the Lakeshore Trail at the AT trail head to be the beginning of the BMT in the Smokies. Later BMTA publications will reflect that change as this project moves forward. This solves the US 129 route issue and creates a place for NoBo thru-hikers to get their required park permit and do resupply before entering GSMNP.


My 2014-15 "BMT Thru-Hikers Guide" (c) includes this information. I was delaying the production of the guidebooks until we could get the official route sorted out and approved. I've also attached the pages from the guide in case you have an older guide and want to be able to print these pages and stick them in the back.

I'm sure over the next couple of years there will be changes as we work on the trail. Personally I'd also like to close the official gap and have a continuous trail again. We shall see...

January 28, 2014

Background andHistory
When the Benton MacKaye Trail was first proposed in the early 1980's, there was not a clear route for the Trail between the Hiwassee River Crossing in Ocoee, TN., and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park Officials were enthusiastic about the Trail traversing the Park, but refrained from trail designation until a firm route to the Park was approved. A letter of support for the Trail, dated in 1985, indicated that final trail route would be determined, but that “no new trail” mileage would be needed or approved, in part due to the NPS Backcountry Management Plan,finished that same year, that stated that due to lack of funds for existing trail maintenance, adding more trail would be poor use of resources.

Some twelve years later, negotiations with the US Forest Service in Tennessee and North Carolina led to a final trail route thru the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness, exiting at Slickrock Trailhead on Route 129 by Cheoah Dam. Subsequently, Tapoco (Alcoa) agreed in 1997 to a five mile section of new trail thru their lands to the Tn/NC State Line, following a portion of the original Appalachian Trail, abandoned in 1948when the AT was routed over Fontana Dam. At the time, NPS Regulations requiredhikers to get Backcountry Camping Permits from a registration site, the closest being located at the Twentymile Ranger Station, requiring a 3.5 mile road walk from Deals Gap to the Ranger Station. At the time, there was not enough traffic on Route 129 to present a significant safety issue for hikers in that area.

In 2004, the NPS and the BMTA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (General Agreement) covering the Trail within thePark. This MOU agreed, in part, to study the possibility of using the original AT from Deals Gap north to Dalton Gap and then connecting to existing Park trail system at Campsite 95. At the same time, the Park was involved in environmental studies related to the North Shore Road issue, dating from 1943.It was understood by all that any final route for the BMT might be affected byany settlement of that issue.

Construction continued on other portions of the Trail, and a Trail Completion Ceremony was held on July 16^th,2005, indicating that in large measure, the final route of the Trail outside ofthe Park was finalized and built. Attention turned to the Park connection issue, resulting in an exploratory trip by Dick Evans, Ken Jones and George Owen of the BMTA, and two officials of the NPS to evaluate the “Old AT Route”as stated in the MOU. The evaluation resulted in the opinion that, due to environmental considerations on that route, more than four miles of new Trail would have to be constructed, with an additional three miles of trail to be rehabilitated. The general feeling at that time was that, given the remoteness of the location and scarcity of trail builders in close proximity, any attempt to build this route would be beyond the capabilities of both the NPS and the BMTA.

The BMTA continued ongoing explorations in the general area to attempt to find a non-road route to reach the Park,without infringing on the route of the existing AT over Fontana Dam. A complication was added when Tapoco (Alcoa) made a corporate decision to sell some real estate and related assets. Although very supportive, Alcoa did ask the BMTA to cease any route exploration to avoid any issues with potential buyers. In early 2012, it was announced that Brookfield Renewables was going to purchase the lands involved. Once that was completed, discussions with Brookfield indicated that it was going to transfer a major portion of land to the Tennessee Nature Conservancy, but again, the BMTA was asked to not take any actions regarding possible Trail routes until TNC took possession. Subsequently,in late 2013, the BMTA was given clearance and enthusiastic support to examine possible alternate routes in the newly acquired lands, destined to be transferred to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency within a couple of years. However, a series of explorations in the area resulted in the determination that any trail reroute in that area would be as difficult, and probably not as desirable, as the “Old AT Route” within the Park, and would still involve three miles of new trail in the Park. Extensive discussions with Park Officials throughout this entire period indicated that they were very opposed to any new trail in that area, and that any evaluation of such route would probably be a decade or more in the future.

At the same time, virtually everyone familiar with the area was becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of hikers on the 3.5 mile road walk from Deals Gap to Twentymile Ranger Station,in particular the mile-long section on Route 129. Indeed, it was felt by many in the BMTA that most thru-hikers simply avoided that section, getting transportation from Slickrock Trailhead to Twentymile. An additional issue arose in February of 2013 when the NPS mandated reservations for all campsites in the Park, necessitating thru-hikers to find some place to get on line and make those reservations. While that removed the necessity of hikers going thrua registration point, it did require that campers print out and carry a copy of their reservation, something that obviously created a major issue for thru-hikers.

In mid-January, 2014, the BMTA was informed that the Backcountry Operations Specialist, our main contact at the Park, would be leaving for a new position in early February, and it was felt that a replacement for that position might be a prolonged issue, and that the“corporate memory” would take a while to replace and have the replacement become familiar with the issues and history of the project. At the same time,several experienced BMTA folks felt that any attempt to build a new trail on any route in the Deals Gap area would be a several year project even if a quick approval were given, something very unlikely. With those facts, the BMTA approached the Cheoah Ranger District about the possibility of rerouting the BMT over the Yellow Creek Mountain Trail. This would allow thru-hikers to use it to get to Fontana Village, obtain their required permits (as well as resupply, showers, meals, etc.). However, this would necessitate having the NPS change the route of the BMT within the Park, as reaching Twentymile Ranger Station from Fontana Village is another near impossibility by trail. Park officials were very enthusiastic about agreeing to have the BMT start at the Lakeshore Trailhead and follow Lakeshore Trail to Lost Cove, joining the existing BMT within the Park. A new MOU was drafted, approved and signed in record time in late January, 2014.

Overview of Reroute

With the new reroute, north-bound thru-hikers will leave the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness at Slickrock Trailhead, and then turn south for a one-half mile roadwalk along Route 129. In this section, passing the Cheoah Dam and Tapoco Lodge, the road is not curvy and sight distances are good. In addition, parts have sidewalks, and there is ample room for hikers to get off the road to make way for traffic. It is not thoughtto be a dangerous section to walk. Hikers then turn east and cross Route 129,taking Meadow Branch Road a few feet to the start of the Yellow Creek Mountain Trail.
Hikers would then follow the YCMT easterly along the ridge some nearly nine miles to Green Gap and then down into Fontana Village, where facilities for obtaining camping permits are available at the Fontana Lodge, open 24/7/365. Hikers could then take the Fontana Shuttle directly to the trailhead across the Dam, or follow a signed path to intersect the AT near the Fontana Marina, and follow that thru the Dam area to the trailhead. Appalachian Trail Conservancy officials have been briefed on this plan and fully support it, so the short “co-location” would not present an issue. Hikers would then follow the Lakeshore Trail some five miles to meet the existing BMT in the Lost Cove area, and continue their hike.

ConstructionPlans

Section 1 – from Meadow Branch Road toOld Field Gap Road will be cleared on a BMTA Work Trip on April 15^th.
Section 2A – from Old Field Gap Road east to the FS 251C Junction will be cleared by a Sierra Club Work Trip March 31 thru April 4.
Section 2B – from FS 251C Junction to the Power Line Crossing will be cleared by BMTA Work Trips on April 26 and May 24.
Section 3 – from the Power Line Crossing to Fontana Village will be cleared by the American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation May 5 thru May 9.
Late May – BMTA work trips to remove old signs on former route and install new trail signs.
May 31 – Trail Opening Ceremony.
Cheoah District has allowed the use of FS 251 on a temporary basis if necessary.

Thru-hikersprior to May 31 should use the existing route. After that date, they shouldfollow the posted signs for the new route.

These work trips will need a good participation by BMTA members. Contact Dick Evans ([email protected]) or 828-479-2503 to attend. Dates and areas may change according to work, so coordination isnecessary.

A Personal Note

This project is the culmination of nearly nine years of effort by many BMTA folks, as well as NPS, TNC, USFS and others. I want to personally thank all those who volunteered their time (and sweat) low-crawling thru rhododendron thickets, fighting Yellowjackets and snow, deadfalls, BRIARS, interminable map recons, meetings, etc. You all lived up to the motto:

“Leaving a footpath for generations to follow.”

See you on the Trail.
Dick Evans

[blisterbob]

Great news!!
Thanks for posting.

[SGT Rock]

Thanks. If you have kept up with the "delays" in getting my 2014-15 guides out this year I have been feinting all sorts of production issues and exaggerating real problems as a ruse to delay the guide until this was official.

[hikerboy57]

sounds good sarge. im leaving april 10th, ive got the 2013 guide you sent. along with this new supplement, do i need to get the updated guide?

[SGT Rock]

In April, officially, you should still hike the old route with the road-walk. Sorry about that. We start trying to clear trail around the 15th of April, so there would be a chance you could take the new route if you didn't mind slowing down a lot and looking hard for the trail more than hiking for a couple of miles. I THINK that if you start the BMT April 10, and you hit the Slickrock Trailhead in Topoco around April 25th, there might be a walkable trail to Fontana on this new section. I don't know. I'd like to say yes. But even if opened, I don't know how well it will be marked. Someone with good trail skills could probably make it happen with my attachment.

If trail clearing goes better than anticipated I'll update here and on my site.

[hikerboy57]

In April, officially, you should still hike the old route with the road-walk. Sorry about that. We start trying to clear trail around the 15th of April, so there would be a chance you could take the new route if you didn't mind slowing down a lot and looking hard for the trail more than hiking for a couple of miles. I THINK that if you start the BMT April 10, and you hit the Slickrock Trailhead in Topoco around April 25th, there might be a walkable trail to Fontana on this new section. I don't know. I'd like to say yes. But even if opened, I don't know how well it will be marked. Someone with good trail skills could probably make it happen with my attachment.

If trail clearing goes better than anticipated I'll update here and on my site.

i think i'll just anticipate getting lost.

thanks for all your help, rock.

[SGT Rock]

No problem. I'll be out in that area working in April, so if you run into me I'll try to help you get found.

[hikerboy57]

No problem. I'll be out in that area working in April, so if you run into me I'll try to help you get found.

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

ive been trying to get lost for years!

[Tipi Walter]

I learned about this a week ago when I checked out the Cherokee Hiking Club maintenance schedule and noticed Yellow Creek mentioned and so I emailed Dick Evans and got up to speed.

Funny thing is, I backpacked this trail 3 or 4 times starting in March 2003 and did the entire 9 mile Yellow Creek Mountain Trail and often wondered back then why it wasn't used as the BMT to avoid the Deals Gap roadwalk. Voila, it has happened.

The first time I hiked it I started at Warden's Field in the Citico and humped up Pine Ridge to Crowders and down Big Stack to Slickrock and out to Hiway 129 and connected to Meadow Branch road where the YCMT trailhead is. There used to be an old Boy Scout marker at the trailhead.

It was a hellish hike with billions of blowdowns and briars and my legs looked terrible by the time I reached Walker Gap on the AT above Fontana. Another time I had to avoid the YCMT because it was so bad so instead I hiked up Meadow Branch to Farley Branch and took the sidetrail Lookout Rock trail up to YCMT and pulled 3 good hills to Walker Gap on the AT. The Lookout Rock trail is a great way to get on the YCMT from the Fontana side, other than the AT.

Here's some old pics---


Here's the AT right by Walker Gap where the YCMT jcts.



Here's Walker Gap on the AT south of Fontana and on the ridgeline where the YCMT junctions. (To the right in the pic).



Here's Lookout Rock on the YCMT and west of Walker Gap on the AT.



Here's the old Lookout Rock/YCMT trailsign where both trails jct, 2003.

And I don't know if you mentioned it or not, but the YCMT used to be the Appalachian Trail back in the 1940s before Fontana built its dam---so when you hike it you can feel the old time thruhikers on it---like Avery and others. Neato.

And back in those days I didn't carry trailtools with me but I did leave a lot of ribbon on the YCMT to get me back to Slickrock in case I got lost. That is 11 year old ribbon so most of it is now gone.

[TNhiker]

so that you don't have a spelling mistake in the new guide---it's Tapoco...........

[blisterbob]

130218_0000.jpgI like the re-route plan,
however one of my best views from the BMT was rounding a bend on the FS rd.
above Cheoah Dam on a frosty, misty morning after a heavy rain. I could almost
see Harrison Ford's swan dive.

[SGT Rock]

There is always a trade off. The new section 1 has two great views. The new section 2 as it stands has a couple more. Section 3/4 has the lookout. Overall there are going to be more views added. I just wish there was going to be some better water sources.

[Bati]

i think i'll just anticipate getting lost.

I predict you'll succeed, and in small doses it's part of the fun.

I didn't have any issues with traffic, in fact, as far as road walks go, the road walk down the dragon in the rain after the forest road walk in the pouring rain (with very limited visibility) wasn't bad, with just a handful of vehicles. And the french toast along the way was my first meal not in cellophane or out of can like in the other towns. But I hope the rain I had that day wasn't typical!

Sounds like a good relo that will much appreciated in good weather when folks are out. Great job being patient and thanks to everyone involved with the trail development and maintenance!

[Wild Blue]

Thanks for the update and everything you do for the BMT community. I hope we meet someday.

[SGT Rock]

Me too. I always enjoy meeting BMT hikers and hearing their stories.

[Razor]

Rock , I always knew you were good at ruses !

[SGT Rock]

Rock , I always knew you were good at ruses !

Well I try.

The BMTA has put up a page for the YCMT reroute on their website. I may get updates out faster, but just in case, here is the link: http://www.bmta.org/YellowCreekReroute.html

[F1PRB22GA]

Congratulations. Love the BMT.

[SGT Rock]

For those that are interested in hiking this reroute before the thing is completely built: Tomorrow I am heading out to flag the trail so the crews can orient on it as they work. If you get out there before it is done, there should be orange flagging tape to orient on. I'll report a status when I get back Monday.

[Dogwood]

"Funny thing is...did the entire 9 mile Yellow Creek Mountain Trail and often wondered.... why it wasn't used as the BMT to avoid the Deals Gap roadwalk." This was my thought too. I guess since the resources didn't exist to clean this trail up to make it suitable for the BMT the timing wasn't right to make it happen. I too wasn't keen on that road walk to/from Twenty Mile TH.

IMO, the Yellow Creek reroute also makes permit logistics easier for NOBOers who can stay at campsites near the Slickrock TH close to Cheoah Dam and/or on the YCT and make the first days hike to the boundary of GSMNP and apply for, pick up, and print out their GSMNP permits at Fontana Lodge while also picking up their GSMNP resupplies affording a stay at the Hilton and a shower all in one.

I don't recall as I only did the YCT once but what's the status as far as campsites on it as well?

I think walking across the Cheoah Dam is still worth it from a scenic perspective though. Pretty cool viewed at night and/or during a water release. Still have the Magazine Branch(Alcoa ) free campsites as well on the other side of the dam.

THX Sgt Rock for the update.