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Grandfather Mountain Trail Rangers are Reporting Extensive Damage in the Backcountry

"I would describe the condition of the trails to be poor at best, dangerous and impassable in most places," said Backcountry Manager Luke Appling.

Trail recovery efforts are in full swing at Grandfather Mountain. Rangers are battling tough conditions to remove the damage and destruction that was left behind by this winter's snow and ice.

On January 6th, the North Carolina State Park Service closed the backcountry trails indefinitely due to damage left behind from the ice storm and widespread snowfall in the area.

"It looks like a tornado decided to hike up the trails," said Grandfather Mountain Trail Ranger Ryan Childress.

There is still an extensive amount of ice and snow and thousands of limbs and fallen trees blanketing the trails. These conditions, along with freezing temperatures, have delayed clean up efforts. Grandfather Mountain Trail Rangers try to take advantage of warm days to remove as much debris as they can, but the task is complicated by the fact that any chainsaws, gas and other tools needed for the job must be carried in on backpacks.

"Due to the snow and ice slush that have formed on the trails, it takes almost three times the effort to hike in and remove debris. It is almost like climbing up a sand dune on the beach," said Childress.

According to Appling, State Rangers have also started their removal efforts. Rangers from several different State Parks were brought in to help open up the trails.

"My goal is to continue working hard and remove as many limbs and fallen trees as possible. If the weather cooperates we hope to have the trails open to the public by mid-February, but that is very optimistic and will depend a lot on the weather patterns this month," said Appling.

Minimal headway has been made on a handful of trails, however, they are by no means ready for the public to begin hiking on them just yet.

"It is extremely dangerous for folks to hike the trails right now. Injury or worse would most likely occur from someone attempting to explore the trails in this condition," said Childress.

"We are heavily urging folks to stay off the trails until clearance has been given. Rescues in this type of environment are very hazardous for the victim and rescue workers," said Appling.

Several volunteer clean up days are being scheduled for 2010. The largest is National Trails Day on June 5. If you would like to help the Rangers with clean up before then please contact the Trails Office at 828-737-0833.

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