by Jessie Johnson, ATC Volunteer Engagement Specialist
Rock Step Construction Training with BMECC and ATC
Photo credit: Greg Ritson
After taking advantage of ATC’s Essential Trail Maintenance Trainings in 2022 and 2023 (pictured), the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club (BMECC) requested an introduction to rock work workshop with ATC.
In response to their request, Josh Kloehn, ATC’s Senior Trail Operations Manager and Rachel Letter, ATC’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Director led a hands-on Rock Step Construction Workshop with nine BMECC members on October 26 in Pine Grove, PA.
Photo credit: Rachel Lettre
The workshop focused on using ‘trail eyes’ to identify deficiencies in the treadway and existing structures, learning ways to improve those deficiencies by managing water and keeping hikers on the treadway, and repairing and installing tread structures to improve drainage, sustainability, and the hiker experience. Participants engaged in thoughtful discussions on different ways to install trail structures, the pros and cons of alternative maintenance strategies, and the features of long-lasting, hiker-friendly steps.
The workshop also provided participants with hands-on opportunities to practice new skills, including identifying suitable rocks, experimenting with rock bars and canvas webbing to move rocks, digging out existing structures, setting new rocks for steps, placing gargoyles (a large rock or other object that defines the sides of a trail), and rocks to keep hikers on the Trail, and naturalizing the work area by broadcasting leaves and branches to disguise improvements on the Trail so they seem like they have always been there. At the end of the one-day workshop, BMECC members had installed four new rock checksteps, and significantly improved their knowledge base and skill sets.
Photo credit: Barry Webb
A.T. Clubs may request trainings from ATC by emailing volunteer@appalachiantrail.org. Types of available in-field training include Essential Trail Maintenance, Field Leadership Training, and advanced trail skills training that may include rock work, based on site locations and identified skill development needs.