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The Trip

On this lodge-based service trip, we will work in the Nantahala National Forest, including the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and Cable Cove campground. This lush National Forest offers shade as well as wonderful views.

We should see many wildflowers and very few people on the trails at this time of year. On your day off there will be time for fishing, cycling, birding, photography, more hiking, and whitewater activities. A favorite off-day hike is the Twentymile Trail up to the Shuckstack Fire Tower -- though no worries, it’s only about 11 miles.

The Project

Supervised by U.S. Forest Service personnel, we will develop, maintain, and enhance trails. Work may involve digging and widening trails, installing log waterbars, removing deadfall, or trimming trailside vegetation. Our expected projects will be to rehab an interpretive trail near the Cable Cove campground, general trail work in Joyce Kilmer and possibly also work on the Yellow Creek Mountain Trail. In years past, our group has put down tons of gravel for a handicapped fishing path, recut side trails from Joyce Kilmer, and repaired a 2.5-mile section of the Appalachian Trail.

NOTE: The leaders will make every reasonable effort to meet the goals outlined in the itinerary. Please keep in mind that weather or other conditions beyond our control may cause us to modify the itinerary in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the group.

Itinerary

Arrival is on Sunday in time to unpack and have dinner and an introductory meeting. Our group will have breakfast together daily and then head out by 8:30 a.m. (with volunteer drivers) to our worksite. We usually return by 4:00 p.m., with enough time for a hike, a shower, and happy hour, followed by a delicious dinner. There will be some evening programs, including a conversation with a ranger and some good mountain music. On one day you will be free to do as you wish. The trip ends after breakfast on Saturday.

Getting There

Fontana Village Resort is located in western North Carolina, 20 miles north of Robbinsville on Highway 28. Transportation to the Resort will be on your own. Nearby airports include: Knoxville (65 miles) and Chattanooga (132 miles), Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia (190 miles); and Asheville, North Carolina (95 miles). Driving directions will be provided to registered participants. An email will be sent to all participants to see if folks want to coordinate transportation. Keep in mind that the road from Knoxville, TN to Fontana is known as the Tail of the Dragon due to its many curves.

Accommodations and Food

We'll be staying at Fontana Village Resort whose original lodgings were built in the late 1930s to house the Fontana Dam construction workers. Beautifully situated among the mountains and lakes of the Nantahala National Forest, the lodge rooms have baths, air conditioning, and other amenities.

Trip Difficulty

The trip can be considered moderate, with some strenuous work activities. Rain and chilly weather may add to the difficulty. No one is expected to exceed his/her capabilities. Participants will be asked by the Forest Service to sign an additional liability waiver for activities undertaken during the outing.

Equipment and Clothing

Temperatures may be cool in the evenings, but warm during the day; expect a range of 60-80 degrees. There has been known to be snow though it’s rare. The average rainfall here is 80 inches per year, so be prepared and bring good rain gear. A rain suit is superior to a poncho, especially on windy days. You will need good work gloves. Sturdy shoes or boots should be well broken-in and waterproofed. You'll need a day pack for your lunch, a water bottle or two, etc. You may want to bring a camera, binoculars, fishing equipment (license required), bicycle, or watercraft for your day off. If you have favorite tools (pruners, loppers, bowsaw), you may wish to bring them.

References

• Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest:
  http://www.main.nc.us/graham/hiking/joycekil.html
  
• Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest:
  www.main.nc.us/graham/hiking/rangerhq.html
  
• Western NC attractions, hikes, etc:
  www.grahamstar.com/articles/2009/08/14/outdoors/doc4a3004d0b4d19940817856.txt
  www.westernncattractions.com/
  
• Nantahala Outdoor Center:
  www.noc.com
  

Conservation

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest was established in 1936 to be a rare example of a cove hardwood forest. This forest tract had been spared from logging and so had huge chestnuts, hemlocks and poplar trees (some now over 400 years old). Since that time, the forest has lost its magnificent chestnut trees and just recently its grand hemlocks. The loss of these trees is due to the chestnut blight and the woolly adelgid, respectively, both imported from elsewhere. While this may be the natural course of life, it highlights John Muir’s comment, "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe." We’ll share ideas about how our connections and actions can make a difference in preserving our environment.

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Rebecca Dameron grew up in North Carolina and went to summer camp in the beautiful NC mountains and loves to return. She has been a Sierra Club leader for five years and a S.C. member since the mid-80s. Rebecca enjoys service trips both for the hard work and knowing that the benefits continue long past the work.

E-mail: becdameron@cox.net

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Carpooling
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Wilderness Manners