The Cherokee Hiking Club is in the process of relocating a two-mile section of the John Muir Trail along the Hiwassee River. Monte Williams, District Ranger for the Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger approved the relocation, noting that an Environmental Assessment is not necessary.

The reason for the reroute is for environmental and public safety concerns. The existing portion of the route is located in the flood plain of the Hiwassee, and the relocation will move the trail out of the river floodplain and off sections of a Forest Service road, thus avoiding vehicle/hiker accidents. There is also a bluff which forces hikers to enter the riverbed, which is hazardous or impassable at times. Relocating the trail above the floodplain will open the trail to year-round traffic, remove it from the road and reduce accident risks, Williams said.

The new trail will be rerouted around any large trees and only a few small trees will be removed. Bat habitat will be protected.

Members of the hiking club are keeping a journal of their progress, which can be seen at www.cherokeehikingclub.org/trailmaint-JMT.htm

Work began on April 30 as Ken Jones, Clayton Pannel and Rick Harris made a start at logging out and brushing out the new reroute, going in from the Towee Creek overflow parking area.

A small group is continuing to work, with National Trails Day bringing 29 workers to help, including participants from all four of the sponsoring clubs (Benton MacKaye Trail Association, Chattanooga Hiking Club, Cherokee Hiking Club, and Hiwassee Hiking Club) as well as 5 guests. The journal notes, “The day was a wonderful success, with all of the workers performing great in some really difficult conditions. All of the workers completed the day safely, although a few workers suffered some stings when they tangled with some yellow jackets along the way. “

Work is continuing, despite rainfall, bees, and other natural hazards. Anyone interested in helping can log on to www.cherokeehikingclub.org/trailmaint.htm for the schedule.