GSMNP - September 23, 2002 -- Managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced that the upper section of the heavily used Forney Ridge Trail will be closed to day hikers four days a week starting Monday, September 30, and lasting through Thursday, October 31, 2002. The closure will be in effect each Monday through Thursday to allow for extensive repairs to the trail.
The one-mile trail section of Forney Ridge that will be under construction is the primary link between the Clingmans Dome parking area and Andrews Bald, a popular day hike destination. This closure will prevent day hikers from accessing Andrews Bald from Clingmans Dome (the short route) and the Forney Creek Trail at its intersection with the Forney Ridge Trail. "In order to minimize disruption to long distance hikers, said Smokies Superintendent Mike Tollefson, "the closure restriction does not apply to backpackers planning to stay overnight at backcountry campsites nor those hikers travelling north on the trails. The Park's maintenance trail crews felt that they could accommodate a small number of hikers through the construction site without too much interruption." The lower sections of the trail will remain open as usual.
The 1.8-mile section of the Forney Ridge Trail between Clingmans Dome and Andrews Bald has been badly damaged over years of heavy use and harsh weather conditions. Much of the trail tread is badly eroded with extensive rock and root exposure. During the 5-week period the South and North District Maintenance Trail crews will be using jackhammers and "boulder busters" to blast and re-contour the trail surface by removing rock and placing logs to elevate the trail surface. They will fill in between the logs with crushed rock to create a safer, more even walking surface. The one-mile section is the first phase of an ongoing project to complete repairs all the way to Andrews Bald. The remaining sections of trail will be done next year.
Park trail crews will work four 10-hour days each week so that the trail can reopen entirely each Thursday evening to accommodate heavy weekend use. Signs will be posted at the trailhead to alert visitors of the closure.
Smokies Superintendent Mike Tollefson said, "We are always reluctant to close a popular trail during the peak visitor season, but because of the shorter work season at the higher elevations, we have to do the work during good weather and when our crews are available." He continued, "We're confident that even though some hikers may miss getting to Andrews Bald this October, the public will enjoy the long-term benefits of the rehabilitation work. Last year our trail crew did major repairs on the popular Alum Cave Trail which was closed for a couple of months. Since then we have received many comments from the public complimenting our skilled trail crew and the results of that project."
