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PTA Site Map
Pinhoti Trail Alliance
Connecting Alabama to the Appalachian Trail
Maintenance Guidelines
For Volunteers
All trail maintenance is done in accordance with the Appalachian
Trail Conservancy standards. The "Appalachian Trail Design,
Construction and Maintenance" manual can be purchased through
the ATC Ultimate Trail Store for about $15.
Trail Maintenance Categories
1. Cleaning Drainage Channels
2. Clearing Trees, Branches, Annual Grasses, Brush
3. Clearing Blowdowns
4. Painting Blazes
1. Cleaning Drainage Channels
As you travel along the trail, you will quickly notice that there are very few level
sections. The rolling, weaving nature of the trail is an intended design feature developed
through the accumulation of generations of trail construction experience (what works
and what doesn't). The biggest threat to a trail is erosion and what you can expect to see
alot are series of rolling dips spaced about 30' to 50' apart whose sole purpose is to drop
water off the trail. During the year, loose dirt, rocks, sticks and leaves will wash down
and settle at the bottom of the dip and form a berm that blocks the natural flow of water
off the trail. Maintenance of these dips will require these berms to be raked back up on
the trail, minus the sticks and trash, and then packing it down with your feet.
2. Clearing Trees, Branches, Annual Grasses, Brush
The following standards are condensed highlights that have been taken directly from the
Appalachian Trail Design, Construction and Maintenance manual provided by the
Appalachian Trail Conservancy, ATC.
The ATC Clearing Standard
The trail shall be kept clear of vegetation and obstructions that unnecessarily impede
foot travel. It shall be cleared to such a width and height that a hiker with a pack can
walk the trail without undue difficulty.
Width
As a general rule, clear the trail to a width of four feet. In some cases, you may want to
vary your clearing practices to prevent deterioration of the trail and it's surroundings.
On trails constructed across a slope, clear woody and annual growth on the bank above
the trail but only woody growth on the downhill side, to guide hikers to the inside of the
trail tread, which is normally stronger.
Height
Clear the trail to a height of eight feet. Remove branches that obscure the vision of
descending hikers, as well as those that will droop and block the trail when weighted
down with rain or snow.
Pruning Technique
The main thing to remember about pruning is to trim branches, brush or small trees
flush. Stumps can trip hikers. Stubs can catch on clothing, appear unnatural and slow
the healing of the tree. Cut stumps close to the ground. Prune limbs where they fork
from larger limbs or the tree trunk. If you have to remove the top of a young tree,
remove the entire tree. Just cutting the leader stem stimulates lateral growth into the
trail.
3. Clearing Blowdowns
Volunteers are not permitted to use chainsaws in the Talladega National Forest unless
they have a USFS Class A, B or C Sawyer certification card.
4. Painting Blazes
The blaze system on the Pinhoti Trail follows the guidelines set by the Appalachian
Trail Conservancy, with the only exception being that we use blue for the main trail and
white for side trails.
Color
Wal Mart Exterior Latex Enamel, name of blue color - Stencil ~ main trail.
Wal Mart Exterior Latex Enamel, White ~ side trails.
Size
Blazes should be about the size of a dollar bill (appx. 2"x6").
Brush
Use a cheap 1 1/2" brush. When you press down on the brush, the bristles will spread to
2". Measure 6" along the brush, starting from the tip of the bristles, and make a mark on
the handle to use as your guide.
Preparation
Smooth bark trees are the best choice. If you need to use a rough bark tree, then you will
need to smooth off a very small section of the bark. The cheapest tool for this is a small
bow saw or a pocket saw. Be careful not to cut into the inner bark and draw sap.
Location
Try to paint blazes at eye level on hardwood trees that are at least 6" in diameter.
Sometimes when there are no trees, it may be necessary to use 4"x4" posts or paint blazes
on rocks. When using rocks, try to use a smaller rock instead of painting on the side of a
big boulder.
Distance
The standard distance between blazes is 1/10th of a mile, or 264 - two foot long steps. In
areas that may be confusing to hikers, try to paint the next blaze where you can see it
from the one you are standing beside. This is called "line of sight" or "see one from one".
Single Blaze
A standard 2"x6" vertical rectangle, which is used as the trail guide.
Double Blaze
Two standard 2"x6" vertical rectangles, which are used to make you aware of an
upcoming trail feature; side trails, road crossings, water, camps, etc.. The second blaze is
set inline above the first blaze with a 2" space between them.
Off-Set Double Blaze
Two standard 2"x6" vertical rectangles, which are used to make you aware of an
upcoming turn on the trail. The second blaze is set above the first blaze with a 2" space
between them and is also off-set either 2" to the left or 2" to the right, showing which
way to turn.
Report the following problems to the PTA
Blowdowns / deadfalls / leaners / eroded trail / eroded switchbacks / washed out spring
and creek crossings / insufficient trail markings and signs / unmarked turns and road
crossings / damaged shelters, picnic tables, bridges, signs / any suspicious or illegal
activity.
Tools
Volunteers are asked to provide their own trail maintenance tools: small loppers, small
bow saw, small digging tool, gloves and safety glasses.
Volunteers should dress appropriately for trail work and use gloves, safety glasses and
other protective gear when necessary. All work shall take place during daylight hours
and be performed with safety in mind.
Do not attempt any tasks that you are not comfortable with.
Bi-Annual Maintenance Strategy
September
The September work trip is about getting your section in good shape for the Fall and
Winter hiking season. On this trip you will need to use a weedeater along your section
and lopper any limbs or sprouts that have grown into your 4 foot wide x 8 foot tall trail
corridor.
On a trail section that's well maintained, a cheap, basic $70 Weedeater brand
FeatherLight from Wal Mart works extremely well. On sections of trail with a side slope,
weedeat all annual growth and brush off the upper side, but only remove brush off the
lower side. This will discourage hikers from walking on, and breaking down, the softer
lower edge. This will save you many, many hours of tread rebuilding.
Me, your Mother and the USFS would very much appreciate it if you would wear eye
and hearing protection when using a weedeater (this is a non optional USFS
requirement).
June
Since there isn't really a Summer hiking season along the Pinhoti, your June work trip
is mainly about giving all of the new trees, bushes and annual growth time enough to
sprout during the Spring and then you can use a weedeater to clear them out. If you skip
the June trips, then by the time Fall rolls around the sprouts will be too big for a
weedeater to cut and you'll have to spend many, many hours with loppers.
September and June
Check all of the areas where rain water drains off the trail to make sure they are not
clogged or washed out. If they are clogged, rake all of the dirt back up on the trail and
pack it down with your feet. If they are washed out, make a border along the outside
edge of the trail with big rocks or a dead log and fill it in with dirt. The top of this border
should only be about an inch or two lower than the inside edge.
PTA Site Map
Pinhoti Trail Alliance
Connecting Alabama to the Appalachian Trail
Maintenance Guidelines
For Volunteers
All trail maintenance is done in accordance with the Appalachian
Trail Conservancy standards. The "Appalachian Trail Design,
Construction and Maintenance" manual can be purchased through
the ATC Ultimate Trail Store for about $15.
Trail Maintenance Categories
1. Cleaning Drainage Channels
2. Clearing Trees, Branches, Annual Grasses, Brush
3. Clearing Blowdowns
4. Painting Blazes
1. Cleaning Drainage Channels
As you travel along the trail, you will quickly notice that there are very few level
sections. The rolling, weaving nature of the trail is an intended design feature developed
through the accumulation of generations of trail construction experience (what works
and what doesn't). The biggest threat to a trail is erosion and what you can expect to see
alot are series of rolling dips spaced about 30' to 50' apart whose sole purpose is to drop
water off the trail. During the year, loose dirt, rocks, sticks and leaves will wash down
and settle at the bottom of the dip and form a berm that blocks the natural flow of water
off the trail. Maintenance of these dips will require these berms to be raked back up on
the trail, minus the sticks and trash, and then packing it down with your feet.
2. Clearing Trees, Branches, Annual Grasses, Brush
The following standards are condensed highlights that have been taken directly from the
Appalachian Trail Design, Construction and Maintenance manual provided by the
Appalachian Trail Conservancy, ATC.
The ATC Clearing Standard
The trail shall be kept clear of vegetation and obstructions that unnecessarily impede
foot travel. It shall be cleared to such a width and height that a hiker with a pack can
walk the trail without undue difficulty.
Width
As a general rule, clear the trail to a width of four feet. In some cases, you may want to
vary your clearing practices to prevent deterioration of the trail and it's surroundings.
On trails constructed across a slope, clear woody and annual growth on the bank above
the trail but only woody growth on the downhill side, to guide hikers to the inside of the
trail tread, which is normally stronger.
Height
Clear the trail to a height of eight feet. Remove branches that obscure the vision of
descending hikers, as well as those that will droop and block the trail when weighted
down with rain or snow.
Pruning Technique
The main thing to remember about pruning is to trim branches, brush or small trees
flush. Stumps can trip hikers. Stubs can catch on clothing, appear unnatural and slow
the healing of the tree. Cut stumps close to the ground. Prune limbs where they fork
from larger limbs or the tree trunk. If you have to remove the top of a young tree,
remove the entire tree. Just cutting the leader stem stimulates lateral growth into the
trail.
3. Clearing Blowdowns
Volunteers are not permitted to use chainsaws in the Talladega National Forest unless
they have a USFS Class A, B or C Sawyer certification card.
4. Painting Blazes
The blaze system on the Pinhoti Trail follows the guidelines set by the Appalachian
Trail Conservancy, with the only exception being that we use blue for the main trail and
white for side trails.
Color
Wal Mart Exterior Latex Enamel, name of blue color - Stencil ~ main trail.
Wal Mart Exterior Latex Enamel, White ~ side trails.
Size
Blazes should be about the size of a dollar bill (appx. 2"x6").
Brush
Use a cheap 1 1/2" brush. When you press down on the brush, the bristles will spread to
2". Measure 6" along the brush, starting from the tip of the bristles, and make a mark on
the handle to use as your guide.
Preparation
Smooth bark trees are the best choice. If you need to use a rough bark tree, then you will
need to smooth off a very small section of the bark. The cheapest tool for this is a small
bow saw or a pocket saw. Be careful not to cut into the inner bark and draw sap.
Location
Try to paint blazes at eye level on hardwood trees that are at least 6" in diameter.
Sometimes when there are no trees, it may be necessary to use 4"x4" posts or paint blazes
on rocks. When using rocks, try to use a smaller rock instead of painting on the side of a
big boulder.
Distance
The standard distance between blazes is 1/10th of a mile, or 264 - two foot long steps. In
areas that may be confusing to hikers, try to paint the next blaze where you can see it
from the one you are standing beside. This is called "line of sight" or "see one from one".
Single Blaze
A standard 2"x6" vertical rectangle, which is used as the trail guide.
Double Blaze
Two standard 2"x6" vertical rectangles, which are used to make you aware of an
upcoming trail feature; side trails, road crossings, water, camps, etc.. The second blaze is
set inline above the first blaze with a 2" space between them.
Off-Set Double Blaze
Two standard 2"x6" vertical rectangles, which are used to make you aware of an
upcoming turn on the trail. The second blaze is set above the first blaze with a 2" space
between them and is also off-set either 2" to the left or 2" to the right, showing which
way to turn.
Report the following problems to the PTA
Blowdowns / deadfalls / leaners / eroded trail / eroded switchbacks / washed out spring
and creek crossings / insufficient trail markings and signs / unmarked turns and road
crossings / damaged shelters, picnic tables, bridges, signs / any suspicious or illegal
activity.
Tools
Volunteers are asked to provide their own trail maintenance tools: small loppers, small
bow saw, small digging tool, gloves and safety glasses.
Volunteers should dress appropriately for trail work and use gloves, safety glasses and
other protective gear when necessary. All work shall take place during daylight hours
and be performed with safety in mind.
Do not attempt any tasks that you are not comfortable with.
Bi-Annual Maintenance Strategy
September
The September work trip is about getting your section in good shape for the Fall and
Winter hiking season. On this trip you will need to use a weedeater along your section
and lopper any limbs or sprouts that have grown into your 4 foot wide x 8 foot tall trail
corridor.
On a trail section that's well maintained, a cheap, basic $70 Weedeater brand
FeatherLight from Wal Mart works extremely well. On sections of trail with a side slope,
weedeat all annual growth and brush off the upper side, but only remove brush off the
lower side. This will discourage hikers from walking on, and breaking down, the softer
lower edge. This will save you many, many hours of tread rebuilding.
Me, your Mother and the USFS would very much appreciate it if you would wear eye
and hearing protection when using a weedeater (this is a non optional USFS
requirement).
June
Since there isn't really a Summer hiking season along the Pinhoti, your June work trip
is mainly about giving all of the new trees, bushes and annual growth time enough to
sprout during the Spring and then you can use a weedeater to clear them out. If you skip
the June trips, then by the time Fall rolls around the sprouts will be too big for a
weedeater to cut and you'll have to spend many, many hours with loppers.
September and June
Check all of the areas where rain water drains off the trail to make sure they are not
clogged or washed out. If they are clogged, rake all of the dirt back up on the trail and
pack it down with your feet. If they are washed out, make a border along the outside
edge of the trail with big rocks or a dead log and fill it in with dirt. The top of this border
should only be about an inch or two lower than the inside edge.
PTA Site Map
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