Audubon Mountain: September Trail Crew Update

September tested the Audubon crew’s determination as they continued building trail through some of the most challenging terrain encountered on the project. Nearly every day involved navigating a mix of exposed roots, buried rocks, and uneven ground that required careful hand work to create a sustainable trail corridor.

The crew spent much of the month removing large rocks from the tread, digging through dense root systems, and shaping the trail by hand. Despite persistent heat and humidity, they maintained steady progress and completed several trail features, including stone steps and pavers designed to improve both durability and the hiking experience.

While the terrain became somewhat less steep in certain areas, the rocky conditions never let up. Many workdays were spent uncovering and removing rocks hidden beneath the surface before trail construction could continue. Heavy rain during the final week brought additional challenges and shortened several workdays, but the crew remained focused on advancing the project whenever conditions allowed.

Despite the rugged conditions, the Audubon crew completed 842 feet of new trail during September. In terrain where progress is often measured one rock and one root at a time, that accomplishment reflects a tremendous amount of skill, persistence, and hard work. Thanks to the dedication of the crew, hikers will one day enjoy a trail that blends naturally into the landscape while providing a safe and sustainable route through this beautiful section of the Cumberland Trail.