April Updates – Audubon Section in Hamilton County

This month, our crew made strong progress on a challenging section of trail at Audubon, completing approximately 75 feet of new trail, including 20 hand‑built stone steps and pavers. We finished the first of two staircases required to complete this short but highly technical segment. 

The terrain in this area is extremely steep, with the trail corridor weaving tightly between bluff rocks. Because suitable stone is not available nearby, much of the work focused on harvesting, shaping, and carefully transporting rock for steps, shims, gargoyles, and cribbing. Several larger stones were split on site using a hammer drill to achieve proper fit and stability. 

After completing the staircase, the crew transitioned into a dirt section heading toward the next bluff. This area features thick duff and sandy soil layered over heavy rock. As we progressed, rocks were removed and stockpiled for use in the upcoming staircase, helping prepare for the next phase of construction. 

We were joined one day by volunteer Noah Crane, who assisted on the trail while working toward his Tennessee Promise volunteer hours—thank you, Noah, for your help and enthusiasm.