Bird Mountain: June Trail Crew Update

June was a productive month on the Bird Mountain 1 section as crews continued pushing forward through steep side slopes, rocky terrain, and dense vegetation. Despite periods of rain and several wildlife encounters, significant progress was made toward expanding this remote section of the Cumberland Trail.

The month began with the completion of approximately 330 feet of new trail, including one stone step and 10 feet of crushed-rock tread. Crews worked through steep, semi-rocky sidehill terrain that required deep bench cuts to create a sustainable trail surface. Heavy vegetation had to be cleared before construction could begin, and newly emerged natural springs required additional gravel work to stabilize wet areas. During clearing operations, a copperhead was encountered and safely relocated away from the worksite.

As construction advanced, the crew tackled a challenging 40-foot drainage crossing that required 11 stone steps and pavers to complete. Beyond the drainage, the terrain transitioned back into steep side slopes that demanded extensive dirt removal and careful trail shaping. Additional corridor clearing helped prepare future sections for construction while improving access and visibility throughout the work area.

The crew continued building through rugged terrain during the third week of June, completing another 142 feet of trail and installing eight stone steps. Much of the work involved excavating sidehill tread through rocky ground, where building durable trail often required either significant excavation or the placement of stone structures to navigate changes in grade. An additional section of trail was nearly completed by month’s end and will contribute to future progress totals once fully finished.

Wildlife and weather remained constant factors throughout June. A yellow jacket nest discovered during corridor clearing required crews to mark the area and proceed cautiously. Frequent rain created muddy conditions and occasionally shortened workdays, but the team continued making progress whenever conditions allowed.

Near the end of the month, the crew installed eight additional stone steps to complete a staircase before returning to standard trail construction along steep sidehill slopes. Deep bench cuts remained the primary focus as the trail continued its gradual climb through the mountain landscape.

Overall, June showcased the persistence and adaptability of the trail crew. Through dense vegetation, emerging springs, rocky slopes, insects, snakes, and recurring rain, the team continued making steady progress while building a sustainable trail that will serve hikers for years to come. Every foot of completed tread represents considerable effort in a landscape where even routine trail construction requires careful planning, technical skill, and hard work.