The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail will be closed through Dec. 12 while U.S. Forest Service rangers replace a bridge along the trail that was damaged during the September 2004 hurricanes.

Hurricane floodwaters tore the old bridges from their mounts and left them in shreds. As key crossing points for the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail, the old bridges, ranging from 20 to 45 feet in length, needed to be removed and replaced.

“With two bridges down, we were forced to shut the trail for two weeks,” said Frank Findley, Cheoah Ranger District recreation director. “We plan to have one bridge assembled and in place by Dec. 12, so we can open the trail again.”

The Forest Service will first replace the shorter bridge, which is closest to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest parking lot. Hikers will only travel 500 feet to reach the new 20-foot long by 4-foot wide wooden bridge with log stringers that lay widthwise. Forest service rangers will remove the old bridge, carry in the new bridge’s parts, build abutments, and assemble them at the site.

A Forest Service engineer designed both bridges.

The trail opening date could be postponed by factors such as bad weather. Before visitors go to the trail, they should call the district at 828.479.6431 to make sure the trail is open.