Smoky Mountain News

The Nantahala Hiking Club, the Franklin-based Appalachian Trail maintaining club, is building a new Appalachian Trail shelter about half way between Albert Mountain and Rock Gap to replace the existing “Big Spring” shelter which is nearing the end of its life span. The structural components timber frame shelter were donated by Goshen Timber Frame of Franklin in recognition of Franklin being designated an Appalachian Trail Community. Additionally, Goshen’s craftsmen will donate their time to erect the timber frame at Rock Gap.

In the meantime, a volunteer trail maintenance crew has made repairs to the old shelter. The crew “raised the roof” last week using two, six-ton jacks and cribbing raised the corner of the shelter 21 inches and replaced the four-inch diameter locust post, which had sunk into the ground over time, with a new pressure treated timber.