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Currahee Trail Ethic/Leave No Trace

Original Post
Luke R · · Athens, GA · Joined Apr 2015 · Points: 704

I had a couple questions about Currahee Stewardship-

I climbed there with some friends this past weekend, and we noticed that someone had taken down the black static line that helped with gully descent. I'm all for leave no trace, and not replacing it, but it is helpful when you bring noobs, and honestly probably reduces some erosion from people sliding. Any issues with replacing it in the near future?

-I did notice also last time I was there before this, that someone had extended it almost double length. That seemed unnecessary, if I replace it, I'd go for just the crux at the bottom.

Question two: in the past, I have noticed trees/trails marked with that bright orange/pink/blue contractors' tape. I pulled it off when I would see it, because I thought the trails were obvious and it was just some dope with too much time on their hands or poor navigation skills (these were on the obvious trails above the slab wall, and like every 3 feet). In retrospect, seeing as there are like 5 trails that all go to the same place, maybe blazes/cairns or something would be useful.

Anyone have input on this? I go here maybe once a month, and trying to fight back the constant trash and abuse on that place has always felt like a losing battle. While leaving no trace is how I prefer it, it does seem like it might be better to leave a few of these things in place, or attempt a better system (trail maintenance/construction day? I can lend a few hours and supplies)

Mark O'Neal · · Nicholson, GA · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 3,323

1. The static line for the gully should be replaced if it's missing. There are typically two sections. Both near the bottom. Not sure why someone would remove it and not replace it

2. The trails don't need to be marked, nor have they been in the past. It's pretty obvious where to go. I suspect that the markings may have either been from the forest service or the local Currahee Cleanup Project. Probably should leave them be. If you want to help with cleanup you can find the Currahee cleanup folks on FB.

Tom Caldwell · · Clemson, S.C. · Joined Jun 2009 · Points: 3,623

There was just a trail day recently, maybe these trail markings were part of that? Could also be surveying.

As for the static line, walk around the small wall. There is a perfectly good trail that goes around it. Reducing all erosion and safety concerns. It takes about the same amount of time when considering how slow a new person would be descending the gully.

As a climber, you should be walking in from the bottom and leading the climbs. Helps with the fitness and cuts down on cliff top erosion. Once at the top after leading. It is easy to traverse to the other anchors. I always thought the ten minute approach was a great warmup. Plus it is the only way up when the road gets closed. I wish they would shut down the top of the road permanently. This would prevent 99% of all the trash and d-baggery.

Mark O'Neal · · Nicholson, GA · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 3,323
TomCaldwell wrote:As for the static line, walk around the small wall. There is a perfectly good trail that goes around it. Reducing all erosion and safety concerns. It takes about the same amount of time when considering how slow a new person would be descending the gully
Good point Tom. I've actually tested this theory out and got up/down in basically the same amount of time going either way. Unfortunately most folks don't hike up from the bottom or walk around the side.....
Luke R · · Athens, GA · Joined Apr 2015 · Points: 704

We exited around the small wall; for whatever reason I didn't even think about descending that way. I will also try your way up from the backside climber's trail next time. Seems better for a lot of reasons.

Luke R · · Athens, GA · Joined Apr 2015 · Points: 704

Tom- (or anyone)- do you think if "we" organized better, we could push harder for a road closure? I assume it's used legitimately for the Cell Tower, but do you know if there's been any serious attempt in the recent past? I assume Lake Russell WMA has the lowest tier of jurisdiction. Is this something that could be presented to the SECC?

BirminghamBen · · Birmingham, AL · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 1,620
Luke R 84 wrote:Tom- (or anyone)- do you think if "we" organized better, we could push harder for a road closure? I assume it's used legitimately for the Cell Tower, but do you know if there's been any serious attempt in the recent past? I assume Lake Russell WMA has the lowest tier of jurisdiction. Is this something that could be presented to the SECC?
You read this forum much lately?
If you are serious, you need to get in touch with the same crew that addressed the Tallulah peregrine issue.
Will C., Paul B., Scott P., Michael C., Mark O., etc.
Locals.
Those fellas can help you and know how to get things done.
Paul Barnes · · Gainesville, Georgia · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 30

I think Mark is a good point man for Curahee. One of the more active and motivated locals these days.

Tom Caldwell · · Clemson, S.C. · Joined Jun 2009 · Points: 3,623

There is camping on the road earlier down the road. This means that another gate would have be installed to block the upper section which is cell phone tower access. Honestly, I don't think we will make a good case to eliminate another user group. I still think it is a good idea to make them aware of a means to stop trash and graffiti. I am sure it will be met with strong objections from the locals since this seems to be an evening hang out. They can still get there by hiking!

As far as getting the SCC involved... More may happen if you just take the initiative.

Mark O'Neal · · Nicholson, GA · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 3,323

I doubt other user groups are interested in closing the road. It has been closed in the past but it seems like the powers that be have been maintaining the road better. Best thing to do is voluntarily park on Hwy 184 as Tom suggests

I spoke with the Currahee Cleanup folks. They didn't take down the static line, so feel free to put it back up. Related, they mentioned that there is a long term plan with the USFS to close down the gully and make a better trail around it.

They also are going to work on some of the graffiti, most likely at the top. Maybe we can get some of the main wall worked on at the same time.

Will Carney · · Tallulah Falls, GA · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 135

There was a push to close the road a while back. After Band of Brothers came out the Mt became even more of an attraction so it's not likely to gain traction. It remains one of my favorite places to take new climbers because you can show them the importance of LNT ethics. We usually spend 1/3 of our time there picking up and hauling out garbage. And anyone who goes there can attest....it hardly makes a dent. As for approach, I seldom steer people to the gully. I have lowered noobs down Pepsi on a Munter. And we always put a sign up top that we are climbing below.

Tom Caldwell · · Clemson, S.C. · Joined Jun 2009 · Points: 3,623

I was there one day at the buzzard wall belaying a new leader. I started seeing objects being tossed down just to my left near dust bowl. I hollered that people were down here and the thrown objects started coming closer to our position with a few right above my head. If I hadn't been belaying, I would have run up the hill and greeted them. People will try to injure you there. It reminds me of how tourists throw objects at climbers at Crowders. I only once saw a ranger go after them, which was awesome.

Will Carney · · Tallulah Falls, GA · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 135
TomCaldwell wrote:I was there one day at the buzzard wall belaying a new leader. I started seeing objects being tossed down just to my left near dust bowl. I hollered that people were down here and the thrown objects started coming closer to our position with a few right above my head.
I would have beaten seven shades of shit out of 'em.
Mark O'Neal · · Nicholson, GA · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 3,323

As a follow up, the Currahee cleanup folks have a Gofundme to help pay for the graffiti removal chemical.

gofundme.com/rvwncqfs

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern States
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