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Building a hiking trail is definitely hard work, and it involves a great deal of
human sweat equity in the form of swinging mattocks and fire-rakes.
But the effort is not without great rewards.
“It’s actually great exercise and fun as well,” says Dr. John Lugthart,
Professor of Biology, who is heading up the Dalton State hiking trail project.
“The best part is the satisfaction that comes from seeing the trail gradually
take shape and knowing that people will be enjoying it for years to come.”
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The trail project, which was launched in the fall of 2007, will likely take
another year or two to complete, says Lugthart, noting that its completion is
highly dependent on the efforts of human volunteers.
The approximately two-mile trail was designed by Walter Cook, a hiking trail
design consultant and retired Professor of Forestry from the University of
Georgia.
Dr. Cook drew up plans for a trail which is shaped somewhat like the number 3,
says Lugthart, with the main entrance facing Bandy Gymnasium, and with
additional entrances on the south and north ends of the campus.
“Much of the trail will be located along ridges, which will allow hikers to look
down on a pretty cove and stream below,” he says. “Although most of the grades
are 10 percent or less, the trail will be somewhat strenuous.”
Still, he feels that given its convenient location and the beauty of the forest,
the trail will be a popular site for area runners and walkers.
“The trail will provide access to the forest and the stream behind the campus
for college science labs, and perhaps for other educational programs,” says
Lugthart.
“Eventually, forest ecology interpretive signs may be installed along the
trail.”
In the meanwhile, Lugthart says, volunteers are needed to help build it. Fall
workdays include:
Fridays from 8:30 – 12:00 noon on September 12 and November 14; and Saturdays
from 8:30 am – 12:00 noon on October 4, November 1, and December 13.
“Those who want to help should bring sturdy shoes or boots, gloves, and drinking
water,” he says. “We’ll meet on George Rice Drive across from the south entrance
to the Bandy Gym.”
Those with questions may contact John Lugthart at
jlugthart@daltonstate.edu.
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