Trailblazing and bridge building
With the help of Brian McKnight, a ranger from the Park System, we have started to scratch out 2 miles of trails throughout Taliama. To create a pleasurable hike there needs to be attractive destinations to seek out along the way. A place for a picnic. A campfire with s’mores. A resting mediative spot. Otherwise, a long hike from somewhere to nowhere is less interesting.
We’ve designed in several destinations along the trails. There are:
a small and large observation deck by Sunset Falls (waterfall 1)
a small mediation platform at Meanwhile (by the petite waterfalls up creek from waterfall 1)
a pier and an overlook at Trout Pond
a small fire pit and picnic area at Rock Garden
the “Office of Relief” outhouse by Rock Garden
observation benches at the top of Sunrise Falls (waterfall 2)
and of course, the Pavilion and Wood Shed at the Hollow.
While the hiking is considered “easy” by park standards, the destinations make the hikes very dynamic as each mediation area showcases a different creek and water experience. For example, the sound of Chickamauga Creek at Rock Garden is as soothing as any wellness spa.
The forest has many secrets that are revealed by a keen and observant eye, or an experienced guide. Our Wellness Walks are often led by certified forest therapy guides, who are well-versed at inviting you to experience nature through your five senses. And on guided tours, we love to illuminate many of the flora and fauna that make the forest at Taliama so beautiful. For instance, on the trail to the western most bridge, we discovered several stands of Pink Lady Slippers, a rare natural orchid silently blooming for 2 weeks every April and May.
How the trails and bridges were built
Clearing deep Appalachian forest is hard work. For the past few years, we have our Saturday work parties where we clear forest, build bridges, and create spaces to congregate.
These destinations had to be connected by trails, and more importantly, bridges. Since the two creeks crisscross their way through Taliama, dry safe mobility was a must. Hauling building materials deep in the off-grid property led us to improvise. Some of the dying hemlocks were re-purposed as bridge rails stacked with scrap lumber.
Here are snippets of building the bridge over Beshara Brook to Meanwhile. Chainsaws, brawn and ingenuity.
Homemade hemlock bridges.
