Hike description:

We will visit the site of the proposed Forest Service Marshall Run timber sale, where 185 acres of logging threatens the heart of the Root Run watershed on the southeastern side of the 17,000 acre Beech Lick Knob Virginia mountain treasure area. The Forest Service proposes to upgrade and extend over 3 miles of Forest Service route 235A through the area, which is, by all accounts, actually a rough trail. Large floods have occurred in the area since the 1980s, scouring many of the streambeds. In the late 1800s, much of this sizable area was owned by a logging and development company from the northeastern US that operated Yankeetown, a settlement here. In the decades since, the area has gradually recovered and now boasts several hollows with significant stands of older trees. Beech Lick Knob area boasts rich forests with undulating hills and trout waters.

What is the Tour de Cut?

The Tour de Cut is a hiking event sponsored by the Virginia Chapter of Sierra Club, Virginia Forest Watch, and often other groups. Unlike other outings, it is designed to be an educational, yet fun, event for people of all walks of life who have not seen the negative impacts of logging, roadbuilding, mineral development, off-highway vehicle routes or other development on public lands. It is also designed to show people the positive aspects of natural forest ecosystems. Participants are encouraged to get to know particular places on the national forest that have personal significance to them. In past years, we have led hikes to an old growth site that was subsequently logged at Hoover Creek (Alleghany Co.), Little River Roadless Area (Augusta Co.), Great North Mountain Virginia mountain treasure area (Shenandoah Co.), Signal Corps Knob (Augusta Co.), Warm Springs Mountain Nature Conservancy preserve (Bath Co.), and several Forest Service timber sales.

Hike Difficulty:

Length - approx. 6.5 mi. - Easy-Moderate - 900 ft. elevation gain/2 mi. in one stretch; 600 ft. elevation gain/1 mi. in one stretch.

What to Bring:

Bring water, packable lunch, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots. Encourage friends to come along!

Cost:

The event is free. Participants are encouraged to join with others and carpool to the event. We can let you know if any others from your area are interested in carpooling

For Your Safety:

While these hikes are designed for persons of all hiking abilities, as part of these hikes we may walk a short distance off-trail. Also, as with all other hikes, dependent on local weather conditions and other factors, hikes may include hot or muggy weather, rain, lightning, stream crossings, occasional travel through steep or rocky terrain, animal hazards, and other hazards. Hike leaders will do their best to ensure that hikes are safe and meet everyone's needs.

Directions:

Meeting Time and Location: We will meet and depart at 10AM, June 28, at the parking lot of the Shenandoah Valley Tourist Information Center, Off of Interstate 81, Exit 264. There is a Seven-Eleven Store nearby, and other places to buy quick food. We plan to be back at the original meeting location by 4PM.
Additional Note: If enough interest is expressed in advance, hike organizers may lead an additional optional hike to Wetzel Knob or 3260 ft White Grass Knob or other nearby locations on the following day. This hike will be more difficult than Saturday's hike. (Primitive camping overnight.)

Contact Information:

Virginia Chapter
To sign up for the hike or for more information on the hike, contact:
Sherman Bamford
Forests Committee Chair Sierra Club-Virginia Chapter, & Public Lands Coordinator, Virginia Forest Watch
PO Box 3102
Roanoke, Va. 24015-1102
(540) 343-6359
bamford2@verizon.net

Sep 2008

09/6: Tour de Cut, North Mountain Trail

Oct 2008

10/4: Tour de Cut, Chestnut Oak Knob

	Virginia Chapter
Explore, enjoy and protect the planet