The Steep Rockers Rock Crew, which formed last fall, continued their work on the Meeker Trail throughout this past year. After receiving further training from Artie Hidalgo and Kent Stivers of the Jolly Rovers Trail Crew, the Steep Rockers continued to hone their craft throughout the year. Together, the dedicated team worked to “harvest” rocks from the surrounding forest, shaped them to the correct size, and set them in place. In total, they added an additional dozen steps to the eight steps that they had set last year.
The first and steepest section of the trail is now complete and is open for the public to enjoy. It provides hikers with a safer option to reach the Macricostas overlook, boulders trail, or Waramaug’s Rock. Not only is the trail safer, but it is also part of Steep Rocks’ efforts to make our trails more sustainable. In this case, the stairs are built on a slope that far exceeds a 12% grade, which is the point at which a trail becomes unsustainable and requires steps to stop erosion.
Additionally, the steps are armored on either side with bedrock or large stones, known as “gargoyles”, that prevents soil from either side of the steps from eroding and will provide a safe trail for generations to come. The Steep Rockers will continue the next portion of the steps next Spring, further improving the sustainability and accessibility of the Meeker Trail.
Check out the video to see pictures and videos of the Steep Rockers progress. We are looking for a few more volunteers to join our team. If you have experience or are interested in joining, contact Steep Rock’s Trails and Preserve Manager Merlin Ennis at merlin@steeprockassoc.org.