This is a difficult subsection to route, as it passes through a 1/4 mile by 3/4 mile corridor with three ridges, followed by an narrow-corridor ascent through a clear-cut.  This is an area of the trail where scant USFS land is owned, so we had no choice but drive the trail up-and-down these ridges.  Perhaps years from now additional lands can be bought/traded to make this subsection easier for the trail user.  But for now... well, we've done the best with limited options.

After the trail crosses CR 72, it starts a slow climb towards the first hillside cut.  From here it we steep hillside cuts as the trail makes three ridge ascents and descents through the narrow USFS-owned corridor.  The last descent ends where a previous timber cut begins, and the ascent to the fourth ridge is on very rocky ground strewn with cut timber tops.  Half-way through this ascent we have a reasonable switchback by some pine trees before wrapping around the hill to the ridge.

In the construction phase, we might bring an 8-ft dozer to clear a 50' corridor of tree tops before beginning tread work through the timber cut.

Once the ridge is crossed, we have reasonably good timber to Wolf Pen Hollow.  The trail is fairly level with occasional grade dips until the point marked "Mine Pits" on the map.  The trail then proceeds at a 8-10% grade until it reaches the bottom of the Hollow.  From the "Mine Pits" to the "Scenic Overlook" (see map), we will request that NEPA work allow clear a 50' area below the flag line, as we may drop the trail during construction if we think we can establish an easier grade.

The "Scenic Overlook" is a quick turn at the edge of a 40' eroded hillside that offers a good view of the creek below.  The amount of erosion is significant, and we may want a geologist's opinion of the factors involved when we create the trail narrative.

Again, the ridge climbs were difficult to route, and we did our best with what we had.  This portion of the trail will be difficult to build and require frequent maintenance.  

Note: we saw several signs of recent wild hog activity in the area.  Construction/maintenance workers should be aware of the potential dangers involved with wild hog contact.  See this MDC link for more information.

- John Roth & Paul Nazarenko