From 2702 the trail follows a fairly level grade until it reaches the first major gully.  At this point we enter an old clear cut and follow just below the ridge top for about a half-mile.  Once the trail emerges from the clear cut, it begins a long descent to Gunstock Hollow.  The initial grade averages 6% down the North face and as it rounds the ridge tip.  The grade then increases to 7-8% until we make a hard switchback, after which the grade is 8-10% until we reach the creek.  The entire descent is part of a black oak timber salvage.  Depending on who gets there first-- the trail crew or the loggers --this could be a messy bit of construction.

After we cross the creek in Gunstock Hollow, we continue East for a short distance before making a few climbing turns and a single switchback.  The switchback is in a relatively flat area and is almost a "hard climbing curve" and positions the trail for a long ascent to 2231 on the North face of the ridge.

We had originally scoped the trail on the South slope of the ridge, but the placement here would have required four switchbacks.  While we have eliminated three switchbacks with the current trail placement, there is a short section of trail that goes through several short gullies with step slopes.  We believe the SWECO trail dozer will handle the side-cuts without any major difficulties, although it will require a bit of hand work to dress the back slopes and move excess soil on the down slope.  The finished product will be worth the efforts to trail users. 

The trail then proceeds through an older clear cut before reaching FS 2231. 

- John Roth & Paul Nazarenko