Black Friday at Ivy Creek Hut

By Pam Heinrich

The South District of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Shenandoah National Park contains four trail huts or shelters for use by hikers: Calf Mountain, Blackrock, Pinefield and Hightop. Ivy Creek Hut is a Maintenance Hut, one that has been set aside for the exclusive use by PATC trail maintainers when working on their trail sections. 

Chuck Troutman is the caretaker for Ivy Creek Hut and he planned an open house for Black Friday, November 28.  Assuming most trail maintainers are not big shoppers, Chuck was at the hut from 10:30- 3:30.  He brought his flat top grill and offered hot dogs, chili and cider. 

To encourage others to attend, I offered a hike in the area.  Even with temperatures near freezing, ten hikers joined me as we gathered at Loft Mountain Wayside to begin our adventure. We took the paved path to Loft Mountain campground and officially began our hike on the AT after we took the spur trail that leads from the amphitheater. 

In the south district, the AT is divided into 27 sections for volunteers to maintain. Our hike covered approximately 4.5 miles and three of these sections. We discussed some trail maintenance practices and made sure to mention the members that are in charge of each area.  We ended our hike by leaving the AT on a blue-blazed trail that led us to Ivy Creek Hut. 

Ten other AT maintainers met us at the hut for a great time of food and fellowship. Everyone was excited by the thoughts of a bowl full of Chuck’s hot chili and cup of cider.  We also appreciated a nice fire to keep us warm inside the shelter. 

Not only did we have a great hike, but the added social time at the hut made this outing extra special. Ivy Creek Hut is in great shape and we could all see why Chuck was selected as the recipient of the Hawksbill Award for the SNP District Cabins and Crapper Crew.  He has been hard at work!! My goal was two-fold: have a fun hike and teach others about trail maintenance. I hope some of my hikers were encouraged to get more involved. 

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