Konnarock Crew Works Possums Rest

Jon Rindt

Possums Rest is a view point on the AT just outside the SNP northern boundary.  Continuing north on the AT from the view point rockface, AT hikers are challenged by a series of irregular, rocky switchbacks.  A project to make the descent/ascent of the rocky switchbacks safer and more negotiable was approved and funded by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). 


The ATC Konnarock Trail Crew was chosen to execute this project based on their trail construction and rock work experience.  The Crew is managed by Jerry Kyle, ATC High Country Regional Manager for Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee.  Jerry, Crew leaders Ruth Mosholder and Becky Richardson, surveyed the project in April and decided on June 22-29 as the Crew work week. 


As it turned out, that period happened to be the hottest week of the year at that time.  An early start, lots of water, and cool down breaks were the order of the day.  The only real break came on Friday when the Crew enjoyed a work site covered by a cloud the whole work day. 


Even though the work site is basically a rock field, finding the proper rock to fit a specific need became a real challenge.  And since the rock locations varied, setting up a high line to move the rocks was impracticable, so rocks had to be moved by a multiple person web basket one step at a time.  The Crew was able to shape some of the rocks using pre-drilled holes and feathers and wedges to split the rock.  A steep area was blocked by a large boulder that couldn’t be moved so a series of steps needed to be drilled and shaped.  This process took a lot of time due to hardness of the boulder. 


A time-consuming chore involved making gravel to secure and stabilize each rock step after placement.  Constant hammering/busting of rocks to create the gravel became the lead sound during the work day. 


After six full work days, the project resulted in a significant improvement with many new rock steps and smoother/safer tread.  A special thanks to the Konnarock Crew’s effort on a hot and challenging week in PATC territory.  It was the Crew’s first work trip on PATC AT trails and we welcome them back in the future. 


<<Previous Article    Back Home    Next Article>>

By Marian Styles and Amber Jones October 30, 2025
VolunteerFest 2025 - Celebrate, Cultivate, Connect! By Marian Styles and Amber Jones
By Tom Moran October 30, 2025
VolunteerFest 2025 – The Campfire Sessions By Tom Moran
By Jess LaPolla October 30, 2025
Ridgerunner Season in Review By Jess LaPolla
By PATC October 30, 2025
Join us for our Annual Meeting 
By Tom Moran October 30, 2025
SNP Hoodlums Host Successful Trail Maintainers Workshop By Tom Moran
By Rick Bascatow October 30, 2025
Toughest Ridge In PA Article and photos by Rick Bascatow
By Jess LaPolla October 30, 2025
Vibrant Views at Vining Cabin By Jess LaPolla
By Paul Boisen and Doug Dembling October 30, 2025
Nine New PATC Crosscut Sawyers Certified in September By Paul Boisen and Doug Dembling
By Richard Stromberg October 30, 2025
What's that Flower: AT on the C&O Canal Towpath near Harpers Ferry in Spring Article and photos by Richard Stromberg
By Wayne Limberg October 30, 2025
Keep Calm and Read On: The Other Yellowstone By Wayne Limberg
More Posts