[at-l] rocks, boots, poles and erosion

[ellen at clinic.net (Bob C.)]

Here is two possibly pertinent ideas from the ATC web site:

"What causes the Trail to deteriorate?

"Erosion can damage the footpath quickly. The mineral soil of the footpath is
made of very fine particles bound together by clay that, once broken from the
ground by boots and hiking poles, is easily washed away by fast-flowing water. "

"Why is the Trail so rocky?

"The Appalachians are the product of erosion, which tends to strip away soil and
leave rocks on the surface. Since rocky sections offer a durable surface and
often provide spectacular views for hikers, Trail designers don't hesitate to
route the footpath along them. This is particularly true from central Virginia
through Connecticut and eastern New Hampshire through Maine; many older sections
of the Trail are routed along ridgelines. Typically, the A.T. will climb a ridge
on smoother "sidehill" Trail and then follow a rocky ridgeline for some distance
before descending again."

Weary