The need:
Cat Gap Loop receives large amounts of visitor traffic, with recent trail counter data showing an average of 200 visitors per day during peak months. When a small stream crossing had transformed into a 25-foot long mud pit, it was clear that a bridge needed to be constructed here.
A new bridge that benefits many visitors:
This new bridge was constructed in the same design as the bridge that crosses Grogan Creek on the eastern side of Cat Gap Loop. It utilizes three solid timber beams that are spread out to support the five-foot width of the bridge across its 30-foot span. Handrails on either side are set low enough to accommodate bike traffic.
In March 2023, The Pisgah Conservancy collaborated with the U.S. Forest Service to begin site preparation for the new bridge. Measurements were taken to identify bridge anchor locations and debris was cleared from the muck, helping to channelize the stream and reestablish stable banks for the bridge abutments.
On Pisgah Project Day 2023, volunteers worked alongside our Trail Specialist to:
- Further anchor logs into the streambank
- Build log structure to stabilize bridge abutment sites
- Haul wheelbarrow loads of ballast stone and backfill the abutment structures
- Revegetate impacted areas to reestablish native vegetation
- Constructed a new 20-foot turnpike at the start of Cat Gap Loop trail
Building the bridge – the first project completed by our Trail Crew:
After this phase of ground preparation was completed with the help of Pisgah Project Day volunteers in April, our first professional, full-time Trail Crew launched in May and took on the construction of the bridge itself as their first project.
They constructed locust box abutments and utilized rigging to move the three 30-foot long stringer beams into place, then fastened them to the sills and installed decking and handrails.
This bridge now serves all visitors to Cat Gap, whether you are hiking to Cedar Rock Falls, riding from Butter Gap trail, or making the trip around all of Cat Gap Loop. This project both improves the trail user experience and benefits the resource by mitigating harmful impacts to Pisgah’s waterways and other natural resources.
Outcomes:
- One new 30-foot trail bridge constructed
- 25 feet of streambank stabilized
- Stream bank revegetated
- Significant source of sedimentation mitigated
