The work crew (L to R): front row: Mike Sheely, Gary Romeo, Mitch Waldman, Liz Scherer. Back row: Ignacio León, Bill Merrick. Photos by Eric Copeland.

Last Friday, a team of six members of the Big Canoe Trails Committee (BCTC) tackled a much-needed improvement on one of Big Canoe’s toughest trails—the Nancy Womack Trail (NWT). The project focused on a stream crossing where two aging plank bridges had become unstable, creating a risky passage for hikers.

The stream isn’t deep, but the old bridges—precariously perched on boulders—posed a tripping hazard, especially when wet. Committee member Renee Bourbeau, an avid hiker of the NWT, brought the issue to our attention and suggested we replace the bridge entirely.

Before jumping into construction planning, I hiked up to the site with Joe Tipton, a longtime BCTC member known for his exceptional trail-building skills. Joe built all of the High Gap trail system and has constructed all its bridges, staircases, and crossings—solo and with impressive precision. After evaluating the location, Joe recommended a simpler and more natural approach: replacing the unstable planks with a thoughtfully placed set of large stepping stones. Just downstream, the stream divides around a small island, making it possible to span each branch with one or two well-positioned boulders.

Bill Merrick cuts the approach path to the stream crossing with a McLeod, a tool that combines a rake, a hoe and tamping tool all in one.

Mitch and I agreed with the plan and reached out to other BCTC members willing to help with special projects. Alan Moffatt, though unavailable on the scheduled work day, generously went up in advance with his large chainsaw to clear a large fallen tree that was blocking the new trail alignment.

We met Friday morning at 9 a.m., joined by Eric Copeland, the leader of the Big Canoe Photography Club, who came to document the effort with his camera as a thank-you for a recent trails presentation we gave his group. Armed with rock bars, ropes, pulleys, picks, mattocks, and trail tools, we hiked up from the Valley View parking area and got to work.

The physical labor involved in placing the stepping stones was no small feat. One of the boulders—estimated at around 700 pounds—had to be shifted downstream with a combination of brute strength, leverage from pry bars, and coordinated effort using multiple straps. Several members worked together to inch it into position. The other stones were smaller but still required serious muscle and teamwork to maneuver safely into place.

In addition to the new crossing, we rerouted the trail to meet the new stream location, constructed tread on both sides, and removed large tree branches lying on the far bank. Once the boulders were set, we dismantled the old planks, carried them out in manageable sections, and blocked off the previous trail with stones and branches to guide hikers onto the new path. We also relocated the red metal trail blazes to reflect the new alignment.

The work was demanding, but the results speak for themselves. The new crossing is safer, more stable, and blends beautifully into the natural environment. It also showcases the ingenuity and cooperative spirit that defines the BCTC.

Photos by Eric Copeland of the Photography Club beautifully capture the day’s effort and the camaraderie of the team. We’re grateful for his contribution and for everyone who participated in the project, including BCTC members Bill Merrick, Gary Romeo, Ignacio León, and Mike Sheely. The project was led by Mitch Waldman, my fellow BCTC co-chair, and me. As always, we’re proud of what can be accomplished when we come together with shared purpose—and strong backs!

Improved Stream Crossing on Nancy Womack Trail