The Del Norte Trail Alliance kicked off its sixth season of trail maintenance this Spring, clearing downed trees and brush from the Craigs Creek Trail in March and the Coastal Trail in April.The all volunteer group is the primary trail maintenance crew on the Forest Services Smith River National Recreation Area trails, and also helps Redwood National and State Parks when needed.The Coastal Trail, from Last Chance Grade to Enderts Point, had many trees down that made hiking or biking it much more difficult.#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');Six volunteers shuttled to the south end with mountain bikes, a chainsaw and hand tools, to cover 8 miles of trail. Meanwhile a crew of seven hiked the northern two miles.Combined the volunteers cleared approximately two dozen small trees that had fallen across the trail in wind storms, and most of the encroaching brush.Many people hike this trail, especially from the Enderts Point side, where views of the coast from what used to be old highway 101 are striking.After crossing Nickel Creek, which also has a short trail alongside it, the trail is very steep for the first half mile and continues uphill to the two mile mark. Local tour company Redwood Rides offers mountain bike rides as an “out and back” from the south, or as a full ride to Enderts Point. The trail, much of which follows the old highway, is known for its majestic redwoods and stunning views of the ocean. On May 28, the group will target the Paradise/Little Bald Hills Trails, again splitting into two groups with bikers and hikers in order to cover all 11 miles, which occurs on both Forest Service and Redwood National and State Parks lands.New volunteers are encouraged. Most of the work entails hiking and using loppers to trim brush. Tools are provided but volunteers bring their own lunch, snacks, water, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Long sleeves and pants are best to protect from scratching and potential for poison oak, though this trail does not have much, and is more known for its spectacular wildflower display in late May.Working primarily on the fourth Sunday of every month, volunteers will meet at the Sand Camp River Access at 10:00 AM on the 28th.Work time averages about four hours, but volunteers can work as long as they want. Safety measures are discussed prior to working and first aid kits are taken along for emergencies. Since this effort is on public lands, volunteers sign a document that also provides insurance for severe injury.To celebrate National Hiking Day on June 4th, the public is encouraged to hike the 3.5 mile Craigs Creek Trail where the group will host a barbeque for all hikers, and offer a ferry via raft across the river and a shuttle back to their car.You can follow the Del Norte Trail Alliance on Facebook. A website is in the process of creation. For more information about events email delnortetrailalliance@gmail.com. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });