Stephens State Park Conditions

[SuperSham]

Hey all,

I'm new to the MTBNJ forum here but I was out at Stephens yesterday and ran into who I would think is @chainsawer based on the interactions we had on the trail. I'm Shamus 👋

I wanted to share some of the downed trees we came across.

Sunset Trail -
Came across three trees down. One a little ways into the trail, then towards the end of the trail after the 2nd rock drop and then at the very end of the trail is another tree down. It's probably technically on the white trail.

Cooler Trail -
At least three trees were down here.

Border / Mulch pit trail had two down.

See photos for reference.

Last photos since I could only post 10. Hope this helps to track the mess. We were also recently over at Allamuchy and cleared a bunch off of the Slinger Slasher switchbacks.

 

[JimN]

I'm Shamus 👋

ShamWow would be a better screen name.

 

[Teutonic]

Poison ivy flaring up on my arm from Friday's TM session. Did long pants, but maybe need to do long sleeves as well next time.

Glad to see more pins/pictures.

 

[chainsawer]

Hey all,

I'm new to the MTBNJ forum here but I was out at Stephens yesterday and ran into who I would think is @chainsawer based on the interactions we had on the trail. I'm Shamus 👋

I wanted to share some of the downed trees we came across.

Sunset Trail -
Came across three trees down. One a little ways into the trail, then towards the end of the trail after the 2nd rock drop and then at the very end of the trail is another tree down. It's probably technically on the white trail.

Cooler Trail -
At least three trees were down here.

Border / Mulch pit trail had two down.

See photos for reference.

That was me! Nice to meet you guys and thanks for the excellent Intel! After we met I went back and finished sunset. Tonight I'm gonna get to the cooler, mulch pit areas.

 

[SuperSham]

ShamWow would be a better screen name.

Haha! I usually go for that but it’s always taken!

 

[chainsawer]

Tonight's 3 hour mission started at the Firetower Road access (the blue waypoint). I cleared a really big one on green (with one chunk so heavy I had to leave it right in the middle of the trail!). Then I got the three on Cooler. I doubled back and got the one on Suburu.

Two 300+lb bears were waiting at the trailhead not far from the car. Sensing how sweaty and disgusting I was, they decided I wouldn't be a very good snack and moved on.

Maybe I'll get in tonight for one more session, but then next opportunity is after the holiday weekend. Generally speaking the middle of the park is in better shape than the northern and southern ends.

 

[mtn]

I cleared a really big one on green (with one chunk so heavy I had to leave it right in the middle of the trail!).

Good call. Especially when it’s a pesky “Y shaped log” that is in the middle of the trail. Just cut it and know that a group of 2-3 strong bikers or hikers will eventually pass through and move it with ease as a group effort.

 

[HiFiGuy]

One more “target” on white trail after you cross under the power lines heading towards Meisterburger/golden trail. Easy grab from station road lot.

 

[chainsawer]

Thx. tracking. Too bad. I was quite close to that one on Sunday.

 

[chainsawer]

I promised myself I wasn't gonna go out tonight but my OCD got the better of me.

Tonight's mission finished up the Northern side of the park. Assume all waypoints along my yellow path have been cleared. (Thanks to "O" for the assist on a couple of those). Aside from the single one that HiFiGuy just reported near the station road lot and a big root ball on Hally Toe, I'm gonna say the middle and north side of Stephens are complete and rideable.

The Southern side of the park nearest the ranger station remains a mess. As shown in the second screenshot, I'm tracking a few targets, but there's a handful more that I'm NOT tracking. There's potential for a few other JORBA Sawyers from other parks to drop in to assist in that area. TBD on that. Intel would be very helpful on that side, if anybody's looking for a chore.

OK, that's a wrap for me till after the holiday weekend. Be well everyone!!

 

[chainsawer]

One more “target” on white trail after you cross under the power lines heading towards Meisterburger/golden trail. Easy grab from station road lot.

View attachment 241919


View attachment 241920

This was removed last night by another Sawyer.

 

[mtn]

 

[mattybfat]

View attachment 242066

Are you reporting you got these?

 

[mtn]

Are you reporting you got these?

Yes, marked trails in that circled area are clear.

 

[mattybfat]

Yes, marked trails in that circled area are clear.

Thanks

 

[chainsawer]

THANKS mtn!!!

 

[chainsawer]

Just reported to me a few minutes ago. Nothing bigger than 10-12". And that one fat root ball on hally toe. At least 2 on recently visited trails. Thx to Anthony C for the Intel.

 

[jdog]

North end seems super solid. Fantastic work.

This was the only log we had to climb over. Part of me says leave it as it blocks the moto traffic.

 

[zip]

There is no law! It is just an acceptance of credentials and insurance. Then a reasonable land manager.

Otoh, if you want to saw and aren't approved, don't get hurt and don't claim you are with a group. Just say you wanted to help....

May I add it is never a good idea to be alone when clearing, from a safety point.

 

[LVMike]

I did a 4 hour very sweaty session today, mostly hitting the targets HiFiGuy ID'd above. (thanks for the great intel). I actually had to go back to the car to replenish fluids, including my own water. Not helped by the bar oil cap tricking me into thinking it was closed, pouring a whole reservoir of oil all over my backpack. The park is still a mess, but the stone is being chipped away at. I've noticed some work that was NOT mine, so I appreciate that.

Repeating what's already been said: Please keep the accurate intel coming. Now's the time to carry hand saws and cut back the smaller stuff. Also, please take a moment to clear trails of any smaller fallen branches, it all helps. Thanks!!

Thanks so much chainsawer! I appreciate your hard work! I rode Stephens on 6/27 after the storms and it was a mess! I did clear the small downed trees and branches that two guys could move without chain saws. Thanks again!