According to a press release, the Gila National Forest has begun reconstruction of the Big Tree Trailhead near Fort Bayard. Work began on Monday, August 19th, and the area has been temporarily closed for public and employee safety. Heavy equipment will be in use in this area: the public is cautioned to keep away while reconstruction is underway.
The Big Tree Trailhead, Trail #755, is under construction to improve access to the existing Forest Service trail system by: “improving the parking area by providing more parking spaces, providing an Americans with Disabilities Act sidewalk and parking space, improving traffic flow, improving trail and historical interpretation by providing a kiosk, replacing deteriorating wooden posts with 2 inch pipe fence, and improving soil erosion control.”
This trailhead in particular offers easy access to one of the most popular trail systems in the area, according to District Ranger Russell Ward. These trails provide safe recreational opportunities and “key access to the Big Tree, the popular Woodhaul and Sawmill National Historic Scenic Trails, Badlands and the Servis Corrals, and the National Historic Fort Bayard complex.”
For more information about the trail systems or the reconstruction project, contact the Silver City Ranger District office at 388-8201.
