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Trail entrance
is closed
To the Editor:
We sincerely regret having to close that portion of the Big Devil Stairs Trail that crosses our property in Harris Hollow.
This was never an existing trail or right of way. Years ago we opened a logging road into the area to remove logs, wood, and locust post. After that a few hikers started using the old road to reach the park. However, recently the volume of hikers has increased dramatically.
With the increased use, many problems have developed. People no longer stay on the trail. They trespass all over our property, camping anywhere they choose, littering, building fires, and releasing their dogs, which chase livestock or wildlife. Vehicles are constantly blocking our gates. Parking has been a problem. This has also been an entrance for hunters, trappers, and people looking for ginseng and mushrooms. These items are not usually found in the road. Our final and most important reason for closing this access is the fact that someone may be hurt or injured while crossing our property.
There are many ways a person could get hurt, such as: stepping on a rusty nail around the old buildings, falling in livestock ponds, being injured by livestock. There are always cows with young calves and bulls in the area. Neither take too kindly to strangers in bright clothing. There’s the possibility someone could become ill from eating fruits, nuts, berries, or mushrooms that have been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides, even though it has been applied properly and according to Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. We can no longer leave our tractors unattended even for a lunch break. It’s so easy for someone to turn the drivewheel on a mower and cut off their companion’s fingers.
The public can still reach Big Devil Stairs via Harris Hollow Trail, (Old Brown town Road), or Mount Marshall fire road at the end of Route 625. 9
Our decision is final. In today’s society the liability issue can no longer be ignored.
JOHN M. CLARK Jr.
Washington, Va.
JOHN M. CLARK Sr.
Sperryville
87.9%