Photo submitted by Mike Toole Rich Glasgow at the completed Branch Road kiosk, with the new informational map panel.

Volunteers with the Allegheny National Forest Chapter have been working to refurbish the 13 trailhead kiosks along the North Country Trail in the ANF.

The work actually started in the fall of 2022, as trail coordinators discussed what we needed to focus on in 2023 and beyond. One issue that came up was the need to refurbish several of the 13 kiosks. It was decided to survey the kiosks in 2023 to determine the scope of work that needed to be done for each kiosk.

Refurbishment of the kiosks began in the fall. The main work involved replacing the backing board that the interpretive map panel and informative posters hung on. The framing boards for the backing board and any other failing wood were also replaced at the same time. Then the kiosk was stained brown and its North Country Trail lettering was painted blaze blue.

“We replaced years of rot and insect damage and brightened up the kiosk, making it more visible,” said volunteer Doug Mangold.

The Forest Service helped by contributing the lumber, tools and a new map needed for the project. They bought three-quarters of an inch treated plywood for the backing boards, 4-by-4 treated posts for some failing lumber and several gallons of brown stain. A cordless circular saw, bought for the chapter by the Forest Service, helped to cut the lumber in the field. The Forest Service also funded a new interpretive map panel for the Branch Road kiosk. The new map showed a major trail reroute and the addition of a new shelter. The NCTA GIS staff provided the updated map for the panel.

The effort to rehabilitate the 13 kiosks will continue this spring. In April, the group is tearing down and replacing the oldest kiosk. Later in the spring, volunteers will stain two newer kiosks that did not need any wood replaced on them.

“It’s good to upgrade the kiosks with treated lumber so that they will last longer,” said Mike Toole, trail team leader. “I always have fun refurbishing trail structures and seeing how great they look.”