Access to Aetna closing?

[mbogosia]

Anyone see the sign they have down by the parking lot? I guess there is a hearing on Monday about closing off the access to Aetna near that subdivision. Has this happened before? Anyone know the details? If they close that spot is there another spot to park and get access to the mtn?

 

[Team Willys]

It won't happen, they have been trying to get that place closed for years, and every single time, they get over ruled. There has been a sign up saying that after November 30 (of last year) the place would be shut off to everyone since about October. If i can keep Jarrad (Lil Timmy) from backing out on me then I will go today and check it out.

There is another spot to gain access, but you have to buy a $300/yr lease to get a key... not exactly worth it in my book, unless you plan to go every weekend.

 

[Achmed]

The lease keys are $200 and not just anyone can get one.

 

[Team Willys]

Sorry, should've known you would chime in to correct everyone. You are correct about there being a limited number of leases sold, but this years keys were $300. I know 3 people that have them, so I think I would know. Maybe someone you know (or yourself) are buddies with the dude and got a better deal on them or something? I had the option to buy one, but just couldn't justify spending that much money. I have been on the lease side before (though the key holder got a chewing for letting me in) and rode the creek over there. It was a ton of fun, but it would get old, and thats about the only "extra" benefit to being able to get in over there. But thanks for your info, correct or not.

 

[mbogosia]

$300 sounds high, but if you can get 10 visits or more its not that bad. I really liked riding there. Probably one of my favorite places to go. Although I have discovered two new places called Viola and Bryants Cove. Both are free and closer to me than Aetna.

 

[Achmed]

Sorry, should've known you would chime in to correct everyone.

Not everyone, just you.

This years keys were $300. I know 3 people that have them, so I think I would know.

Wrong. Keys are $200.00 unless you want to setup a camper, in which case, it's $400.00. Sorry to have to correct you.

 

[Team Willys]

Thanks Achass, 'preciate it. I'll have to inform my buddies that they got screwed by paying that extra $100.

Saw the notice today, its going to court tomorrow. We'll see what happens. They are wanting to "abandon Aetna Mountain Road" and block it off to the public.

 

[Achmed]

IMO, 99.98% chance it won't happen because of the land owners near the top.

 

[PacificEd]

It's hard for me to believe that there are only two ways into that place. You would think there would be plenty of other roads leading to Aetna since that place is so large. Leave it up to a developer to buy the only free way in.

 

[derrick94XJ]

Thanks Achass, 'preciate it. I'll have to inform my buddies that they got screwed by paying that extra $100.

Yep, or they lied to you about what they paid...

 

[Team Willys]

IMO, 99.98% chance it won't happen because of the land owners near the top.

Agreed, its been to court several times and has, up until this point, been thrown out every time. However, the thing that concerns me is the fact that they are official county notices.

Heres a pic of one of the signs:

 

[zukbilly]

keys are $200 your buddies got screwed http://www.werockaetna.com/

 

[mbogosia]

It's hard for me to believe that there are only two ways into that place. You would think there would be plenty of other roads leading to Aetna since that place is so large. Leave it up to a developer to buy the only free way in.

That is exactly what I was thinking. I mean the place is huge. There has to be another trail to get into it.

 

[Achmed]

However, the thing that concerns me is the fact that they are official county notices.

All variance notices are on county printing. It's part of the game. That doesnt actually make it more threatening, it simply means the county took someones money to file a variance application and gave them a piece of card stock.

 

[Team Willys]

Cool, it just looked more "official."

 

[High2by]

I hope you guys are right, that it won't be closed down. It's still on my list of "Places to ride".

 

[XJfire75]

The TVA has to be able to get to their lines on top. And people need access to there land on top. They'll have to cut another road up the mt if they shut that one down.

Lease keys are $200 from April to April : )

 

[bigalpha]

Sure, but I thought that riding where TVA put up power lines was illegal?

 

[MELKORsXJ]

...the road they wanna close takes you up the mountain to the "trails"... some of them access powerlines, others, and most are just trails through the woods and hills...

 

[LiL Timmy]

I think it will stay open and that we can get you down here to wheel Mark. It is a big place and has some good places to give the jeep some character. I gave mine a touch more of that yesterday at aetna (Since I went like I said I would) and skipped out on a meeting I had at two thirty which was completely worth it!