MRATC Activities and Information, Week of June 4 – 10, 2023

MRATC TRAIL WORK:    

No group trail work has been announced yet for this week – but it will probably be scheduled for Wed., 6/7. Contact mratcinfo@gmail.com for information and location.

MRATC HIKES:

Saturday, June 10: National Get Outdoors Day. Hike from Fox Creek on the AT South to Pine Mountain to enjoy incredible views and back with the possibility of a side hike, about 7 miles, moderate difficulty due to elevation gain and footing in places. Meet at Fox Creek AT parking lot on Rte. 603 at 9:30 AM. Bring lots of water, lunch, hiking poles if you use them, and rain gear depending on forecast. Let leader, Mike Pivirotto, know if you plan to participate by emailing mtrogersatc@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE DAMASCUS TRAIL CENTER:

Several MRATC members volunteer periodically to greet visitors at the Trail Center. Two volunteers are needed at all times to keep the Trail Center open seven days a week from 10 to 5 during peak visitor season.

Volunteering for a half-day every month or so helps! Orientation provided. A list of days and hours coverage is needed for the upcoming two weeks is sent out and volunteers can sign up for times convenient to them.

Examples of volunteer shifts include: 

• Full shift 10-5 
• Half shift 12 -5 
• Opening shift 10 -2 
• Special event shift - 2 - 4 hours as needed

Sign up here to indicate interest and receive more information: https://volunteer.appalachiantrail.org/s/atc-project-details?c__recId=a0q1U000007TQ5x. 

Or email Emily at emayo@appalachiantrail.org.

ATC ZOOM SEMINARS on topics of interest to AT clubs. Click the date link to get to the ATC’s form to register for those of interest to you.
Facility Inspection and Reporting: Thursday, June 8 at 6 p.m.
Promoting A.T. Club Volunteerism: Tuesday, June 13 at 6 p.m.
Privies: Form, Function, Maintenance: Thursday, August 10 at 6 p.m.
Celebrating (Club) Anniversaries: Thursday, August 24 at 6 p.m.  

DAMASCUS TRAIL CENTER:

The Trail Center’s hours are Thursdays – Mondays each week, from 10 – 5.  It may also be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays in spring, summer, and early fall as staffing permits.

Grayson Highlands St. Park and adjacent area map (Avenza maps app) free download available:  https://www.avenzamaps.com/maps/1204147/grayson-highlands-state-park.

To reserve a parking spot in the Backpackers' parking lot for overnight hiking: https://reservevaparks.com/web/Facilities/SearchViewUnitAvailabity.aspx

Virginia AT license plates:  $15 of the $25 annual fee goes to the ATC VA Regional Office to support the AT. If you would like to order one, go to this section of the DMV website:

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/#splates/category.asp?category=S  

MRATC information is also posted on Facebook:  Mt. Rogers Appalachian Trail Club (MRATC), and on Instagram.com:  mountrogersATclub. 

•Visit the ATC's website for information and hikes in AT Communities up and down the AT, listed by state.

In our area, the AT Communities are Damascus, Abingdon, and Marion/Smyth County. 

https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/communities

TRAIL UPDATES

•The bridge at Comers Creek Falls was removed 3/20/2021. Steps and stepstones have been installed  so a low-water crossing can be made, and this section of the AT from Dickey Gap south has been re-opened. During times of suspected high water, hikers should plan to use the marked detour on Rte. 650.

Bears:  In the last four years, there were fewer reports of bears taking hikers' food than in 2018, but bears could come back to try to get food from hikers, especially if they are cooking. Hikers are urged to carry a bear canister or to use the metal bear boxes for overnight food storage near Saunders Shelter, Lost Mtn. Shelter, Thomas Knob Shelter, near Rhododendron Gap, Wise Shelter, Old Orchard Shelter, the Scales, Hurricane Mtn. Shelter, and Trimpi Shelter.