MRATC Activities and Information, Week – June 7 – 13, 2026

MRATC TRAIL WORK:

Sat., June 13:  We will be partnering with SAWS and our former Ridge Runner Jim Baum to work on lopping and possibly fire ring removal in the Wilderness north of Elk Garden. The work is suitable for everyone, so if you haven't helped out on a work project in a while this is a great opportunity to help the trail and one of our long-time partners. We will meet at Elk Garden at 9am and expect to be off the trail between 2 and 3. The hiking distance may vary depending on the size of the group, but there is plenty of work about 1 1/2 miles from Elk Garden with additional options beyond.

If you are interested or plan to help please send an e-mail to mratcinfo@gmail.com

(See also farther down in this email – opportunities for trail work with the Konnarock Crew in June.)

MRATC HIKES:

Friday, June 12:  We will combine 4 Grayson Highlands short hikes that we rarely do in the park.

The combined hike will include:

1. Haw Flats Trail and Listening Rock Trail starting near the GH park office. (1 mi. easy trek)

2. Short drive to the "homestead area" for the Rock House Ridge Trail. (1.2 mi. moderate loop)

3. Haw Mountain Trail one way, or loop TBD. (1 or 2 mi. moderate hike)

4. Short drive to Hickory Ridge Campground to hike the Wilson Creek Trail. This is a moderate to

difficult hike along the creek. Can be narrow and slippery in places. (1.2 mi.)

Please join us for all 4 or a portion of the hikes.

Hikers meet at Lowe's in Abingdon at 9AM, or the Caboose in Damascus at 9:20AM, or at the Grayson Highlands Park office at 10:20AM. Car pooling is encouraged. There is a park fee of $7 per vehicle if you do not have a park pass.

Please RSVP to Rachael for this event, if you plan to attend, and note at which meet-up location we can expect you.  hikes@mratc.org

Please bring water, snack/lunch, hiking poles and rain gear.

If you have any questions, please email hikes@mratc.org.

KONNAROCK CREW – upcoming projects in our area to join:

Club members who would like to join the crew for a day or two, contact Jerry Kyle: jkyle@appalachiantrail.org 

June 19-21 

Mount Rogers NRA – Trail Rehabilitation

This project will address treadway damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Volunteers will help repair root ball holes and erosion at locations along a section of the Appalachian Trail just north of Damascus, Virginia.

Glade Mountain – Trail Rehabilitation  (This is on PATH’s section, close to the MRNRA HQ.)

Volunteers will redefine treadway and install log steps and drainage features on a steep, eroded section of A.T. Hike to the worksite is approximately 1.1 miles.

June 24-28: 

Rhododendron Gap – Trail Relocation

The goal of this project is to move the A.T. out of an eroded, poorly drained area of sensitive spruce forest in the Lewis Fork Wilderness Area. New treadway will be constructed in an open area near Wilburn Ridge in the Mount Rogers High Country. Volunteers will camp in the high country with UTV support. Participants will hike approximately 2 miles with about 800 feet of elevation gain to the campsite. The worksite is adjacent to the campsite. Volunteers will enjoy panoramic views of the Grayson Highlands area.