General Questions, send email to: mtrogersatc@gmail.com
To participate in trail work or a recreational hike with the club, click on the sidebar for Current Week's Information and sign up, using the email link provided with the activity you are interested in. We would love to have you join us!
Trails Committee - email: mratcinfo@gmail.com to report maintenance problems on the trail
(Links to other pages are listed on the right under "sidebar)
PURPOSE AND MISSION
The MOUNT ROGERS APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB, a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, was organized February 29, 1960. The club has maintenance responsibilities for 59.4 miles of the APPALACHIAN TRAIL in the Jefferson National Forest, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Grayson Highlands State Park and additional trails in the area.
The primary focus of the MOUNT ROGERS APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB is to help ensure that the APPALACHIAN TRAIL remains available for future generations, fulfill its maintenance responsibilities to the highest degree possible, undertake projects that would enhance use of the Trail without sacrifice of beauty or serenity and provide opportunity for Club members to enjoy activities associated with the Trail.
HIKER ALERT
The footbridge on the AT over Comers Creek near the Falls has been removed due to structural problems.
During times of low-water, hikers can cross the creek using the steps and stepstones that have been installed until a new bridge can be approved and funded by the National Park Service.
In times when high water is suspected:
Southbound hikers should use the detour on the side road (Rte. 650), starting at the jct. of Rtes. 16/650, and following blue blazes for about 1.5 miles, then turning left on the blue-blazed 4/10 mile long Dickey Gap Trail across from Hurricane Campground to rejoin the AT and turn right to continue south.
Northbound hikers should turn left onto the Dickey Gap Trail (about a mile south of Comers Creek Falls), then turn right and follow blue blazes on the road to Dickey Gap (jct. of Rtes. 16/650) to re-join the AT, turning left to continue north.
Update 10/1/2024 -
Due to storm damage from Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27, 2024, hikers between the TN/VA state line north on the AT to the South Fork of the Holston Bridge (Rte. 670 in Smyth County, VA) are advised to use caution in areas where the trail is washed out and where there are downed trees. It will take a few months for trail volunteers to clear the damage.
The Town of Damascus was severely impacted and town businesses may be closed until repairs can be made. The main phone number for the Town is 276-475-3831, for information.
Backpackers: Be Bear Aware!
Because there have been bear/human encounters at campsites in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, and bears have learned to pull down food bags hung in trees, it is highly recommended that anyone camping overnight bring bear canisters or put their food and "smellables" in the metal bear boxes installed at nine locations.
The Appalachian Trail goes down the main street of Damascus, VA. The Town has set up a brick pathway to celebrate the Trail and the many hikers who have hiked through Town.
Note: Activities are also posted on the MRATC FACEBOOK PAGE! Come check it out and join us!
Check out MRATC information and activities on Instagram: mountrogersATclub.
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