Upcoming Events

Backbone Rock hike Sept. 11, 2026 Mendota Trail Sept. 12, 2026 TRAIL WORK: On Wed Sept 16th we will finish lopping along the trail between Elk Garden and Deep Gap. Hiking distance is about 4 miles round trip and loppers and shears will be the primary tools of choice. If time and/or group size allows there may be a side trip to Whitetop to address a blowdown slightly south of the Whitetop parking area. Meet at the Elk Garden AT pkg. lot on Rte. 600, Whitetop Rd., at 9 a.m.

Laurel Fork Falls Sept. 4, 2026 TRAIL WORK: No group trail work planned for this week. Next work day likely to be Wed. Sept. 16th. Crosscut and Chainsaw classes are being set up by the ATC in Sugar Grove for early fall. If you are interested in sawyer certification for the purpose of helping out on the trail and want more information, email trails@mratc.org. MRATC HIKES: Fri. Sept. 11: Join us for a 7.0 mi. point to point or a shorter 4 mi. out and back moderate hike at

Dickey Gap to Fox Creek hike Aug. 28, 2026 TRAIL WORK: Clearing trail north of Damascus Aug. 26, 2026 Sat. Sept. 5: We will meet at the Slabtown Rd (Rte 672, Smyth County) AT crossing at 9:30. From there we will hike south about 2/10 of a mile and will widen the area just north of the Slabtown pasture gate. The trail in that short stretch is quite brushy and narrow. From there we will backtrack to Slabtown and make the short drive over to Dickey Gap to work on a blowdown