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MRATC Activities and Information, Week April 5-11, 2026

MRATC TRAIL WORK:

Wed., April 8: We will work on a series of blowdowns and a couple root ball issues between 601 (Beech Mtn Rd) and Buzzard Rock. It is likely we will spot cars at 601 and then carpool around to Whitetop Rd for an approximately 4 mile, mostly downhill, hike back to 601. We will meet at 601 at 9:30. If you plan to help send an e-mail to mratcinfo@gmail.com.


WILDERNESS FIRST AID/CPR

There are a few slots for trail clubs in the NOLS Wilderness First Aid/CPR class May 1-3 at Konnarock Base Camp in Sugar Grove. Chain and Crosscut Sawyers who need first aid certification take priority. Application and information (which includes where to send application) is in the 5 documents attached.


MRATC HIKES:

 

Wednesday, April 8: Spring wildflower hike at the Pinnacle in Russell county. 4-5 moderate miles with incredible wildflowers. Meet at 10 AM at Pinnacle parking or at 9 AM at parking by Goodwill on Rt 19 if you want to carpool or follow. Email mtrogersatc@gmail.com to let hike leader Sharon Trumbley know you are coming and if there are any changes. 


Friday Hike April 10, 2026 Hikers please join us to hike on the Appalachian Trail NB from SR 603 (Fairwood Valley Road), to the Iron Mt. Trail. We will begin the hike crossing the beautiful new bridge constructed last year and have a gradual uphill that goes behind the Horse Camp and passing many areas where the MRATC maintenance crews have spent numerous hours and days clearing the blow downs and filing root ball holes.  We will hike approximately 2.2 miles in, just past the convergence of the Iron Mt. Trail.

We will have lunch here before returning on the downhill back to the Fox Creek parking lot.  Total mileage approximately 4.5 miles. 

Please meet at the Lowe’s/Abingdon parking area on the right (construction material side) at 9AM or the trail head on SR 603, Fox Creek parking area , just past the Grindstone Campground on the right at 9:40.

Please bring lunch, water, appropriate rain gear if needed and hiking poles are recommended. 

Contact hike leader Carol Keene if you plan to attend and where you will meet up.

276.698.6261



Attached photos show hikers at Laurel Run, TN on April 3, enjoying beautiful wildfowers and a waterfall on April 3rd, and the April 4th hike starting from Beartree or FS90 to Damascus, led by Heidi Dixon-White.

 



Saturday, April 11th: Our club will hold our Annual Meeting and potluck at Smyth Chapel (30119 Smyth Chapel Rd., Meadowview, VA 24361). Bring a dish to share and serving utensils. The club will furnish paper plates, cups, eating utensils and coffee and tea. Dinner will be at 5, followed by annual elections and volunteer awards and speakers:  Dennis Sanders of VDOT and Jake Smith of the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area (USFS). Bring your questions about Creeper Trail reconstruction and the expansion of trailhead parking lots at Elk Garden and near Fox Creek.

All welcome! 


Thanks to Sharon and Maria who have volunteered to arrive early to help with setup and to Edie and Ron Bobko, who have volunteered to stay after the event and help with cleanup!

 

EARTH DAY EVENTS

Sat., April 18th, is Earth Day in Abingdon, with booths set up by local environmental groups at the Fields Penn House, corner of W. Main and Cummings Sts. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  MRATC has participated for the last 20 years. Help is needed on our booth (setup, break down, greeting visitors and handing out club and hike information): 1 more person 8:30 to 11; 1 more person 11 – 1:30. Please reply to this email if you can help. Anne will bring club’s display, tent, table and handouts and stay 8:30 to 1:30.

 

Wed. April 22nd: Earth Day work hike at Grayson Highlands State Park. Details in next week’s Sunday email.

 

UPCOMING SPRING BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Potluck 12 PM

May 2, 2026

25386 Cornelius Dr., 24211

 

RIDGERUNNER: Melissa Finelli will start her patrol as the Mt. Rogers area Ridgerunner for this year on April 14th. If you spot her uniform when you are out, be sure to say “Hello.” She comes to us with experience in the Florida Trails Association and with the Konnarock Crew.

 

NEWS FROM THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY:

The Next Generation Advisory Council is an embodiment of the ATC’s values of cooperation, connection, and belonging. It gathers younger audiences of future leaders (ages 18-30) and increases the variety of perspectives necessary for informed decision-making. The ATC is accepting applications through May 14, 2026, and information on applying can be found at www.appalachiantrail.org/waystovolunteer. Participants serve two-year terms, appreciate a larger network in the field of conservation, boost their resumes while benefiting an internationally recognized recreation treasure, and get to develop skills in A.T. leadership that may help ATC or A.T. Clubs into the future. 

 

The ATC's newsletter, The Register, is focused on A.T. Clubs, Trail management, and the volunteer experience. To subscribe: The Register - Appalachian Trail Conservancy  (and click “Sign up.”)

 

Acting superintendent of the NPS Appalachian Trail

Park Office is Scott McCormick, while Superintendent Ed Clark is on detail at Lake Mead National Park.

 

UPCOMING:  SPRING NATURALIST RALLY. Field trips have been announced.

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