MRATC Activities and Information, Week – July 26 – Aug. 1, 2026
- mratcboard
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
TRAIL WORK:
No group trail work has been scheduled for this week.
MRATC HIKES:
There will be no Friday hike July 31st. Enjoy Virginia Highlands Festival hikes and outdoor activities this week!
VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS FESTIVAL. Register for festival hikes and other activities at Virginia Highlands Festival |
Virginia Highlands Festival “Day in Damascus” Day. July 30. https://appalachiantrail.org/event/damascus-day/
There will be many activities throughout town and at the Trail Center.
BEARS: A bear got into the Konnarock Crew’s food storage near Thomas Knob last week. Signage has been added to the area to urge hikers to use the bear boxes and an electric fence provided for the Crew’s food storage location.
MRATC’S NEW RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES CO-COORDINATOR
Steve Ferris, who has hiked with the club for many years, has been elected by the Board to fill the MRATC Recreational Activities position formerly held by Felicia. He will be planning hikes on days other than Fridays, while Carol K. will continue to plan Friday hikes. Welcome, Steve!
UPCOMING:
SITE VISIT AND PLANNING. The Visitor Use Management Committee, composed of several club members plus staff from the ATC and Forest Service, will be visiting Thomas Knob Shelter on August 5th to discuss trail sustainability, privies, signage and possible relocation of the shelter. There is the possibility of a second date, probably August 20th , as well. For either, the meeting time is 10 a.m. at Massie Gap and interested club members are invited to come.
SUMMER NATURALIST RALLY, Aug. 7-8. Website to view field trips and register:
KONNAROCK CREW POTLUCK, Aug. 11 – Held at Konnarock Base Camp, Flat Ridge Rd., Rte. 601, Sugar Grove, VA. Setup: 5:30, dinner: 6:00. It’s a great opportunity to show appreciation for the Crew members who have done many work projects on our trail section this year.
KONNAROCK CREW – upcoming project in our area to join:
Aug. 7-11
This project will complete the construction of stone steps and cribbing on the Trail, south of Comer’s Creek. The worksite is next to the tallest cascade waterfall on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Hike to the worksite is 0.5 miles from the trailhead. The crew will stay at the Konnarock Basecamp and commute to and from the worksite each day.
For information about other Konnarock Crew projects outside of MRATC’s area, visit:
VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL: The date for the opening of the Virginia Creeper Trail, agreed upon by the Mt.Rogers National Recreation Area and Kiewit Construction, will be March 31, 2027. The whole reconstructed trail will be opened at once. The Forest Service and Kiewit Construction will be checking the trail during the winter to look for any drainage problems or other issues.
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