MRATC Activities and Information, Week – June 14 -20, 2026
- mratcboard
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
MRATC TRAIL WORK:
For the work project this week I'm looking for volunteers willing to help with sign installation. Rather than pre-drill them I think, for the most part, they should be drilled on-site based on mounting options. Clearly those may vary widely. Those interested in helping should email mratcinfo@gmail.com and we can arrange a convenient sign and possible hardware drop based on the locations they would like to work on. Request sign location list as needed. Some locations may be changed slightly for practicality.
(See also farther down in this email – opportunities for trail work with the Konnarock Crew in June.)
MRATC HIKES:
Friday, June 19: Roan Highlands. Hike one of the most spectacular places in the Southern Appalachians!
Time & Location
Jun 19, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Carvers Gap Trailhead, TN-143, Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA
About the event
We will hike along the Appalachian Trail in the Roan Highlands from Carver's Gap across Round Bald, Jane Bald and hopefully a side trail to Grassy Ridge. This is one of the most spectacular places in Southern Appalachians and maybe the most crowded. We will be dropping hikers at Carver's Gap, parking elsewhere, and shuttling drivers back to Carver's Gap. The drive from Abingdon is approx. 1.5 hours so please be prepared to depart the Lowe's parking area, (commercial parking side) promptly at 9AM. Hikers coming from TN, please be at the Betsytowne Shopping Center in Elizabethton (address, 1727 US-19E) at 9:45AM. Hikers coming from VA, please stop at Betsytowne Shopping Center to meet up with hike leader Joe DeLoach.
The drive is longer than most for our Friday Hikes. Please be prepared for the drive/ride, bring lunch, plenty of water, clothing for changeable conditions and sun protection. The 5 mile round trip hike is in mostly open meadows.
To sign up, please RSVP to leader Joe DeLoach:
FOR UPDATES ON PROGRESS ON THE VA CREEPER TRAIL REBUILD, VISIT:
Progress - Virginia Creeper Trail (Kiewit Corporation’s website)
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
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:
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.
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