MRATC Activities and Information, Week – June 28– July 4, 2026
- mratcboard
- Jun 28
- 3 min read
TRAIL WORK:
Wed. 7/1. Meet at Damascus Trail Center at 9:15. We'll carpool from there and hike/work from 601 to 859 cutting modest blowdowns and doing some lopping/brushing along the way. E-mail trails@mratc.org if you plan to help.
MRATC HIKES:
Friday, July 3: Hidden Valley Lake hike
This is a moderate hike on the Brumley at Hidden Valley Lake. The Turk's Cap Lilies should be in bloom. There is a viewpoint over Hansonville that may be accessible if the rocks are not too slippery. The hike will be approx. 4-5 miles, with additional miles available for those who want to continue around the lake.
Hikers meet at Abingdon Lowe's at 9AM, Goodwill on Porterfield Hwy. at 9:15AM or at the Brumley Trail head at the parking entrance to Hidden Valley Lake Wildlife Mgmt. Area at 9:45AM.
We will plan on having cars at both ends of the trail for those who will end their hike at the completion of the Brumley. Hike Leader is Sharon Trumbley. Please RSVP to Sharon at info@mratc.org or on the MRATC website. https://www.mratc.org/event-details/hidden-valley-lake-hike
MONDAY, JUNE 29: MEETING AT THE TRAIL CENTER WITH ATC
To talk with the ATC about project to replace the Stairs on the AT north of Damascus with stone steps. Contractors might be present. Club members welcome! Meeting: 10 a.m. Site visit: 11 a.m.
UPCOMING: MRATC SUMMER MEETING - WED., JULY 8, 7 P.M. -
AT THE TRAIL CENTER AND ON ZOOM.
Agenda:
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
July 6-10:
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.
July 14-18
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.
July 22 – July 26
This project will complete a short trail relocation and improve treadway conditions in the Little Wilson Creek Wilderness Area in southwest Virginia. Work will consist of building wilderness-grade trail with minimal land impact, improving drainage, and constructing minimalist stone structures. Hike to the worksite is approximately 1.5 miles via the A.T. across Stone Mountain with expansive views of the Mount Rogers High Country. Volunteers will camp at the Scales on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
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:
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