MRATC Activities and Information, Week - May 3-9, 2026
- drewcatherine34
- May 3
- 2 min read
DAMASCUS APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS FESTIVAL, May 15-17.
The sign-up schedule to help cover MRATC’s booth at the Trail Center is on Google Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KmLhMF4V8fWd2Ar64cY4MSWWV4WftlxP/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103931296002124958202&rtpof=true&sd=true
Write yourself in - Or – just reply to this email and I will write you in! (Shifts both Fri. & Sat. are: 8:30 – 11, 11 – 1, 1-3, and 3-5.)
Thanks to Tim V., Gerry C., Sharon T., Carol K., Frank W., Heidi D-W. and Ron and Edie. They each signed up for a shift. Still need more people! Please show your support for the Trail, the Community and the Club and take a two hour shift on our booth!
Schedule of Trail Days events: The digital copy of the Trail Days festival guide is online here.
MRATC TRAIL WORK:
No group trail work this week.
Upcoming: Damascus Trail Days SAWS Volunteer Event
May 17, 2026, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Brushing and tree removal on the Grassy Branch Trail, Lewis Fork Wilderness, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
We will meet at the entrance to Grindstone Campground entrance, 1946 Laurel Valley Road, Troutdale, VA 24378. Volunteers will be provided all essential PPE (helmets, gloves, and eye protection) as well as brushing tools and crosscuts. Everyone will be required to bring a packed lunch and appropriate footwear (ideally hiking shoes).
You can sign up at:
Online:
Online says meet at 8am, it will be 9am
Or contact Jim Baum
336.209.8799
MRATC HIKES:
Thursday, May 7: Elk Garden wildflower hike. Meet at Elk Garden parking lot at 10 AM. Email Carol Broderson at mtrogersatc@gmail.com to sign up and for more details.
Friday Hike May 8th - Grayson Highlands Hike - Camp Store Parking Lot, Massie Gap, Wilburn Ridge, Wise Shelter - Join us for this 5.5 mile loop hike up to and along the Appalachian Trail from Massie Gap to Wise Shelter. We will start the hike at the Camp Store (next to the campground) and take the horse trail to Massie Gap. We'll then go up to the AT and take the trail North Bound to Wise Shelter. Finally, we'll take the Seed Orchard Trail back to the Camp Store parking lot. We'll have snacks or lunch at Wise Shelter. Please meet at the Lowe’s/Abingdon parking area on the right (construction material side) at 9:00 AM or at the Grayson Highlands State Park campground store parking lot at 10:00 AM. Please bring lunch, water, appropriate rain gear if needed and hiking poles are recommended. Contact hike leader Steve Mason at mratcfridayhikers@gmail.com if you plan to attend and where you will meet up.
Attached photo shows participants in the Clyburn Ridge Trail hike at Hungry Mother State Park at a viewpoint, led by Neva Johnson on Friday, May 1st.
Sunday, May 10 at the Naturalist Rally: Blue Ridge Discovery Center/MRATC hike led by Carol Broderson, Sharon Trumbley, and Felicia Mitchell. Sign up via Blue Ridge Discovery Center: https://blueridgediscoverycenter.org/mrnr-spring
MAY 8-10. SPRING NATURALIST RALLY. Field trips have been announced. Follow this link for information.
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