MRATC Activities and Information, Week – Oct. 11 – 17, 2026
TRAIL WORK:
On Wed Oct 14th we will meet at Massie Gap at 9:30 and work with a USFS trail crew to eliminate fire rings north of Grayson Highlands State Park. The USFS crew will transport tools to the work site so the work group will simply need to hike to the work area about 2 miles from Massie Gap. This project is suitable for everyone, and this is likely our last opportunity to do this important work this fall.
If the weather forecast is not favorable the date will be moved to Thurs or Friday of this week. Any change will be communicated on Tues to those who have RSVPed to this event.
RSVP by clicking: Trailwork Wed Oct 14th | MRATC
HIKES:
Fri., Oct. 16: Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, 891 State Park Rd, Honaker, VA 24260. Join us for an approx. 4 mile easy hike beginning by crossing a swinging bridge and then along the Big Cedar Creek to its confluence with the Clinch River. We will lunch by the creek with a view of multiple waterfalls. The hike is approximately a 25 mile drive from Abingdon.
Bring lunch, water and rain gear. Hike leader, Carol Keene.
Meet up locations to carpool include:
Abingdon Lowe's @ 9AM
Russell Road Park & Ride @ 9:10AM
Pinnacle Trailhead Parking @ 9:45
RSVP by clicking:
HUNTING SEASON: (WEAR BLAZE ORANGE ON THE TRAILS)
Deer archery: 10/3 to 11/13 and 12/13 – 1/2/27
Muzzleloader: 10/31-11/13; 12/12 – 1/2/27
Rifle: 11/14 to 11/28
More information: https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/
RIDGERUNNER’S END OF SEASON:
Melissa Finelli will end her Ridgerunner season with us on Oct. 15th. She has done amazing work in helping and educating trail visitors, reporting trail problems, and has worked tirelessly to remove unwanted campfire rings. We hope to see her again in the 2027 Ridgerunner season!
NEW PARK MANAGER AT GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK
Michael Bender is the new GHSP Park Manager, replacing Marci Holland, who retired in December. We hope to meet Michael at the club’s Partnership meeting Nov. 18th. Information about that meeting will come out in early November.
FALL NATURALIST RALLY - OCT. 16-18
For registration and information on field trips, visit:
ATC REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP MEETING, SAT. OCT. 24
The RPC Fall 2026 Meeting will be held on October 24, 2026, at the Henderson School of Appalachian Arts in Marion, Virginia from 9 - 5PM.
While a Zoom option will be available, we encourage participants to join us onsite if possible. Regardless of how you plan to attend, please register using the link below:
This is local. Club members are invited. It’s a good opportunity to meet members of other Virginia trail clubs and talk about trail topics we all share.
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