MRATC Activities and Information, Week – Oct. 18 – 24, 2026
TRAIL WORK:
On Thursday Oct 22nd the group will work to install blaze posts on the AT north of
Massie Gap in an open area that is difficult to navigate in bad weather. We will be doing this work along with Conner McBane of the ATC. The group will hike from Massie Gap to Rhododendron Gap to collect tools and materials. Hike distance is expected to be around 5 miles. Meet at Massie Gap at 9:30 a.m.
RSVP by clicking:
HIKES:
Fri., Oct. 23: Join us for an out and back approx. 5 mile hike from Raccoon Branch Campground to Dickey Knob. The trailhead is located on Route 16, Sugar Grove Hwy. Parking is across Hwy, 16 from the campground horse trailer parking. We will have lunch at the old fire tower spot at the top. Bring lunch, water, hiking poles and rain gear. Hike leader is Niki Weir.
This hike is in a Wilderness area that limits the number to 10 hikers.
Meet up locations are Abingdon Lowe's @ 9AM or Raccoon Branch Campground @ 9:45AM.
If you prefer to depart from Damascus, please note that on the RSVP.
RSVP by clicking: Dickey Knob Hike | MRATC
Sat. Oct. 24: Rowland Creek Falls.
About 4 miles RT easy to moderate, with the option to go further as this is part of a 12 mile loop. The hike is through a flat wooded area, then along Rowland Creek, mostly a gentle uphill with some creek crossings to a downward path to the falls, including one with a small pool.
Depending on the depth of the creek wet feet are a possibility, so bringing boots or water shoes might be advised, along with poles to help with the creek crossings and the downhill trail to the falls. Hopefully there will be lots of fall color.
Meet at 9:30 at Lowes in Abingdon or 10:15 at the Rowland Creek Falls trailhead. Bring water, lunch and dress for the weather. Leader is Sharon Trumbley.
RSVP by clicking: Rowland Creek Falls | MRATC
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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