MRATC Activities and Information, Week of Dec. 14 - 20, 2025

MRATC TRAIL WORK:

The club has ended our regular weekly group maintenance season. We will go out if a trail issue that is reported suggests a need (mratcinfo@gmail.com).

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MRATC HIKES:

WEEKLY FRIDAY HIKE:

Friday, December 19: Meet prepared to depart Lowe's at 9 AM to hike the Laurel Creek Trail. We'll meet Damascus hikers at the caboose 9:15 AM. Bring lunch, water and dress warmly. Leader: Judith Foster. Please RSVP: judithannfoster@gmail.com

Saturday, December 20: Celebrate Winter Solstice (eve) and the spirit of the holiday season by enjoying each other’s company on a moderate four-mile or so out-and-back hike on the Appalachian Trail South near Damascus Town Park (202 South Beaverdam Avenue, Damascus, VA), less than 1000 foot elevation gain estimated, followed by a stroll in downtown Damascus with a stop in a café or restaurant for lunch (to be determined by the group). Meet at 9:30 AM near the caboose at the Damascus Town Park parking lot. Bring water and snacks, rain/winter gear, poles as needed. Hike leader: Felicia Mitchell. Email Felicia at mtrogersatc@gmail.com to sign up for the hike and receive relevant updates.

Attached photo shows hike participants on a snowy Friday, Dec.12th.

UPCOMING WINTER HIKES AND CELEBRATIONS:

Celebration of New Year: “First Day” Hike at Hungry Mother, Thu., Jan. 1 – details will be sent out in Sunday email right after Christmas.

Friday, Jan. 2: Traditional New Year POTLUCK – 12 noon at Judith’s house.

25386 Cornelius Dr, Abingdon, VA 24211

Please RSVP

judithannfoster@gmail.com

GROUNDBREAKING FOR THE VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION

DECEMBER 18TH AT 3:30PM AT THE DAMASCUS TOWN PARK

Note: MRATC will set up a table of club information at the Trail Center from noon until 5 p.m. that day. If you can help for any of that time, please reply to this email. You can also stay on for the Trail Center Volunteers’ annual potluck from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Towns of Damascus and Abingdon are delighted to invite you to a groundbreaking ceremony, hosted in partnership with Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., to celebrate the kickoff of the reconstruction of the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail, between Damascus and Whitetop Station. Join us at the Damascus Town Park on Thursday, December 18th, at 3:30pm, to celebrate this significant milestone.

A quick reminder: This groundbreaking will be in December in Trail Town USA! This is an outdoor event. Please dress comfortably for the weather.