MRATC Activities and Information, Week of Feb. 22 – 28, 2026
- drewcatherine34
- Feb 22
- 3 min read
Note: Next Sunday, March 1, the Sunday email could come out later in the day than usual.
MRATC TRAIL WORK:The club will resume regular weekly group trail work in March. Until then, we will go out if a trail issue that is reported suggests a need (mratcinfo@gmail.com).
Attention MRATC Section Monitors who don’t already have the Far Out app to identify the AT mile for trail issues you want to report to the club’s Trail Supervisor:
FarOut Giveaway for A.T. Volunteer Trail Maintainers:
The ATC, thanks to our friends at Atlas Guides, producers of the FarOut app, are extending an invitation to A.T. volunteers that entitles them to free Appalachian Trail maps for their mobile device (a value of up to $74.99).
This is just one way the ATC is able to say 'thank you' to stewards of the Trail. The deadline is March 15th. Open the link below to learn more and apply.
If you already have the app from previous years, it is automatically updated, so you don’t need to re-apply.
MRATC HIKES:
WEEKLY FRIDAY HIKE:
Friday, Feb. 27: Hikers either meet at Lowes in Abingdon at 9AM or at Bays Mountain in Kingsport in the parking lot at 10AM. We will do an approximate. 6 mile hike led by Jan Mather. Park fees are approx. $7 so let’s plan on carpooling where possible. Bring lunch, water and appropriate cold weather or rain gear for the hike. Please contact Jan at jcmath01@gmail.com if you plan to attend the hike. Please include if you will meet in Abingdon or at Bay’s Mt.
Saturday, Feb. 28: Skulls Gap to Rte. 603 (Fairwood Valley) Late winter hike on the Iron Mtn and Flat Top Trails. Hike North on the Iron Mtn Trail (IMT) from Rt 600 on a mixture of woods trails and old roads to Cherry Tree Shelter at 4 miles, then down the FlatTop trail to parking lot on 603 across from the Mt Rogers Trail. About 6 miles total, mostly moderate and possibly muddy or snowy hiking. Cars at both ends. Meet at 9:30 AM at the pull-off on Rte. 600 next to the IMT crossing (about 1 mile southeast on Rte. 600 from the Skulls Gap Overlook). Let hike leader Sharon Trumbley know you are coming by emailing mtrogersatc@gmail.com Note: This is where the AT is being temporarily rerouted due to work on the Creeper Trail. GPS for parking on 600: approximately 36.709216, -81.620944
MRATC MEETING: Monday, March 2, 7 p.m. on Zoom. Topic: Can we improve member engagement? Do we give new members enough information about the club and its activities? How can we encourage more members to help with activities or take on club tasks and leadership roles?
All members welcome to participate in the discussion – especially newer members! Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89517608297?pwd=CSPZvO2jvAMaIb9WstYnbb4DwTfLjr.1
Note: The Zoom host is expecting internet down time and will re-confirm or postpone the meeting in next Sunday’s club email.
UPCOMING MARCH 6TH, 3:00 TO 6:30 P.M. - DROP IN TO CELEBRATE AT THE TRAIL CENTER AS THE ATC TURNS 101.
See poster:
UPCOMING: MARCH 27-29 - ATC SOUTHERN PARTNERSHIP MEETING. This year, at Mountain Lake in Pembroke, VA. Club members are welcome to sign up to attend either one day or the whole weekend, virtually or in person. It’s a great opportunity to meet members of other trail clubs in VA, NC, TN and GA. See attachment for information on meals and lodging.
If you plan on attending either in person or virtually, please REGISTER HERE. Those who register will receive agenda information when it becomes available.
Comments