top of page
Search

MRATC Activities and Information, Week of Feb. 8-14, 2026

Updated: Feb 15

OPPORTUNITY TO MEET ATC’S NEW CEO AT THE TRAIL CENTER:  WED., FEB. 11TH, FROM 7:30 TO 9 A.M. – CASUAL CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST.

Several ATC staff are converging on Damascus next week for a retreat to plan and coordinate our Hurricane Helene recovery work. Our new President and CEO, Cinda Waldbuesser, will be joining us! This is Cinda's first opportunity to visit Damascus since she stepped into the role in November. Here's her bio: https://appalachiantrail.org/leadership/cinda-waldbuesser/ 


If you'd like to meet her, and mingle with other ATC staff who are coming to town from far-off lands, you're invited to join us for breakfast at the Damascus Trail Center (209 West Laurel Ave, Damascus, VA) on Wednesday, February 11. We'll have a casual continental breakfast spread, and you're welcome to drop in anytime between 7:30 and 9 a.m.

 

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).

 

Chainsaw and Crosscut saw classes for new sawyers and those who need to recertify have been scheduled for our area (Sugar Grove). Follow links. Also check with Doug at mratcinfo@gmail.com

if you need to check your recertification date or need other information.

 

 

·        MRNRA-SAWS Crosscut March 31st-April 2nd: MRNRA Crosscut Saw Course March 30 - April 2, 2026

 

 

MRATC HIKES:

             

WEEKLY FRIDAY HIKE:

Friday, Feb. 13: Though we may get unlucky with winter weather, our plan will be a Valentine's Day themed hike to Natural Tunnel State Park, a little over an hour's drive from Abingdon.  We'll descend to the tunnel, possibly the much less visited north portal.  Afterwards we'll walk the perimeter of the huge amphitheater to two overlooks, including Lover's Leap (no jumping).  Overall hike distance will be in the 3-4 mile range.  Meet at Lowe's in Abingdon at 9:00 AM; bring lunch, water, and suitable clothing.  Please contact hike leader Joe DeLoach, deloachjoe@gmail.com or 423-416-1739, by the day before the hike to sign up or for more information.


Attached photo shows hikers undeterred by the damp and cold on the Creeper Trail on Friday, Feb. 6th – led by Judith Foster.

 

Sat. Feb. 14: Hike the Iron Mt Trail from Skulls Gap to Beartree. We will begin at the view area on Rd 600, take the Skulls Gap Trail to Iron Mt Trail, and finish on Shaw Gap Trail, about 7-8 miles total, moderate difficulty. Cars at both ends. Meet at the caboose in Damascus Town Park at 8:30 AM. Bring water, snacks, and rain gear if weather threatens. Let hike leader Heidi Dixon-White know if you plan to come by emailing mtrogersatc@gmail.com  Note: this is where the AT is being temporarily rerouted due to work on the Creeper Trail. GPS address of Damascus Town Park: 301 S. Beaver Dam Ave, Damascus, VA 24236

 

WINTER NATURALIST RALLY: Feb. 21. Save the date! Programs will include pottery-making, post-hurricane geology, and human-animal encounters. For details, visit www.blueridgediscoverycenter.org

 

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

bottom of page