MRATC Activities and Information, Week of Oct. 13–20, 2024

MRATC TRAIL WORK and hurricane cleanup:

All Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area trails are closed, including the AT. Signs are posted. Some AT sections from Georgia into North Carolina are being opened. Central and Northern VA suffered less damage and the AT there has remained open. The ATC website is updated often: https://appalachiantrail.org/trail-updates/ga-va-tropical-storm-helene/

On MRATC’s AT section, with a couple small exceptions our shelters, bridges and privies appear to have come through the storm with little to no damage, which is great news. Thanks to Ridgerunner Jim for being our eyes out there and for advocating on our behalf!

The USFS closure is still in place, so we are prohibited from assessing the trail or doing trail work, other than in Grayson Highlands State Park, which opened a few days ago. In general it appears the section of AT within the park is fine.

We are optimistic that we'll have clearance to get back on the trail soon, so please be patient... though I agree it is difficult. When we do have that clearance, we will take a very controlled and measured approach to our work. If we were looking for job security as AT volunteers, I think we'll have it.

Thanks for your continued patience, and updates will be shared as we have them.

Thanks!

Doug

USFS WEBSITE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ON CLOSURES AND OPENINGS IN THE MT. ROGERS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA AND OTHER AREAS OF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON/JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj

GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK HAS REOPENED!

THE VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL IS NOW OPEN BETWEEN ABINGDON AND DAMASCUS. The part of the trail on USFS land east of Damascus is still closed. Many VCT trestles were damaged in the hurricane.

THE DAMASCUS TRAIL CENTER WILL REOPEN OCT. 15TH. Businesses in Damascus are opening this weekend.

MRATC HIKES:

The hike to have been led by Felicia Mitchell on Wed. Oct.16th on the AT and Creeper Trail has been canceled.

The hike from Cross Mtn. to Low Gap (421) in Shady Valley, TN, led by Sharon Trumbley has also been canceled. (The AT in TN has numerous blowdowns.)

The Friday hiking group is holding small group hikes every Friday, as current trail conditions permit – hikes may not be on the AT for a while until the trail can be cleared. Contact Judith for information: judithannfoster@gmail.com; 276-623-2408.

CLUB’S DONATION TO HURRICANE RELIEF:

The MRATC Board voted to make a substantial donation from the club to United Way of SW VA Disaster Relief Fund.

UPCOMING: FALL ARCHERY, MUZZLELOADER AND RIFLE SEASONS - times to wear blaze orange in the woods, when we can get out there: In general, archery season started Oct. 5th, muzzleloader starts Nov. 2, and deer rifle season is Nov. 16-30. For specifics, visit: https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/

APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY VIRGINIA REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP MEETING AT BLUE RIDGE DISCOVERY CENTER, SAT. OCT. 19TH. (This event will take place at that location, in spite of the recent hurricane.) For travel: Rte. 762/600, Exit 35 off I-81 in Chilhowie is clear all the way. Rte. 58 might still be under repair between Konnarock and Damascus.

Since it’s local, MRATC members might want to attend. Use this link to register. Agenda and meeting materials will be sent by the ATC to those who register.

https://volunteer.appalachiantrail.org/s/atc-project-details?c__recId=a0qUI0000013QF7

UPCOMING IN NOVEMBER:

Friday, Nov. 8, from 9-12, at the MRNRA Visitor Center, Hwy. 16: The Forest Service along with the Smyth County Dept. of Tourism is sponsoring a Leave No Trace Spotlight Event Friday November 8th. Interested club members will need to register for this event. CiviCRM - Leave No Trace (lnt.org). The focus will be on communication of Leave No Trace practices to people we meet on the trail.