MRATC ACTIVITIES, WEEK OF SEPT. 13-19, 2026
TRAIL WORK:
On Wed Sept 16th we will finish lopping along the trail between Elk Garden and Deep Gap. Hiking distance is about 4 miles round trip and loppers and shears will be the primary tools of choice. If time and/or group size allows there may be a side trip to Whitetop to address a blowdown slightly south of the Whitetop parking area.
Meet at the Elk Garden AT pkg. lot on Rte. 600, Whitetop Rd., at 9 a.m.
Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards Grayson Highlands Pine Mountain cabin Overnight Volunteer event:
September 18-20
Meet at the Appalachian Trail Fox Creek Parking Lot, Friday, September 18th , 3pm.
2 nights at the cabin. We will maintain portions of the Appalachian Trail and Pine Mountain Trails over the weekend.
Bring long pants, closed toe shoes, gloves, lunch , snacks and sleeping gear. Bring a day pack for your walk up the mountain.
SAWS will provide tools, breakfast, supper and a shuttle for your gear up the mountain to the cabin.
We will return to the Fox Creek parking area around 3pm on Sunday.
Sign up here:
Any questions: Jim Baum, 336.209.8799 or jimbaum@wildernessstewards.org
MRATC HIKES:
Friday, Sept. 18: Little Stoney Creek Falls Trail: The trail follows an old narrow gauge
railroad bed near a steam. There are footbridges, stepping stones and some rock scrambling on the 2.6 mile up to the falls. The incline is mostly gentle. Hike length either 5.2 or 6 miles out and back. Length TBD day of. Hiking boots and poles are encouraged. Please bring water, lunch and rain gear. The drive to the trailhead is approx. 52 miles.
Meet up locations are Abingdon Lowes 9AM, Russell Road Park and Ride 9:10AM or Hanging Rock Recreation Trail Head @ 10:10AM. Hike leader is Carol Keene.
RSVP:
Saturday, Sept. 19: Enjoy a Brumley Trail hike with a possible great view and lots of Bottle Gentian. Meet at 9:30 AM at the Brumley trailhead on Hidden Valley Rd off of US 19. The trailhead for this section of Brumley Mountain is on the left just before
Hidden Valley Lake. Moderate hike of 4 - 5 miles from the Trailhead to the lake with a possible in and out to a rocky view over Hansonville, and if it’s like last year, lots of Bottle Gentian. Cars at both ends and the possibility of an additional hike around the lake for those who want more. Bring lunch/snacks, rain gear, water, and poles if you use them. Long pants recommended due to overgrown trail in places. Hike leader Sharon Trumbley.
Meet at Brumley Trailhead, or Goodwill on Rt 19 out of Abingdon to car pool at 9:00.
RSVP:
PUBLIC LANDS DAY EVENT: Friday, Sept. 25, Damascus Trail Center, starting 2 p.m.
See flyer at bottom for details on this event.
Sign up using this link to help greet visitors to MRATC booth (3 hr. shifts, 2 people each to allow for breaks):
or reply to this notice and you will be written in!
DAMASCUS TRAIL CENTER: VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
To learn more, click this link.
Topic-specific training during coffee hours is available this fall on Thursday mornings. Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 7.
FALL NATURALIST RALLY COMING SOON! OCT. 16-18
For registration and information on field trips, visit:
:
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