Dec 13, 2024 · RATC volunteers helped Avery and volunteers from other areas complete the Trail all the way to New River, near Galax, and Dick drew the first official map of the route.

Proceeds support the mission of the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club (RATC) to maintain 120+ miles of trails, 16 shelters and privies, and 53 bridges on the AT from Lickskillet Hollow in Giles County to Black Horse Gap in Botetourt County, including Virginia’s Triple Crown: Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs.

The fourteen hikes listed here, shown from the northern end of the RATC's AT section running south along the trail, include all 120+ miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail that the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club (RATC) maintains.

The RATC-maintained hikes south of the New River (hikes 12, 13, and 14) are displayed on Southwest Virginia A.T. map 1. FarOut Trail Guide Apps Maps of the entire AT for either Apple or Android smart phones.

* Email [email protected] to report any problems with our section of trail you encounter while out hiking. This includes trees fallen across the trail, overgrown sections of trail, or vandalism or trash seen along the trail or in the trailhead parking lots.

It passes Jenny Knob Shelter before reaching Route 611, the southern terminus of the section of the A.T. maintained by the RATC. Elevation Gain/ (Loss): 1,600/ (1,000)

RATC is an active organization devoting countless volunteer hours to maintain and improve our 120 mile section of the Appalachian Trail (AT). Annual membership is affordable, i.e., $25 for a Family membership and $20 for an Individual.

Stories can be submitted to our editor Ron Bradbury via [email protected] Deadlines for the Blazer are as follows:

RATC maintains 120+ miles from Rt. 611 near Bland, Virginia to Black Horse Gap near the Blue Ridge Parkway mile marker 97. The club also maintains Blue blazed side trails that access the AT in our section.

The club is always looking for experienced hikers to lead hikes or assist hike leaders. If you know of someone that you think would be a good hike leader or assistant hike leader, or you wish to volunteer, please contact the Hikemaster at [email protected] Have a suggestion for a hike you’d like to see offered? Let us know!