ISSN 098—8154

The Newsletter of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Volume 30, Number 9 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180-4609 September 2001

New Hiking Guide

ATC is pleased to announce the publica- descriptions, a mileage diagram is provided Ption of the “Guide to Great Nort h in each section for planning circuit hikes Mountain Trails.” The first edition covers and for planning longer circuits that cross the trails on the Virginia-West Virginia bor- into other trail groups. Day hiking and der in the Lee Ranger District of the backpacking options abound in the trails George Washington National Forest. covered by this guide.

The guide was written by Wil Kohlbrenner, The guide contains a wealth of historical a volunteer for the Forest Service, who has information for anyone interested in earlier spent many years in PATC’s trails steward- uses of wagon roads, old chimney stones, ship program on trails in the Lee District. iron blast furnaces, charcoal hearths, and Wil is also the editor of the 16th edition of various diggings to be discovered along the the “Guide to Massanutten Mountain trails. In addition to describing the trails and Hiking Trails.” the historical data, the Guide communicates the importance of rainfall on the mountains “Guide to Great North Mountain Trails” is and its impact on the Washington, D.C. written to correspond with the 2001 revi- metropolitan area. sion of PATC Map F, published just a few months ago. The highlight of the book is a The “Guide to Great North Mountain 25-mile circuit hike with several overlooks Trails,” PATC Map F, and the “Guide to through one of the more remote areas in our Massanutten Mountain Hiking Trails” may region. The Forest Service relocated the be ordered directly from PATC by calling north end of the longest trail in the circuit 703/242-0693 or by visiting the online store Big Schloss, as seen looking south from just one year ago, a change long anticipated at www.patc.net. The “Guide to Gre a t the Mill Mountain trail. by PATC and local backpackers. A mileage North Mountain Trails” is not yet available diagram in the guide assists backpackers in More than 40 trails are divided into five sec- in stores. o planning the circuit. tions in the guide. In addition to trail —Wil Kohlbrenner

Make Your Plans Now for PATC’s In This Issue . . . Council Fire ...... 2 Annual Meeting and Dinner Walt’s Notes ...... 3 Mike Karpie’s Photo Tips ...... 4 ark your calendar now for PATC’s Lasagna. A fee of $20.00 per person will be M2001 Annual Meeting/Dinner. collected in advance for those who come for Corridor Management Gets Grant . . .4 dinner. The children’s fee is $10.00. There Trail Crews in the Lee Ranger Dist. . .5 Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001. That’s the date. is no fee for those only attending the meet- 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. That’s the time. Elks ing. Blackburn Pig Roast ...... 5 Lodge 2188, Fairfax, Va. That’s the place. Combined Federal Campaign ...... 6 The Elks Lodge is at 8421 Arlington Blvd. The meeting and dinner are open to all (Rt. 50) in Fairfax. It is just west of the I-495 SNP North District Trails Workshop .6 Club members and their families and will exit on Rt. 50. Please make your reservation Massanutten Ring: Guide to Trails . . .7 feature our various committees, which will before Nov. 1, and bring a friend. Key be showing off their displays. Come on over speakers and entertainment for your enjoy- Forecast ...... 8 and find out what’s been going on in the ment will be announced in the October Notices ...... 13 Club this year and what we have in store for newsletter. Fill out the registration form on the 75th Anniversary next year. Tickets will page 3, and mail it back to PATC by Nov. 1, Trailhead ...... 14 be distributed at the door for prizes present- 2001. As always, we will need a lot of volun- Backpacking 202 ...... 15 ed later in the evening. A cocktail buffet and teers to handle various tasks to help coordi- cash bar opens the social hour, followed by nate a successful event. If you’re interested, Volunteers Appointed ...... 15 a buffet dinner featuring Boneless Chicken please contact Pat Fankhauser at 703/242- B reast Cordon Bleu and Ve g e t a r i a n 0693, Ext. 17, or [email protected]. o Help Wanted ...... 16 Council Members, Chairs and PA Staff Council Fire Officers President: Walt Smith, 703/242-0693 t its regular monthly meeting on July votes from absent Council members to Ext. 40, [email protected] A10, the Council was briefed by achieve the required two-thirds majority. VP Operations: Vacant Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) Board VP Volunteerism: Mickey McDermott Member and former PATC President Sandi Finance Supervisor of Trails: Kerry Snow Marra on the current goals and probable It was announced that a “liquidity account” Supervisor of Corridor Management: future course of the ATC. She said among Tom Lupp has been established for holding money for the priorities are minimizing user impacts General Secretary (Facilities): Jon Rindt expenditures from restricted funds for pro- General Counsel: Charles Sloan on the AT, control of invasive and exotic jects approved by the Council, such as land Membership Secretary: Liles Creighton plant species, preservation of historic and p u rchases. The Council approved the Treasurer: Gerhard Salinger cultural resources, and monitoring air pollu- appointment of Joanne Duncan, chief finan- Recording Secretary: George Meek tion. Since ATC faces a budget shortfall, it cial officer of the Insurance Association of might have to consider accepting more fed- America, to serve on the PATC Endowment Sections/Chapters eral dollars, particularly with the delegation Committee until June 30, 2004. The new Mountaineering Section: Mack Muir agreement coming up for renewal in 2003. PATC Business Manager, Rebecca Emig, SMRG: Peter Pennington Ski Touring Section: Steve Brickel was introduced to the Council. Employees North Chapter: Steve Koeppen Constitution and Bylaws of REI have nominated PATC for a $3,000 N. Shenandoah Valley Chapter: Martha Clark The Council completed consideration of the grant. S. Shenandoah Valley Chapter: Michael Groah draft revision of the Club’s Constitution and Charlottesville Chapter: John Shannon Bylaws by approving the following language The Council unanimously approved a new West Virginia Chapter: Judy Smoot for Article V, Section 2, of the Constitution: policy for funding of chapters, eliminating “Special Meetings may be called by the the current formula for funding through Standing Committee Chairs President, or shall be called by the President dues reimbursement. The new procedure is (Council Members) upon written petition of not less than twen- as follows: The Chapters of PATC will Blackburn Trail Center: Chris Brunton ty-five members in good standing, upon annually, during the Club budget process, Budget: Paul Dery Cabins Operations: Mel Merritt written notification to all Club members provide a budget request to the Budget Cabin Construction: Charlie Graf mailed not less than two weeks prior to the Committee that requests funding, provides Conservation: Mary Margaret Sloan date of the special meeting. The petition an overview of the present year’s activities, Grants & Donations: Tom Madden shall specify the reason for the meeting, describes chapter goals and activities for the Endowment: Don Price which shall be limited to that purpose. The next budget year along with any long-term Finance: Gerhard Salinger notification shall state the purpose of the goals, and presents the Chapter assets and Hikes: Karen Brown & Tom Johnson meeting. In the event that the special meet- income from other sources. Discussion clar- Internet Services: Stephen Raia ing requires Council action, a majority of ified that submission of Chapter member- Land Management: Tom Johnson the members of the Council shall constitute Legal: Charles Sloan ship lists will no longer be required and that Maps: Dave Pierce a quorum for the transaction of business, the chapter budget submissions will specify Maryland Appalachian Trail Management and a majority of the quorum shall consti- the purposes for which the money is being Committee: Charlie Graf tute the act of the Council.” requested. Potomac Appalachian: Linda Shannon-Beaver Public Affairs: Larry Rockwell The draft amendments to the Constitution The Budget Committee announced it would Publications: Aaron Watkins and Bylaws were approved without dissent circulate the 2002 budget package at the Shelters: Frank Turk for submission to the membership at the August Council meeting, with an initial Trail Lands Acquisition: Phil Paschall & Eric Olson Nov. 14 general meeting, subject to mail Trail Patrol: Kumait Jawdat Tuscarora Trail Land Management: See Council Fire, page 4 Lloyd MacAskill

Special Committees/Ongoing Activities Archives & Library: Carol Niedzialek Cabin Reservations: Darlene Wall Deputy Supervisor of Trails: Hop Long Headquarters Facility: Orron Kee Information/Sales Desks: Marguerite Schneeberger Medical: John McNamara HOW TOHEADQUARTERS GET IN CONTACT WITH US Shelters, Cabins, & Cabins Land Fund: Jon Rindt FOR CABIN RESERVATIONS, SNP Boundary Trailheads Study Group: MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION, AND SALES Mark Holland Tuscarora Trail Shenandoah Valley Project: Address: 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Phoebe Kilby & Larry Bradford and Thursday and Friday 12 noon to 2 p.m. Phone #: 703/242-0315 Potomac Appalachian To receive an information packet: Extension 10 Chief Editor: Linda Shannon-Beaver To leave a message for the Club President Walt Smith: Extension 40 [email protected] 24-hr. Activities Tape #: 703/242-0965 Contributing Editors: Marion Lee, Kathy Murphy Facsimile #: 703/242-0968 Features Editor: Joanne Erickson Club e-mail: [email protected] Forecast Editor: Joe O’Neill World Wide Web URL: http://www.patc.net [email protected] DURING REGULARSTAFF BUSINESS HOURS 2 Director of Administration: Wilson Riley (Ext. 11) e-mail: [email protected] Appalachian Trails Management Coordinator: Heidi Forrest (Ext. 12) e-mail: [email protected] Business Manager: Rebecca Emig (ext. 15) Membership/Cabin Coordinator: Pat Fankhauser (Ext. 17) e-mail: [email protected] Sales Coordinator: Maureen Estes (Ext. 19) e-mail: [email protected] Walt’s Notes Will Your Vision Become Part tinction is now held by the Tuscarora Trail, certain of them for serving meals.” Can Of Our Future? which winds a distance of 254 miles through there be primitive cooking areas? Vi rginia, West Vi rginia, Maryland, and embers of the Futures Group have Pennsylvania. Moreover, we are no longer Ever since the last Ice Age our geographic begun to assemble a vision of PATC’s M maintaining trails only in the mountains. In area has been changing. What was primitive activities as they might exist in the year the 1970s, we began a spurt of urban trail 10,000 years ago is certainly different today. 2027, our 100th anniversary. In order to acquisitions: Rock Creek Park trails in D.C., Webster’s Dictionary defines primitive as inject an element of discipline into the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Cabin John, and the process, the group has attempted to project “of or relating to the earliest age or period.” Billy Goat trails in Maryland, the Bull Run- trends in the areas of trail maintenance, Certainly our definition of primitive will Occoquan and Potomac Heritage trails in cabin and shelter construction, land acquisi- depend upon circumstances. Even the ATC Virginia, and trails in Great Falls Park in tion, hiking and excursions, and other activ- Board of Managers policy suggests that con- both Maryland and Vi rginia. To d a y, the ities undertaken since the Club was estab- ditions change, indicating that although the emphasis on trail-land acquisition is for the lished in 1927. C o n f e rence guidelines “are intended to Tuscarora Trail and Shenandoah National apply primarily to the effects of actions or Park trailheads. Is the pendulum swinging However, forecasting what we might do programs on predominantly natural, wild, back once again toward emphasis on acquir- some years hence is not an easy task. We and remote environments along the Trail, ing mountain trails? have not necessarily been consistent while they may apply to certain pastoral, cultural, pursuing Club objectives. Hiking is an and rural landscapes as well.” As develop- example where the emphasis has changed Primitive Versus ment presses against the AT in Northern over the years. Paula Strain wrote in the July Nonprimitive Virginia in spite of our efforts to expand the 2000 PA that “PATC hiking over 70 years The location and degree of PATC activities corridor through land acquisition, we shall falls into three periods, each roughly a quar- is only a part of our vision. Another consid- continue to experience a change in “primi- ter century—or a generation—long. In the eration is the environment. Can we define tive” conditions. first generation of the Club, hikes were an the location of our activities in any way equal partner with work trips. Then there other than we want the place to be “green?” Will Your Definition Become was a period in which hiking was the most We do tend to talk about having primitive Our Vision? important activity of Club members. In the experiences on trails, especially on the On Tuesday evening, Sept. 18, in the latest generation, hiking as a Club activity Appalachian Trail. In 1995, the ATC Board Headquarters Building, the Futures Group seems to depend largely on individual initia- of Managers indicated that the Conference tive.” Paula, in Part III of her series of arti- “should take into account the effects of will continue to define our vision of this cles on the subject, begs the question, Trail-management programs on the primi- changing world. Only the future will pro- “What will the future bring? It’s up to you, tive and natural qualities of the Appalachian vide an answer concerning the success of the the membership, to decide that.” Trail and the primitive recreational experi- group’s predictions. However, as Paula said, ence the Trail is intended to provide.” What “It is up to you, the membership, to decide.” Predicting Future Trails do we mean by this description of “primi- Now you could ask, “Haven’t we been more tive?” Does it include the portion of the AT I hope that some of you may join us on the consistent with trail operations?” Well, sort that crosses Skyline Drive and hugs camp- 18th and become part of the vision. Help us of. We have always placed emphasis on g rounds and snack bars in Shenandoah define what the trails should look like down maintaining the Appalachian Trail. At the National Park? Does the definition include the road. Help us paint the blazes in the ATC Presidents’ meeting in 2000, it was buildings as Benton MacKaye indicated in right direction. acknowledged that PATC maintains the his 1921 vision of the AT? MacKaye antici- longest section of the AT — 240 miles. pated that the walking trail would connect See you on the trail, However, the AT is no longer the longest recreational facilities. All of the facilities segment of trail that we maintain. That dis- “should be equipped always for sleeping and

Registration for Annual Meeting/Dinner

Name: ______E-mail: ______

Address: ______

Number of adults: ______Number of children: ______Phone: ______Please enclose a check in the amount of $20 per adult/$10 per child for dinner. Mail to: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club 118 Park Street SE Vienna, Virginia 22180 Attn: Annual Meeting Because PATC pays for dinners in advance, no refunds after November 1, 2001.

Potomac Appalachian 3 Council Fire, from page 2 response expected by September and final Mike Karpie’s Photo Tips: vote in December. Photographing Wildlife, Part III

Montgomery County Accord he best times to see wildlife are dawn The Council approved a memorandum of Tand dusk. At dawn you will have more understanding with the Montgomery opportunity for photos if you stick to the County Department of Park and ridgetop. As air is warmed by the morning Planning/M-NCPPC and the Mid-Atlantic sun it begins to drift upward, following the Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE). The accord slope of the mountains. Animals find it covers the roles, responsibilities, and liabil- advantageous to stay on the ridgetop where ity of each party in regards to the Cabin they are more likely to detect the scent of an John Trail for a trial period of joint hiker- approaching predator. In the evening you biker use. The text of the agreement was may find more wildlife in the hollows as the amended to clarify that joint PATC/MORE cooling evening air drifts downward. work trips will be led by a PATC member. If you are hiking, try stopping every now and Trail Lands then and simply stand or sit for several min- It was announced that the owners the 38- utes. Sometimes an animal may be near the acre tract of land for sale near the John’s trail but has remained unnoticed by keeping Rest Cabin indicated that they would be pe r fectly still. If you remain stopped long willing to sell the property to PATC for enough it will begin to get nervous and move Next Month: Autumn Splendor! $38,000, but that they want to obtain an aw a y , revealing its presence. If you have no appraisal and take a tax write-off if the land pa r ticular destination or time frame, find a The archive of Photo Tips and sample pho- is valued higher than the Club’s offer. Final la r ge rock or outcropping in a wooded area tos can be found at: to sit on, perhaps near a water source. If you papers were signed for the sale of the Amy ht t p : / / w w w. g e o c i t i e s . c o m / m k a r p i e / t i p s . h t m l Tate Jones pro p e rty to the Vi rg i n i a remain still for an hour or two there is no Department of Game and Inland Fisheries telling what surprises you may find! — Michael R. Karpie (which was approved at the June Council meeting). Corridor Management Program Other Business The Futures Group continues work on the Receives Grant From ATC of $1,500 Vision Statement for 2027. On Aug. 21, the Facilities Group was scheduled to present he Corridor Management program has its views. Treceived a 2001 grant from the Appalachian Trail Conference. A grant of Repairs have been completed at Range $1,500 was awarded for the construction of View Cabin, and it has been reopened. two vandal-proof sign boards. The sign Good progress has been made in repairing boards will provide information for trail Meadows Cabin. Additional funds will be users at heavily used access points. needed for Highacre for roof replacement Volunteer hours and Club funds will be used and termite treatment. to match this grant.

New caretakers are being sought for The sign boards were manufactured by Blackburn Trail Center, which is in the final Hopewell Manufacturing of Hagerstown, stages of renovation and is receiving heavy Md., and have been used along the AT at use by hikers. areas where vandalism has been a problem. With the help of Rick Canter and several The membership re p o rt showed 6,547 members of the South Mountaineers, the members for July, but the total is fluctuating first sign board was installed in late April at because of programming problems that are Weverton, Md. The sign board is located a Weverton signboard. being worked out. few yards in from the road as you head bution to the Conference by L.L. Bean. north up the trail toward the cliffs. The sec- L.L. Bean has been a corporate supporter of Trail Patrol reported four ridgerunners are ond sign board is located at the 725 parking the Conference for more than a decade and on the job. Leave-No-Trace training is set lot off VA Rt 55 near Linden, Va. The has been the primary funding source for the for Sept. 21. installation in August was done by volun- Grants-to-Clubs program for the past four teers led by Ed McKnew, Virginia District years. Since 1979, ATC has awarded more The July Council meeting was attended by Trail Manager. than a quarter-million dollars in modest 21 Council members, two staff persons, one grants through this program to support var- member, and one Board member of ATC. o The ATC’s Grants-to-Clubs program was ious Club projects. o —George Meek, Recording Secretary this year funded at $20,000 due to a contri- —Tom Lupp 4 Potomac Appalachian PATC Trail Crews in the Lee Ranger District

The accompanying article (page 7) about the You’re still interested, but you can only trails that are maintained by other groups. Massanutten Ring praises the years of hard work work a weekend day? Other PATC trail For example, they assisted a Girl Scout by PAT C ’s Massarock Cre w, which re t u rn s crews have room for folks who can work a troop over the past four years in completing every year in the early summer and two more weekend day. These are the Stonewall a relocation of a trail that the troop adopted. weeks in early fall to build new trails in the Brigade and the Massanutten Crew (not to Six of the girls “crossed over” to senior national forest. You may be curious about be confused with the Massarock Crew). The scouting last May and received a Silver PATC’s variety of trail crews “on the Lee.” Stonewall Brigade and Massanutten Crew Award for their work. work once a month, usually a Saturday, he Massarock Crew is a week-long except during hunting seasons when they The Stonewall Brigade works on the third Tcrew (five days). The crew stays at a switch to Sunday to avoid the hunters. Saturday (or Sunday) of the month. (Yes, Forest Service campground, and all meals you could work with both crews, and some are provided at a nearby summer camp The Massanutten Crew works on the sec- do!) The Stonewall Brigade focuses on the under an agreement between the Forest ond Saturday (or Sunday) of the month. Lee’s western trails, in the Great North Service and PATC. The crew has new mem- This crew focuses on the trails on Mountain area, along the border of West bers every year, although a core of old- Massanutten, usually the north half of the Virginia. The Brigade assists Overseers with timers keeps showing up, willing to tell their mountain, and often on trails that are trail re c o n s t ruction, fills in for missing stories once again and share their wry opin- already “overseen” by a PATC Overseer. Overseers, and occasionally works a trail ions of how it really ought to be done. The crew tends to do the work that is hard that is not maintained by PATC — just for an Overseer to accomplish, such as tread because it needs to be done. The Brigade You say you are interested, but you can’t reconstruction. Sometimes, when there is an has been joined by Boy Scouts and college spare a whole week? Massarock usually has Overseer vacancy, the crew fills in by doing outing clubs. room for folks who can only work a partial the more routine work of an Overseer, such week. as brush cutting. The crew may work on See Trail Crews, page 6

Get Set for the Eighteenth Annual Blackburn Pig Roast

he 18th Annual Blackburn Pig Roast is scheduled for where participants have to tell a ghost story to accompany their TSaturday/Sunday, Oct. 13/14, 2001. Once again, the event will carved pumpkin. be planned and organized by Tim Rahn and Rick Portal with help from Nancy Hughes and this year’s new addition to the Pig Roast Dinner will be served early evening on Saturday; however, partici- crew, Sharon Johnson. pants are encouraged to come up any time starting Friday evening. In staying with tradition, the Cuban-style roast pig will be accompa- Dinner on Friday and breakfast and lunch on Saturday are up to each nied by black beans and rice, potato gratin, and apple crisp. individual. Festivities will begin with Portal’s famous tamales. In addition, Rahn will lead the Sunday breakfast crew to take care of those spending the Members and others interested in attending the Roast should com- night at the cabin or the campground. plete the form below and send a check for $25 per adult and for chil- dren over 12 to Sharon Johnson, 137 Courthouse Rd., SW, Vienna, As usual, the event will have plenty of activities for young people, including a drum workshop led by Mark Torgeson. Parents can take VA 22180. All proceeds after costs will be donated to the PATC Land that opportunity to hike along the AT to the “Blackburn view,” grab Acquisition Fund. INFO: Sharon Johnson 703/281-0798 or e-mail a nap in the tent, or simply enjoy the fall foliage from the Cabin’s [email protected]. o porch. There will also be the annual Jack-o’-lantern carving contest —Sandi Marra

Blackburn Pig Roast — Saturday and Sunday, October 13/14, 2001 Name: ______

Address: ______

Phone: (day) ______(evening) ______Number of reservations: ______@ $25.00 each

Amount enclosed: ______

I will be bringing ______children under 12 tears of age (no charge for children under 12)

Include a $25.00 payment per person for each reservation and mail to: Sharon Johnson, 137 Courthouse Rd., SW, Vienna, VA 22180

IMPORTANT: Please be sure to make your check payable to Sharon Johnson.

Potomac Appalachian 5 Trail Crews, from page 5 Massanutten, from page 7 Combined Federal The Massanutten Crew and Stonewall 45.2 SR675. Cross SR675 and continue Brigade advertise their monthly work- on orange-blazed Mass Mtn East Tr Campaign 2001 trips in the Forecast section of the PA. (0.8). Camp Roosevelt is west 0.1 miles. The crew leaders, Mike Sutherland and hanks to the generosity of local federal Hop Long, are always willing to intro- 46.0 SR675. Edith Gap. Stay on same Tgovernment employees, the Potomac duce a newcomer to other crew members side of road and continue north along Appalachian Trail Club received over and share safety tips, tools, and “how to” the ridge on orange-blazed Mass Mtn $12,000 in contributions from Campaign i n f o rmation. East Tr (15.3). 1999. In last year’s fund drive 68 individuals, including 16 Club members, pledged over The preparation for a day of work with 61.3 Little Crease Shelter. Veach Gap $17,000 to help finance land acquisition and the crew is about the same as the pre p a- Tr a i l ’s trailhead parking is 1.3 miles other Club activities. If you are a federal ration for a day of hiking, except that you west. Continue on orange-blazed Mass employee, or have friends and neighbors need to bring work gloves, as well as your Mtn East Tr (5.8). The tread is also part who are, please consider, or ask them to con- boots and a pack with lunch and plenty of of the Tuscarora Trail and carries its sider, a payroll deduction in the upcoming w a t e r. PATC supplies the tools. Cre w blue blazes, as well. campaign. We had nearly a 45 perc e n t members are not obliged to work every increase in pledges last year and would be month, of course. In fact, they’re not 67.1 Shawl Gap. Turn left on yellow- delighted to see that growth continue. Feds, obliged to work any month. Some cre w and blue-blazed Shawl Gap Trail (2.1). keep up the good work! PATC’s Agency members come out every month, others Number is 7956. o make one or two trips per year. Many 69.2 Elizabeth Furnace Picnic Are a , —Pat Fankhauser trail Overseers began as crew members— entrance road at bridge. Cross the a trail crew is a great introduction to trail bridge, and follow blue blazes of o v e r s e e i n g . Tu s c a rora Bear Wallow Trail (0.3) Combined across SR678. Federal If you enjoy meeting new people, give these crew leaders a call, or send an e- 69.5 Tu s c a rora Spur Trail, white- Campaign mail to find out the details and talk over blazed. Turn right on the spur trail (0.5). any concerns that you have. See the # 7956 F o recast section. o 70.0 Signal Knob Trail parking area. o —Wil Kohlbrenner —Wil Kohlbrenner Do n ’ t Miss the 14th Annual SNP North District Trails Wor k s h o p

t’ s hard to believe we have been doing this for 14 years, but it is true ! ground loop will be set aside for exclusive use by PATC for this event IThe annual North District Trails Workshop for PATC Overseers from Friday evening ’til Sunday. All participants should bring tents will be held once again in the North Section of Shenandoah National and sleeping bags. We will start at 9 a.m. Saturday morning and end Park this year on the weekend of September 8-9, 2001, and an invita- with a grand lunch at the campground early Sunday afternoon. Once tion is extended to all PATC Trail Overseers to come join in the fun. again, the Aulthouse family chuckwagon will be serving up some Come and work side-by-side with the trail professionals of SNP and mighty fine meals! The $18 registration fee will include lunch and Club veterans on some of the park trails in the North District. The dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. The North SNP workshops are designed to tackle a few major trail projects in the District workshop chow is legendary, so don’t miss out! park and, as always, to teach Club volunteers some new skills. There is also basic trail maintenance instruction offe r ed for new Overseers or Please make res e r vations early as the workshop is limited to 25 parti c i - those who are interested in what PATC ’ s trails program has to offe r . pants and we always fill up early. Call George Walters at 410/426-2724 Come one and all! or e-mail: [email protected] to make a res e r vation, then mail the fo r m below and you will be sent a confirmation and further instruc t i o n s . The workshop will be held at Mathews Arm Campground near mile- See you there! o post 22 in the North Section of SNP. The uppermost tent camp- —George Walters

SNP North District Trails Workshop September 8-9, 2001, Mathews Arm Campground, Shenandoah National Park Name: ______E-mail: ______Address: ______Phone: (day) ______(evening) ______Number of reservations: ______Check area of interest: ______Basic Skills ______Trail Project

Please send registration form and $18 per registrant to: George Walters, 5604 Pilgrim Road, Baltimore, MD 21214 (checks payable to George Walters)

6 Potomac Appalachian Massanutten Ring: A Guide to the Trails on the North Half

he north half of the Massanutten given for each entry. Detailed descrip- 30 . 2 SR730, Moreland Gap Rd. Cros s TMountain is a 28-mile-long system of tions can be found in the Guide to the road and continue on orange-blazed ridges and valleys, about six miles wide. Massanutten Mountain Hiking Tr a i l s . Mass Mtn West Tr (1.6). This section, Down the center of the Massanutten’s ridge completed in June 2001, passes along the system, there is a broad, flat inner valley Miles: west flank of Kerns Mountain, then rises into Jawbone Gap. A white-blazed spur known as Fort Valley (from Georg e 0 Follow the yellow-blazed Signal Washington’s plan to use it as a possible trail rises from the gap to Jawbone Knob Tr (4.5). winter camp for the Continental Army). Ov e r l o o k . Most of Fort Valley is privately owned farm- 4.5 Signal Knob. Tu rn south on 31.8 Jawbone Gap. Continue on land, but the ridges that surround it are part orange-blazed Mass Mtn West Tr (4.1). of the Lee Ranger District of the George orange-blazed Massanutten Mountain This section, completed in the summer Washington National Forest. West Tr (1.2). of 2000, goes south along the ridge of Kerns Mountain, then tails off on the The mountains of Massanutten’s north half 5.7 Tu rn right on the blue-blazed east side to meet Crisman Hollow Road are traversed by 135 miles of blazed hiking Tuscarora Doll Ridge Tr (3.5). at its highest point, which is 0.2 miles trails. These trails climb to the ridges on south from the Wa t e rfall Mountain both sides of Fort Valley and run along the 9.2 Join Mass Mtn West Tr briefly, Trail’s trailhead. ridges. In June of 2001, PATC’s yearly sum- then bear left on orange-blazed Mass mer work crew, the Massarock Crew, com- Mtn West Tr (4.7). 35.9 FR274. Crisman Hollow Rd. pleted many years of work extending one of Cross the road, and continue on orange- the long trails, so that there is now a contin- 13.9 SR758, Woodstock Tower Rd. blazed Mass Mtn West Tr (1.2). This uous 70-mile ring of trails around the section, completed in June 2001, goes Cross the road and continue on orange- mountain. These trails pass by three Forest southeast to the ridge of Wa t e rf a l l blazed Mass Mtn West Tr (8.2). Little S e rvice-developed campgrounds and an Mountain (overlook), then nort h e a s t open shelter. In addition, there are numer- Fort Campground is 0.9 miles down the along the ridge to the old Waterfall ous dispersed campsites along the trails for east side of the mountain, at the base of Mountain Trail, then turns right on backpackers. the Wagon Road Trail. orange blazes to descend the east slope on switchbacks. There are only a few sources of water out- 22.1 SR675 in Edinburg Gap. Cross side the campgrounds. Water in the camp- the road and continue on orange-blazed 37.1 Duncan Hollow Trail (also called grounds is tested regularly and treated if Mass Mtn West Tr (7.2). Massanutten Mountain East Trail). Turn necessary. All other water sources should be left, north, and continue on orange- purified before being consumed and before 29.3 FR374. Cross the road and contin- blazed Duncan Hollow Tr (8.1). This being used to wash eating utensils. ue on orange-blazed Mass Mtn West Tr point is 1.8 miles north of US-211. (0.9). See Massanutten, page 6 The Massanutten Ring crosses nine county roads or forest service roads, generally in the gaps along the ridges. Thus, a two-car shuttle system can be used for water and food resupply wherever the ring crosses one of these roads.

The area is covered by a hiking guide and two excellent maps designed for trail users: PATC Guide to Massanutten Mountain Hiking Trails, 2000; PATC Map G, Massanutten Mountain, North Half, 1998; and Trails Illustrated Map 792, Massanutten and Great North Mountain, 2 0 0 1 .

These publications do not show the trail development that completed the ring, so hikers can pencil in the final links in the ring using the brief description that follows.

This description starts from the Signal Knob Tr a i l ’s parking lot on Fort Va l l e y Road, SR678, 3.4 miles south of Waterlick on VA55. A counter- c l o c k w i s e route is described. Cumulative mileage is Cadillac Crew, July 28, moving a rock to make some new rock steps on the blue-blazed given on the left and interval mileage is access trail running up the ridge between Blackburn Trail Center and the AT. Potomac Appalachian 7 FORECAST

Chapters

TheCharlottesville Charlottesville Chapter Chapter hikes every NorthernThe Northern Shenandoah Shenandoah Valley Valley Chapter Chapter spon- WMountaineeringe’re a diverse group Section of local Washington, DC S a t u rday, summer, winter and in between. Hikes sors hikes in national and state parks and forests in area climbers. Young and old, male and female, a re about 8 miles. Trail maintenance is usually the Shenandoah Valley vicinity, open to the pub- crag rat, sport climber, and alpinist, active and done on the last Saturday of the month. Meet lic, on a monthly basis except during the winter. armchair types – we all enjoy climbing in its many Hikes are posted in the Forecast. Other activities at Sprint parking lot, 2307 Hydraulic Road at 9 varieties. We also share common interest in pro- a re in the NSV Chapter Newsletter. For a.m. with food and water for the day. We hike moting safe climbing, conserving the outdoors, trails in the Southern, Central and occasionally further information contact Martha Clark developing new climbers’ skills, representing the N o r t h e rn Districts of Shenandoah National Park, ([email protected]) 540/665-2101. Washington area climbing community, and hav- and in George Washington National Forest. ing fun! We provide instruction for those wanting Our Chapter hikes are posted at to learn the basics – we’re not a school, but we h t t p : / / w w w . p a t c . n e t / c h a p t e r s / c h a r / h i k e s . h t m l . SouthernSee Forecast Shenandoah (or our link fromValley PA ChapterTC website) for can get you started. We go climbing, either local- INFO: Jere Bidwell 804/295-2143, John Shannon work trips and hiking events sponsored by the ly or further afield, nearly every weekend. In the 804/293-2953 or Lois Mansfield 804/973-7184. Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter. Hikers from winter we organize trips to the Ice Festivals in the the DC area should allow about 3 hours to get to our region. INFO: in Harrisonburg, call Alvin Adirondacks and the White Mountains for begin- TheNorth North Chapter Chapter of PATC conducts monthly trail 540/434-6244 or Lynn 540/234-6273; in ning and advanced ice climbers. For further work trips on the Maryland and Pennsylvania sec- Wa y n e s b o ro, call Michael 540/943-8695; in information contact Mack Muir 703/768-5724 tions of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and on the Staunton, call Doris 540/885-4526. (MackMuir@ edisaurus.com) . Pennsylvania sections of the Tuscarora Trail. We also lead hikes on these and other trails. Maryland AT work trips are generally held on the first and PATC Midweek Hikes WChapterest Virginia meeting Chapter at Highacre on the first PATC’s Vi g o rous Group hikes 8-10 miles at a t h i rd Saturdays – contact Mark Mitchell Wednesday of the month. See Forecast for fast pace; and the Easy Hikers hike 5-8 miles ([email protected]), 301/461-7048 for informa- upcoming activities. For information about the on trails with little elevation change. See tion. Pennsylvania work trips are generally held on chapter or to receive the newsletter, below for scheduled trips; check the weekly the AT on the first Saturday and on the Tuscarora contact Judy Smoot at 540/667-2036 or tape (703/242-0965) on Thursday or Friday for on the third Saturday – contact Charlie [email protected]. any changes or additions. Irvin, 301/447-2848 or Pete Br o w n ( p e t e r. b [email protected]) 410/343-1140. Pennsylvania AT work trips also include an option- SkiThe Touring Ski Touring Section Section has served since 1974 to OtherCapital Clubs’ and Wanderbirds Hikes hike on Sundays, travel- al Saturday night stay at the Gypsy Spring cabin. introduce Washington area residents to cross- ing by bus and leaving from downtown, with sub - Dinner, breakfast, and camaraderie available. For country skiing and to provide cross-country skiing urban stops as well. Center Club, Northern information on upcoming hikes, contact Chris opportunities to experienced skiers. The Section Firme ([email protected]) 717/794-2855. For sponsors winter weekend ski trips for all levels of Virginia Hiking Club and Sierra Clubs hike on both general chapter information contact chapter skiers to nearby mountains in Maryland, WestMeetingsSaturdays and Sundays using carpools, which president Steve Koeppen ([email protected]) Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well as periodic often leave from a suburban Metro stop. 410/756-2916 or visit the North Chapter home social events year round. INFO: Steve Brickel Schedules are available at PATC Headquarters page (www.patc.net/chapters/north). 301/946-2520 or [email protected]. and are published in area newspapers on Fridays.

KEY to Forecast Activities Meetings are held at PATC HQ, 118 Park Street, (NewShenandoah Members Mountainmeeting) - SecondRescue Monday Group All events are marked for easy identifi- S.E., Vienna, VA unless otherwise noted. 7:30 p.m. New members meeting. INFO: Martin cation. Late changes or cancellations Juenge ([email protected]) 703/255-5034, then pr ess #5. are listed on the weekly information T7:30rail p.m.Patrol Trail - First Patrol Tuesday volunteers are PATC’s good- tape (703/242-0965), which is updated will trail ambassadors to the hiking public. They on Sunday evening for the following provide a visible, reassuring presence on the trails, PA7:00TC p.m. Council sharp. - The Second PATC CouncilTuesday meets the sec - seven days. The Forecast can also be educating the public on good hiking practices, ond Tuesday of every month to conduct business minimum impact hiking and camping ethics. of the Club. All members are welcome. found on PATC’s web site at Patrol members are trained in land navigation, INFO: Wilson Riley ([email protected]) 703/242-0693 x11. www.patc.net. emergency procedures, radio communications Hiking Trips and personal equipment. All patrol volunteers are Mountaineering Section - Second Wednesday also expected to become certified in a recog- 8:00 p.m. Second We d n esday of every Backpacking Trips nized basic first aid course. Some equipment and month. INFO: Mack Muir at 703/768-5724 or uniform items are provided upon completion of ([email protected]) or PATC’s website: Trail Work Trips training. INFO: Kumait Jawdat 202/328-8137 or see (www.patc.net/chapters/mtn_sect). Cabin/Shelter Work Trips PATC’s website: (w w w . p a t c . n e t / v o l u n t e e r / t r a i l p a t ro l ) . The Futures Group — Third Tuesday Special Events 7:00 p.m. Meets to res e a r ch, develop, and rec o m - mend to membership changes to PATC orga n i z a t i o n , Meetings New7:30 p.m. Members Curious (P aboutATC) the- First Club? Wednesday Want to learn constitution, and bylaws in order to meet challenges mo r e? The best way is to attend a new Members of the new century. PATC members welcomed. INFO: meeting (but you don’t have to be new to qualify). Ge rh a r d Salinger ([email protected]) or Walt Smith Note to all hike leaders: Please ask Attend the meeting and find the mysteries of PATC ([email protected]), Co-Chairs. 8nonmembers on your hike if they revealed in full. Refreshments will be served. Potomac Appalachian would like to join PATC, then get Di r ections to PATC: Take Rt. 23 into Vienna, Va. and (BusinessShenandoah meeting) Mountain – Last Tuesday Rescue Group tu r n east on Park St. (Rt.675) to 118 Park St. on your left. names and addresses so a Club vol- 7:30 p.m. Meet in conference room. INFO: Martin Juenge INFO: Liles Creighton 410/573-0067. unteer can send them inform a t i o n ([email protected]) 703/255-5034 then press #5. packets. Thanks! FORECAST

8 (Saturday) 11 (Tuesday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - Rock Creek Park Crew MEETING - PATC Council, 7:00 p.m. sharp. 1 (Saturday) Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC September 11 (Tuesday) DEADLINE - October Potomac Appalachian 8:15 - 11:30 a.m. We only need you once during this CLASS - Trail Volunteers’ Night (REI) Headquarters, Vienna, VA beautiful month for work on the hiking trails. The rest REI, College Park, MD 5:00 p.m. All items for the next issue of the newsletter of September you are welcome to use for hiking. 7:30 p.m. As you hike our regional trails, do you ever must be submitted electronically, if possible, to head- Meet at Rock Creek Nature Center. INFO: Mark think, “Wow, it takes a lot of work to create and quarters, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Allow one Anderson ([email protected]) 202/462-7718 maintain a trail, maybe I can have some fun and week for postal service delivery. Forecast events may or Ranger Ken Ferebee 202/426-6834 x31. give something back.”? You can! REI, M-NCPPC, be e-mailed directly to PA- F o re c a s t @ p a t c . n e t . 8 (Saturday) PATC and the Potomac Conservancy are joining forces to recruit volunteers for a trail project to con- 1 - 2 (Saturday - Sunday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Mountaineers struct the next link in the Seneca Creek Greenway CABIN WORK TRIP - Blackburn Trail Center Appalachian Trail, MD Trail. Join us as trail crew leader, Mark Nelson out- Round Hill, VA Enjoy cooler air in the woods of western lines the scope of work, use of tools, and volunteer Labor Day Weekend! Finish up the summer with a Maryland on this work event. The South safety. We’ll also show you great new hiking oppor- long weekend in the Blue Ridge. Combine work Mountaineers’ day events meet west of tunities on trail sections already complete and with hikes and enjoy the scenery, good company F rederick, MD at 9:00 a.m. INFO: Mark Mitchell share the final vision for this cross-county trail. Come and food. Reservations/INFO: Chris Brunton ([email protected]) 301/461-7048. on out and get involved! INFO: REI 301/982-9681. 703/560-8070 or Bruce Clendaniel 410/820-7550. 8 - 9 (Saturday - Sunday) 12 (Wednesday) 1 - 2 (Saturday - Sunday) CABIN WORK TRIP - Vining Tract Crew MEETING - Mountaineering Section, 8:00 p.m. TRAIL WORK TRIP - North Chapter Pa. Trail Crew Vining Tract, Lydia, VA Appalachian Trail, PA The Vining Tract Crew meets one weekend a month 12 (Wednesday) Meet at US 30 and PA 233 at the parking lot of to work on various projects, ranging from cabin HIKE - Easy Hikers Caledonia State Park. Departure 9:00 a.m. sharp. repairs to land management projects. We’re now in Lake Frank, MD INFO: Charlie Irvin 301/447-2848. the midst of constructing a small cabin using logs Meet at 10:15 a.m. in the Lake Frank parking area from an old barn. Come join us and practice (or for a four mile hike, plus. From I - 270 N, exit on Route 4 (Tuesday) develop) your log-lifting and chiseling skills. 28. Follow route 28 east through Rockville. It MEETING - Trail Patrol, 7:30 p.m. Overnight at Conley and Wineberry cabins. INFO: becomes Norbeck Road. Just after the light at Larry Lang 703/631-9278. Gude Drive, move left and take the next left turn on 4 (Tuesday) Avery Road. Lake Frank parking area is on your CLASS - Exploring the C&O Canal (REI) 8 - 9 (Saturday - Sunday) right, before Southlawn Road. Bring water, and a REI, College Park, MD TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac Crew lunch to eat near our cars. A new, short mystery hike 7:30 p.m. Lose track of time for an evening. Shockeys Knob, near Gainesboro, VA will be off e red nearby after lunch. Hikers who Discover a place steeped in history, where Always plenty of trail work on the Tuscarora reloca- reserve in advance may be picked up at Shady n a t u re and wildlife are easily seen. Explore a nar- tion project. The district manager of this section of G rove Metro at 10:00 a.m. INFO: Marg a re t row ribbon of forest and river, easily accessible, the Tuscarora Trail may need help clearing nearby Chapman 301/977-8988 (h) or 301/869-9291 x3 (w). yet serenely remote, even near Wa s h i n g t o n . problem areas. We are also looking for a shelter site 12 (Wednesday) Come along as REI’s Ed Neville and Mark Nelson on PATC’s 70 acres on the Knob. Bring a lunch and CLASS - Trail Volunteers’ Night (REI) spin a tale of history and artifacts, man and water for Saturday noon. Community dinner on REI, Baileys Crossroads, V A n a t u re, and discuss access, points of intere s t , Saturday night. Overnight at Brill Cabin. INFO: Fran Same as 9/11 except at Baileys Crossroads. INFO: g e a r, and geology along the Chesapeake & Keenan ([email protected]) 703/938-3973 or 703/379-9400. Ohio Canal. INFO: REI 301/982-9681. Jon Rindt ([email protected]) 540/635-6351. 15 (Saturday) 5 (Wednesday) 8 - 9 (Saturday - Sunday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - Maryland Metrolites MEETING - New Members (PATC), 7:30 p.m. SPECIAL EVENT - 14th Annual North District Trails C&O Canal Park, MD Workshop Join the Maryland Metrolites for a work trip in the 5 (Wednesday) North District, Shenandoah National Park, VA C&O Canal Park, Montgomery County. We meet at HIKE - Easy-Hikers Come and work with park trails professionals and 9:00 a.m. in the Great Falls parking lot. Bring lunch, Battery-Kemble Park and Glover-Archbold Park club veterans in this annual event held at Mathews gloves, and water. INFO: Liles Cre i g h t o n The Easy Hikers will hike 5-6 moderate miles through A rm Campground in SNP. See article on page 6 for ([email protected]) 410/573-0067. Battery-Kemble and Glover-Archbold Parks. Meet a complete description and more details. $18 fee at 10:15 a.m. at the parking area in Battery-Kemble 15 (Saturday) includes all meals. Reservations limited. RSVP/ Park. To reach the parking area from the intersec- HIKE - Tuscarora Trail VIII INFO: George Walters (gjwalters@starpower. n e t ) tion of MacArthur Blvd. and Arizona Ave., go south Tuscarora Trail, PA 4 1 0 / 4 2 6 - 2 7 2 4 . toward downtown on MacArthur and turn left at Tus c a r ora Summit Section-Fannettsburg- B u r nt Cabins the second street, Chain Bridge Rd., DC, and after Rd. to Pa. Rte 16. 15.4 miles; 1200 ft elevation gain. about 1/2 mile, turn right into the park and contin- 8 - 9 (Saturday - Sunday) After descending into Cowans Gap State Park we will ue to the parking area. Bring lunch and water. INFO: TRAIL WORK TRIP - Acme Treadway Company begin a steep climb via switchbacks to the top of Big Shirley Rettig 703/836-0147. Central District(?), Shenandoah National Park, VA Mountain (2458 ft). Once to the top it is a fairly easy The Acme Treadway Company has never achieved hike to Pa Rte 16. We will pass through Buchanon State 5 (Wednesday) a fungible profit. All returns are distributed directly to Forest; named after the only president from CLASS - Exploring the C&O Canal (REI) members. Membership depends upon passing a Pennsylvania. To the east of us you would find the cozy REI, Baileys Crossroads, V A secret test (participating in at least one worktrip ... village of Cove Gap the birthplace of James Same as 9/4 except at Baileys Crossroads. INFO: REI uh, meeting). Each member may be detected Buchanon. If time allows we can stop and visit such 703/379-9400. (with a keen eye) by the discretely distinctive site before eating at the Foot of the Mountain apparel he (or she) displays upon passing muster Restaurant. We also can visit the cabin res t o r ed on the 6 (Thursday) (or, the mustard). The next meeting of the Bored gr ounds of the Merce r s b u r g Academy. So come and HIKE - In-between Hikers (oh, Board) is set for 9/8. Overnight accommoda- join us on this historical event. INFO: Christopher Firme Great Falls Park, VA tions and food are provided to members in good (b n c f i rm e @ i n n e r net.net) 717/794-2855 after 6:00 p.m. Great Falls and Riverbend Parks. 5-10 miles at mod- standing (or, who sit well, too). INFO: Don White fast pace. Start 10:00 .am. Meet in Great Falls Park ([email protected]) 804/270-3116. 15 (Saturday) (VA) Visitor Center parking lot. From I-495 Beltway TRAIL WORK TRIP - North Chapter Pa. Trail Crew take Exit 44 (old 13) west on VA 193 (Georgetown 10 (Monday) Tuscarora Trail, PA Pike) for 4 miles to Old Dominion Drive. At traffic light MEETING - New members (Shenandoah For meeting place and other details, call Charlie turn right. Go 1 mile to park entrance. Fee $4 per Mountain Rescue Group), 7:30 p.m. Irvin 301/447-2848. vehicle or Park Pass. RSVP not required. INFO: Mary Siu 703/533-1430. 15 (Saturday) 10 (Monday) HIKE - 2001 Canal Odyssey 7 - 9 (Friday - Sunday) HIKE - Family Hike Dickerson, MD HIKE/Camp - West Virginia Chapter South end, Potomac Heritage Trail, VA The eighth mission of the C&O Canal Odyssey will Shaver’sPotomac AppalachianFork Recreation Area, WV 3.4 mile hike along the Potomac River. We will begin be from Dickerson to Pennyfield Locks, Maryland, 209 Enjoy early fall hiking in the Shavers Fork area of WV. at the Roosevelt Island parking lot and hike up past miles. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Carderock parking We’ll follow the West Fork Trail and visit the High Falls Spout Run to the cascade at Windy Run. Designed lot on the C&O Canal. A car shuttle is required. of Shavers Fork. Car camping is available at the for the under 5 crowd, all ages welcome. INFO: Contact leaders for requirements and details. INFO: L a u rel Fork campground. INFO: Susan Bly Lauren Lang ([email protected]) 703/631-9278. Jack Thorsen ([email protected]) 703/339-6716 or ([email protected]) 304/876-5177 or 304/258-3319. Prefer e-mail. William Needham 410/884-9127. FORECAST

15 (Saturday) 15 - 16 (Saturday - Sunday) 20 (Thursday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - Stonewall Brigade CLASS - Wilderness First Aid (WSC) HIKE - Northern Shenandoah Valley Chapter Shenandoah County, VA Alexandria, VA Tuscarora Trail, Powell’s Fort Loop, VA G reat North Mountain on the VA/WV state line. A program of the Wilderness Safety Council, this This six to eight mile loop includes an easy walk up Join the Stonewall Brigade at Wolf Gap Recre a t i o n eighteen-hour class includes classroom study, to the Strasburg Reservoir and then a moderate A rea at 9:00 a.m. to get tools then drive to a trail in hands-on practice, and results in a two-year certifi- hike up the west ridge of Massanutten Mountain the nearby area. This popular venue offers fine cation. The cost is $140. Registration is limited to 25 over a rugged trail with spectacular views to the panoramic views of Trout Run Valley from the people. More information and registration at: west. Also see first hand some of the effects of this mountain crest. We will remove and break up http://wfa.net. INFO: Christopher Tate 703/836-8905. year’s gypsy moth infestation, which was severe in rocks in the tread and work on waterbars. Bring some areas of this trail. We will then loop back to lunch, work gloves, water, bug spray, and hiking where we started; Powell’s Fort. Leader/INFO: Lee 15 - 16 (Saturday - Sunday) w/Monday option shoes. RSVP by Wednesday. INFO: Hop Long Sheaffer ([email protected]) 540/662-1524. BACKPACK TRIP - Natural History Foray ( m g [email protected]) 301/942-6177. Hazel Mountain Region, Shenandoah National 22 (Saturday) Park, VA TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Mountaineers 15 (Saturday) Bob Pickett tries a different kind of trip this time. Let’s Appalachian Trail, MD TRAIL WORK TRIP - Massanutten Crew go find an isolated area to establish a base camp Bring water, lunch, and gloves. Tools and training George Washington National Forest, VA and do some exploring. For example, there are the p rovided. Enjoy comradeship, jokes, and the We will be rebuilding a section of tread on the remains of an old milldam, complete with a mill- peace of the woods. Go home happy and tired; it’s Signal Knob Trail. Join us and enjoy the cama- stone to be inspected. In the same area are some that simple. INFO: Mark Mitchell raderie of people who appreciate the great out- bunchberry (an uncommon dogwood species ([email protected]) 301/461-7048. doors! Work with us and take pride in the support you groundcover) which should be in fruit at this time. give to the trail community! INFO: Mike Sutherland And, there just happens to be a rattlesnake den 22 (Saturday) ([email protected]) 703/591-8330. nearby that should be receiving its guests for the HIKE - Northern Shenandoah Valley Chapter winter about this time of the year. And, with the Tuscarora Trail/Signal Knob, VA 15 (Saturday) leaves still on the trees, this will be our last chance Join the NSVC as we hike the Signal Knob and TRAIL WORK TRIP - Annual Service Project (REI) to look for artifacts uncovered by duff following last Tu s c a rora/Bear Wallow Trails to Signal Knob. We’ll hike about 9.5 miles and climb about 1600 Montgomery County, MD fall’s fire. Participants can opt for just one night or feet at an easy pace, with stops to enjoy the 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Be part of something big! stay until Monday. Reservations/INFO: Bob Pickett views along the way. Those interested in joining Leave your mark on the land! Get a spiffy T-shirt! 301/681-1511. Montgomery County is creating a 100 mile, natural the Chapter for a gathering after the hike are surface trails system! The backbone of that system is welcome to do so. Leader/INFO: Gerry Boyd 16 (Sunday) the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail, a hiker/equestri- ([email protected]) 703/281-7216. HIKE - Meet the Trail Patrol an trail that will stretch 27 miles across the county, Call for location 22 (Saturday) connecting the Potomac River and C&O Towpath Hike with the Trail Patrol and learn what the PATC’s CLASS - Wildlife Photography (REI) with trails in the Patuxent River State Park. 20 miles of goodwill ambassadors do. These adventurous, ded- REI, Baileys Crossroads, V A the trail is already open. REI and M-NCPPC 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. A Natural Light Photography (Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning icated men and women monitor the Club’s 1,000 miles of trails, helping people, instructing them in seminar by award-winning photographer, Jack Commission) need YOU to help complete the next Mills. Spend an enjoyable day with Jack and learn segment, from Watkins Mill Rd. to Brink Rd. Come safe hiking practices and reporting on the condi- tions of the trails. We hike many wonderful, little- the techniques for successful wildlife photography. out and enjoy a great day, doing great work! Jack will discuss what it takes to create a great Registration/INFO: REI 703/379-9400 or 301/982-9681. known trails, while having a great time. INFO: Ben F e rnandez (bmfern a n d e z 9 9 @ e a r t h l i n k . n e t ) wildlife image, such as exposure techniques, image 703/222-8249 5:00-9:00 p.m. or weekends. sharpness, depth of focus, macro photography, 15 - 16 (Saturday - Sunday) and, where and when to find wildlife and how to TRAIL WORK TRIP - Blue & White Crew approach and set up the shot. Participants receive Central District, Shenandoah National Park, VA 17 (Monday) 8 hours of instruction, film, class materials and text, Join us for trail projects in the Central District of SNP. HIKE - Family Hike and discount on a one-day field/photo shoot with INFO: Charles Hillon ([email protected]) Pohick Creek, VA Jack. Class fee is $75.00. Registration is limited. 703/754-7388. 3 mile hike along Pohick Creek beginning at the Registration/INFO: REI 703/379-9400 or 301/982-9681. Hidden Pond Nature Center. The trail is a little 22 (Saturday) 15 - 16 (Saturday - Sunday) rugged and muddy. Not much elevation gain or loss. Jogging stroller passable (barely). After the CLASS - Basic GPS (REI) CABIN WORK TRIP - Blackburn Trail Center REI, College Park, MD Round Hill, VA hike, we will picnic near the pond and enjoy their great playground. Designed for the under 5 crowd, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Buttons and Screens: What Catch the beginning of autumn at Blackburn work- They Mean to You. Learn the basic functions of ing on the pump room, plumbing and Carriage all ages welcome. INFO: Lauren Lang ([email protected]) 703/631-9278. Prefer e-mail. Garmin and Magellan GPS units. Learn how to opti- House roof. No special skills required — just enthusi- mize your GPS for YOUR uses through hands-on class asm and penchant for good company. Later we demonstrations and discussion of accessories and will spend a pleasant evening on the porch after a 18 (Tuesday) software programs. Put your new knowledge to the fine group meal cooked in our kitchen. MEETING - The Futures Group, 7:00 p.m. test on our local GPS course. Free with REI GPS sales Reservations/INFO: Chris Brunton 703/560-8070 or receipt! $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Bruce Clendaniel 410/820-7550. 19 (Wednesday) Registration/INFO: REI 301/982-9681. HIKE - Easy Hikers 15 - 16 (Saturday - Sunday) 22 - 23 (Saturday - Sunday) Cabin John Regional Park, MD Jamaican TRAIL WORK TRIP - North District TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac Crew 5 - 6 easy miles through the woods. Meet at 10:15 Hoodlums Cabin John Trail, MD a.m. in the Locust Grove Nature Center parking lot, North District, Shenandoah National Park, VA Cabin John Trail is popular with local hikers and the 7777 Democracy Blvd., N. Bethesda. Bring lunch Come to Jamaica, mon! Come work on de trail Cr ew plans to repair some areas prone to eros i o n . and water. From Beltway go North on Old and leave de trouble behind! Famous Hoodlum jerk Steep sidehill, roots, and creeping tread is the name Georgetown Road 0.7 miles to Democracy Blvd. chicken and other Caribbean delights will be de of the game. Bring a lunch and water for Saturda y Turn left (West), go 1.8 miles (past Montgomery Mall) reward for a good day’s trailwork on the AT in this noon. Community dinner, or dinner on the town, to Nature Center and turn right into parking lot. Sa t u r day night. Overnight with local crew members section of SNP. Noooo problem, mon! The North Coming from 270, take Democracy Blvd. West exit, unless other arrangements can be made. INFO: Fran District Hoodlums do ‘roll-up-your-sleeves’ tread- past Montgomery Mall to Nature Center. INFO: Keenan ([email protected]) 703/938-3973 or work, build rock steps, log waterbars and engage in Renee Schick ([email protected]) 301/493-9525. Jon Rindt ([email protected]) 540/635-6351. similar other activities by day but are occasionally known to enjoy the fruits of their labor in grand fash- 24 (Monday) ion via the “theme” meal following the day’s work 20 (Thursday) HIKE - Family Hike at a facility within the park! No experience neces- HIKE - In-between Hikers Riverbend Park, VA sary and newcomers are always welcome. Check Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, VA 2.5 mile kid friendly hike. The trail is jogging strol l e r out our website at http://www.patc.net/volun- A scenic/historic 7.2 miles next to the Potomac. The passable. We will hike along the Paw Paw Passage teer/trails/hoodlums/ hoodlums.html. Come for the Paw-Paw fruit should be ripe. From I-495 Trail, past a pond and down to the Potomac. The hike day,10 stay for the evening’s festivities, camp out take I-95 south about 13 miles, exit 156 east, go to continues on the Potomac HeritagePotomac Trail Appalachian right along overnight in SNP - lots of options! We meet at Piney Route 1, turn right, drive south to 2nd stop light. Left the river. We will meet in the visitor center by the tur- River Ranger Station, MP 22 on Skyline Drive, at 10:00 onto Neabsco Rd. The park sign is 1.5 miles. Pay tles. We will end the hike with a picnic lunch on the a.m. on Saturday morning. Please make reserva- $2.00 and park in adjacent lot. Bring water and Visitor’s Center deck. Designed for the under 5 tions by midweek prior. INFO/RSVP: George Walters lunch. Meet at 10:00 a.m. INFO: Henri Comeau c rowd, all ages welcome. INFO: Lauren Lang ([email protected]) 410/426-2724. ([email protected]) 703/451-7965. (L e v a n s A [email protected]) 703/631-9278. Prefer e-mail. FORECAST

25 (Tuesday) 6 - 7 (Saturday - Sunday) MEETING - Shenandoah Mountain Rescue TRAIL WORK TRIP - Acme Treadway Company Group (Business meeting), 7:30 p.m. Shenandoah National Park (?), VA The Acme Treadway Company has never achieved 25 (Tuesday) a fungible profit. All returns are distributed directly to CLASS - Allegheny Adventure (REI) members. Membership depends upon passing a secret test (participating in at least one worktrip ... REI, College Park, MD uh, meeting). Each member may be detected 7:30 p.m. Allegheny Adventure: Autumn Along the (with a keen eye) by the discretely distinctive Eastern Divide. Fall comes sooner and sharper atop apparel he (or she) displays upon passing muster the high ridges along the West Virginia line. The col- (or, the mustard). The next meeting of the Bored ors are brilliant and the air is sharp. But the after- (oh, Board) is set for 10/6. Overnight accommoda- noons are still warm and there is plenty of outdoor tions and food are provided to members in good adventure available to those who seek it along the standing (or, who sit well, too). INFO: Don White trails and streams of the George Washington and ([email protected]) 804/270-3116. Monongahela National Forests. Join REI’s Ed Neville 6 - 8 (Saturday - Monday) and Mark Nelson as they reveal some of their BACKPACK TRIP - Jones Mountain Cabin favorite fall destinations in the autumn high country. Central District, Shenandoah National Park, VA INFO: REI 301/982-9681. Look Ma, no power tools! Workers Come join us for some spectacular scenery as we backpack about 4 miles on Saturday into the rustic 26 (Wednesday) putting their back into the job at the Jones Mountain Cabin in the central section of SNP CLASS - Allegheny Adventure (REI) Tulip Tree Cabin site. where we will spend Saturday and Sunday nights. REI, Baileys Crossroads, V A This circa-1850 cabin was the home of moonshiner Same as 9/25 except at Baileys Crossroads. INFO: Harvey Nichols and is one of the best PATC cabins. On the way in, we will see firsthand the results of the REI 703/379-9400. Great Flood of ‘96. On Sunday, we will day hike about 9 miles in a circuit through some virgin forest, 26 (Wednesday) past the remains of human activity in the park, and HIKE - Easy Hikers enjoy the splendid view of the Staunton River valley Difficult Run to Great Falls, VA from Bear Church Rock. The fall leaf color should be About 5 fairly easy miles with some hills in Great Falls 29 - 30 (Saturday - Sunday) nearing it’s peak. On Monday we will hike back to Park. Meet at Difficult Run parking lot at 10:15 a.m. CABIN WORK TRIP - Blackburn Trail Center the cars and return. While we are there, we will also From the Beltway, go west on Georgetown Pike Round Hill, VA investigate the mystery of the Jones Mountain lights, approximately 3.7 miles. The parking lot is on the left Catch the beginning of autumn at Blackburn by strange lights that are sometimes seen hovering over Jones Mountain. Due to the elevation shortly after the Difficult Run bridge and shortly working on the pump room, plumbing and Carriage changes, this trip is moderately strenuous and is lim- b e f o re the turn into Great Falls Park at Old House roof. No special skills required — just enthusi- asm and penchant for good company. Later we ited to 10 people. INFO: Kevin Haney Dominion Drive. Bring lunch and water. INFO: Ruth will spend a pleasant evening on the porch after a ([email protected]) 301/271-5023. Powers ([email protected]) 703/821-2431. fine group meal cooked in our kitchen. 6 - 8 (Saturday - Monday) Reservations/INFO: Chris Brunton 703/560-8070 or 28 - 30 (Friday - Sunday) BACKPACK TRIP - Maryland AT I (North half) Bruce Clendaniel 410/820-7550. Appalachian Trail, MD Camp/HIKE - Family Camping/Hiking Weekend This is the first of two outings to backpack the Carderock, MD 29 - 30 (Saturday - Sunday) Appalachian Trail across Maryland. On this trip we We will camp at the Marsden Tract group campsite CLASS - Trail Patrol Training will backpack from the Pennsylvania border to along the C&O Canal Towpath near Carderock. Glass House, Fort Valley, VA Washington Monument State Park, a distance of 21 The campsite is about a half-mile hike-in from the This weekend course teaches the fundamental skills miles, in 2.5 days. The trip will be of moderate diffi- cars, with privies at the site and water close by. Bike you need to become a member of the team that culty. The group will meet at the Shady Grove Metro on the towpath, paddle on the river, or hike along patrols, monitors and helps hikers along the 1,000 Station at 9:00 a.m. Saturday and return Monday the Billy Goat Trail or up to Great Falls. Designed for miles of PATC trails. Training topics include land nav- a f t e rnoon. Group limit 8 people. INFO: Bryon families with young children. On Saturday there will igation, Leave No Trace, equipment and clothing, Lawrence ([email protected]) 301/916-2188. radio communications, how to communicate with be an organized hike of the central section of the 6 - 8 (Saturday - Monday) hikers, and scenario-based training. INFO: Chris Billy Goat Trail. This will be a 3 mile hike along the less BACKPACK TRIP - “Grand Canyon of Logan ([email protected]) 301/774-2949 (6:00-9:00 popular, but very beautiful, section B of the Billy Pennsylvania” p.m. or weekends). Goat Trail. It’s located just down the towpath from Pine Creek Gorge, PA the popular Northern section. This trail provides A Bob Pickett natural history backpacking trip. some kid-sized rock scrambles; challenging, but Travel north to the Pine Creek Gorge for a 22-mile overall, kid-friendly. INFO: Lauren Lang backpacking trip through this scenic gorge in north 1 (Monday) ([email protected]) 703/631-9278. Prefer e-mail. October central PA. We will leave early Saturday morning DEADLINE - November Potomac Appalachian and begin our hike on the West Rim Trail about 1 Headquarters, Vienna, VA p.m., after a filling fast food lunch (the trip is a little 29 (Saturday) 5:00 p.m. All items for the next issue of the newsletter over four hours). Hiking distances will approximate 6 TRAIL WORK TRIP - Maryland Metrolites must be submitted electronically, if possible, to head- miles on Saturday, 12 miles on Sunday, and the final Cabin John Trail, MD quarters, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Allow one 4 on Monday; leaving by early afternoon on Join the Maryland Metrolites for a work trip on the week for postal service delivery. Forecast events may Monday. The Pine Creek Gorge is known for its Cabin John Trail in Montgomery County. We meet be e-mailed directly to PA- F o re c a s t @ p a t c . n e t . spectacular views, mature forests, and wildlife at 9:30 a.m. in the Nature Center parking lot off (including fishers, porcupine, black bear, and bald Democracy Blvd. Bring lunch, gloves, and water. 2 (Tuesday) eagles). If the weather is warm, maybe we’ll sneak D i rections/INFO: Liles Creighton (Lcre i @ a o l . c o m ) MEETING - Trail Patrol, 7:30 p.m. down to the Creek for a dip! INFO: Bob Pickett 410/573-0067. 301/681-1511. 3 (Wednesday) 8 (Monday) 29 (Saturday) MEETING - New Members (PATC), 7:30 p.m. MEETING - New members (Shenandoah HIKE - Old Mining Circuit Mountain Rescue Group), 7:30 p.m. Wardensville, WV 6 (Saturday) 9 (Tuesday) Great North Mountain (Map F). From Wardensville, TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Mountaineers Appalachian Trail, MD MEETING - PATC Council, 7:00 p.m. sharp. WV we will travel to the Capon Furnace where we The colors are starting to change in western MD. will begin a six-mile hike at a slow pace, with two 10 (Wednesday) Get away from the city for a day of “work”, com- gradual 500 foot climbs, on the Capon Trail Loop. MEETING - Mountaineering Section, 8:00 p.m. radeship, and peace in the woods. INFO: Mark Along the way we will observe the ruins of the Mitchell ([email protected]) 301/461-7048. 13 (Saturday) Capon Furnace, mining pits and trenches, a burst TRAIL WORK TRIP - Rock Creek Park Crew dam, charcoal hearths, chimney foundations Potomac Appalachian 6 - 7 (Saturday - Sunday) Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC 11 remaining of the mining community, a couple of TRAIL WORK TRIP - North Chapter Pa. Trail Crew 8:15 - 11:30 a.m. Help us get the trails ready for the views, and the autumn beauty below the shadow Appalachian Trail, PA w i n t e r. All are welcome. Meet at Rock Cre e k of Halfmoon Mountain, crossing the North Halfmoon Meet at US 30 and PA 233 at the parking lot of N a t u re Center. INFO: Mark Anderson Run via the Bucktail Trail a couple of times. INFO: Caledonia State Park. Departure 9:00 a.m. sharp. ( m h a c c a @ s t a r p o w e r.net) 202/462-7718 or Ranger Walt Smith ([email protected]) 540-678-0423. INFO: Charlie Irvin 301/447-2848. Ken Ferebee 202/426-6834 x31. FORECAST

13 (Saturday) 17 (Wednesday) 24 (Wednesday) HIKE - Tuscarora Trail IX CLASS - Trail Patrol Backpacking 202 Class 1 CLASS - Trail Patrol Backpacking 202 Class 2 Tuscarora Trail, PA HQ, Vienna, VA HQ, Vienna, VA Lockings Section-Pa Rte. 16 to Pa Rte. 456. 14.5 7:30-10:00 p.m. Trail Patrol presents the first of two 7:30-10:00 p.m. Trail Patrol presents the second of miles; 1500 ft elevation lost. From the vantage classes that teach you how to plan and carry out two classes teaching how to plan and carry out point at the Lockings, we will be able to see into an early winter backpacking trip. Classes cover an early winter backpacking trip. Classes cover t h ree states; Maryland, Vi rginia, and We s t equipment selection and use, route planning, food equipment selection and use, route planning, Vi rginia. This is the point where the Tu s c a ro r a planning, safety, comfort and Leave No Trace prin- food planning, safety, comfort and Leave No Mountain and the Dickeys Mountain meet atop ciples. A November weekend trip, accompanied Trace principles. A November weekend trip, the ridge. Ravens and porcupines have been by experienced instructors, gives you the opportu- accompanied by experienced instructors, gives spotted in this section. Excellent views despite the nity to try out your new skills. INFO: Larry Marcoux you the opportunity to try out your new skills. lack of water until we descend off the ridge to PA ([email protected]) 703/979-1066 or INFO: Larry Marcoux ([email protected]) Rte 456. So come on out and enjoy another won- 703/402-5441. 703/979-1066 or 703/402-5441. d e rful section with gorgeous views. INFO: Christopher Firme (bncfirm e @ i n n e rn e t . n e t ) 18 (Thursday) 26 - 27 (Friday - Saturday) 717/794-2855 after 6:00 p.m. HIKE - In-between Hikers TRAIL WORK TRIP - North Chapter Pa. Trail Crew Fairfax, VA Tuscarora Trail, PA 13 (Saturday) Fountainhead Regional Park, 19875 Hampton We will work in and around Cowans Gap State Park TRAIL WORK TRIP - Massanutten Crew Rd., Fairfax, Va. A moderate 8 miles near the and will be staying overnight on Friday and George Washington National Forest, VA Occoquan Reservoir. Mostly hilly terrain. (PAT C Saturday at a cabin in the park. Reservations are Join us and enjoy the camaraderie of people who Wash. Region, Part B, plus). Meet 10:00 a.m. at required. INFO: Charlie Irvin 301/447-2848. first parking lot on the right off of entrance ro a d . a p p reciate the great outdoors! We can help you Bring lunch and water. No pets. Henri Comeau avoid crowds and crowded trails! We can show 27 (Saturday) ([email protected]) 703/451-7965. you nature at its best and most beautiful! We can TRAIL WORK TRIP - Rock Creek Park Crew help you feel good about yourself and take pride Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC 20 (Saturday) in the support you give to the trail community! Join 8:15 - 11:30 a.m. This is it! Don’t miss your last TRAIL WORK TRIP - Maryland Metrolites us on Massanutten Mountain as we build water- chance to do something good for the D.C. hiking C&O Canal, MD bars, renew tread, and reconstruct sections on trails. Our last trip of the year is always the best. Join the Maryland Metrolites for a work trip in the trails which we all enjoy! INFO: Mike Sutherland Meet at Rock Creek Nature Center. INFO: Mark C&O Canal Park, Montgomery County. We meet at ( m s u t h e r l a n d @ c o x . r r.com) 703/591-8330. Anderson ([email protected]) 202/462-7718 9:00 a.m. in the Great Falls parking lot. Bring lunch, or Ranger Ken Ferebee 202/426-6834 x31. gloves, and water. Directions/INFO: Liles Creighton 13 - 14 (Saturday - Sunday) ([email protected]) 410/573-0067. CABIN WORK TRIP - Blackburn Trail Center 27 (Saturday) HIKE - West Virginia Chapter Round Hill, VA 20 (Saturday) White Rock Cliffs, Tuscarora Trail, VA 18th Annual Pig Roast!! But we are still looking for TRAIL WORK TRIP - Stonewall Brigade This 10-mile moderate hike will bring us to one of the folks wanting to do some work on the Cabin Shenandoah County, VA many viewpoints along the Tuscarora Trail. The fall Renovation Project. Look in September issue for Gr eat North Mountain on the VA/WV state line. Join leaves should be at peak or just beyond peak. Be a registration form for Pig Roast. If you want to come the Stonewall Brigade at Wolf Gap Recreation Area up for the work trip and not stay for the event, call at 9:00 a.m. to get tools, then drive to a trail in the true leaf peeper and not a windshield tourist. Dust Chris Brunton 703/560-8070 or Bruce Clendaniel nearby area. This popular venue offers fine off those hiking boots and enjoy nature. INFO: 410/820-7550. panoramic views of Trout Run Valley from the moun- Susan Bly ([email protected]) 304/876-5177 or tain crest. We will remove and break up rocks in the 304/258-3319. 13 - 14 (Saturday - Sunday) tr ead and work on waterbars. Bring lunch, work 27 - 28 (Saturday - Sunday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac Crew gloves, water, bug spray, and hiking shoes. Please CABIN WORK TRIP - Blackburn Trail Center Blackburn Trail Center, Round Hill, VA RSVP by Wednesday if you plan to attend. INFO: Hop Round Hill, VA Tread improvement is the name of the game as the Long ([email protected]) 301/942-6177. Daylight Savings time ends — use that extra hour to crew removes rocks and builds steps for the side work on the Blackburn Trail Center! trail from Blackburn Trail Center to the AT. This will be 20 (Saturday) Reservations/INFO: Chris Brunton 703/560-8070 or the final work trip to Blackburn this year and there is TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Mountaineers Bruce Clendaniel 410/820-7550. still a lot of work to be done. Community dinner on Appalachian Trail, MD Saturday night. Overnight at Blackburn Trail Center. Don’t miss the fall foliage! Come out and join this 27 - 28 (Saturday - Sunday) INFO: Fran Keenan ([email protected]. c o m ) event for fun “work” getting dirty in the woods. We TRAIL WORK TRIP - Blue & White Crew 703/938-3973 or Jon Rindt (jkrindt@ero l s . c o m ) meet at 9:00 a.m. in Frederick County. INFO: Mark Central District, Shenandoah National Park, VA 540/635-6351. Mitchell ([email protected]) 301/461-7048. Join us for trail projects in the Central District of SNP. 20 - 21 (Saturday - Sunday) INFO: Charles Hillon ([email protected]) 13 - 14 (Saturday - Sunday) CABIN WORK TRIP - Vining Tract Crew 703/754-7388. CLASS - LNT Trainer Training Vining Tract, Lydia, VA Location to be determined The Vining Tract Crew meets one weekend a month 27 - 28 (Saturday - Sunday) L e a rn the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) fro m to work on various projects, ranging from cabin rep a i r s TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac Crew the Trail Patrol’s LNT Masters. This fun, weekend to land management projects. We’ r e now in the midst Vining Tract near Stanardsville, VA course, which includes a night of camping in the of constructing a small cabin using logs from an old Enjoy the cooler weather and fall foliage as the woods, provides hands-on training and certifies ba r n. Come join us and practice (or develop) your crew begins work on opening a new trail route on you as an LNT Tr a i n e r. Space is limited. INFO: log-lifting and chiseling skills. Overnight at Conley and the Vining Tract. Other opportunities may involve Anniell Miller ([email protected]) 703/250-8113 Wineberry cabins. INFO: Larry Lang 703/631-9278 or moving a privy to a new site and clearing brush for until 10:00 p.m. Hugh Robinson 703/525-8726. the Mutton Top cabin overseer. Community dinner on Saturday night. Overnight at PATC’s Mutton Top 20 - 21 (Saturday - Sunday) 16 (Tuesday) cabin(?) — what a view. INFO: Fran Keenan (out- CLASS - Land Navigation (REI) MEETING - The Futures Group, 7:00 p.m. [email protected]) 703/938-3973 or Jon Rindt REI, Baileys Crossroads and Prince William Forest ([email protected]) 540/635-6351. Park, VA 16 (Tuesday) S a t u rday, 10:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. at REI Bailey’s 27 - 28 (Saturday - Sunday) CLASS - Hike America! Virginia! (REI) Crossroads, and Sunday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. in REI, College Park, MD Prince William Forest Park. This comprehensive two- CLASS - Wilderness First Aid (WSC) 7:00 p.m. Guides Bill and Mary Burnham will be day course teaches all skills necessary to use map Alexandria, VA available to sign your copy of their new book: Hike and compass in an integrated land navigation sys- A program of the Wi l d e rness Safety Council, this America! Virginia!, and lead us on an evening’s tem. The first day is spent in intensive classroom eighteen-hour class includes classroom study, a rmchair tour of some of their favorite Old exercises concentrating on map reading and inter- hands-on practice, and results in a two-year cer- Dominion rambles and scrambles. INFO: REI pretation, position plotting, compass fundamentals, tification. The cost is $140. Registrationo is limited 301/982-9681. declination and azimuth. The second day is spent in to 25 people. More information and re g i s t r a t i o n at: http://wfa.net. INFO: Christopher Ta t e 12 Prince William Forest Park, primarily off-trail, engag- Potomac Appalachian 17 (Wednesday) ing in practical navigation exercises of increasing 7 0 3 / 8 3 6 - 8 9 0 5 . CLASS - Hike America! Virginia! (REI) complexity. The course fee is $85 and includes REI, Baileys Crossroads, V A workbook text, course materials, compass, map, 30 (Tuesday) Same as 10/16 except at Baileys Crossroads. INFO: grid reader, and lunch on Saturday. Register/INFO: MEETING - Shenandoah Mountain Rescue REI 703/379-9400. REI 703/379-9400 or 301/982-9681. Group (Business meeting), 7:30 p.m. NOTICES NEW NOTICES Check out www.patc.net

at our annual meeting on 14 November at N ATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM c o o rd i n a t o r the Elks Lodge? Would you help with a needed. The Corridor Management program It’s full of scheduled Potluck Dinner? This is not only a meeting of is looking for an individual to coordinate sev- the entire Club, but a time to give out eral Natural Heritage projects within the Club. activities and insight a w a rds, examine accomplishments, meet The coordinator will work with NPS & ATC per- with friends, and have fun. We are planning sonnel to identify sites and provide training as other events, such as a picnic in SNP summer well as PATC site monitors and trail maintain- into the experiences of 2002. We receive many invitations to provide ers to protect plant communities along the a Club display at other people’s activities. A.T. Ability to identify plants in the field helpful other members. Often we just don’t have members to attend. but not re q u i red. Contact Tom Lupp, If you are willing, please contact Liles Supervisor of Corridor Management 301/271- C reighton, Membership Secretary at 7340 or [email protected] 410/573-0067, [email protected] or Pat Fankhauser at Club headquarters. RARE OPPORTU N I T Y : HOUSE FOR SALE with 18 to 27 acres on border of Shenandoah HELP PATC CELEBRATE ITS 75TH National Park: Three bedrooms, 16-windowed A N N I V E R S A RY in 2002. Vice Pre s i d e n t gr eat room with spectacular views of 3000- Mickey McDermott is in charge of plan- foot mountains; two decks, one on roof; 1.5- is, no present or future owner can develop it! ning. INFO: [email protected] mile walk from house up fire road to AT; other AND, because an easement is an irrev o c a b l e THE SALES OFFICE is looking for volunteers HIKEStrails nearby; cool 2000-foot elevation; on gift of a property right, you get a nice income in t e r ested in working as little or as long as you state road for year- round access; lovely tax deduction equal to the value of the ease- wooded property with mountain laure l , can manage it — Monday through Friday ment. Contact Bob Williams, Director of Land wa t e r falls, and lookout cliff. Only 2 hrs. 10 min. between 9 and 5 p.m. If interested, please Trust Programs, at bwilliams@appalachi- fr om Beltway. INFO: Eric or Ellen 434/985-7167 contact the Sales Coordi n a t o r , Mauree n or [email protected]. an t r a i l . o r g, or at 304/535-6331, or write to P.O . Estes, by either calling headquarters at Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. 703/242-0693, ext. 19 or by e-mail at patcsales@erol s . c o m . CONSERVATION BUYER COORDINATOR PATC's FEMALE HIKING PAR TNER(S) WAN T E D . I would Trail Lands Acquisition Committee has a need like to do a three-day back packing trip in the PATC OVERSEERS get big discounts fro m for a volunteer Conservation Buyer the following merchants who support Cranberry Wil d e r ness over the Labor Day Coordinator. The Coordinator will act as a our volunteer programs: Blue Ridge weekend and stay at the Hermitage Motel in central clearinghouse for forwarding ques- Mountain Sports (Charlottesville, Pe t e r s b u r g on Labor Day night, drive back the tionnaires to, and receiving completed ques- Tidewater)—20%, Hudson Tr a i l day after. If interested call me at 301/504-8781 tionnaires from potential conservation buyers Outfitters (Metro DC)—15%, The (work) or e-mail at [email protected] interested in protecting the Tuscarora Trail or Trailhouse (Frederick, Md.)—15%, SNP trail access points. The Coordinator will Casual Adventures (Arlington, Va . ) — also provide contact information for the 1997 THRU-HIKERS REUNION – Please join us for 10%, Campmor (mail order via PAT C a reunion of Class of 1997 thru-hikers. This Appalachian Trail Conference Land Trust if the buyers are interested in protecting the HQ)—10%. Check the back page of year’s reunion will take place on September the PA for the latest trail, cabin, and 14-15 at the Bear’s Den Hostel in Virginia, just Appalachian Trail. The Coordinator will also maintain information in the conservation shelter overseer opportunities. All PAT C off the AT. There will be a reasonable charge members receive a 10% discount fro m for lodging and for a shared feed on buyer databank and determine from the Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. Be sure to Saturday night. Your SO, family members, or data-bank which conservation buyers would have your membership ID or overseer friends are welcome. Bring pictures or slides be likely interested in acquiring land once property goes on sale. Inquires should be ID ready when you shop. ofD Oyour N AT latest I O N S adventures,WANTED plenty of stories about your hike, your appetite, and desire for address to Phil Paschall, PATC Trail Lands SHENANDOAH MOUNTAIN RESCUE fun and companionship with fellow hiker Acquisition Committee, 118 Park St., SE, GROUP (SMRG) is seeking people trash. For more information, call Dingle and Vienna, VA 22180. i n t e rested in wilderness search and H a t Trick at 703/641-8837 or e-mail to rescue. New member orientation [email protected]. See you this fall! TRACT MANAGER WANTED.Did you know that meetings are held every month at PATC owns or manages over 2,000 acres of PATC headquarters. No experience VOLUNTEER OPPORT U N I T I E S forest land? Every tract must have a “tract is necessary. INFO: SMRG WANTED FOR THE BLACKBURN TRAIL CENTER:A manager” who keeps tabs on the property to Operations 703/255-5034, then propane gas Barbecue Grill. But please, must guard against encroachments and to watch p ress #5. be in good working order. Call Chris Brunton over the forest. An opportunity has presented 703/560-8070. itself for a dedicated PATC volunteer to serve NOT INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE as tract manager for the 27-acre Lucas G R E AT OUTDOORS? PATC has a con- Woods Tract along the Virginia-West Virginia tinuous need for Headquarters FORECAST EDITOR for the newsletter and border, which we manage for The Nature Volunteers willing to help out with a website. This is a great way to volunteer for Conservancy. The Tuscarora Trail runs through variety of tasks — from manning the the Club without having to sweat (at least the property, and we maintain a campsite. sales desk in the evening, to pro v i d- outdoors.) If you have a computer and an I n t e rested volunteers should call To m ing typing or office support. It takes eye for detail you have most of the tools Johnson at 703/281-0798 or e-mail him at a lot more than trail workers to keep re q u i red. Please contact Linda Shannon- [email protected]. the Club going! INFO: Wilson Riley, Beaver at [email protected] if interested. [email protected] or 703/242-0693, MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN the PAT C e x t . 1 1 . DO YOU WANT TO BE A LANDOWNERalong the Council and staff at the annual general AT? And have a home in the woods! Are you membership meeting. When: November 14, Notices are published free of charge for in a position to become a Conservation Buyer 2001; Where: Elks Lodge, Fairfax Va.; Time PATC members only. PATC cannot vouch th r ough the Appalachian Trail Conferen c e 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Would appreciate calls indi- for any of the o advertised items. No com - Land Trust? Our program matches conserva- cating intentions to attend soonest, reserva- m e rcial advertisement or personal tion buyers – people like you – with people tion forms will appear in Sept. and Oct. PA. notices unrelated to hiking will be Potomacwho Appalachianare selling land along the AT. You locate Call Liles Creighton 410/573-0067 e-mail accepted. Deadline for inclusion is the 13 your home or cabin out of sight from the Tra i l . [email protected] for details. first day of the month pre c e d i n g All we ask is that you donate a conservation issuance of the newsletter. Notices will easement on the rest of the property. A con- NEEDED: PEOPLE TO HELP PLANand conduct be run for 3 months unless we are other - servation easement “runs with the land;” that our Club events. What would you like to see wise advised. Trailhead

fter a summer of attacking the ever-pre- serum is made from horse blood and some Asent weeds on your trail, take a break folks have a severe reaction to that, in addi- and do some hiking in the cooler, bug-free tion to the snake’s venom. As we get into fall environment. You could even critique cooler fall weather, the snakes start to gath- other Overseer’s trails for a change. If you er around a winter den. If you see one snake, are interested in a long loop hike and some be careful in “going around” it—there may backpacking, check out the 70-mile ring of be others. trails on the north half of the Massanutten Mountain described in an article by Wil Adding A Little Culture Kohlbrenner in this issue of the PA, page 7. In interest of culture, a trail district in north - Side view of Denton Shelter, located er n Vir ginia previously known geographical- Annual Reporting Period about eight miles south of historic ly as “Ashby Gap to Possums Rest” will now Computer frustrations continue at PATC Harpers Ferry, W.Va. be ref e r red to as the “Mosby District.” The H e a d q u a rters. Heidi Forrest, our Tr a i l s work with an experienced crew when possi- District Manager, Ed McKnew and his Coordinator, has been without a functional ble to learn more about sidehill mainte- De p u t y , Lloyd Parriott, initiated the name computer for several months, and commu- nance. Ted’s notes are available as an Adobe change to reflect the heritage associated with nications have suff e red as a re s u l t . pdf file at http://members.telocity. c o m this area of PATC trails. Hopefully, there will be progress soon. In /~kerrysnow/patc/index.html. any case, please continue to submit work Shelter Dedication re p o rts. Our re p o rting year ends in Special Thanks T h i rty-nine people attended Nort h September, so make sure your work hours Activities during the AT Conference at Chapter’s dedication of the new Wagon are up to date and are submitted early in the Shippensburg, Pa., included some 75 orga- Wheel Shelter on the Tuscarora Trail in month. nized hikes in the area. Many were on the Pennsylvania on June 30th. The new shelter AT and the Tuscarora Trails maintained by is actually the old Hemlock Hill Shelter, Shippensburg PAT C ’s North Chapter and the South moved from its previous location on the AT The ATC Biennial Conference in Mountaineers. A lot of favorable comments near Smithsburg, Md. The effort was an Eagle Scout project for Mr. & Mrs. Shippensburg, Pa., was a great success. The were received on the excellent shape of both Henneburger’s son. Nineteen different vol- highlights, for the Supervisor of Trails, were trails. Hats off to Charlie Irvin, Pete Brown, unteers completed the project in about 400 Ted Ragsdale’s session on sidehill slippage Rick Canter, and all the Overseers who care hours on 10 worktrips at the cost of $700. and the chance to visit with Elizabeth for those trails. The Chapter appreciates all the help pro- Johnston. vided by the Boy Scouts, the shelter Beware Of Crawling Things Overseers, and the Tu s c a rora Fore s t Elizabeth now lives in Montana, but While blazing on Mill Mountain Trail in Service, led by Jim Foose. The Chapter remains a loyal PATCer. As Elizabeth says, July, Wil Kohlbrennr had an encounter with hopes to build another shelter for the “Once a PATCer, always a PATCer.” Before a crawling thing. After carefully scanning Tuscarora Trail in the next year or so. her move west, Elizabeth worked hard with the ground around a tree on the side of the the North Chapter, volunteered to be trail, he had started to scrape for a blaze For those interested, the North Chapter has a Assistant Supervisor of Trails with Anneliese when he heard an unmistakable buzzing. A need for trail Overseers, especially for the Ring, and edited the Trailhead column for rattler, about 3.5-feet long, was on the other Tuscarora Trail. Call Charlie Irvin at several years. Elizabeth re p o rts that side of the tread, nestled down in some grass 301/447-2548 or Pete Brown at 410/343-1140. Montana is a hiker’s paradise, and she now and rock. Good chance he would have enjoys frequent hiking and birding trips stepped on, or very near, it after painting the with her new club. blaze. On a hike later in the month, Wil ran Hughes River Crossing into another 3-foot rattlesnake. It had only a Central District’s Blue and White Crew Ted Ragsdale, a member of the Georgia AT tiny button for a rattle and couldn’t make caught Big Rocky (Hughes River) at low Club, presented an excellent session on the much of a buzz. But it tried! On brushy water on their July work trip and proceeded preservation and reconstruction of sidehill trails it is hard to see the ground ahead, so to engineer a stream crossing linking Corbin Cabin to the Cutoff Trail. Under trails. Many of the trails that PATC main- you get pretty close before you see the snake the watchful direction of SOT Kerry Snow, tains are of sidehill construction, and most or the snake starts buzzing. Mr. Silva Dove set up the griphoist and we Overseers need to be sensitive to the specif- began moving some Brobdinagian stepping ic problems associated with this type of Recently, the University of Virginia Medical stones. In the course of our quarry i n g tread. In particular, Overseers should be Center reported it has seen more bites this efforts, Steve Paull discovered a small (and s u re to weed aggressively on the inner year on people just minding their own busi- apparently forgotten) cache of grain bever- (uphill) slope, keep sloughed material from ness, walking down a trail. The article con- age in one of the deeper and colder pools of the inner edge of the tread, and maintain cluded with, “Most victims in local areas are water. This discovery was promptly confis- erosion-control devices. When tread begins bitten by either the timber rattlesnake or the cated by Mr. Snow, who was concerned to “slip,” trail damage accelerates, and, copperhead, which are both poisonous.” An (rightly so) that its consumption so early in u n f o rt u n a t e l y, inappropriate maintenance ER nurse from the Shenandoah Memorial the day might lead to a crooked crossing. adds to the problem. PATC Tr a i l Hospital said that the hospital won’t admin- Taking great pains to select only the finest Workshops will continue to address this ister the anti-venom until there is clear evi- problem, but Overseers should also try to dence of poisonous snake bite because the See Trailhead, page 15 14 Potomac Appalachian Tails from the Woods by George Walters PATC Trail Patrol presents A Course for INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED BACKPACKERS Learn how to: Enjoy the Backcountry Under Challenging Conditions

The course teaches the needed skills for planning and executing an early winter backpacking trip. Two pre-trip sessions cover equip- ment selection and use, route plan- ning, food planning, safety, comfort, a n d L e a v e - N o - Trace principles. A weekend trip accompanied by experi- enced instructors gives you the oppor- tunity to try out your new skills.

Trailhead, from page 14 approved the consumption of the now luke- Classroom Instruction: Wednesdays, rocks, Hal Hallett and Dave Bailey kept warm suds. Thus refreshed, we headed back October 17 and 24, 2001 to Pinnacles Research Station for a spicy instructing the crew to keep the “flat side 7:30-10:00 p.m. chicken feast prepared by Susan Cahill and up.” One by one though, the stones were PATC Headquarters Janet Dove. moved into position and tested for wobble 118 Park Street, SE by John Hebbe and Mark Holland, who Vienna, Virginia pronounced them “worthy.” North Marshall Project The North District Hoodlums completed Weekend Outing: November 10-12, their North Marshall AT project in July, As the day wore on, the once endless supply 2001 (Veteran’s Day weekend) of easy-to-get rocks seemed to vanish, and a installing several locust waterbars and check skyline was set up to zip a distant boulder dams near the viewpoint along Skyline Fee: $40.00 for PATC Members; into place. Using techniques learned at Drive. After the day’s work, the crew went to $55.00 for non-members PAT C ’s spring rock workshop, Dan France (OK, Indian Run Hut) where they Dueweke got a stepstone airborne and mov- feasted on French cuisine and vino long into ing downstream at great haste, pausing only the evening. Hoodlum Chief Georg e To receive a registration form and all to drop it in a pre-surveyed spot—the only Walters also reported sighting seven bears in other information, please call: way to move a rock. While all this splashing just two weekends in the park! Larry Marcoux at: around was going on in the creek, Alex 703/979-1066, or 703/402-5441 Lampros, Patrick Wilson, and Harry Glenn Please send any interesting tale, technical [email protected] were making a serious re-route of lower advice, individual or group accomplish- Corbin Cabin Cutoff trail to align it with ments, and trail-maintenance questions to the new stream crossing. Working us until Trailhead, c/o Jon Rindt, 621 Skyline Forest almost dark, the SOT finally declared the D r., Front Royal, VA 22630 or to job “good till the next hurricane” and [email protected]. o POTOMAC APPALACHIAN New Trail Volunteers – July (UPS-440-280) ©2001, Potomac Appalachian Trail Overseers Trail Club, Inc. Matthew Marshall AT – Smithburg/Wolfsville Rd. to Black Rock Rd. Published monthly by the Potomac Eric Thomson AT – Pleasant Valley Overlook to Weverton RR Appalachian Trail Club, 118 Park Street, S.E., Chuck Huenefeldt AT – Black Rock to Annapolis Rocks Side Trail & Bagtown Trail Vienna, VA 22180. Bob Stransky AT – Dick’s Dome Road to parking lot #8 Frank Burke AT – Jenkins Gap to viewpoint Trail on Compton Peak Periodical class postage paid at Vienna, Va. Patricia Glenn AT – South River Hut Road to Saddleback Mt. Trail Postmaster: send address changes to: Potomac David Reus Loudon Heights Trail Appalachian Trail Club, 118 Park Street, S.E., Gary Mendenhall Pass Mountain Trail Vienna, VA 22180. Don Freeman Tuscarora Trail – Hemlock Road to Mountain Road Subscription: [Free with PATC membership] Shelter Overseers $6.00 annually; $.50 single copies. John Coffee Crampton Gap Shelter

Potomac Appalachian 15 TRAIL, SHELTER and CORRIDOR OVERSEERS/MONITORS WANTED

SHELTER OVERSEERS WANTED 08/02/2001 TUSCARORA NORTH-MAP L CALLFRANK TURK, 301/249-8243 CALLLLOYD MACASKILL, 703/978-4070 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Pass Mountain Hut – SNPNorth District [PATC map 9] Tuscarora Trail Siler,VA/South Sleepy Creek, WV Tuscarora Trail CORRIDOR MONITORS WANTED Northern Rock Field to Southern Rock Field (1.5 miles) CALL TOM LUPP, 301/271-7340 Tuscarora Trail E-mail: [email protected] Yellow Spring Road to Capon Spring Road (3.9 miles) Caledonia/DeerLick PA [376, 377, 379] PATC Map 2/3, & 4 Lambs Knoll MD [405, 406] PATC Map 5/6 TUSCARORA SOUTH – MAP F, G, 9 CALLRICK RHOADES, 540/477-3247 Sand Spring No. VA[413] PATC Map 7 E-mail: [email protected] Sawmill Springs No. VA[414, 415] PATC Map 8 Tuscarora Trail Rod Hollow No. VA[416] PATC Map 8 VA/WV55 to Gerhard Memorial Shelter (4.2 miles) Ashby Gap North No. VA[417] PATC Map 8 Tuscarora Trail Ashby Gap South No. VA[417] PATC Map 8 Mill Mountain Trail to White Rocks Trail (2.90 miles) Sky Meadows No. VA[417] PATC Map 8 Tuscarora Trail Sherman Gap Trail to Veach Gap (3.10 miles) TRAIL OVERSEERS WANTED MASSANUTTEN NORTH - MAP #G Contact the District Managerforthe section that interests you. CALLMIKE SUTHERLAND, 703/591-8330 E-mail: [email protected] Signal Knob Trail ASHBY GAP/RTE. 638 AT & BB – MAP 8 (RTE. 50 TO RTE. 638) VA678 to Ft. Valley Overlook (2.2 miles) CALLED MCKNEW, 540/622-6004 Meneka Peak Trail E-mail: [email protected] Signal Knob Trial to Bear Wallow/Tuscarora Trail (1.2 miles) Manassas Gap Shelter Trail AT to Manassas Gap Shelter (0.10 miles) MASSANUTTEN SOUTH – MAP #H CALLBILLSCHMIDT, 301/585-2477 SNP NORTH BLUE-BLAZED & [HAZEL MT.AREA] -MAP 9, 10 E-mail: [email protected] CALLBERNIE STALMANN, 301/725-8876 Massanutten Mt. South Trail E-mail: [email protected] TV Tower to Pitt Spring (3.40 miles) Jeremys Run Trail Massanutten Mt. South Trail 8th ford to west park boundary Pitt Spring to Morgan Run Trail (3.3 miles) Broad Hollow Trail Fridley Gap Trail Hazel Mountain Trail to VA681 (2.4 miles) VA 868 to Cub Run (2.60 miles)

SNP CENTRAL BLUE-BLAZED [NORTH END]– MAP 10 GREAT NORTH MOUNTAIN – MAP F CALLDAN DUEWEKE, 703/266-3248 CALLHOPLONG, 301/942-6177 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Roberts Mountain Trail Big Schloss CutoffTrail Old Rag Fire Road to Weakley Hollow Fire Road (2.4 miles) Mill Mt. Trail to FR 92 (1.90 miles) Jones Mountain Trail Mill Mountain Trail Bear Church Rock to Cat Knob Trail (2.80 miles) Big Schloss CutoffTrail to the Tuscarora Trail (3.3 miles) Tibbet Knob Trail SNP SOUTH BLUE-BLAZED (MAP #11) Wolf Gap to VA 691 (2.50 miles) CALLLOIS MANSFIELD, 804/973-7184 Great North Mountain Trail E-mail: [email protected] VA691 to Stack Rock Trail (2.20 miles) Rocky Mount Trail Intersection of Gap Run [upper] to summit (1.2 miles) SUBURBAN MARYLAND – MAP D Rocky Mount Trail CALLLILES CREIGHTON, 410/573-0067 Summit of Gap Run [lower](2 miles) E-mail: [email protected] Trayfoot Trail [Co-overseer] Northern Peaks West Trail Skyline Drive to summit (1.8 mile) Picnic area of Sugar Loaf to 1020 Elevation Marker Trayfoot Trail Ford Mine Trail Summit of Trayfoot to second summit (1 mile) Lock 20 Maintenance Road to Ford Mine (.75 mile)

118 Park Street Vienna, VA 22180-4609

Periodical Telephone: 703/242-0315 Postage Mon.-Thurs. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. PAID Thurs. & Fri. 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. Vienna, VA