Trail building and maintenance is the centerpiece of the PATC's mission. The PATC maintains 240 miles of the Appalachian Trail (Pine Grove Furnace, PA to Rockfish Gap, VA), and almost 1000 miles of other trails in the Mid Atlantic Region, with the Charlotesville Chapter holding responsibility for the southernmost section. The effort requires the contributions of hundreds of volunteers, who contribute as trail overseers, trail crew members, or in various other capacities. PATC volunteers log tens of thousands of work hours every year, in their efforts to keep hiking trails well maintained.
During the Charlottesville Chapter's monthly trail maintenance hikes we: 1) maintain trail tread, 2) clear from trails vegetation, invasive species, branches, and fallen trees up to about 8” in diameter with handsaws, 3) maintain trail blazes, 4) clear water bars (structures which run water off the trail), and 5) pick up litter and trash. Basic trail maintenance may also include assistance provided by certified chainsaw operators to clear trees of larger than 8” diameter.
From time to time we may also engage in major reconstruction and improvement of existing trail tread (such as the elimination of trail creep over an extended length of trail, reducing grade on deeply rutted trail sections), putting new water bars and check dams in existing tread, extensive clearing of vegetation, clearing of large rocks from trails, and organized extensive clearing of blow downs by trail crews.
Our usual schedule for trail maintenance is the last Saturday of the month, except November and December, when there is usually just one work trip on the first Saturday in December. Check the current Hike Schedule to be sure. Most often we work on the trails the club and its members oversee, but occasionally we work on other trails.
For more information on PATC trail maintenance in the Southern District of Shenandoah National Park, go to southshenandoah.net
Follow our Blog for Chapter News and Hike Reports!
PATC - Charlottesville Chapter on Facebook!
Disclaimer:
Hikes are strenuous activities and involve a certain amount of risk. Hiking and traveling to and from the trailhead may involve exposure to the forces of nature and to possible accident or illness in remote places without available medical facilities. It is up to you, the hiker, to make the final judgment as to your own suitability for the hike and for your willingness to take risk.
Participation in a hike amounts to your agreement to assume all risks and liabilities related to or resulting from all Club hikes. By your participation in a hike, you agree not to hold PATC or any of its leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss or damage to yourself or members of your family, pets or property arising from a consequence of a Club hike.
