BERRYVILLE — After months of planning and waiting for appropriate conditions for construction, an expanded parking lot is now open in Clarke County near the Appalachian Trail, just in time for the busy hiking season. The parking lot is north of Va. 7 (Harry Byrd Highway) and east of the village of Pine Grove.
Previously, only about 10 cars could fit in a small, gravel parking lot off Route 679 at Raven Rocks, an access point to the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail. Construction of a much larger lot began in November 2017 and was completed on May 8. The larger lot can now accommodate 30 vehicles or more.
“We are really pleased to open an expanded parking lot for residents and visitors who want to enjoy the Appalachian Trail,” said Alison Teetor, natural resource planner for Clarke County who oversaw the project. “The Board of Supervisors recognized a need based on an increasingly dangerous situation and decided to fund the expansion.”
The 5.5-mile Raven Rocks stretch of the Appalachian Trail is popular with day hikers. But once the small lot was full, too many people parked their vehicles along the shoulders of Pine Grove Road (Route 679) and Va. 7. That practice is dangerous and — as indicated by numerous “No Parking” signs — illegal.
Solving the problem took money as well as collaboration between the Clarke County Board of Supervisors and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), which is responsible for state-owned roads. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club helped identify the boundaries for an expanded lot as it is the organization that cares for the trail in Maryland and West Virginia as well as parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia, including the 22 miles of trail in Clarke County.
Last year, VDOT engineers looked at the Raven Rocks area and determined there was enough existing right-of-way to create a lot that could accommodate between 25 and 35 vehicles. VDOT did not have funds in its budget to finance the parking lot expansion, but the Board of Supervisors was keen to improve parking and safety near the trail for everyone — hikers, residents and people driving through the area.
In November, the Clarke County Board of Supervisors approved a $7,100 expenditure to clear the land. The second phase — grading and gravel — waited until early spring. The supervisors approved an additional $8,200 bringing the total project cost to $15,300.
In January, the Board of Supervisors took another step to improve safety on county roads when it amended the Clarke County Code related to illegally parked vehicles. The supervisors began looking at the code last fall in response to concerns expressed by residents, visitors and the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office about dangerous parking situations along roads.
Now, the new code gives law enforcement officers the option of issuing citations or having vehicles towed when they are illegally parked. Previously, all law enforcement officers could do was call for tow trucks.
After the parking ordinance was amended, the supervisors asked VDOT to install more “No Parking” signs along roads such as Va. 7 near the Appalachian Trail as well as heavily traveled spots along U.S. 50, U.S. 340 and Lockes Mill Road.
Raven Rocks is one of four Appalachian Trail access points in Clarke County, where 22 miles of the AT run along the Blue Ridge Mountains. In 2015, Clarke County was officially recognized as an Appalachian Trail Community by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The Appalachian Trail Community program helps communities generate awareness of the iconic trail as well as preserve and protect the AT.
The Appalachian Trail, which was conceived by forester Benton MacKaye in 1921, is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world.
Norwich — “The Upper Valley Land Trust says it has acquired conservation easements to protect more than 70 acres of open space in the hilly terrain near the Norwich-Hartford town line, helping to expand a greenway of conserved land near the Appalachian Trail corridor.”
Be a Stewardship Hero * Build Community * Inspire Future Adventures
Next Generation Advisory Council
The world-famous Appalachian Trail (A.T.), with its unparalleled scenic beauty and opportunities for adventure, can’t take care of itself. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and the National Park Service are charged with protecting the Trail, now and for future generations. We need YOU to advise us on how to reach the next generation of Trail guardians and engage them in protecting this wondrous Trail. Become a member of the Next Generation Advisory Council and help us build a powerful voice for the People’s Path: The Appalachian Trail!
What is the Next Generation Advisory Council?
The Next Generation Advisory Council, under the tutelage of the ATC Stewardship Council, helps to shape policies, campaigns, and strategies in order to safeguard the Appalachian Trail’s future as a recreational, environmental, historical, and wellness asset for the world.
Expectations The Next Generation Advisory Council will create a mission, vision, governance structure, and descriptive role for current and future Council members to follow.
To support the goal of broader relevancy, a facet of ATC’s new Strategic Plan, the 10-member Council will:
Find pathways to increase youth involvement within ATC and on the Trail
Add and strengthen diverse participation in ATC’s management structure
Provide opportunities for youth to contribute to, experience, and learn from Trail managers and partners
Advise and inform ATC on partnership opportunities
Be ambassadors and leaders for A.T. stewardship in their communities
Infuse a younger and more diverse voice into ATC programs and policies designed to encourage membership, advocacy, and leadership
Training
Council members will participate in a Training and Orientation workshop weekend which will include:
An introduction to the Cooperative Management System
Workshops on the conservation and stewardship concerns of the A.T.
Leave No Trace education and trail maintenance stewardship
Commitment and Qualifications
One year term commitment
Communicate quarterly via Skype meetings
Must be between the ages of 18-30
Attend training meeting (tentatively May 5-6), and -if funding allows- the Volunteer Leadership Meeting August 26-28.
Benefits
Next Generation Advisory Council members will join an organization that has worked cooperatively for more than 90 years with land managers and agencies, non-profits, communities, and thousands of volunteers. Professional development includes the opportunity to learn from ATC staff, as well as members of ATC’s Stewardship Council, Regional Partnership Committees, 31 Trail Maintaining Clubs, leaders in designated AT Communities, and agency partners. Questions? Contact Julie Judkins jjudkins@appalachiantrail.org
The fact that Monson is a favorite destination for Appalachian Trail hikers was another factor in Butler’s decision to pursue a job in the community. “The AT is the town’s biggest asset,” he said. “So I’m going to do what I can to help bring new business to the community.” – Posted from Bangor Daily News article
Read more about the new Town Manager in the Bangor Daily News article here.
“Not just stewards of this strip of land that runs through Norwich and Hanover, they are a caring community dedicated to creating the A.T. experience for others, whether they are through hikers trekking the whole length, section hikers tackling a section of the trail, or day hikers out for recreation.”
Hanover was featured in the latest issue of A.T. Journeys. Click here to read about the amazing volunteer efforts going on there!
On Saturday, September 13, 2014 Sean Gobin, Marine combat veteran and founder of Warrior Hike, spoke at the Trails End Festival in Millinocket, Maine. Warrior Hike provides returning combat veterans a therapeutic experience to transition to civilian life and come to terms with their wartime experiences through thru-hiking a national scenic trail and connecting with the outdoors. Warrior Hike began in 2012 with Gobin’s thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail and has experienced significant growth.
This year marked the first year in the program’s history that Warrior hikers were on the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail. The growth of the program from the AT to other national scenic trails is an exciting development. Four Warrior Hikers who thru-hiked the AT were in attendance, having summited Katahdin the previous day, and represented each branch of the US military, with the exception of the Coast Guard.
Gobin also announced an expansion of Warrior Hike. Veterans, specifically those injured while serving and are unable to hike, expressed an interest in a similar opportunity to connect with the outdoors to help them heal mentally from their wartime experiences. The result will be Warrior Paddle, which will entail paddling the entire length of the Mississippi River.
For more information on Warrior Hike or to learn how to support them, visit warriorhike.org
See pictures on their Facebook Site: https://www.facebook.com/warriorhike
Permanent protection and sensitive stewardship of the Appalachian Trail footpath and associated resources through effective implementation of a cooperative management system involving ATC, Trail maintaining clubs, and public-agency partners.
The Appalachian Trail Community VISTA in Millinocket will develop programs to bring Appalachian Trail Communities together by fostering a regional identity around outdoor recreation based tourism, and promoting sustainable economic development. With a more deliberate and wider reach promoting the outdoor recreation opportunities, supporting local volunteer organizations through building capacity and volunteer opportunities around those recreation assets, the community can build on the economic advantage of the growing trend and get more youth to experience the community.
Focused VISTA Goals
Create opportunities for underserved populations, particularly at-risk youth to participate in experiential outdoor learning on public lands. These educational opportunities will raise awareness of the economic opportunity presented by continued study, employment, and careers in conservation related fields.
Resource Development Grant Writing and Fundraising Strategies
Research, Strategic Planning, Community Engagement and Partnership Development
Job requirements
Bachelors degree, good communication skills, familiarity with computers, ability to work in a challenging and changing environment, flexibility and adaptability, self-motivation and a willingness to live in a rural Appalachian community.
GIS, environmental monitoring, community organizing, economic development and experience with the A.T. are desired.
Duration: VISTA is a year of service Start Date: Pre-Service Orientation training starts August 11; onsite in mid-August Hours: Full Time (no external employment is permitted)
This position is not a staff position and does not include a salary; rather, it provides a living allowance of approximately $900 a month. It includes health insurance, child care assistance, and an education award valued at or $5,645 or a cash stipend of $1,500 at the end of service. Candidates relocating more than 50 miles for service are eligible for $550 relocation/settling in allowance.
DOI/VISTA – Department of the Interior Volunteer in Service to America. The VISTA program was started by President Johnson as the domestic equivalent of the Peace Corps. VISTA seeks to alleviate poverty and build the capacity of those trying to do so.
Training – There are two trainings per year to advance the professional development of its VISTA members and their supervisors. These trainings help VISTA’s to utilize the Conservation Legacy network by meeting fellow VISTAs in person. The spring training is for VISTAs only and the fall training brings Supervisors and VISTA Members together. DOI/VISTA sites will be expected to participate in training and all expenses are covered.
VISTA volunteers are placed in communities to build capacity, empower citizens and community volunteers, and create a network of support that otherwise would not exist among isolated, rural communities. We use national service as a local solution and bring measurable results to the communities we serve. VISTAs have been developing ad hoc committees and local collaborative groups with participation from concerned citizens, local businesses and political decision-makers, and agencies regionally and statewide to identify economic and environmental problems and their sources. Through these grassroots engagements, communities implement successful projects and develop citizen-driven solutions by working with leaders in the community who will support these projects in the long-term future. Striving for sustainability, the Teams build capacity by recruiting and training community volunteers who are invested locally and able to continue addressing recovery and revitalization in their own communities. To guide the Volunteers in their service, the Teams have developed 5 core goals:
Hikers enjoy a trek along the Dover Stone Church Trail in eastern Dutchess County. The trail is maintained by Friends of Dover Stone Church.
(Photo: Courtesy photo/Georgette Weir)
Stancy DuHamel remembers when her parents insisted that she and her five siblings head outside. These days she doesn’t need any prompting.
“It’s a great way to clear the mind and discover,” said DuHamel, a resident of New York City and long-term weekender in Wingdale. “Plus the air is fresh.”
Millions of people agree with DuHamel. The Outdoor Foundation’s 2014 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report shows 142.6 million Americans participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2013 and jointly made 12.1 billion such outings. Favorite activities among young people were running, biking, fishing, camping and hiking.
For DuHamel, who volunteers with several conservation and outdoor groups, hiking is an outdoor activity that relieves stress and connects her with nature’s flora and fauna. All you need, she said, is a backpack for binoculars, bug repellent, water, a compass and maps. And don’t forget to wear good hiking shoes.
“My tips are give yourself enough time to relax,” she said.
DuHamel hikes with others for their company, safety and the shared experience, whether it’s at the Great Swamp in Pawling, the Roger Perry Preserve in Dover Plains, Nellie Hill Preserve in Dover Plains or elsewhere. “There’s just a lot of places to get out the door,” she said.
Recently about 24 miles of trails primarily in Dutchess County were designated as “Greenway Trails” and part of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail system, including Bowdoin Park, Wilcox Memorial Park, Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, and the Dutchess Rail Trail, which connects to the Walkway Over the Hudson and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Ulster County.
The Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail system includes more than 800 miles of designated trails, with nearly 117 miles of designated Greenway Trails in Dutchess County, including riverside trails, countryside corridors and connector trails, many of which offer hiking opportunities.
“Dutchess County recognizes the importance of trails to both residents and visitors, as a recreational resource and an economic driver,” said Mark Castiglione, acting executive director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. “The Greenway Trails System comprises a variety of trail experiences that help enhance the quality of life in the Hudson River Valley.”
Georgette Weir, a spokeswoman for the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, said more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails run from northern New Jersey through the New York’s Hudson Valley, with most maintained by volunteers.
“There are fabulous trails, many of them offering fabulous views,” said Weir, who also is a member of and volunteer with the Mid-Hudson Adirondack Mountain Club. “I just think people in this region, we’re so fortunate in the outdoor opportunities that we have. We’re known for being an urban area — the Catskills, even down through the Hudson Highlands. You get up to those peaks, and you look out and you see nothing but trees and the river.”
Trails in all levels of difficulty allow generations to get together for family fun and exercise while providing more challenging opportunities for those who are up for it.
Hikers, said Weir, should wear suitable clothes and footwear plus bring a hat, bug spray, sunglasses, water and paper trail guides, the latter as insurance against low cellphone reception in remote areas or problems with cellphone batteries.
Detailed information about 400 hikes is shown on the Trail Conference’s website, http://www.nynjtc.org. Volunteers with the Trail Conference work to maintain trails and direct hikers.
“Many people don’t know what they’re getting into,” Weir said. “We’re there to have a good time and pick a trail appropriate for what they want to do.”
Recently, the Pawling and Dover Plains libraries joined efforts with the Harlem Valley Appalachian Trail Community to lend backpacks with hiking accessories to day hikers to encourage them to enjoy a day on the trails. The joint effort also includes Little Free Libraries, a free book exchange at two A.T. shelters in Dover and Pawling along the trail for through-hikers, that is, people trekking the Appalachian Trail in a continuous journey.
“Once you’re in your tent and there’s no TV around, you might like to read before sleeping,” said Susan Totter, director of the Dover Plains Library, of through-hikers’ overnight campsites.
With Dover Plains and Pawling designated as an Appalachian Trail Community, the Little Free Libraries show community support of the Appalachian Trail and its hikers.
“It’s been very exciting to meet other people and learn the history,” said Trotter, including that the A.T. Wiley Shelter’s Little Free Library in Wingdale is turning 75 years old. “My library is working to get our local Boy Scouts to help maintain the box,” she said.
Anthony Coneski, parks event and volunteer coordinator for Scenic Hudson in Poughkeepsie, said from miles-long hikes through the Hudson Highlands’ rocky terrain in Beacon to peaceful river views in the Esopus Meadows Preserves and moderate treks over hills through the Black Creek Preserves, the Hudson Valley offers great hikes.
“New hikers should have a map and plan and know where to go, how long the hike is and know what the weather is,” he said.
Volunteers work to maintain the organization’s parks and trails, including ridding sites of invasive plants, planting native selections, general cleanup and restoration work on old trails, all of which open the way for ongoing trail-hiking fun.
“Get out and enjoy,” said Coneski. “We live in a beautiful area, and there are hiking trails all over.”
Karen Maserjian Shan is a freelance writer: mkshan@optonline.net
The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, high quality, free downloadable maps: www.nynjtc.org/view/maps
Scenic Hudson: www.scenichudson.org/parks
Hyde Park trek
What: Hyde Park Trail, End-2-End Trek, a nine-mile trek from Top Cottage to the Vanderbilt Mansion, via Val-Kill, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Home and Library and Riverfront Park. Finishers will earn the 2014 Walkabout trail patch.
Where: Vanderbilt Mansion parking lot. Participants will be shuttled to the starting point. The hike will finish at Vanderbilt.
When: June 7, sign-in 7:30-9 a.m.
Bring: Hiking supplies, including water, lunch, insect repellant, rain gear and other essentials.
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, Dutchess and Putnam counties. Various trails, including easy, moderate and difficult hikes. http://nysparks.com/parks/133/details.aspx
Franny Reese State Park, Highland. Part of the 2.5 miles of trails along a historic carriage road leading to an overlook . A link connects the park to the Walkway Loop Trail. http://www.scenichudson.org/parks/frannyreese
Ferncliff Forest Game Refuge and Forest Preserve, Rhinebeck. Woods walk, fire tower, pond, campsites by permit. http://ferncliffforest.org/index.html
The Hyde Park Trail, Hyde Park. A growing, 10-mile system of trails and walkways linking town parks, nature preserves and National Park sites with local neighborhoods and the town’s central business corridor. http://www.hydeparkny.us/Recreation/Trails
Mount Beacon Park, Beacon. Uphill mile-long trail to Mount Beacon’s summit and views from the Hudson Highlands to the Catskill Mountains. http://www.scenichudson.org/parks/mountbeacon
Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park, Staatsburg. Numerous trails through the grounds of Mills and Norrie State Parks. http://nysparks.com/parks/33/details.aspx
Roosevelt Farm Lane, Hyde Park. A 1.8-mile road connecting Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Sites. Part of the 14-mile Hyde Park Trail. http://www.scenichudson.org/parks/rooseveltfarmlane
Tivoli Bays, Red Hook. Hiking trails wind around and through the tidal areas and the surrounding landscape. Part of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve. http://www.nynjtc.org/park/tivoli-bays
Undercliff and Overcliff Carriage Roads, Mohonk Preserve, Gardiner. Easy loop trail along the base of the rock climbing cliffs with great views. http://www.mohonkpreserve.org/suggested-hikes
Walkway Loop Trail, Poughkeepsie and Town of Lloyd, Ulster County. 4.5-mile walking trail that links Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park and the Mid-Hudson Bridge with amenities in Poughkeepsie, Lloyd. http://www.scenichudson.org/parks/walkwaylooptrail
Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie and Town of Lloyd. Far-reaching views along the 1.28-mile walking/biking bridge that is part of the Walkway Loop Trail. http://www.scenichudson.org/parks/walkway
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Route 9, Hyde Park. Stroll the grounds, gardens and wooded trails with scenic viewpoints. http://www.nps.gov/vama/index.htm
GARDNERS, PA. – The fourth annual Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Friday, June 6, at the Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania. The Banquet is conducted each year by the Appalachian Trail Museum.
The highlight of the Banquet will be the induction of the 2014 class of the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame. The 2014 class is A. Rufus Morgan of Franklin, North Carolina; Charles R. Rinaldi of Boca Raton, Florida; Clarence S. Stein of New York City, New York; and Pamela Underhill of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Each honoree will receive a one of a kind hand carved hiking stick made by John “Bodacious” Beaudet, a two time A.T. thru-hiker. In addition, Randy “Windtalker” Motz, will will provide music during the reception, playing ‘Native SoundScapes’ on his Native American flute. Also, Richard Judy will be present to sign his book ‘Thru: An Appalachian Trail Love Story’.”
Jim Foster, chair of the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame selection committee, said a6 p.m. reception will precede the dinner, which begins at 7 p.m. The cost of the reception and dinner is $30 for museum members and $40 for others. Complete information on the Hall of Fame Banquet is available at http://atmbanquet2014.eventbrite.com/ Tickets may be purchased either at that website, or directly from the Appalachian Trail Museum by sending a check to:
Appalachian Trail Museum
Banquet Tickets
1120 Pine Grove Road
Gardners, PA 17324
About the Appalachian Trail Museum Society
Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame inductees are honored in the Appalachian Trail Museum, which has had approximately 29,800 visitors from throughout the United States and 18 other countries since it opened in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in June 2010. Located near the midway point of the 2,185-mile-long Appalachian Trail, the museum is across from the Pine Grove General Store on Pennsylvania Route 233.
The Appalachian Trail Museum, Inc., a 501-C-3 not-for-profit organization, organizes programs, exhibits, volunteers and fundraising nationwide for the Appalachian Trail Museum. Located in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardners, Pennsylvania, the museum is conveniently near Carlisle, Gettysburg and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Additional information is available atwww.atmuseum.org.
Washington, DC (April 29, 2014) – The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) will recognize Sean Gobin, founder and executive director of Warrior Hike, during the fifth annual Leaders in Conservation Awards Gala on May 20, 2014 in Washington, D.C. Gobin will be honored with the ATC’s Special Achievement Award for his innovation, commitment and success in creating Warrior Hike’s “Walk Off The War,” a long-distance hiking opportunity for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Warrior Hikers in Front Royal, VA
“I can’t thank the Appalachian Trail Conservancy enough for this recognition,” Gobin said. “The Warrior Hike ‘Walk Off The War’ program would not exist today without the incredible support from everyone at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. I am honored to continue our partnership as we create a meaningful and life-changing journey for our nation’s veterans after they return home from the battlefield.”
Gobin served in the United States Marine Corps from 1994 to 2012, and during his service, he deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. After his time in the Marines, Gobin thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) from Georgia to Maine and, recognizing the therapeutic effects of long-distance hiking, founded the “Walk Off The War” program to support veterans transitioning from military service. “Walk Off The War” provides participating veterans with equipment and supplies required to complete a thru-hike of one of America’s National Scenic Trails; coordinates trail town support in the forms of transportation, food and lodging; and assists veterans with future employment opportunities through partners and sponsors.
“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is proud to present the Special Achievement Award to Sean Gobin at this year’s Gala,” said Ron Tipton, executive director and CEO of the ATC. “Sean recognizes the benefits of using the outdoors as a form of therapy and, through the ‘Walk Off The War’ program, helps our military veterans transition back into civilian life.”
Event overview:
Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s 5th Annual Leaders in Conservation Awards Gala
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Time: 6 p.m. Reception | 7 p.m. Awards and Dinner
Location: Roof Terrace | 101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.
In addition to Gobin, the event will recognize Sen. Richard Burr and Congressman David Price, both from North Carolina, as well as Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, for their commitment to the preservation of the A.T.
For more information about the 5th Annual Leaders in Conservation Awards Gala, call Amy McCormick at 304.535.2200 ext. 123, email amccormick@appalachiantrail.org or visitappalachiantrail.org/gala2014.
About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The ATC was founded in 1925 by volunteers and federal officials working to build a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. A unit of the National Park Service, the A.T. ranges from Maine to Georgia and is approximately 2,185 miles in length. It is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world.The mission of the ATC is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. For more information, please visit http://www.appalachiantrail.org.
BERRYVILLE — After months of planning and waiting for appropriate conditions for construction, an expanded parking lot is now open in Clarke County near the Appalachian Trail, just in time for the busy hiking season. The parking lot is north of Va. 7 (Harry Byrd Highway) and east of the village of Pine Grove.
Appalachian Trail Communities 