New Years Eve Ragged Mountain Natural Area - December 31, 2016

Ragged Mt. Reservoir and trails - a gem close to town

  The last day of 2016 was enjoyed by thirteen hikers at Ragged Mountain Natural Area with Marit Anderson leading, and Mark Perschel assisting as sweep, on a seven mile trek using the Main Loop Trail and trails across the dam towards the new floating bridge. Views of the water most of the way and 805 ft of ascent made for some good physical exercise to bring in the new year with festivities later in the night.  The group included newcomers, Abhishek Shelar and Linda Staiger, as well as Marley McGrath, Pete & Bev Fink, Marian Styles, John Shannon, Nancy Handly, Jeanne Siler, Susan Quinn, and Dennis Templeton.

 The Ragged Mountain Natural Area is a 980 acre preserve surrounding the Ragged Mountain Reservoir and is managed by the City of Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Department.  The new Ragged Mountain Dam was completed in 2014.  It has been a water source for Charlottesville and the university since the 1800's.  We are thankful to the Ivy Creek Foundation and volunteer trail builders that have created many of the new trails.  We look forward to returning when the entire 7.3 mile loop will be completed around the lake.

PATC members love Mr. Bear!

There are a number of nice wood carvings on the trails

submitted by Marit Anderson