Braley Pond/Bald Ridge Hike

The Charlottesville Chapter of the PATC resumed its recreational hike program on Saturday, June 27th with a members-only hike starting at Braley Pond in West Augusta, VA and climbing up the Bald Ridge Trail to a viewpoint near The Peak.  The group returned the same way (though they returned on the trail on the opposite side of Braley Pond) for a hike totaling 8.6 miles.  Attendees included Peggy Byrd, Nancy Handley, three members of the Ballen Family, John Brandt, hike leader Jeff Monroe, and his dog Gracie.

Reaction from one of our hikers:  I enjoyed my fellow hikers, the beauty of the trail, especially the fragrance of the wild roses, the view, the weather was amazingly comfortable, the light breeze was delightful.  I am a fan of wind.  It was also a treat to socialize with a group of people, my first since the middle of March. Thanks for planning and leading this hike. Looking forward to another one.

PATC Hike Program Resumption - Guidance for All Club Hikes

PATC Hike Program Resumption

Now that governments are relaxing COVID-19 restrictions, there is a strong desire to restart PATC sponsored hikes. The PATC Hiking Committee is committed to keeping everyone (including the general public, employees, volunteers, hikers and partners) as safe and healthy as possible as we begin to restart PATC’s Hiking Program.  The ultimate responsibility whether to participate or lead a hike rests with the individual and how comfortable they are with the risks involved on a particular location/hike, as well as comfort with the other hike participants. These guidelines apply to all PATC-sponsored hikes.

General Guidance

- No hikes will be posted on Meetup.com or other websites.

- Hike leaders should only lead hikes if they feel comfortable doing so.

- All hikes must comply with the essential health guidance to keep all participants safe. 

- If the group experiences a busy trailhead parking area, plan to go to another location or go home. 

- No more than ten (10) in a group.  Hike leaders can decide to limit hikes to fewer participants.

- Don't carpool with those you wouldn't otherwise be with, i.e. family members only to a carpool.

- Don't share food. 

- Start hikes early to allow for sufficient parking at the trailhead. 

- Regular PATC protocol would be observed - everyone signs a release, hike leader has safety                      talk, etc., with safety talk including COVID related hazards and protocols. 

- Read CDC Guidelines and understand health risks.

- Hikes will always be subject to change in light of changing advice/requirements from Government and Land Partner entities.

Specific Guidance

• Hikers should be reminded of social distancing requirements before every hike, along with other points listed below.
• All hikers must have face masks with them and be prepared to use them if passing others on the trail.
• Hikers drive their own vehicles to and from trailheads.
• Hikers meet at the trailhead, and will be told of the time and location of the meeting in emails sent only to attending hikers.
• All hikes will be in and out or circular until carpooling is allowed. No shuttle hikes.
• Preference in recruiting hike participants should go to (1) PATC members, (2) who are regular hikers with the group at this time, though, again, this is the hike leader's discretion.  
• Have a Plan B in mind, in case a hike leader finds a trailhead surprisingly crowded.
• Don't plan a social stop after the hike. 

PATC Hike Committee

General PATC COVID Guidelines: Link.

Trail Maintainers Clearing the Trails

Despite the Coronavirus halting the ability for hikers and trail maintainers to get out on many of the trails in our area, especially in Shenandoah National Park and off parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway for much of the spring, there was a loosening of restrictions in May, so many of the Charlottesville PATC members that are trail maintainers got busy getting out to clear their much loved sections.  Mostly folks went out individually or in pairs, but guidelines allowed groups of three or less, so a few work team events were organized among maintainers. Bill Holman, district manager of PATC Mutton Hollow/Vining tract in Greene County organized a work day where groups of three folks went out to tackle chainsawing and blowdown removal on the 10 miles of trails in that area. Iva Gillet, Mark Walkup, Jodi Frederiksen, Paul Henderson, Jeanne Siler, John Shannon, Marian Styles, Brian Muszynski, CJ Woodburn, David Crowe, Marit Anderson, and Mark Perschel have all helped on those trails clearing the many fallen trees.  Dave Abdallah also helps maintain a number of trails at Mutton Hollow with his wife, Jodi. Trails are clear and ready for hiking, which is beneficial now that the seven PATC cabins are open for renting. Social distancing, wearing of masks when in close quarters, and strict sanitizing of tools were practiced by all of the maintainers and helpers.

Other trail maintainers have been busy - Jeff Monroe and Barbara Martin on sections they maintain in Ramseys Draft Wilderness west of Staunton.

John Shannon and Marian Styles on the club AT section from Rockfish Gap to McCormick Gap in SNP.

Mark Walkup on trails in PATC Entry Run Tract near Stanardsville, where he is the district manager.

Marit Anderson and Mark Perschel on their AT section from Turk Gap to Crimora Lake Overlook in SNP.

Trail maintainers from Charlottesville PATC are reaching out to folks to set up small work trips to get the trails in good shape for hikers and backpackers to enjoy.  We hope members will be a part of these volunteer efforts.  And thanks to all who help keep the trails clear and in good shape!

submitted by Marit Anderson