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The Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club

The Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club (ODATC) is an organization of individuals and trail-related organizations who meet to recreate in the outdoors in various ways as well as act as stewards of a portion of the Appalachian Trail and the public lands it runs through.  Our recreational  endeavors focus on hiking in Virginia but includes biking, paddling and touring as well.   While the majority of our events occur in Virginia our only true limits are what members wish to limit themselves to. Learn more              

News Flash:

    

* A updated  message from the ODATC President appears below.    

* Disaster + Wilderness  Medical School 

   Online Course is Available.  

* See the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's latest stance on hiking the AT




 

Upcoming events

THE ODATC EXPERIENCE - CURRENT ISSUES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS



A New Message

From The President

As Of June 2020


 This is a new update based on the recent June ODATC board meeting call:

 Day Hikes Can Start Again

Hike leaders please consider leading some hikes this summer. The club is now developing safety guidelines so please review them before leading any hikes. Hopefully the ODATC website will soon include this information.   

Status of Starting Maintenance on the Appalachian Trail

While the Appalachian Trail is officially open, club sponsored maintenance trips are not allowed. Mark Heede and others are hard at work to get the club in compliance to begin maintenance work. Trail maintainers will soon be hearing from Mark on when trail maintenance activities on the AT can begin. 

General Membership Club Meeting Plans for September 8th.

Mark your calendars because our next plan general membership meeting is scheduled for September 8th. Right now we are thinking of holding a onetime outdoor event, so any suggested venues are welcome.

ODATC Board Openings

As everyone knows board members roll on and off every year. Right now the treasurer and secretary positions will become open at the end of this year. If you would like to be considered or know someone please let me know. There is no better way to know how this club really operates than to be on the board.  

As always, thank you for your continued support of ODATC.  Be safe and enjoy your summer and also consider leading a club hike.

Bert Norfleet

President of the ODATC

Remembering Hank Harman


Henry V. “Hank” Harman died on April 19, 2020 in Hyattsville, MD at the age of 94.  He died peacefully in his sleep, no doubt dreaming of his beloved Appalachian Trail.  Throughout his career as minister, anti-poverty program director, and public administrator, he always made time for hiking.  To continuing the full obituary, please click here.




Please stay off the Appalachian Trail

Updated COVID-19 Guidelines for A.T. Day & Overnight Hikers


While the Appalachian Trail Conservancy continues to recommend staying away from the Appalachian Trail, they understand that many individuals are considering hikes on the A.T. as their states' stay-at-home orders expire or shift to "safer at home" recommendations.  In recognition of this highly dynamic situation, the Conservancy believes the scientific information has become clearer on how we can keep ourselves  and those around us safe from COVID-19.  Based on that science, the Conservancy is offering guidance that can be seen at their website.  Please click here to follow the link to this information. 


Dominion Cancels Atlantic Coast Pipeline

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is dead, abandoned by Dominion Energy and its partner, Duke Energy, after the $8 billion project reached a regulatory dead end.

The decision, announced Sunday, ends a six-year effort to build the 42-inch-wide natural gas pipeline through the heart of Virginia to connect gas shale fields in West Virginia with markets in southeastern Virginia and eastern North Carolina.

Click here to read the full article.







    ODATC Looking

    for Sawyer Volunteers


    Trail maintenance is a vital component of the Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club’s activities. There is an opportunity for volunteers to seek Chainsaw Certification on April 25th-26th at Mount Rogers National Recreational Area. If you are interested in becoming an AT Sawyer now or in the future, please contact Trail Maintenance Supervisor, Amanda Noe at odatc.trailmaint@gmail.com. 

    Online Course 

    Distaster + Wilderness

    Medical Training 

    Available


    Disaster  + Travel + Wilderness First Aid (dtWFA) certification course  now with online learning is one of  Medic Solo's most in-depth, intellectually-stimulating, hand-on 2-day first aid courses, empowering graduates with care-giving Competence and Confidence to save life and limb during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance/hospital arrival.  

    They have launched a "Blended Learning" (ONLINE now, plus 3-year credit for in-person later) dtWFA course experience, in support of reducing demand on hospitals and "flattening the curve."  Anyone interested can Register here.


    The ODATC Mission

    The construction and maintenance of foot trails for hikers, including the Appalachian Trail between Reids Gap and Rockfish Gap.

    The provision of excursions on such trails or other areas. 

    Offering educational activities related to the need for preserving the great outdoors. 


    Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club (c). 
    P.O. Box 25283 
    Richmond, VA 23260-5283
    Contact us