Relocated Section of the Appalachian Trail near Pearisburg, VA

Posted by Jeff on Mar 19, 2016 @ 5:55 pm in Hiking News | 0 comments | Last modified: March 19, 2016

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club (RATC), and the United States Forest Service announced the opening of an approximately 1-mile relocated section of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) near Pearisburg, Virginia. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Friday, March 18, 2016 at the A.T. trailhead near historic Pearis Cemetery along VA Route 100 in Pearisburg.

The new route will significantly improve the hiking experience for Trail users. It eliminates two road crossings, is no longer in close proximity to private homes, and hikers can enjoy a gently graded woodland walk between Cross Avenue and Route 100. The Trail now traverses the face of the stone wall from which the Bluff City neighborhood takes its name, and the steep terrain, thriving forest, and views of the New River provide a rich and scenic hiking experience along the new route.

Construction of the section was a significant undertaking, as the Trail was cut into the side of a bluff and elevated with numerous sections of stone cribbing. The project, which took more than 15 years to complete, represents thousands of volunteer hours from the RATC and the ATC’s Konnarock Trail Crew. Crews from the RATC put the final touches on the footpath.

“Community members and Appalachian Trail enthusiasts from near and far are invited to be among the first to explore the new section and celebrate with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, and the official Appalachian Trail Community of Pearisburg,” said Andrew Downs, regional director for the ATC. “The Town of Pearisburg has been very supportive of this relocation project and the many crews of volunteers who helped build it.”

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