BERRYVILLE, VA (July 18, 2019) Through thick forests and open meadows, over rushing streams, and with magnificent views of the Shenandoah Valley, 22 miles of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail run through Clarke County. A beautiful, new brochure-map produced by the National Park Service highlights six day hikes along the AT in Clarke that range from “easy” to “strenuous.” A few are perfect for families, but a couple are better suited for experienced hikers.
“There are many trail map products available, but the model for the Berryville-Clarke County Appalachian Trail Day Hike brochure came from a trail map developed last summer for the community of Monson, Maine,” said Ursula Lemanski of the National Park Service (NPS).
Monson, like Berryville-Clarke County, is an official “Appalachian Trail Community.” The “Appalachian Trail Community” designation, which is given by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, has been awarded to more than 40 localities considered assets by all who use the AT.
Monson’s trail map — produced by the Center for Community GIS in partnership with the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program — was so well received, “We decided to secure funding to produce similar products for other AT communities in the Northeast,” Lemanski said. With grant support from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, staff support from NPS, and coordination and cost-share support from local communities, other brochures have been produced, covering eight AT communities in five states.
The Berryville-Clarke Appalachian Trail Community brochure aims to strengthen the connection between its stretch of the AT and nearby communities in northern Virginia, expanding awareness and stewardship, engaging new audiences, and encouraging healthy recreation.
The brochure includes directions to and descriptions of hikes at Liberty Hill-Sky Meadows, Rod Hollow, Buzzard Hill, Bears Den Overlook, Raven Rock, and Cool Spring River-to-Ridge. These hikes range from less than a mile to 10 miles. A small group of Clarke residents who routinely hike the AT in the county selected the day hikes based on ease of access, range of skill required, and the best views.
Working in partnership with the National Park Service and Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the local team also compiled descriptive text, gathered photographs, and worked with the map designer: the Center for Community GIS, based in Farmington, Maine.
The National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program covered the cost of printing 3,000 brochures. Two Berryville businesses that are official Appalachian Trail Community supporters — Dunn Land Surveys and ReMax Roots real estate — contributed additional funds so 5,000 brochures could be printed.
The free Berryville-Clarke County Appalachian Trail Day Hike brochure are available at businesses throughout Clarke County as well as in Winchester and Loudoun County. They are available at the Berryville-Clarke County Government Center and the Barns of Rose Hill Visitors Center in Berryville and the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center.
Clarke County has long been committed to preserving its scenic beauty, agricultural heritage, and its natural and historic resources. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy officially designated Berryville-Clarke County an “Appalachian Trail Community” in July 2015. Clarke’s section of the AT includes the infamous up-and-down stretch known as the “Roller Coaster,” and Berryville offers a variety of amenities for AT hikers. Almost 22 miles of the Shenandoah River flow through Clarke.
The ATC created the Appalachian Trail Community program to recognize communities like Berryville-Clarke County that promote and care for the AT as well as advocate for the AT as a significant local, national, and international recreational resource. Learn more about ATC at appalachiantrail.org.
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) maintains the AT through Clarke. Volunteers with the non-profit organization maintain more than 1,000 miles of trails and 80-plus cabins and shelters in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania in order to keep the trail marked, safe, and open for hikers. Learn more at patc.net.
For more information about the Berryville-Clarke County Appalachian Trail Day Hikes brochure, contact Clarke County Natural Resource Planner Alison Teetor at 540-955-5134 or ateetor@clarkecounty.gov.
