North River Ranger District 90-Mile Challenge
The North River Ranger District (NRRD) is the largest Ranger District in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest with 391,000 acres and 350 miles of trails. The NRRD includes all of Shenandoah Mountain. The western side of Shenandoah Mountain is in Pendleton County, WV. The NRRD extends north of Rt. 33 to the Hardy County and Rockingham County lines and south into Bath County to the southern end of Shenandoah Mountain.
To promote enjoyment of the 90 miles of trails which the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) maintains in the NRRD, the Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter is hosting the North River Ranger District 90 Challenge.
There are three ways to complete the challenge: hiking, doing trail maintenance, or completing a combination of both hiking and trail maintenance that adds up to 90.
Hiking
Hike any of the trails in the NRRD for a total of 90 miles. Miles may be covered by day hikes, weekend hikes or longer backpacking trips. These hikes do not have to be part of an official PATC hike. You do not have to hike all the trails maintained by PATC, but must do a total of 90 miles on NRRD trails.
PATC Trail Maintenance
Complete 90 hours of trail maintenance on NRRD trails. This option is available to PATC Trail Maintainers who maintain a section of a NRRD trail or an individual who is conducting trail maintenance work with a PATC Trail Crew on a NRRD trail.
Combination of Hiking/Backpacking & Trail Maintenance
Complete a combination of miles hiked on NRRD trails and hours performing trail maintenance on NRRD trails to equal 90. The trail maintenance portion is available to PATC Trail Maintainers who maintain a section of a NRRD trail or individuals who work with NRRD trail maintainers on a scheduled work day. If you wish to work on a trail singly or in a small group, approval must be obtained through the NRRD District Managers Malcolm or Lynn Cameron. (emails: [email protected] or [email protected])
For example, you could:
However, you choose to complete your North River Ranger District 90 Challenge is up to you. The goal is to get outside and have fun and enjoy the wonderful trails in the NRRD!
Rules/Regulations & Other Important Information
To promote enjoyment of the 90 miles of trails which the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) maintains in the NRRD, the Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter is hosting the North River Ranger District 90 Challenge.
There are three ways to complete the challenge: hiking, doing trail maintenance, or completing a combination of both hiking and trail maintenance that adds up to 90.
Hiking
Hike any of the trails in the NRRD for a total of 90 miles. Miles may be covered by day hikes, weekend hikes or longer backpacking trips. These hikes do not have to be part of an official PATC hike. You do not have to hike all the trails maintained by PATC, but must do a total of 90 miles on NRRD trails.
PATC Trail Maintenance
Complete 90 hours of trail maintenance on NRRD trails. This option is available to PATC Trail Maintainers who maintain a section of a NRRD trail or an individual who is conducting trail maintenance work with a PATC Trail Crew on a NRRD trail.
Combination of Hiking/Backpacking & Trail Maintenance
Complete a combination of miles hiked on NRRD trails and hours performing trail maintenance on NRRD trails to equal 90. The trail maintenance portion is available to PATC Trail Maintainers who maintain a section of a NRRD trail or individuals who work with NRRD trail maintainers on a scheduled work day. If you wish to work on a trail singly or in a small group, approval must be obtained through the NRRD District Managers Malcolm or Lynn Cameron. (emails: [email protected] or [email protected])
For example, you could:
- Perform 30 hours of trail maintenance and hike 60 miles.
- Perform 90 hours of trail maintenance on a NRRD trail.
- Hike 90 miles on trails in the NRRD.
However, you choose to complete your North River Ranger District 90 Challenge is up to you. The goal is to get outside and have fun and enjoy the wonderful trails in the NRRD!
Rules/Regulations & Other Important Information
- The North River Ranger District 90 Challenge is open to all PATC members.
- PATC maintains 90 miles of trails in the NRRD. See National Geographic Map 791: Staunton, Shenandoah Mountain, George Washington National Forest.
- The trail maintenance portion of this contest is open only to PATC Trail Maintainers who maintain a section of NRRD trails or an individual who is conducting trail maintenance work with a PATC Trail Crew on a scheduled work day. All trail maintenance must be done in coordination with PATC guidelines. Please do not perform trail maintenance on a section that is not officially assigned to you, unless you have been invited to do so by the NRRD District Managers.
- Participation is free and open to all members.
- The North River Ranger District 90 Challenge starts January 1, 2022. The anticipated end date is December 31, 2026. Only miles hiked and/or hours maintained after January 1, 2022 will count toward the challenge.
- If you have questions about this challenge or to receive a patch after completion, please contact Pam Heinrich, Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter President, at [email protected].
- To prevent the spread of COVID-19, please follow all CDC guidelines, such as social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks while near others.
- For information about the PATC or becoming a member please feel free to check out PATC's website at www.PATC.net