About us
ASTA endeavors to provide pathways for outdoor recreation that promote healthy lifestyles and connect enthusiasts to nature. Whether it is walking, peddling, hiking, paddling or horseback riding, Alleghany County is rich with existing resources for all to experience. This Meetup group is for anyone with an interest in enjoying our outdoor resources such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, New River, the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) Segments 5 and 6 and three existing parks in the Sparta town limits. We will coordinate group hikes and other trail related events in our local geographic area.
Events will be planned for different degrees of difficulty and length. Our pace will be moderate and tailored to fit the diverse needs of the group. Other events such as trail maintenance, trail days, paddling, peddling and others will also be posted here.
Anyone that is interested can join at no cost. Please just answer a few questions in the request to join and include a photo so we know who you are. All our events will be posted here. Our group is sponsored by the Alleghany Sparta Trail Association, check us out - http://www.spartatrails.org .
If you can't participate in our events, you can contribute in other ways or you can participate by making a donation. Please visit our website. ASTA is all-volunteer lead and is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.
Upcoming events
1
Bluff Mountain Trail/MST Maintenance Workday
Grassy Gap Fire Rd. Parking, Blue Ridge Parkway, Laurel Springs, NC, USBluff Mountain Trail/ (MST) Maintenance Day!
Trail Volunteers needed! The Alleghany Sparta Trail Association (ASTA) needs volunteers for a 3-hour trail maintenance work session on the Bluff Mountain Trail/MST in Doughton Park. We made great progress last month and will move on to a new section. Please come out and help again to get this trail in shape!! Tools will be provided. Please wear appropriate clothing and work gloves and shoes and bring water and snacks. **If you can only stay an hour or two, that will be fine. And if you want to arrive late, just head south on the trail from the parking area until you find us.**
ACCESS NOTE AND PARKING: Meet on the Blue Ridge Parkway at MKilepost 243.8 (approx,) in Laurel Springs, NC. This is a small pull-off area, do not block the gate. A google map link is attached. A map link for the Blue Ridge Parkway is also attached.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jiznm7N9KkqipSB1A
Maps - Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)Emergency Contact Info: Please complete the attached Member and Emergency Contact Information Form so we have your emergency information; we can also send you information about how to put this info on your phone: ASTA Member and Emergency Contact Information
Weather: This event is weather dependent! If the weather forecast turns inclement or it is too cold, we will cancel or reschedule the event for a different day and time. If it is questionable, please check back here to see if conditions have changed. We will try to update the event status as timely as practical. All those registered for the event will receive a event message of any changes.
Other Info: You should expect roots, rocks and poor footing in some locations on the trails. To reduce the chance of a fall and for balance, a hiking pole or poles is recommended. Also, please wear shoes with good ankle support and traction. You should bring water, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and season (example: warm gear in cold weather and rain gear for seasonal hikes is always a good idea), a snack if desired (please pack out any trash), and during bug season a good repellant for mosquitos and ticks may be desired. No dogs allowed for our work day.
Terms of Participation: Participation in this event constitutes acceptance of the terms of participation as listed for this group on its homepage. On behalf of yourself and any guest you invite, participation in our events is entirely at your own risk
4 attendees
Past events
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