Using Avenza Maps at Virginia's Newest State Park

The PATC has started publishing and selling updated versions of its maps electronically through the Avenza app. As a result, multiple members have asked me to lead an educational outing showing people how to use Avenza maps.

I am going to combine that educational activity with a hike on Virginia's newest state park - Hayfields State Park in beautiful Highland County. I've never been there, but I know that there are about 4 miles of easy to moderate trails in this park. (We might do some off-trail hiking, too.) Together, we can use this park's Avenza map to navigate this park's trails and record our tracks. The park requires some time to get to - it is about 60 miles from the Afton Mountain parking lot where we often meet.

Everyone starts on the waitlist. Priority goes to hikers who are:

• Current PATC Members
• Must be willing to download both the Avenza App and the park's map to your phone in advance of the event (both are free). Instructions will be emailed to participants several days prior to the event.
• Must be OK with a longer trip and willing to pay/Venmo the driver $7 for driving there.
• I don't know if the park charges to park there, but if the group doesn't have a second annual park pass, you'll need to contribute to that cost. (I have a current pass. Let me know if you do, too.)
• Know that the park may be very primitive - I don't know if they have bathrooms. Probably not! (You might want to bring your own TP.)

I'm going to limit participation to 8 club members, so one of the hikers will need to volunteer to join me as a driver.

Details will be emailed to participants several days before the event.

Know that I am not a professional hike leader, so you agree to accept the risk in joining the group. That said, I am the Co-Chair of the PATC's GIS Committee (which updates PATC maps). I have been leading hikes for multiple organizations dating back to 2010. And, though I've never hiked here, I have over 9,000 Virginia trail miles under my belt - working to get to 10K!

Feel free to contact me with questions at jeffmonroe[duck.com.](duck.com.) Bad weather postpones.