A temporary detour and parking relocation along the Andy Layne Trail are raising safety concerns for hikers and drivers near the Appalachian Trail, but trail officials say a long-term relocation project is expected to improve access and safety once completed.

ROANOKE, Va. A group of volunteers is trying to raise money to improve the McAfee Knob trailhead. The Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club wants to raise about $200,000 to buy a 7-acre plot of land right next to the existing trailhead parking lot. VDOT construction on a new pedestrian bridge over Route 311 will eat up about 40% of the spots during that time. Thats why the clubs president, Jim Beeson, said its time to act before its too late. Its really a lost opportunity if we dont take advantage of it, said Beeson.

ROANOKE, Va. - A local woman is being recognized for her work on the Appalachian Trail. Diana Christopulos received a $10,000 grant through Cox Communications' parent company. She's giving the money to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to go toward conservation efforts in Virginia. Christopulos is one of nine national finalists who could win another $50,000 in grant money, which, if she wins, could go toward buying land visible from trail overlooks in order to preserve its beauty. She works with the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, which handles about 120 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and she's the president of the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy.