What we’re about
PATC hikes are an opportunity to understand the club and its important trail maintenance work. You do not need to be a PATC member to hike with us, but we hope you will consider joining after getting to know us. Come join us on the trails!
(PATC hikes are conducted by trained hike leaders. The hikes offer various levels of difficulty and distance).
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ABOUT PATC
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 100% Volunteer-Supported 501c3 non-profit formed in 1927 for the purpose of building and maintaining the Appalachian Trail (AT), a 2190-mile footpath from Maine to Georgia, the longest hiking-only trail in the world.
We are the Trail Guardians for over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia & Virginia, including 240 miles of AT. Our territory begins in Central Pennsylvania at Pine Grove Furnace, continues thru Maryland & West Virginia to Harpers Ferry and extends into the mid-point of Virginia, including the Shenandoah National Park. In addition, we maintain other regional trails, for a total of over 1,000 miles of trails, thousands of acres of land and more than 80 shelters and cabins.
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ABOUT THE HIKE PROGRAM
The first stated purpose of PATC is "to support and encourage the ... proper recreational use of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and other trails". This is done partly through the sponsorship of hikes on trails in PATC's area and on other trails.
The club has a wide-ranging hiking program which includes local area hikes and excursions into other geographical areas. Hikes can range from short, close-in day hikes to extended excursions. Hikes can be for physical conditioning, social interaction, nature walks, history lessons, to reach a viewpoint, or any of a number of purposes. The club encourages a wide variety of hikes, and provides training and support to hike leaders.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Middle Rock Creek, a 5.2 or 7.7 Mile Moderate HikeRock Creek Park Nature Center, Washington, DC
Middle Rock Creek, a 5.2 or 7.7 Mile Moderate Hike
In the heart of Washington, DC, Rock Creek Park stands as an oasis amidst the bustle of city life. Stretching over 1,700 acres, this park offers a sanctuary for nature lovers, hikers, cyclists, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking respite and renewal.
This hike travels through the heart of the Park, and features some of the more under-hiked trails. It starts from the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and heads north for one loop, then south to a second for a total of 5.2 miles, ending at the trailhead. We will stop there for a quick lunch or snack. For those who want a little more, we head back north for a different loop of 2.5 miles.
Please note: You must register by 5:00 PM the night before the hike. We also ask that if you sign up and decide not to attend, please sign out. We often have a waiting list and signing out allows others to sign in.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00Directions to Trailhead:
We meet at the Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015.
The GPS coordinates are 38.96062, -77.05157Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 5.2 or 7.7 miles (your choice)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 748 ft (5.2 miles), or 1,027 ft (9.2 miles)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
Fees: No entrance feesCancellation: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.
Weather:
The weather for this location can be found here.Notes:
-Please note, you must sign up at by 5:00 PM the day before the hike.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance free event.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here. - Prince William Forest, A 9.75 Mile Moderate HikeTurkey Run Ridge Campgrounds, Triangle, VA
Prince William Forest, A 9.75 Mile Moderate Hike
Nestled in the rolling woodlands of northern Virginia, Prince William Forest Park offers a trove of winding trails, hidden streams, and quiet moments beneath the towering canopy. For those seeking a hike that captures both the tranquility and the diversity of terrain, this hike is a wonderful adventure.
The hike begins at Turkey Run Ridge Campground and follows the High Meadows Trail, with its gentle terrain and sweeping views of meadows. The hike then connects with the South Valley Trail, which plunges into denser woodland, where the foliage thickens with oaks, maples, and beeches. The next segment, Oak Ridge Trail, shifts the scenery to broad trunks, knotted with age, and a forest floor surrounded by oaks. The final leg takes us down the Old Blacktop Trail, a pathway that once served as a main thoroughfare for park access, surfaced with a blend of packed earth and remnants of old pavement. Overall, the hikes are over moderate, sometimes steep hills and valleys with beautiful views.
Please note: There is limited reception in many areas of the park, including the trailhead. You may not be able to reach the hike leaders as it nears hike time.
Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy with the group.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00
Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.58261, -77.37392The Street address is 5475 Turkey Run Rd, Triangle, VA 22172. There are 3 miles from the park entrance to where we meet.
Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Tim; 202-744-0289 and Christa: 410-610-6254. Call or text as needed.Details
Rating: Moderate to easy side of difficult
Distance: 9.75 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 830 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
Fees: $20.00 entrance fee, or free with National Park Pass.Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.Weather:
The weather for this location can be found here.Notes:
-Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance free event.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.
