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- Patapsco Valley State Park: Woodstock Driver and River Hike: 6 or 9.5 miles1415 Woodstock Rd, Woodstock, MD 21163, Woodstock, MD
Patapsco Valley State Park: Woodstock Driver and River Hike: 6 or 9.5 miles
This hike is in the Patapsco Valley State Park- McKeldin Area, at Woodstock MD. The town of Woodstock was founded as a mining town based around its Granite quarries. The B&O railroad ran through the area with a station built in 1835 for granite deliveries. Woodstock was also an important stop for fuel, when steam locomotives were powered by wood (hence the name Woodstock). Our hike today is in two parts. The first part of this hike (6 miles) has it a lot to take in – It starts off passing by massive boulders before moving into rich forest land with hills, valleys and streams. These create spectacular views of the terrain, the Patapsco river and the railroad. Along the way we will pass old stone house foundations and two really old cars, rust and all, that form an interesting "sculpture." The hike then enters meadows and grasslands and passes by a picturesque old barn that harkens back to an earlier time. Flora and fauna abound throughout the hike. The second part of the hike, 3.5 miles, takes us along the Patapsco river and up into wooded hills. The trail offers great views of the Patapsco river. Together, the hikes are considered as moderate.
There are a few stream crossings so poles are helpful, but not essential. Some areas can be muddy after rain, so you should wear appropriate boots.
Bring a snack or lunch which we will enjoy after the first hike.
The 6 mile option will finish by around 1:00.
The 9.5 mile option will finish around 3:00.Directions to Trailhead:
1415 Woodstock Rd · Woodstock, MD. This is ACROSS THE STREET from The Woodstock Inn, 1415 Woodstock Road, Woodstock, MD. Park in Designated Parking Spots Only Because Some Parking Spaces are Reserved for the Inn and Towing IS Enforced.
The GPS coordinates are 39.331021, -76.870569Contact 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: 9.5 miles (6 miles for the first part, 3.5 for the second)
Elevation Gain: 859 feet (577 and 282 feet respectively)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hourFacilities: There are no toilets on this hike
Fees: No entrance fees
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.
Maximum number of hikers: 12
Notes:
Sign up ends at 9:00 PM the night 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. - 1-Night Backpacking in SNP, 15 milesNeeds location
Overnight backpacking trip in Shenandoah.
Our plan is to backpack along the AT from the North to the South, so we bump into as many northbound thru-hikers as possible. Feel free to bring some Trail Magic to give to them. It is a bit early for them, but we should hit a few. We will begin hiking at Elkwallow Picnic Area and then hike to a small parking lot at Corbin Cabin Cutoff Trail. Once there, we need to go back to Elkwallow to retrieve the car. We can always hit the Elkwallow Wayside at the end for a burger and shake.
Details:
- Rating: Moderate
- Pace: 2.25-2.50mph
- Mileage: 15 miles
- Splits: 7.25/7.7
- Total Ascent: Day 1: 1,800 ft & Day 2: 2,600 ft
- Maximum Group Size: 6 people
Notes:
- Trip Cost: $10-12 for the backcountry camping permit. Cut-Off on RSVP is Wed to allow me time to get the passes. I will require pre-payment via Venmo and the exact amount is dependent on how many people sign up. If you want to come, but miss the cut-off, as long as you get a backcountry permit, I'm happy to have you join us.
- The PATC requires each hiker to sign a liability waiver, which will be available at the trailhead.
- Please check Meetup the night before. I will cancel a hike due to unsafe conditions.
- Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.
- Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Club volunteers maintain over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of AT (and the section we will hike!). For more information about PATC, please visit https://www.patc.net/
Logistics:
- Meet in Sperryville and caravan into SNP as we should have cell service there.
- 10:00am at Before & After, 31 Main St, Sperryville, VA 22740.
- Drop a car at the ending point, Corbin Cabin Cutoff Trail and then drive to the beginning, Elkwallow Picnic Area.
- Saturday evening will be at Pass Mountain Hut, an AT Shelter. It has a pricy, spring and bear hooks. Plan on lows around 40F for the overnight and pack accordingly.
Any questions, please ask!
- PATC Women's Forest Therapy- Healing Grief in Nature (Birdsong Pleasure Garden)Needs location$10.00
Join me at Birdsong Pleasure Gardens on Sunday, May 4, 2025, for a two-hour healing journey inspired by the enchanting beauty of nature.
Together, we will embark on a journey to rediscover ourselves and the stunning world around us. This experience is tailored for you, whether you're mourning the loss of a loved one, navigating a divorce or breakup, facing a challenging life situation, or simply wishing to reconnect with nature.
Nestled in the peaceful surroundings of Birdsong Pleasure Gardens, we will begin our journey with introductions, followed by a calming grounding exercise, allowing the calming presence of nature to envelop us. Next, we will receive a journaling prompt to reflect on as we embark on a 30-minute solo exploration of the gardens. Afterward, we will have dedicated time for journaling and engage in a circle discussion regarding the prompt before concluding with a closing ceremony.
This transformative journey is designed to provide solace and support through the power of nature, offering you a space to breathe, reflect, and heal. As the gentle whispers of the breeze carry away your worries, you'll find a renewed sense of peace and clarity.
Please bring a journal, a pen, and an open heart ready to embrace the gifts of the natural world. Dress comfortably in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable, and wear shoes suitable for walking along the garden paths.
Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized and intimate experience. To reserve your spot, please contact us at natureshealingembrace@yahoo.com.
We look forward to sharing this meaningful journey with you and supporting your path to healing.
May the beauty of Birdsong Pleasure Gardens inspire and uplift you on this special day.
Cost: $10 fee to garden.
There is a $10 cash fee to enter the garden and is to be paid by the participants when they enter the garden. The fee goes to the non-profit garden which helps Land Preservation in the Shenandoah Valley through: The Alliance for the Shenandoah & The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation.What to bring
A water bottle (please use a refillable water bottle)
A snack if you desire
A camp chair, blanket or other ground covering
A journal and writing utensil
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
HatWhat to wear:
Comfortable walking clothes & shoes are appropriate for outdoors (We will be doing a little wandering, stretching, yoga etc on occasion).Things to remember:
There is a $10 fee to be paid to the garden
We will still meet in rainy weather, so be prepared for inclement weather, unless there are threats of storms etc.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and be ready to start at 11am
Please no pets or children under the age of 18.About Birdsong Pleasure Garden
Birdsong Pleasure Garden located in Luray; Va is a garden that allows visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of life. It offers picturesque gardens, mountain vistas, strolling paths, water features, and al fresco dining. The garden includes various areas such as perennial, herb, bonsai, vegetable gardens, an alle'e, orchard, and a unique tree grove.
http://www.birdsongpleasuregarden.info/
