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- Catoctin Mountain Park: A Moderately challenging 5.1 or 8.4 Mile HikeCatoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center, Thurmont, MD
Catoctin Mountain Park: A Moderately challenging 5.1 or 8.4 Mile Hike
Nestled deep within the forested mountains of Western Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park stands as a testament to the region’s rugged beauty and natural heritage. As one of more than 420 national park units in the United States, Catoctin Mountain Park offers a sprawling network of 25 miles of hiking trails, graded from easy woodland strolls to challenging mountain climbs, ensuring both the casual adventurer and the seasoned hiker can find a suitable path.
This hike has a primary hike of 5.1 miles and an optional second hike of an additional 3.3 miles.
Our primary hike begins at the Catoctin Mountain Park Visitors Center on the Whiskey Still Trail, passing past the location of the largest commercial distillery in Frederick County during prohibition. This trail was connected early this year to the Charcoal Exhibit Trail, which tells of the people and their skills and trades in making charcoal, which supplied the charcoal for the Catoctin Iron Furnace. The route merges into the Hog Rock Loop Trail, a section with broad vistas and higher elevation. Continuing onward, we traverse the Thurmont Loop Trail, a connector that leads us to some of the park’s most iconic geological features—Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock. The return journey follows the Gateway Trail, winding back through the woods to the Visitors Center.
For those continuing with the optional second hike, the route begins at the Park Headquarter by crossing the road into Cunningham State Park and ascend yellow blazed Cat Rock Trail to a rock scramble up Cat Rock for the view. Returning we climb and then descend on Old Misery Trail. We return on the shoulder of Catoctin Hollow Road to the Visitor Center.
Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy with the group at Wolf Rock and Cat Rock.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00
Directions to Trailhead:
Catoctin Park Visitor Center, 14707 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788The GPS Coordinates are 39.63369, -77.44926
Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Christa; 410-610-6254 and Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.Details
Rating: Moderate side of difficult
Distance: 5.1 or 8.4 miles (your choice)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 935 ft (5.1 miles), or 1,700 ft (8.4 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 8:00 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.
