About us
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).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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
15
Glendening Nature Preserve: A 5.3 Mile Easy Side of Moderate Hike
Parris N. Glendening Nature Preserve, 5702 Plummer Lane, Lothian, MD, USGlendening Nature Preserve: A 5.3 Mile Easy Side of Moderate Hike
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."
Nestled near Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Glendening Nature Preserve is a little gem within the larger Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. This 620-acre preserve offers a scenic 5.3-mile hike characterized by its easy-to-moderate terrain.The hike begins at The Plummer House, a restored farmhouse active up to 2007. On the grounds are classic farm structures, including a striking old red barn that adds a touch of rustic beauty to the landscape. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy a vibrant butterfly garden, home to over 90 plant species and more than 45 butterfly species. The garden is also the hub of a phenology citizen science monitoring project, typically coming alive each April.
The preserve's trail system winds through a remarkable array of habitats. Hikers will traverse open meadows with wildflowers, navigate serene pine and sand barrens, and wander through upland forests. Interspersed throughout are streams that eventually feed into the scenic Patuxent River, offering plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and moments of quiet reflection. One of the preserves's standout features is a 460-foot boardwalk that stretches through the wetlands, leading hikers to Old Galloway Creek and a view of the Patuxent River.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00
Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.80230, -76.69092The address for this hike is 5702 Plummer Lane, Lothian, MD 20711. After turning off of Route, MD 4 (Southern Maryland Blvd) onto Plummer Lane, the entrance to Glendining Nature Preserve is a only couple hundred feet off to the right. Look for the sign.
Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Tim; 202-744-0289 and Amber; 703-231-5978. Call or text as needed.
Details
Rating: Easy side of moderate
Distance: 5.3 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 250 ft
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
Fees: No entrance fee
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:
RSVP TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE, UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE SO THERE IS TIME TO BACKFILL YOUR SPOT – EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL RESULT IN A "NO SHOW." REPEATED NO SHOWS WILL RESULT IN BARRING YOU FROM FUTURE HIKES WITH THIS LEADER. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, CHECK YOUR STATUS AFTER 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE TO SEE IF YOU ARE ON THE "GOING" LIST.-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.15 attendees
Billy Goat A, B and C, a Challenging 10.5 Mile Hike
Great Falls MD Parking Lot, 11710 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD, USBilly Goat A, B and C, a Challenging 10.5 Mile Hike
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."
Located within the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park, the Billy Goat Trail is one of the most famous hiking circuits in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Split into three distinct sections—A, B, and C—it offers a variety of terrain ranging from technical rock scrambling to peaceful woodland paths. We will hike all three sections.
Section A is the most famous and difficult portion of the trail. It is renowned for its rugged terrain along the edge of the Mather Gorge and spectacular views. Expect heavy rock scrambling that requires the use of both hands and feet. The highlight is the "Traverse," a 40-foot climb up a near-vertical rock face at a 45-degree angle.
Section B offers a transition between the intensity of Section A and the ease of Section C. It is currently a favorite for those who want a river experience without the vertical intensity of the northern section. The trail winds through silver maple forests and across small rocky beaches. It feels more secluded and offers several spots to sit by the water's edge.
Section C is ideal for birdwatchers and hikers looking for a scenic but low-impact outing. This section is heavily forested and features several vernal pools (seasonal ponds) that are home to rare plants and amphibians. It is the least technical of the three sections. It offers excellent views of the Potomac River through the trees and access to several sandy floodplains.
This is a challenging hike due primarily to the A section. Sturdy hiking boots with non-slip treads are a must. And be prepared to put your rock scrambling skills to a test. Please do not attend this hike unless you are skilled at rock scrambling.
Dogs are not permitted on this hike due to the restrictions of Billy Goat A.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders is Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed.Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.001617, -77.247334The Street address is 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854. NOTE: From this address, follow signs down to the visitor center parking lot.
NOTE: There is a $20 entrance fee per car unless you have a National Parks Pass.Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 10.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.25 miles per hour; slower on Billy Goat A
Facilities: There is a toilet near the trailhead
Fees: $20 parking fee or Pass for National ParksCancellation:
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:
- RSVP TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE, UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE SO THERE IS TIME TO BACKFILL YOUR SPOT. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL RESULT IN A "NO SHOW." REPEATED NO SHOWS WILL RESULT IN BARRING YOU FROM FUTURE HIKES WITH THIS LEADER. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, CHECK YOUR STATUS SOON AFTER 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE TO SEE IF YOU ARE ON THE "GOING" LIST.
-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.16 attendees
Past events
302
Group links
Members
2,719
